I Timothy 1: 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
There are at least 4 messages found within these verses; but my focus will lie on verse 11. This does however require an introduction so that you might understand the true depth of this verse. In this letter, Paul has written to Timothy a younger minister. He had left Timothy behind in Ephesus because there were so many people teaching a false doctrine. There were many trying to separate into sects according to "which was their teacher" and by thus giving glory to the teacher rather than to Christ. This was a heresy in the eyes of Paul. He also was concerned about those who were teaching "legalism" as a part of salvation and of them he said they had no understanding of what they were saying nor where they found any foundation for that teaching. He knows that the law is important only in it’s ability to show the sinner that he is a sinner; but, was not a part of the "Gospel" provided to those for whom Christ had imparted His righteousness because of faith. Ok, now stop for a moment and savor the words of verse 11. Look at how Paul refers to the gospel which was committed unto him to protect, to teach, to spread and to never compromise in it’s truth where ever he went and at whatever cost to himself. It is that same Gospel which I seek, savor and love. It is the glorious Gospel-pouring forth the Glory of God in the Face of Christ’s Glory. None could ever be so deserving of Glory as the spotless lamb who would pay the penalty for sinful man. Salvation is seeing God’s Glory and seeking Him as the greatest treasure of our lives. But there is more note that it is the glorious gospel of the blessed (Happy, Joyous) God. The word translated blessed here is the same word which means Happy, Joyous God. It is this Joy that Christ hath promised when he said in Matthew 25:21 to whomever had used the talents given them to gain more for His kingdom, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." What sacrifice is too much, what counterfeit joy too alluring, or what earthly treasure so important to prevent you from spreading the Glorious Gospel of the Joyous God with what talents you have been given and in the place where God has placed you?