Right after Paul talks about the responsibility Christians have to speak truth from sound doctrine, he talks about his sin-filled past. (1 Tim 1:3-17)
I think it was very intentional.
Paul surely knew that as soon as we endeavor to share truth with others about the right way to live, the enemy will remind us of when we weren’t living that way and the times we have failed. Anyone notice this happening?
Know this—THIS is spiritual warfare—The enemy is trying to keep us quiet and keep others in bondage.
But notice, Paul combats this with gratefulness and truth, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Tim 1:12-14)
Though he was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man, Paul obtained MERCY from the Lord who is exceedingly abundant in faith and love.
Paul remembered what Jesus had done for him and knew God could do the same for any others who had broken His law. (1 Tim 8-11). The law is good to show us our sin and need for a Savior.
Paul rattled off a long list of sins that those who live contrary to sound doctrine might find themselves caught up in (see 1 Tim 8-11)
But then, Paul goes on to say, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief”. (1st Tim 1:15)
Paul remembered his sin in a good way because it helped him to talk to others from a humble heart.
And Paul didn’t allow the enemy’s reminders of his sins keep him from opening his mouth… and neither should we!
Yes, the enemy may remind us of our past sins (and so may those to whom we hope to share truth 😳) but let’s recognize this for what it is—an attempt to keep us from sharing the freedom-giving truth of our Savior; and let’s don’t give up so easily!
Instead, let’s quickly remember the MERCY God showed us, and let that inspire us, all the more, to humbly share truth with others!
Let’s remember the King eternal. He alone is wise, and let’s give him honor and glory for what He has done! ( 1 Tim 1:17)
And when I think about my own sinful heart, I know the Lord has done so very much for me. When I think about the sins of others, I know there is nothing too hard for Him.
When I think on ALL this, how can I not tell others of my Savior’s abundant love and mercy! How about you?
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen”. (1 Tim 1:17)
GLORY to HIM!
Kim Jaggers Ministry 