Abundant Grace

After Paul believed in his Jesus, the early saints were scared of him and for good reason! At least 14 years of quiet, faithful ministry were necessary before the Lord would use Paul as His mouthpiece.

Paul needed the strength of God to endure the ministry that the Lord Jesus had called him to.

Galatians 2:1–2 NASB95

1 Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. 2 It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.

1 Timothy 1:13 NASB95

13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;

violent aggressor = he hurt people and enjoyed it.

ignorant - he was not an apostate, he believed in the true and living God but was serving God sinfully, but ignorantly. When confronted with the truth, Paul repented and believe properly.

Acts 26:19–20 NASB95

19 “So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.

God reached down to a vile, murderous human being and He showed him mercy.

What were you before you believed in Christ Jesus? Let me tell you. You were a vile murderous human being. for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

James 2:10 NASB95

10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.

We all need His mercy.

Thanks be to God that he had mercy on my soul, Amen?!

II. Be Thankful for God’s Salvation

1 Timothy 1:14 NASB95

14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.

hyper-abundant grace.

zucchini is hyper abundant about this time. you can’t get rid of the stuff and you certainly can’t eat it all.

[picture of bunny and carrots]

with faith and love - These 2 virtues are often paired in the Bible. They are also a product of the grace of God. We believe in Jesus because God has been gracious to us. We love God and experience His love because He has been gracious to us.

1 Timothy 1:15 NASB95

15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

Jesus saves!

1 Timothy 1:16 NASB95

16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

An Unlikely Convert

Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 3:15

Preaching Themes: Conversion, Repentance

Ana Marie Cox describes herself as “progressive, feminist, tattooed,” and “pro-choice.” She has written left-wing commentary for several magazines and appeared on left-wing talk shows.

Several years ago she seemingly disappeared. She says a separation from her husband led her into a time of anxiety and self-doubt. In her depression, Cox began to ask about the source of the peace and joy of some of her friends. Like Peter the apostle instructed, the friends were prepared to give an answer for the hope within them. Ana Marie Cox accepted the sacrifice of Jesus for her sins and became a Christian.

As she struggles with her newfound faith and her long-time political leanings, she has come to understand that she does not have to justify God. Instead, He justifies her through Christ. “I am completely whole and loved by God without doing anything,” and “there is nothing so great I can do to make God love me more.” She is confident that the conflicting beliefs will someday be reconciled.

Ana Marie Cox understands. Jesus accepts us and God forgives us, long before we deserve it. Now it is up to us, like her, to “try, every day, to give my will and my life over to God. I try to be like Christ. I get down on my knees and pray.”

Jim L Wilson and Rodger Russell38

300 Illustrations for Preachers

Paul is a trophy of the grace of God. If God can save the worst of all sinners, He can save anyone. Can anyone say, “God cannot save me because I am too sinful, too far gone?” NEVER!

III. Be Thankful for God

1 Timothy 1:17 NASB95

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

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