1st Timothy 1:15
Some of us wonder what would have happened to us if we had continued down the path we were on earlier in life. There were times that our lives could have been irreparably altered and maybe a few times when our lives could have ended. We have to be truly grateful for God’s patience, His love, His Grace and His mercy. Without them, we don’t know what would have become of us. I do not mean to imply that we are all we ought to be, but thanks be to God we are not what we used to be.
This morning’s Bible text highlights the Apostle Paul looking back some thirty years in his life. In reflection, he opened his heart to encourage Timothy and all of us.
In 1st Timothy 1:13-15 (NIV) he writes:
13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
In this text, there is something wonderful for seasoned Christians who look in our past and see mistakes; for young Christians who are in the process of maturing; for those outside the Body of Christ.
Let’s Study Together,
Bro. Sam