1 Timothy 1:13-14, “Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
Paul had a complete transformation in his life when God revealed His Son to him (Galatians 1:15). Paul states in 1 Corinthians 9:1 that he saw and had seen Jesus Christ, who called him to be an apostle. But previously, at the stoning of Stephen, Paul, whose name was Saul at that time, was right there, watching and congratulating the killers (Acts 7:57-60). His conversion to Christ is recorded in Acts 9. His life changed from persecuting Christians to being the first to bring the gospel to non-Jews. Paul referred to himself as the foremost sinner (1Tim. 1:15 ESV) and in the HCSB he is called the worst of them. Later, Paul is known as “the apostle of grace” (“A Man of Grace and Grit. Paul.” Charles R. Swindoll, p. 4) because God liberated Paul’s life, his credentials, to be used for His glory.
Who do you see acting “ignorantly in unbelief?” That’s an easy question to answer and name names because we live in a sinful world. But Paul’s encounter with meeting Christ changed his whole life. It was more than a pivot! I am praying specifically, for ten people, due to their unbelief in God, to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior before it is too late. Look how God used Paul who faithfully focused on the eternal no matter what the circumstances. Criticisms never sidetracked him from his focus on Christ and spreading the gospel.
Paul said he used to be an “insolent opponent” to Christianity. Synonyms for “insolent” are rude, impolite, discourteous, disrespectful, insubordinate, audacious, bold, brash, insulting, and offensive. Promoting fear through dominating manipulation and arrogance is the leading voice style they promote. Know someone like that? No matter how we are treated, we need (I need) to mirror Christ. Then, if I am reflecting Christ, I need to show mercy and grace with the faith and love I have in Christ Jesus. That has not been my natural bent. If I am reflecting and mirroring Christ, I would be a better testimony of the power of Jesus Christ’s work in my own life.
The Message states 1 Timothy 1:13-14 this way, “I’m so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry. The only credentials I brought to it were violence and witch hunts and arrogance. But I was treated mercifully because I didn’t know what I was doing – didn’t know Who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus.”
Paul had a new beginning when he met Jesus Christ. His past was the past when God gave him a new name from Saul to Paul. Do you suffer from shame of your past? If you have confessed any sin involved, then God has forgiven you and given you His grace and mercy. Do you have regrets and are burdened with guilt, shame, frustration, and feelings of failure? Are you badgered with saying, “Oh, I am never going to make it! Or how will I ever get through this?” Stop. Don’t give the enemy a seat at your table. Repeat these words, “I am dispatched by the Holy Spirit, on Kingdom assignments, to be light in a darkened world, so others can see Jesus.” Louie Giglio, YouTube, Passion City Church sermon 5/17/21, Passion City Church, and hard copy book, Don’t Give The Enemy A Seat At Your Table. It’s Time To Win The Battle Of Your Mind. 2021. W. Publishing. Be obedient. Be faithful.
What are your credentials with God? Take hold of the grace of our Lord and heavenly father, overflowing for you with faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Stand firm; persevere because God is with you and is your great shepherd. If God can change a murderous man like Saul of Tarsus into a Paul who preached and taught the message of grace, you have all the credentials that you need. You are a child of the King who is one day closer to home!
Listen to Mercy, Blessed (Official Lyric Video).