So then, Paul told Timothy what he must do and teach to the saints in Ephesus—with a goal of prevention—Paul now turns and begins to give thanks to the Lord for what the Lord has done for him. Consider how Paul looks at his old self and glorifies God looking to the Power of God’s Grace.
Here Paul shares his life perspective before and after grace which is going to help us have the right life perspective.
From Sin to Grace: “12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an [a]insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Tim. 1:12–14)
Without question Paul, like myself, is underserving because of his sins. Note beginning at verse 13 how Paul pours out his soul concerning his sins against God. We should all be able to relate to some of these: He was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent man. And if we can’t relate to theses sins what about Romans 1 beginning at verse 28…
Praise be to God and our Lord Jesus Christ that the power of the gospel can turn even me a sinner—into a servant in spite of my all my sins.