The LORD's Grace
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 immense 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.
Luke 15:1-7
Parable of the Lost Sheep
1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Paul writes that he wants to thank our LORD Jesus who gives us strength, and that He is trustworthy who appointed him into His service...Paul admits that he once was a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man...But Jesus has shown him mercy because Paul had acted in ignorance and unbelief...He did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah or Divine, at first...But the grace of our Lord was poured out on him abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Jesus...God has given His Son and His Grace to sinners...
Here is a trustworthy statement that deserves full acceptance: Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom we all sin...And Paul says that he was the worst...But for that very reason Paul was shown mercy so that in him, the worst of sinners, Jesus might display His immense patience, as an example, for those who would believe in Him and will receive eternal life...Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever...
I, especially, like when Paul writes that here is a trustworthy statement about Jesus and the condition man is in, and his own personal sinful condition...It is an important statement that deserves full acceptance: Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom we all sin...Paul recognizes and tells Timothy that God did not stop His Grace with him, but God gracefully gives His LOVE to sinners...And each of us may sin in a little different way, as we think about the prodigal son, yet God is there waiting for us to return and run to us when we believe...With God's LOVE, He is always there and waiting to find that one lost sheep...And when He finds that lost sheep, He rejoices...The prospect of a lost sheep being found also gives joy to Jesus...And like the Good Son, that He is, Jesus seeing the rejoicing and happiness in God and in heaven, He too, continues to search for the lost sinner...