1 Timothy 1:17

(17) To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul finishes the first section of the letter with worship to God. His basic flow so far is this:
-Make sure no one’s contradicting the Gospel
-I’ve been entrusted with the Gospel
-God’s entrusting me with the Gospel is an example of his great mercy to others

Isn’t it fitting that he end with heartfelt praise towards God? He’s just talked about how God saved and forgave even such a rebel as himself – and not only forgave him, but gave him a responsibility – the charge to take the Gospel to the nations.

And so he gives us an example of how we should respond, from the heart, to our own salvation and to the great plan of God over all of history.

And so it’s fitting that he first addresses God as the King of the Ages.

Is this the Father or Jesus? Well, Paul’s just talked about Jesus as the giver of mercy. So he’s probably talking about Jesus. But is he talking about Jesus in exclusion to the Father and Spirit? Probably not. This is the Triune God who deserves praise.

What does King of the Ages mean? Typically, the ages refers to epochs of history – periods characterized by certain things. If God is the King of the Ages, he rules over all time, over all history, over all events, over all things, even time.

And so he deserves praise for what he has done.

God is immortal. We are in need of getting eternal life as a gift. God is life and can’t be otherwise. He is its source. And so he is the gracious giver, the loving bestower of life.

God is invisible. He governs all things without needing to make himself visible. His power is so great that he owns the will – he needn’t force people to do things by threat of consequence – rather, he rules the will and steers it as he wishes.

And he’s not an idol. He cannot be represented with anything we can create. God is completely and totally distinct. He is holy.

God is the only God. There is no other God. He does not contend with anyone for glory nor ownership. He is it. To him alone be honor and glory!

God deserves praise forever! He governs all history in a way that in every moment his glory is on display infinitely, and so his praise must endure forever.

And so, what do we learn?
1) Our worship must be heartfelt, truly from our inner beings.
2) Our worship must be in response to what God has done in and for us, individually.
3) Our worship must be in response to what God has and is doing globally.
4) We worship God as the only glorious ruler over all things for all time.

Prayer:

O God, you saved me! Even though I hated you and continue to break your laws, you saved me and forgave me through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Thank you for your displays of patience and mercy. Thank you for glorifying yourself in saving many people and making us into one body.

God, you rule over all things. You deserve glory. Open our eyes to see what your word says about you – and to have hearts soft enough to perceive how great you are – and to respond appropriately.

In Christ’s name,
Amen.