Let Us Do the Same

1 Timothy 1:12-17

(Use the link below to read the verses.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+1%3A12-17&version=NIV;NLT

  

We honor people in lots of ways. It could be something as simple as opening the door for

someone or buying a meal or calling them sir or madam. It could be something more significant like an award. For example, last Sunday was The Oscars and the coveted golden statue was awarded to a number of individuals in the movie industry.

 

¹⁵ This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all.        NLT

 

When you read this verse, do you have trouble believing that Paul was really the worst

sinner? After all, he wrote the majority of the New Testament and almost single handedly spread the Gospel throughout the known world in the first century. However, previous to that, he assisted in stoning Stephen and zealously persecuted the church. Basically, Paul was a murderer and a bully.

 

¹⁶ But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.  NLT

 

Despite what Paul had done, or maybe because of it, God chose him to be an apostle. He chose him as someone who would change, not only the first century world, but the world for centuries to come. Ironic isn’t it?

 

Paul’s conversion is an example that gives me hope; hope that all that I have done or will do, can and will be forgiven. Hope that God will use me in His redemptive work here on earth.

 

Often times, our service men and women have been honored publicly by recognizing their service and sacrifice; sometimes, their ultimate sacrifice. God understands this depth of sacrifice. Because He too made the ultimate sacrifice by sending His one and only son to die, not only for Paul’s sins, but for ours.

 

¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory

for ever and ever. Amen.      NIV

Paul responds to God’s mercy and grace by recognizing His ultimate sacrifice. He gives God all the honor and glory. Let us do the same.