August 17, 2017
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
If these things are not true of you today, you need to know that Jesus came into the world for you. He came into the world to save sinners! He came to save people who don’t have faith and don’t know the love of God. Look what he did for Paul! Think about what he can do for you—mercy, grace, faith, love, service, and joy.
If these things are true of you, if this is your testimony, are you confident in this gospel? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is able to transform the most broken lives and the most resistant people?
Paul has been talking about people who kill their fathers and mothers, murderers, slave traders, and compulsive liars. What will change a person like that? No use talking about morality. You can tell him what he is doing is wrong. You can tell him what he should do, but that won’t give him the power to do it. The law can’t save anyone.
Paul says to Timothy, “Preach this gospel. Don’t ever be ashamed of it. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I’m the worst. And look at what he has done in my life. If he can save me, he can do this for the most resistant person, the most violent man you will ever meet.”
Ask God to use his Word to increase your confidence in Christ’s ability to save others (or to save you).
