Bible Devotion with UWSo you think you can't be saved?QUOTE
1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV) -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.
I was struggling with this so I think I qualify to share this. Many time as Christians sometimes we felt condemn because at times we failed in our Christian walk, couldn't match up with the righteous life, the consistent life that God has called us to live.
We all know grace but deep inside of us, there is this propensity towards law based merit that's hard to escape. And yes even I struggle with this, a person who believe so strongly in the grace of God.
There are times I felt it's hopeless, tried so many times and yet it's still seem the same. Even my wife at times would tell me that I'm still the same no different before and after I accepted christ. There are times my temper really could outmatch the worst of sinners or a murderer.
I got on prayer posture and prayed to God Almighty for a word I so desperately need for my spirit Man to move on. Before I go on, there's one thing I need to say.
If you felt uncomfortable that these wrong things you do are wrong, you're on the right track. You have been given a New Spirit. You are saved. God's renew spirit will never try to justify or explain away what is Sin. It is Wrong. Full Stop.
God gave me 1 timothy 1 verse 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.I thought I was in the worst lot but the Apostle Paul has been set as an example for people who think they can't be saved. Here is what God is trying to say.
If Paul can be saved, so can you.What is the key point in this verse?
Paul before was Paul is Saul. He was from the Jewish tribe of Benjamin (a blessed tribe), and when describing himself, he said he was a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the Mosaic Law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the Christian Church, as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. (Philippians 3:4-6) He was zealous, with the ferocity that can outmatch ISIS.
He did everything he could to try and stop the growth of Christianity. In fact, when Stephen (the first recorded Christian martyr in the New Testament) was killed, Saul was there in support of that, approving.
He even obtained letters from the Jewish religious leaders to jail, persecute and punish Christians wherever He can find them.
That was who Paul was.
Who ironically became One of the greatest evangelists of his day in spreading Christianity afterwards.
And the Bible says in 1 Timothy 1:16. Paul or Saul is set as
an example for those who believe in Christ Jesus. Wait a minute. You mean to say the horrendous things he did was set as an example?
The answer is Yes. He is an example for Christians who don't have it all together. Who thinks they are the worst sinners, hypocrites and could not face God because of this flaw. IF that is you, God is saying, Paul is an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life! WOW! Do you hear this revelation of God's Spirit talking to you? Paul was on a critical mission to murder Christians. If you think you're bad, you have not seen Paul.
So what Happened to Paul?
Jesus Christ specifically chose Him as an example. If God can give Him Grace and changed him to be the greatest preacher of God's Grace there is, what makes you think you can't be saved? Remember this is the word of the Living God where at times the revelation is so amazing it blows the mind away.
That is our God. An amazingly Graceful God.
Be encouraged dear Friends.
God Bless.