NOTES for Ti1 1:8-14
The basis of today's reading is the definition of faithfulness and faith. The apostle tells us about two events in his life - his conversion and his calling. The first happened because God is merciful and forgave Paul for what he did in ignorance. The granting of ministry became possible because, after his conversion, the apostle was faithful to the One who called him.
Thus, the granting of ministry is a visible sign that God has confidence in us. It is easier to believe in our own worthlessness than to realize that even the meager reserves of our faithfulness can be enough for God to entrust us with something very important and fragile. Or, from the other side, when we see a person who in our view is unworthy, yet has nevertheless received such a gift, let us remember that faithfulness - and nothing else - became the reason for that trust.
God entrusts His work to us. And this becomes possible only on the condition that we remain faithful to Him.