We all made mistakes, and some of those were due to our ignorance. We just did not know because we had not been exposed. Paul, was a sinner.
“13though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,” – 1 Timothy 1:13 (ESV)
Notice in the verse above that Paul, even late in life, still understood that he was a sinner. He used himself as a powerful example someone who was one of the worst sinners there could have been based on his actions. But, he also knew the reward that was afforded him through Jesus Christ.
“15The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16But 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.” – 1 Timothy 3:15 & 16 (ESV)
Even being one of the worst sinners, God did not give up on him and sent Jesus to save him. Imagine in today’s world, the worst of the worst people. Now, know that Jesus came to save them all as they believe in him.
What an example for us to believe in. We are given grace, even when we do not deserve it, by the standards other than God’s. We are in the position to be beacons of light in this dark world even as we were/are part of that darkness ourselves.
I have to be thankful for God and his mercy on me just as Paul:
“17To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Timothy 1:17 (ESV)
Are you fully aware of your sinfulness? Are you aware that you don’t deserve God’s mercy? Are you aware of your charge to be beacons of light in the darkness? Are you a sinner and still the example of God’s grace?
Trevor's Thoughts 