Grace

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:15-17 Here's a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I'm proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever.

Observation: The purpose of Christ was one thing and one thing only...to save sinners. Paul writes to Timothy that he was the worst of the worst and he was probably right. If there was any one who was unworthy of the love of Christ it was Paul and yet the mercy of Christ was shown to even Paul. The explaination Paul gives for this mercy is so that Christ can use him to demonstrate his mercy and grace.

Application: There has only been one person who was sinless and that was Christ. We have all fallen short of the glory of God and there are a great many people in the world including myself who can say they were/are "Public Sinner Number One". We can also say (rightly so) that we are undeserving of the grace of Christ, and yet the grace of Christ is not about us deserving it or earning it. We can't. The mercy of Christ flows and is available to everyone. All we have to do is accept it. Then we can be "shown off" and the greatest testimony is from "public sinner number one" who is able to sing..."Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me."

Prayer: Almighty God, you love has washed over me and I thank you. I have done so much in my past that did anything but bring you glory. However, you can use even those things for your Kingdom. Use me as an example..."show me off" and I will give you the praise. In Christ, Amen.