Paul's is an amazing testimony: “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy” (1:12,13). And: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1:15). This is the man who is now counseling Timothy and the churches on prayer, proper relationships, leaders and servants in the church, and is encouraging the churches during a time in which they face opposition and, especially, false teaching.
An amazing testimony about God’s power and grace, which can take even a man like Paul and make him a minister of the gospel.
Chief of sinners though I be,
Jesus shed his blood for me,
died that I might live on high,
lives that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine,
I am his and he is mine!
Oh, the height of Jesus’ love,
higher than the heav’ns above,
deeper than the depths of sea,
lasting as eternity,
love that found me— wondrous thought—
found me when I sought him not. -- William McComb (1871)
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