13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. - P56
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
16But 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.
- P56
Paul thanks Christ Jesus for considering him trustworthy and appointing himto His service despite his past as a blasphemer and a persecutor. Christ Jesusshowed Paul mercy as an example of His immense patience for those whowould believe in Him. - P57
Paul urges Timothy to fight the battle well, holding tofaith and a good conscience, unlike those who shipwreck their faith. - P57
How would you respond if someone gave you a gift you did not deserve? In this passage, Paul reflects on the overwhelming grace he has received. He is grateful for the strength and trust he has been given to serve the Lord although he was once a persecutor of the church. God not only saved him but also called him to be a minister of the gospel. - P58
God’s grace was poured out abundantly on him, surpassing all human logic. This truth continues to apply to all believers: we are undeserving, but God calls us into His family and entrusts us with His service. In response, we should be faithful to minister to Him and His people with humility and gratitude. - P58
While declaring that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, cnsPaul calls himself the worst of sinners, not because he wants to wallow
in self-deprecation but because he is grateful for God‘s mercy. - P58
In a worldthat encourages self-affirmation and self-centered confidence, Paul‘s per-spective is countercultural. When we lose sight of our sinfulness, we riskdiminishing the depth of God‘s grace and taking His mercy for granted.
This can lead to a sense of entitlement or even abuse of the grace we havereceived. - P58
However, when we remember the contrast between our sinfulnessand God‘s holiness, our gratitude deepens and our worship becomes moreauthentic. - P58
True worship flows from a heart that has been humbled by graceand responds with awe and devotion. - P58
Dear God, I am unworthy, yet You have lavished Your grace upon me. May I never take Your mercy for granted. - P59
Let my worship be filled with gratitude and awe, knowing that all I have is because of You. - P59
Teach me to serve with humility. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P59
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