1st Timothy 1:12-20

Where I Was vs. Where I am Now

Opening Dialogue:

There was a kid growing up who lived in a normal house with a good family.

The family loved him, and the kid loved his family.

However, as with any kid, they had their issues. Throughout school, he had anger issues and had trouble making friends.

He would go from class to class hoping to be accepted. He grew up in church and heard with his ears that God loves you no matter what, but it didn't click with him.

His mom became worried and concerned about this kid heading into middle school since she found out he had anxiety and depression.

This kid would label himself certain things in his head and allow sin to creep into his heart.

He was lost, afraid, anxious, and depressed. He saw life as hopeless.

(Share story of bus ride home)

He thought this was all life had to offer him.

Just get up, go to school, get addicted to his phone, and be fake to get friends. Get a job, earn money.

But then, one Sunday, heading to church, this kid became more awake and eager to listen to the sermon somehow.

It wasn’t that it was a good Sunday or anything; he just somehow became more in tune with the message. Whether the kid realized it or not, that was the Lord awakening his heart.

The Lord worked on his heart and saved him that day.

The kid’s eyes felt like scales coming off.

His heart was pounding; it felt like new life in his breath.

He realized how much the Father loved him and how the kid’s heart was pulling towards the Lord’s presence.

It was nothing the kid did, but the Lord calling him home. The Lord called His son and saved him from his sin.

It wasn’t God changing the kid’s behavior; it was the Lord raising a man from the grave in his heart. A kid who was dead in his sin is now alive!

This kid didn’t just stop there; God grew a passion in him to speak up about what God was doing in his life.

He didn’t have a lot of knowledge of the Bible, just the kids' Bible stories. But it wasn't about the knowledge; it was about the Lord giving him everything he needed.

God began showing him people and places that could help him grow in his walk with Jesus.

God stirred in his heart about a calling to ministry.

And God kept moving and moving in his heart.

God was working in EVERY part of this kid’s life. Not because the kid was special, but because God was too good.

God transformed this kid from death to life.

That kid was me, and maybe you share a similar testimony.

To see something as it was, to where it is now. But it wasn't me; it was the Creator, the Way Maker, YAHWEH.

I used to live a life that was dead, and God gave me a real and authentic change in my soul.

Paul shares his heart in this as well. He experienced life without Jesus, and he shares his perspective on the impact of Jesus in his life.

Opening Passage:

1 Timothy 1:12–17

“I give thanks to the one who strengthens me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful, placing me into ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, but I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord abounded with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But because of this I was shown mercy, in order that in me, foremost, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his total patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, to the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Brief Explanation of Passage:

God gave Paul strength, mercy, and grace.

God transformed him from the inside out, even when Paul didn't want anything to do with Jesus—he was against Him!

In order to live an authentic life for Jesus, you need to reflect on Him and worship Him!

Have a heart of being thankful for who HE IS!

Our pride gets in the way, making us think that we saved ourselves or did the work. IT WAS ALL GOD!!

Sometimes we forget all that He has done.

**Share an Example of God’s Grace and Mercy Carrying Me:**

*Example being in the lowest valley, and God carrying me to the mountain. God was working, and it was nothing of me.*

Main Point Driver:

It is God who transforms you and carries you through. Reflect, remember, and praise Him for it. It was never you who did the work. Don’t fake or act like you have it all together. In order to be authentic, you must come to grips with yourself in understanding that it was God who did everything. When you are humble, you will understand this.

THE BEST OF ME, WASN’T ME! THE WORST OF ME IS ALWAYS ME!

Closing:

When is the last time you gave God praise and recognize He was the one who did all the work in your life? Has pride hindered you form living in the grace and truth of God for you to live an authentic life for Him?