God's Mercy

I love weddings! A wedding is a wonderful celebration of the union between husband and wife and the start of a new journey together. What a great time to reflect on the power of love!

Another event that leads me to celebrate love and the beginning of a new journey is Sunday night at our church. Why? Because that’s when our church baptizes new believers. It’s a blessing to hear the wonderful testimonies of those who have been delivered from darkness. It’s so inspiring to bask in the divine experiences of saved sinners giving thanks to God for His mercy and looking forward to eternity with Him.

1 Timothy 1:12-13 is like a comet streaking across a black sky at night, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.”

Paul’s testimony of his salvation shows us the “glorious gospel of the blessed God”! We get to see Paul’s new journey in Christ compared to his old journey without the Messiah in his life. What a difference! I hope you’ve made the decision to follow Christ too.

Saved Sinners

As saved sinners, you can give thanks to God by celebrating and honoring your...

• Salvation. Paul never “got over” his salvation, and neither should you! As you reflect back upon your own experience, what words from 1 Timothy 1:13-16 describe God’s work in your life? “Although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”
• Strength. Paul thanked Jesus Christ for enabling him to be in the ministry (1 Timothy 1:12).
• Service. Christ not only saves us, but He strengthens and trains us for service, to share the gospel message with others.

Exceeding Grace

My heart overflows with gratitude to God and Christ Jesus. As Paul put it, “And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:14).

Paul tells us that God’s grace is “super abundant” and way more than adequate for all our sins. Why not do as Paul did? Why not make his response your response?

Give thanks to God for His mercy. Burst forth in a doxology—praising and expressing glory to God. Take the time to write it out your praise. And why not share it with others?

RESPOND:

Lord, thank You for Your sweet mercy. It has covered my sinful past and provided me with a new journey that ends in eternity with You. May my life be an example of Your saving grace and my deep gratitude. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Embracing God's Grace focuses on Colossians and Philemon, helping readers strengthen their faith by discovering more about God and His principles. Working through 25 lessons, readers will better understand who Christ is and who they are in Him.

REFLECT:

Write out a doxology of your own, giving praise and thanks to God! Memorize this verse this week: “And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:14).

REMEMBER:

God’s grace is abundant and more than adequate for all our sins.