I sometimes get a kick out of the charged words used in advertising. It seems that if the expression “super duper” (or similer expressions) is used, the product just has to be greater and more powerful than any other. It is the “super duper” that can handle the “super duper” blemishes, marks, and messes encountered in life. Nevertheless, how many times have some of these products been purchased only to find out they work okay for some things, but not for everything? Despite the hype, the inadequacy is soon realized.
Writing to Timothy, Paul stated. . .
“(12) I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, (13) though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, (14) and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:12-14 ESV)
What the English Standard Version translated as “overflowed”, we have from other translations as “poured on me abundantly” (New International Version), “exceeding abundant” (King James Version), “exceedingly abundant” (New KJV), “more than abundant” (New American Standard Bible) and “filled me completely” (New Living Translation). The Greek word is from “huperpleonazo”, which is a strengthened form of “pleonaso”. Together, what we have is “huper”, meaning “over”, and “pleonaso”, indicating “more” or “greater in quantity.” Two different Greek interlinears I consulted presented the translation as “super abounded” or “increased beyond.”
Paul knew the messes he had created in his life. Though he had thought he was serving God’s purposes, he became very much aware of how far from God’s Will his zeal had taken him. He had spoken against God’s Way and Will, even trying to get others to blaspheme. (Acts 26:11) Paul had persecuted the church by arresting and casting his vote against the believers when they were put to death. (Acts 26:10) He had also worked violently to defeat the growth of the church as it began to spread. (Acts 8:3; 9:1) And even though Paul acted in ignorance (1 Timothy 1:13), he knew full well what he deserved to receive from God. However, even as he faced strong opposition, Paul knew how good he had it as he acknowledged the complete adequacy of God’s abundant grace to deal completely with His sins and the sins of others who would also surrender their life to God.
Once Paul saw the light — both literally (Acts 9:3) and spiritually — he completely surrendered to the Will of God. The record of his life is a marvelous example of self-sacrifice and faithful service for the cause of Christ. Still, Paul did not view himself as having merited the favor of God. None of His diligent service could remove the messes of his earlier life. I think Paul was able to press on in spite of being challenged by those who opposed the Christian faith because he truly knew what he deserved, but also recognized the adequacy and blessing of the super abounding grace of God. Knowing it was sufficient to deal with the “super duper” stains of his life — being the “foremost” of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) — the encouragement of his preaching was that God’s grace was sufficient for all who would obediently turn and surrender life completely to God.
God’s grace is not just a trickle. It is not a sprinkling. It is an “overflowing” “super abounding” grace made possible through the power of the blood of Jesus. May our life response reveal our true appreciation for how God’s grace “super abounds” toward us.
Have a great day ENCOURAGED BY THE GRANDNESS OF GOD’S GIFTS!
Carl
