Untitled Sermon (2)

Intro Story: The Power of Gospel Transformation

I’ll never forget the story of Toby and Jenny , who walked into our church for the first time, burdened by the weight of sin and hopelessness.

Through the simple message of the gospel, God opened their eyes to His grace, and we had the privilege of baptizing them just a few weeks later.

Then there’s the Jeff and Jessica, whose marriage was on the brink of collapse until the gospel transformed not just their relationship with God but with each other.

And let’s not forget the teenagers who came to faith in Christ from the influence of Faithful parents.

Each of these stories is a testament to the power of the gospel to save, restore, and transform.

They’re more than numbers—they’re lives changed by the grace of Jesus Christ.

As pastors, we’ve seen firsthand how the gospel doesn’t just bring people into the church—it breathes life into the church.

These stories fuel my ministry. They remind me why I preach, why I counsel, why I labor in discipleship.

The gospel that changed all of these sinners is the same gospel that changed me—and it’s the same gospel that fuels us all.

I want to take some time to reflect on how the gospel has impacted our lives and how that same gospel compels us to minister faithfully for His glory.

I want to look at 1 Tim. 1:12-17

1 Timothy 1:12–17 (ESV)

1. Our Calling as Pastors: Strengthened, Transformed, and Appointed by Christ (v. 12)

Paul begins this passage in verse 12 by thanking Christ for three specific things: strength, trust, and appointment.

1 Timothy 1:12 (ESV)

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,

These are profound truths that should shape how we view our calling as pastors.

a. Our Strength Comes from Christ (Gospel Strength)

Paul acknowledges that Christ is the one who gives him strength.

Ministry is demanding.

There are days when the weight of shepherding souls feels overwhelming, and our weaknesses are laid bare.

But the gospel is what reminds us that we are not called to minister in our own strength.

Remember men - The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us (Ephesians 1:19-20).

Christ’s strength sustains us, empowers us, and enables us to serve Him faithfully.

Encouragement: When you feel weak, lean into Christ’s strength. His grace is sufficient, and His power is perfected in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

b. Our Worthiness Comes from Christ (Gospel Transformation)

Paul says that Christ “considered me trustworthy.”

Think about that: Paul, a former blasphemer and persecutor, was deemed trustworthy by Christ.

This wasn’t because of who Paul was but because of what Christ had done in him.

The same is true for us. We are not worthy of this calling because of our abilities or righteousness.

Our worthiness comes solely from the transforming power of the gospel.

Christ has redeemed us, made us new, and its Him working in and through us that makes us worthy to shepherd His flock

Encouragement: Brothers, your worthiness to bear the gospel is not based on your perfection but on Christ’s work in you. Let this humble and encourage you.

c. Our Appointment Comes from Christ (Gospel Mission)

Finally, Paul says that Christ is the one who“appointed me to His service.”

This is a powerful reminder that our calling is not self-initiated—it is Christ Himself who has placed us in ministry.

As pastors, we have been entrusted with a sacred task: to proclaim the gospel, shepherd the flock, and equip the saints. This is not a burden but a privilege—a commission given to us by the King of kings.

Paul goes on to dwell for a moment of the gospel and its impact in His life..

2. The Gospel’s Impact in Our Lives: Mercy, Grace, and Transformation (vv. 13-14)

"Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."

a. “I was once a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man”

Paul openly acknowledges his sinful past.

He doesn’t gloss over it but highlights how far he was from God.

For pastors, reflecting on where God brought us from is vital.

We all have a story of being lost and unworthy, and God’s mercy reached us at our lowest.

Brothers- Never lose sight of the depth of your sin—Because it magnifies the glory of God’s saving grace.

Reflecting on your own story keeps you humble and strengthens your compassion for others.

b. “I was shown mercy”

Paul emphasizes God’s mercy, the withholding of judgment he fully deserved. Mercy is the heartbeat of the gospel, and Paul marvels at God’s kindness toward him.

Encouragement: Pastors, remind yourself often that your salvation is rooted in God’s mercy. You’re not serving Him out of your own merit but as a recipient of His unmerited kindness.

c. “Because I acted in ignorance and unbelief”

Paul acknowledges his own ignorance, not to excuse his actions but to highlight the blindness of sin and the power of God’s grace to overcome it.

Application: Pastors we need to be reminded often that Sin blinds the lost, but the gospel is what brings light.

As pastors, we should always preach with hope, knowing that the gospel can transform even the hardest and most ignorant hearts in the audience.

d. “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly”

Paul describes grace as being poured out abundantly.

This echoes John 1:16: “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”

Grace doesn’t just save us—it sustains us, strengthens us, and enables us to persevere in ministry.

Encouragement: Brothers, remember that God’s grace is inexhaustible. It saved you and continues to empower you daily. Lean into that grace when ministry feels overwhelming.

vs 14 concludes with….

e. “Along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus”

Paul here recognizes that even his ability to believe and love came from Christ.

Faith itself is a gift from God, a work of grace in a heart once dead in sin (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Paul knew his salvation was entirely about what God did, not about himself.

He also knew that His own ability to love the sinner while still hating the sin was a gift from God

Challenge: When we truly grasp that even our faith is a gift, Even our ability to believe in Jesus for salvation is a gift, it compels us to minister with urgency and humility.

If the gospel so radically transformed us, how can we not labor longing for the transformation of others?

Transition to Point 3:

Pastors, the gospel is not just something you preach—it’s something that has transformed your life.

Let the same grace that saved you and sustains you compel your ministry.

Whether it’s preaching, counseling, evangelism, or discipleship, let the gospel fuel everything you do.

Paul goes o in vs 15 and talks about

3. The Gospel’s Transformative Mission: A Trustworthy Saying (v. 15)

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst."

a. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”

This is the simple gospel: A Trustworhty gospel…..

Christ came to rescue the lost. JC. “ I came to seek and save the lost!”

Brothers - the gospel is not a message of self-help or moral improvement— as Rom 1:16 Declares “it’s the power of God for salvation”.

As pastors, this is the core message we are called to preach.

Application: Preach this simple gospel boldly.

Don’t complicate it or dilute it.

Let every sermon, every counseling session, and every outreach be rooted in this truth: Jesus came to save sinners.

going Paul in vs 15 says…

b. “Of whom I am the worst”

Paul’s humility shines here. He doesn’t lose sight of what the gospel did in his own life.

This awareness of his own sinfulness drove his ministry—it fueled his passion to see others experience the same grace.

Application: Brothers, never lose sight of what the gospel has done for you.

Let it drive your preaching, your counseling, your evangelism, and your discipleship.

As you point others to the cross, let the cross continually shape and humble you.

moving on to vs 16…

4. The Gospel’s Purpose: To Display God’s Patience (v. 16)

"But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life."

a. “Christ Jesus might display his immense patience As an example for those who would believe in him””

Paul saw his life as a picture of God’s patience.

His past sin became a backdrop for the beauty of God’s grace.

Challenge: Brothers….Don’t waste your sin. don’t waste the story of what God has done in your life. Use it to point others to Christ. Let it inspire hope and confidence in the power of the gospel.

Be transparent about what God has redeemed you from, and let your story of His grace encourage others to trust in Him.

Transition to Point 5:

Let the gospel not only shape your story but also your ministry. The God who transformed you is the same God who can revive His church in your community.

Preach, live, and proclaim the gospel boldly.

Finally in verse 17 Paul lifts up a doxology to the one who isa the gospel - J.C.

5. The Gospel’s Ultimate Goal: God’s Glory Forever (v. 17)

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."

This section remains unchanged, but its focus on doxology emphasizes that everything we do is for God’s glory.

Bringing It Home: Compelling and Exciting Pastors to Proclaim the Gospel

Pastors, the gospel is the power of God for salvation—not just for the lost but for you and your ministry. Remember:

You are strengthened by Christ—lean on His power daily.You are transformed by Christ—let His grace humble and shape you.You are appointed by Christ—serve faithfully as His ambassador.

Let this truth fuel your ministry. Preach the gospel with boldness. Shepherd your flock with humility and love. Counsel with compassion, evangelize with urgency, and disciple with intentionality.

And who knows? Maybe God will use you to revive His church in your community. Maybe He will take your faithful preaching and transform lives. Maybe He will use your testimony of grace to spark a movement of gospel renewal.

The same God who appointed you, strengthened you, and transformed you is the One who will equip you to proclaim His truth. Step back into your church with renewed passion, knowing the gospel is sufficient for the task.

Challenge: Go and proclaim Christ with boldness. Live as a trophy of His grace. Preach as one who has been transformed. Pastor as one who knows that the gospel still changes lives. And trust that the King eternal, immortal, and invisible is working through you to bring glory to His name.