1 Timothy 1:16

1 Timothy 1:16 says, Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Paul said that God’s longsuffering with him had been so that he could be an example for others.  If Paul, with all the sinful things he did with pride, could be saved, then so can anyone.  We may not be the chief of sinners, but no matter how good or bad we may be, when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we should live our life so that we can be an example for others.  When we fail, as inevitably we will, then we must repent and put our faith in God once more, again setting the example for others who may sin.  

Verse seventeen adds. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.  Paul listed several attributes of God which apply to Him alone.  God is eternal, without beginning or end, immortal, incapable of being killed, invisible.  We cannot see God, though He was seen in the life of Jesus Christ, but even then, it was not in His full glory, and He is the source of all wisdom.  We may know a lot of facts, but true wisdom comes from God alone.  There is no other source of wisdom and everlasting power.  

Verse eighteen adds, This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;  Paul said that he committed these truths to Timothy so that he might fight a good fight against evil in the world.  We as followers of Christ have these same truths committed to us, and we must live by them if we are going to fight a good fight against evil in the world.  

Verse nineteen continues, Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:  Paul said that Timothy was to hold on to His faith in Jesus Christ, which some who were supposed to be followers of Christ had made a shipwreck of.  Some people today who profess to be Christians have made a shipwreck of faith, adding to or taking away from what it means to be a Christian.

Verse twenty concludes, Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.  Paul then named two individuals who had been guilty of blasphemy that he said he had delivered to Satan.  I believe that he meant he had removed them from the church family so that they would do no more harm than they already had.  Sometimes, if people will do nothing but blaspheme God, we need to remove ourselves from their company.