I Timothy 1:12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
As Paul opens this letter to Timothy, he jumps right in to give the main theme: he is concerned about the influence of false teachers in the church at Ephesus. But after his strong introduction, Paul steps back for the thanksgiving above. Paul has hope for these people because of what God had done in his own life. Even though he had been an enemy of the Gospel, he had been dramatically changed and then used by God to propagate that same Good News. That reminded him that God, out of His grace, love, and mercy does change people, and continues to do so today. Have we given up on someone who needs His grace?
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