1 Timothy 1:12-17
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”1 Timothy 1:12-17 NIV
We are all born sinners and are in need of a Savior. At the point of conviction, it is important to recognize that it is God’s working power that is saving us. We cannot save ourselves and what this passage is referring to is, once God saves us, all the Glory must point back to Him. Every Christian ought to be filled with a sense of gratitude for the salvation they enjoy in the Lord Jesus Christ. That sounds simple to us, yet it is very profound. All of us were mixed up, confused, bewildered, darkened in our understanding, and alienated from the life of God. Read Paul's descriptions in Ephesians about what we were like before we came to Christ. Everybody those with brilliant minds, highly educated people, everybody is in the same boat. Christ Jesus came to take away the darkness, unveil the mysteries, remove the illusions, reveal reality, and awaken love, compassion, mercy, and ministry to others. This is the purpose of Christianity. Then Paul says what is the most astonishing thing of all in this passage: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” If he had said, “I was the chief,” we would all understand that, because certainly he was in the forefront of the ranks. But now, looking back as he comes near to the end of his life, he says, “I am the chief of sinners.” Like Paul, we ought to display gratitude for God’s grace in the gospel. Remember your transformation and the trustworthiness of the gospel, and respond by praising God with your walk and words. Can someone be so evil that God would refuse to pardon their sins if they wanted him to? There have been many evil men and women in history and Paul says he is the foremost, and yet God showed him mercy, so yes God will forgive anyone their sins. The greatest story ever told of Jesus Christ coming into the world to save sinners is one many of us have heard time and time again. We can grow cold towards it if we're not careful, but don't grow jaded brothers and sisters. Let us learn from Paul's testimony here in these verses to recall our sins against God and his great pardon of them. Does it cause you to worship just to consider the mercy you've been shown? Paul couldn't help himself. He bursts into praise just thinking of what the Lord has done for him. So, let us join with Paul in this boast, and this boast alone: “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever!!!
Father thank You for this day and for the Gospel of Your grace. Lord open the floodgates of Your abundance and pour it out over my friend and family today. Lord thank You that we are never outside of the reach of Your love. Lord thank You for showing mercy to us and thank You for the grace that You abundantly pour out on us. Lord thank You for not seeing us as sinners and for not holding against us the things we did when we were ignorant of You. Lord thank You for Your unlimited patience and for sending Your Son for sinners, like us. Lord use my friend to be a bold witness of the Gospel to all today. Daddy we love you amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
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