September 15, 2020

1 Timothy 1:13-16
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Paul tells us in verse 13 what heinous crimes he personally committed. He was a blasphemer (Spoke against God), a persecutor (to harass or punish in a manner designed to grieve, or to afflict specifically), and injurious (cause damage or harm.) I don’t know whether personally killed any believers, but I know he held the coats for those who stoned Stephen. He was actively fighting against what God was doing until he was saved.
God revealed an amazing truth why He saved Paul. By saving Paul he demonstrated the length of the longsuffering of God. If God could save Paul with all the terrible things he did against God, He could save anybody. There is no one that has sinned so much that God doesn’t have the desire or ability to save. He also tells us the primary reason Christ came to earth “to save sinners.”
If you have never trusted Christ as your savior, I encourage you to believe on Him as your personal savior today. He wants to share with you the same grace and mercy he gave to Paul. If you have already put your faith in Christ let’s remember to be observant to those around us. Christ may want to use your testimony to be an example of what he can do for them.

Jacb Jarriel