It works for me, it will work for you, too

1 Timothy 1:12-17

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. ¹³ 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. ¹⁴ The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ 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. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Paul gives a snapshot of his past; how he persecuted Christians before becoming one himself through God’s massive mercy and grace. You can hear how stunned Paul is, how in awe of what God did for him and the trust he now has in him. Rather than keeping these good vibes to himself, Paul makes his life an object lesson for others. “He did it for me – he can do it for you also” Paul is saying here.

I love verse 16b that begins with, “Then others will realise…”

Oh Lord, may others realise you in me. Please help them make the connection and say, “being a Christian and following Jesus works for B, maybe it could work for me too.” Lord, make my life a “prime example” of your astonishingly generous kindness and mercy – in your acceptance of me through repentance and faith in Jesus – so that those around me decide to believe because of me and receive eternal life. Amen.

Written by B van Noppen