A Pattern of Grace

Introduction- I Timothy 1:12-17

In this passage of scripture Paul give personal testimony to the work that God has done in his life.

Then he makes an interesting statement as to the reason that God has worked so mightily in his life and it is that his life would serve as a pattern for others who would believe.

Often when we consider men in scripture like the Apostle Paul we view them as legendary figures and extraordinary cases that are beyond the realm of what God would ever do in our own lives.

Yet Paul writes under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that his life serves as a pattern for what others can expect God to do in their lives.

The truth is that God desires to work powerfully in the life of every believer to produce a significant transformation in our heart and life and to use us to make an impact for the cause of Christ.

Let’s begin this evening by considering...

The Former Life (Vs. 13)

Paul takes the time here to describe the extent of his sins before he met Christ.

He was before a blasphemer- one who speaks of God in impious and irreverent terms.

Paul was actually formerly boldly speaking against God and against Jesus Christ in particular.

He was also a persecutor having committed many Christians to prison and having vehemently opposed those who followed Christ.

It was Paul who gave his approval to the murder of Steven for his faith in Christ.

Acts 7:59–8:1 KJV 1900

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

He also speaks of himself formerly as injurious meaning violent and insolent and Paul was actually committed to the destruction of the Christian faith.

Yet in the end Paul mentions the fact that even though he was guilty of all of these heinous crimes against God and against Christ in particular he still obtained mercy.

The Transformation (Vs. 13b-15)

The mercy of God and the grace of God allowed for the opportunity for Paul to have an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ on the Damascus road that would forever alter the course of his life.

He speaks here of the grace of our Lord which he states was exceeding abundant towards him operating by faith and love in Christ Jesus.

The grace of God brought him to faith in Jesus Christ and produced in him a love for the Lord Jesus.

Paul insists that the distinct purpose that Jesus Christ came into the world was to save sinners and Paul considered himself to be the chief among them.

We might sum up what Paul is saying something like this “If God would extend mercy and grace to me then there is no one beyond the reach of His saving power.”

“If God would save me then He will save anyone!”

Paul’s life was forever changed after he had a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Call (Vs. 12)

It is amazing enough that God would save a man like Saul but it is even more astonishing that He would take and use him mightily in service to Him!

Paul did not enter the ministry of his own accord but considered himself called of God to do the work that He was carrying out.

Paul recognized that it was God who had chosen to use him and who had given him the privilege of serving Him.

He was grateful to the Lord Jesus for enabling Him to do what He had been called to do.

Paul counted it a privilege to be in ministry and never considered it a duty or a drudgery to serve Christ in whatever capacity he had the opportunity to serve.

Paul was simply thankful that God would see fit to use someone liek Him in any capacity whatsoever.

The Pattern (Vs. 16)

Paul considered his own experience to serve as somewhat of a pattern for what others could expect from God.

If God would save someone like Paul then you can be sure that He will save someone like you.

If God will so powerfully transform a man like Paul then you can be confident that He will do the same for you.

If God will take a man like Paul and use Him to impact many lives and to bring glory to His name then you can be certain that God wants to use you as well.

So often we think to ourselves “God would never greatly use someone like me” and this passage is intended to dispel that notion completely for God does want to use even you in a great way to bring glory to His name!

The Praise (Vs. 17)

Ultimately this provokes a powerful word of praise from the Apostle Paul as he considers all that God has done in His life.

He breaks forth in praise to the King eternal, immortal, invisible and the only wise God and ascribes honor and glory to Him.

When we consider that fact that God will not only save us but will change us and use us we ought to break forth in praise to Him in a similar fashion!

Conclusion

Tonight my goal is to communicate that God desires first to save you but this is only the beginning.

He wants to change you such that you are far removed from what you were before.

And finally I want each one of you to understand that it is God’s desire to use you in a great way in service to Him!

The pattern of the Apostle Paul is not exceptional. It is a pattern which the God in His grace desires to reproduce in the lives of all those who have believed on Jesus.