1 Timothy 1:16
Jesus showed Paul mercy so that He could display his "unlimited patience" as an example for those who would believe after Paul. Paul recognizes that there was no merit in himself that motivated God to choose him. He recognizes himself as the worst of sinners. This is not false modesty. Paul is not waiting for someone to assure him that he is not the worst of sinners. Paul realizes that his rebellion against God, his blasphemy, persecution and violence were of the worst sort of offences agaist God. It is only as Paul sees the severity of his sin that he can see the greatness of God's grace and the immensity of Christ's patience.
God, please show me the severity of my sin so that I can better understand, and display, the greatness of your grace and the immensity of your patience.
No wonder that Paul bursts into praise: "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen."
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I love your comment that Paul is not waiting for someone to assure him that he is not the worst of sinners...how often I want people to assure me that I am not as bad as I am feeling...but this takes away from the beauty of Christ and what He has done on the cross. This seems to me to be so counter to cultures passionate pursuit of self-esteem. I am finding that rich and appropriate self-esteem comes from an accurate perception of self AS WELL as an accurate perception of Christ and His Grace. God bless you Jer, you have helped to move my heart to resonate with Paul's response of praise.
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