What did last week’s heart check reveal? Could you identify times you reacted out of self-love rather than Christ’s agape love? Me too. Don’t get discouraged.

When we take a look at Paul, the writer of this letter to Timothy, we’ll discover an exciting truth: it wasn’t Paul’s perfect past or current performance that qualified him as a minister of the gospel. The grace and mercy of Jesus Christ ‘enabled’ or strengthened Paul for his calling:

Before his conversion, Paul did things in his own strength – he was his own master. Paul described his former lifestyle and what he did in the name of religion. He used words like ‘blasphemer’, ‘persecutor’, ‘injurious’ (causing injury). Not exactly what I would expect on the resume of someone who would be mightily used by God.

The Lord was very patient (longsuffering) with Paul while he persecuted and jailed believers. But when Paul was confronted by Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul’s life changed dramatically. 

Paul wasn’t too proud to admit he was a sinner in need of a Savior. And even called himself ‘chief’ (worst) of sinners (1 Timothy 1:16). Although his failures were many and serious, they were no match for God’s grace:

It’s clear Paul had a new master. No longer serving self, Paul now looked to Jesus for strength and direction. Paul’s testimony was powerful. The Lord had been patient with him, so Paul would faithfully share the gospel and how it had impacted him – so others would have hope and believe in Jesus Christ.

Paul took his calling seriously. As a minister of Christ and a steward of His teaching, Paul made every opportunity count. He didn’t speak to impress people. He wasn’t interested in creating a following. His sole purpose was to point to Christ, bringing honor and glory to God (1 Timothy 1:17).

This is a difficult passage.

I don’t like to share my struggles. It’s easy to be self-serving – and sometimes I want recognition.

What would it look like if I really acknowledged my dependence on Christ? Bowed to His authority in my life? Took His great commission seriously?

*instead of being afraid of what the cashier might think of me when I hand her a gospel tract, I would be more concerned about whether she truly knows Christ

*rather than keeping my mouth shut when controversial topics are discussed, I would share God’s truth in love

*I would look for opportunities to talk about my Savior

*I would love others with patience – knowing that’s how Christ loved me

I love this fact: God’s grace and mercy that covered and equipped Paul is available to us as believers today. And that’s sweet news!