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Paul As An Example

Paul As An Example

 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,  even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:12-14)

I love this. Paul, formerly Saul, a rising star in Jerusalem’s prestigious Jewish hierarchy. He sat out his purpose and goal to persecute and eradicate the teaching about Jesus that was gaining momentum not only in Jerusalem but spreading into the rest of the Empire. AND THEN, he changed. He did a complete reversal in his religious outlook. He turned from persecutor to proclaimer. God used him to not only start many congregations throughout the Romans world, but to write 13 (possible 14 if Hebrews is attributed to him) of our New Testament books.

Thus we learn much about the teaching of Jesus from him. But one of the greatest lessons is contained in these two versus. He found mercy and forgiveness in Jesus!

Paul continues:

“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:15-17)

Preachers often encounter people who are believing that their life is too awful for God to forgive. It is a lie! The very conversion of Paul disproves such thinking! I have not met anyone that was as adverse and destructive to disciple of Jesus as was Paul. And even if I met one, he, like Paul, COULD FIND MERCY FROM THE LORD!

Now, just contemplate your own life story. Thank the LORD that ‘whosoever’ included you.  He forgave Paul, He can forgive you. 

Hugh DeLong