Theology That Sings

The word doxology brings to mind a hymn for many of us, but it simply means “word of glory.” In his letters, Paul often pauses to offer up a short praise to God. His first letter to Timothy is no exception. In fact, Paul bookends his letter with praise (see 1:17 and 6:15–16), pausing to praise in the midst of expounding profound theology. In other words, Paul teaches theology that sings.

All praise and worship are a response to God’s grace, and we can certainly see this in 1 Timothy 1:17. Paul’s praise here is the result of his reflection on the grace of God in his life.

Paul does not often talk about himself, but in this context, he gets personal. He first reminds the church that he was first and foremost a sinner: “Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (v. 15, emphasis added). This repeats a pattern of the greatest Apostle’s expressing his spiritual state before Christ, a sinner in such a rebellion against God that he was a “blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent” (v. 13; see also 1 Cor. 15:9; Eph. 3:8). This is not an explanation of self based on comparisons with others or simply a hyperbolic statement for effect. This is Paul’s honest view of himself apart from Christ.

But God did not leave him there. By grace, God rescued Paul. God had a plan: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” like Paul (1 Tim. 1:15). This was the gospel logic for Paul: (1) Christ Jesus came (2) in order to save (3) sinners. Yet this is not a theologian contemplating the gospel of Jesus Christ in a detached fashion. For Paul, this gospel is personal: “The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (v. 14). The grace of the Lord was not just sufficient; it poured over for Paul in abundance.

Therefore, Paul’s life is no longer about him or for him, since his life is wholly a product of grace. He certainly did not create or earn grace, but he received it. It is by the mercy and grace of God that Paul has life. He certainly understands that he cannot bestow grace. He cannot impart or infuse grace into the lives of others. After all, he himself received grace. Moreover, he certainly understands that he depends on grace. His past, his present, and his future all depend on the mercy and grace of God, who gives graciously and generously to the undeserving—such as Paul.

If you are a sinner saved by the grace of God, what is left? Perhaps you do what Paul does. Praise God: “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (v. 17). Theology and doxology go hand in hand. There is no doxology without theology, and there should not be theology without doxology. As we prepare for the Lord’s Day each week, may our thoughts about who God is compel us to worship, and may our worship be fueled by knowing that His grace has overflowed for us in Christ Jesus.