One of the things I love about Paul’s writings is his propensity for bursting into spontaneous doxologies. And that’s exactly what he does in this week’s passage. It’s only one verse this week, found in 1 Timothy 1:17:

Because of God’s mercy, as Paul has reflected in the previous few verses, Paul feels the need to burst into this brief statement of worship in his letter to Timothy. He describes God in several different ways in this brief sentence.

• King Eternal – Paul expresses not just the eternal nature of God, but his majesty. This phrase could be easily translated as “king of the ages.” Not a huge difference, but it conveys a subtle difference.
• Immortal – Literally, this word conveys the idea of “incorruptible.”
• Invisible – God is unseen, and we must accept him by faith, and not sight. Paul uses this descriptive term elsewhere as well, such as Romans 1:20 and Colossians 1:15.
• The Only God – This phrase brings to mind the Shema, in Deuteronomy 6:4. There is no other to whom this glory is due.

On account of these characteristics of God, Paul concludes that all “honor and glory” are due to him, and him alone, for all of time and beyond. No other is worthy to receive any of God’s glory and honor. Paul’s passion leads you to conclude that he is almost as jealous for all glory and honor to be given to God as God himself is.

So should we be.

Amen.

What do you do in your life to bring all glory and honor to God? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.