Scripture: 1 Timothy 1: 12-15

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.  And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Scripture Commentary: We are all sinners saved by grace

Paul wrote this letter to Timothy saying that he was a sinner, a blasphemer, a hunter of God’s people, and a murderer.    We are all sinners.

When you look at Paul’s past and see how God forgave and used him, think of yourself -and ask God to forgive you, and to use you for His kingdom.

No matter how shameful your past, God can and will use you if you ask for his forgiveness.  Do not feel that your faith in Christ is inadequate.  Once you place yourself in His hands, He will help your faith and love grow.

Jesus’s purpose for coming into the world was to save sinners like us.  No sinner is beyond His saving power.

Paul never forgot what he was before Christ saved him.  Do you remember what you were like?  Humility and gratitutde should mark your life as a christian.  Never forget that you are a sinner saved by grace.

Read the Entire Chapter:
1 Timothy Chapter 1

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, holiness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. 

1 Timothy 6: 7-11

Commentary:

When we look at TV or read an account of a great Egyptology find of artifacts of an Egyptian civilization we don’t always take into account the fact that the Egyptians thought they were taking the treasures they buried into the afterlife with them. We today can act the same way. We come into this world because God loves us, and we can go throughout life showing God how we love Him. One day we are going to leave here, so why not leave working for Our Lord Jesus Christ?

God gave Jesus as a sacrifice for us. Why be foolish, disregarding this fact, and live a life of foolishness, lust, and destruction? Put God in your life, let Him be in control, and Jesus will help you. We have needs to live here on Earth, but make sure you are pursuing needs and not wants. Money and materialistic values are not the path to true happiness, they are temporary. Being with Jesus is eternal. Even if we don’t have material wealth, we have spiritual riches from the fountain of God’s love and mercy.