Devotional #1
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength because he considered me faithful. So he appointed me to ministry even though I used to speak against him, attack his people, and I was proud. But I was shown mercy… (1 Timothy 1:12–13 CEB)
Paul, speaking the truth about himself to both God and those whom he served, acknowledges his former sinful life; a sinful life turned upside-down when he met Christ on the road to Damascus. Paul went from persecutor to proclaimer of Christ to the non-Jewish world.
Whatever your past, your sins, and reasons you may have for not being worthy, they all disappear when you turn to Christ. When you see Christ Jesus for who he is and kneel at his feet to be transformed, you will find mercy and grace…and new purpose.
Devotional #2
Our Lord's favor poured all over me along with the faithfulness and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:14 CEB)
Saul was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man who enjoyed the sufferings of the Christians he persecuted. When he turned to Christ, he describes the Lord's favor being poured all over him, without reserve. Not only that, but he was drenched in the love and faithfulness that is found in Christ.
Lord, today I turn to you. Help me to see you more clearly than I have before. Give me strength to turn from my sinful ways to follow you and serve you. Let your favor flow down over me; let me be enveloped by your faithfulness, and completely lathered in your love. Thank you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional #3
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" - and I'm the biggest sinner of all. (1 Timothy 1:15b CEB)
What is the gospel? The gospel is explained in one sentence - "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." On a scale of Scriptural truth, this statement weighs heavy. It's an essential Christian understanding.
The first step in applying this truth to our lives is to tell the truth of our sin to God and to ourselves. Paul, acknowledging himself as the "biggest sinner" is not comparing himself to any human (and neither should we). Our standard is Christ, and by comparison, each of us is the sinner - foremost, worst, biggest, numero uno.
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to save me, the biggest sinner. May my life shine your saving grace to others every moment of every day. In Jesus' name. Amen.