SCRIPTURE: 1Timothy (NIV) 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13 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. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
OBSERVATION: Who did God choose to be one of His chief servants? He chose a blasphemer, a persecutor, a violent man, a sinner—a bad sinner—the worst of sinners! Not a very promising candidate for God’s service to honor the Son God sent who was loving, kind, gentle, holy, gracious.
It seems to me that, in Saul/Paul, God chose someone the most opposite of Jesus to be a chief spokesman for the kingdom of His Son!
Why would God do that? Verse 16 tells us that Paul’s life would be a display that no one coming to God through Jesus would be denied!!!
APPLICATION: All excuses that we are too bad for Jesus to accept are destroyed in Paul’s life. All excuses that our sin is too great are destroyed. We are all welcome.
And, like Paul, God will use our lives to display to others like us that they can also receive eternal life through believing on Jesus!
PRAYER: Lord, we are so unworthy of your grace and mercy. But, like Paul and like others you have received into your kingdom, we humbly ask your forgiveness for our many sins. Please accept the death of Jesus as the payment for our sins. Make us clean. Give us a clear conscience. Thank you for forgiving us. Use our lives as a display of what you will do for others. Thankfully, Amen
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
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