A sermon idea based on 1 Timothy 1:12-17.
1 Timothy 1:12-17 NRSV
[12] I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, [13] even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, [14] and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [15] The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. [16] But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. [17] To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Angle
The relevant topic I would be addressing, based on this text…
Whoever you used to be and whatever you used to do doesn’t matter nearly as much as what God wants to do in, around, and through you in your new life in Christ.
Anchor
Information about the text that matters to the message…
I think the key phrase here is “even though.” Even though I was a blasphemer… even though I was a persecutor… even though I was a man of violence… I received mercy.
I love how Paul describes the work of God in his life at this point:
- I received mercy
- The grace of our Lord overflowed for me
- Christ might display the utmost patience
- He is making my life an example
Every Sunday, people walk into church auditoriums carrying guilt over their past and wondering if God has any use for them. And every Sunday, we get the opportunity to share that there is mercy and forgiveness available. But even more than that, we get to share the powerful story of what God wants to do with their future.
So, whoever you used to be, whatever you used to do…
- God freely offers his mercy.
- God floods our lives with grace.
- God makes us examples of how grace changes us.
- God empowers us for joining him on mission in the world.
Application
The big call-to-action in the message…
Fill in the blanks.
- Even though I used to _____, I received mercy.
- Even though I used to _____, I am under grace.
- Even though I used to _____, I’m on a whole new mission with God.
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About the Cover Art: Koenig, Peter. Conversion of St Paul, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.
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