Notes: 1 Timothy 1:17

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.  (1 Timothy 1:17)

Paul finishes a brief testimony and breaks with his rational arguments and statements to flow into a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.  Paul understands that it was God’s grace alone that saved him.  His mind is laying out his case for Timothy and that same time his heart is in a spirit of praise.

But let us look at Paul’s prayer:

King eternal

Jehovah is the current sovereign of the universe.  He will always be the sovereign of the universe.  He has always been sovereign. There will be no change in power.  There will be no coup. He always has been, and always will be…sovereign.  His reign is forever.

immortal

Paul may seem to be a bit redundant here, calling God the King eternal, and then using the word immortal.  This statement acts to emphasize God’s nature of immortality.  God Himself has always been and will always be.  The previous statement emphasized God’ position as ruler.

invisible

No one has seen God at anytime (John 1:18).  He is not made of wood or gold.  He needs no house or shelter.

the only God

There is but one God.  Man has many other gods.  But in the end, only one God exists.  Only one can change a depraved heart.  Only one could author the plan of salvation.  Only one could come as a sacrifice in our place.

be honor

God is worthy of all honor.  Had He never authored a plan of salvation, He would still worthy of the highest respect.  He is worthy of honor because He is God.

and glory

Praise Him.  Raise your voices!  He is your King.  He is your Saviour.  He is your God.