Scripture to Read: 1 Timothy 1:16
As God continues to give us His Word through Paul, as Paul wrote this letter to Timothy and, of course, to all of us today, we find more great Truth. Because Paul was a sinner, just like all of us are sinners apart from Christ, God poured out His rich mercy on Paul. God gave His incredible mercy and grace to Paul so that our Lord Jesus Christ could use Paul as a great example of His awesome patience even with a sinner like Paul. We need to let this Truth sink in deeply. God had Paul describe himself early, in 1 Timothy 1:13, as “a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor” against our Lord Jesus Christ. Most of us probably would never describe ourselves this way, even though this accurately describes every one of us before coming to know Christ as our Lord. God has also saved us to demonstrate to this lost world His incredible patience toward all sinners. Many lost people, those without a relationship with Christ yet, would say they know they are not worthy. The problem with people who are still lost in their sin is that they think they have to clean their lives up before they can come to Christ. But God makes it clear that He willingly offers His rich mercy, through our Lord Jesus Christ, to everyone no matter how bad a sinner they think they are. Christ’s redemption story must be shared because we are all examples of Christ’s love and patience for those who still have not believed.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about your life being an example to others who are still lost?
2. Who will you share your story with this week, of God’s rich mercy and grace being given to you through Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!