Overwhelming and Magnificent

October 13

Overwhelming and Magnificent

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who has given me strength,
that He considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service.
13 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.
14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,
along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
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.
16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy
so that in me, the worst of sinners,
Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience
as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible,
the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. – 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Jesus’ calling is an overwhelming and magnificent thing!
The Apostle Paul “never got over it.”
How Jesus saved him from being the worst sinner
He was shown mercy – he was spared the punishment
That he so deserved for his life as a violent persecutor of believers
And as a blasphemer of the very God he thought he represented.
God poured out His grace upon him “abundantly.”
By the way, the word pour is used repeatedly
To teach us three other significant concepts:
1.Jesus declared that His blood would be
“poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” in Matt. 26:28
2.Peter preached that God would “pour out My Spirit” in Acts 2:17
3.And Paul teaches us that “God has poured out His love
Into our hearts by The Holy Spirit…” in Romans 5:5
To Timothy Paul wanted to express his never-ending-amazement
At how God saved him and called him into service or ministry.
He said that grace was poured out on him abundantly
Along with faith and love.
He was shown mercy so that Christ might show His unlimited patience
To Paul. That patience in Paul would be an example to others.
Paul concludes this section of his letter
By pouring out his own heart with honor and glory to Jesus, his King.
He testifies that his King is forever (eternal);
That He is indestructible (immortal);
And unseen physically (invisible).
Paul was overwhelmed.
Jesus was Magnificent to him
Who is Jesus to you?
Recount His mercy to you
Recite His grace upon you
Recap His faith in you
Rehearse His patience towards you.
Those 4 R’s will undoubtedly overwhelm your heart, too
Jesus’ magnificence to you will flood your soul with His praise.