JESUS TRANSFORMS THOSE WHO CALL ON HIM
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 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. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
—I Timothy 1:12-16
What is your story? Paul was very clear about who He used to be. He said, “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” God’s undeserved favor impacted Paul “along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” Truly, that is true of every follower of Jesus, regardless of their background— of what their life used to be like. Are you a follower of Jesus, His disciple? Then you have experienced the grace of God— rejoice! He has given you the gift of faith— rejoice! You now know and can share the love of Christ— rejoice!
Look how Paul described himself before He called on Jesus—
- I was once a blasphemer
- I was once a persecutor
- I was once a violent man
- I acted in ignorance
- I acted in unbelief
- I am worst of sinners
How would you describe your life before you called on Jesus to save your from you sin? Paise the Lord— of Paul it is said that he “was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” Jesus showed great patience with Paul before he called on Jesus. But Paul said that this is the case to show him “as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” Paul was/is an example to us and to others who will call on our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Every person is a sinner. God is patient with all of us who have called on Jesus to save us and He is patient as He waits for others to call on Him— just as He was with Paul (See Acts Chapter 26 for Paul’s story of how he called on Jesus). Again, as you read Paul’s story, what is your story? Have you shared your story recently? Will you share your story? Dear Father may it be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus who loved us and gave Himself for us. So may it be! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYZw0dfLmLk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLDEt9KP2O0&list=RDBLDEt9KP2O0&start_radio=1