October 16 2026

Friday, October 16

“The Wonder of God's Grace”

1 Timothy 1:12–14

Welcome to Pastor's Chat! Today, we're continuing our study in 1 Timothy chapter 1. And we've come to one of the most personal and encouraging passages in Paul's letter to young Timothy. In yesterday's Chat, we saw how God's law reveals our sin and points us to our need for a Savior. But today, Paul turns our attention to something wonderful: The amazing grace of God! And he does so by sharing his own personal testimony.

Listen to 1 Timothy 1:12: "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry." Now, think about who's making that statement. This is the Apostle Paul, one of the greatest missionaries and preachers in the history of Christianity. But Paul never forgot where he came from. He understood that everything he had accomplished for the Lord was made possible by God's grace. Notice that he thanked Jesus Christ for enabling him and placing him into the ministry. Paul wasn't taking credit for his accomplishments. He was giving glory to the Lord!

And I believe that's an important lesson for every Christian, especially those of us who have had the privilege of serving the Lord in ministry. When I look back over more than fifty years of pastoral ministry, I'm reminded of how gracious the Lord has been to me. I certainly haven't done everything perfectly. I've made mistakes, and there are things I wish I could have done differently. But through it all, God has been faithful! And whatever good may have been accomplished has been because of His grace and His enabling power.

Now, listen to what Paul says in verse 13. He describes himself as having formerly been a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man. Can you imagine that? Before his conversion, Paul was actually persecuting the very people who believed in Jesus Christ! In Acts chapter 8, we're told that Saul, as he was then known, was making havoc of the church. He entered homes, dragged away believers, and committed them to prison. And yet, God had other plans for this man! On the road to Damascus, Saul encountered the risen Lord Jesus Christ. And his life was changed forever. The persecutor became a preacher! The enemy of the church became one of its greatest missionaries! And the man who once opposed the gospel became one of its most faithful defenders.

Now, notice what Paul says at the end of verse 13: "I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief." Paul wasn't excusing his sin. He was acknowledging the mercy of God. His ignorance didn't make his actions right, but it reminds us that even someone who has been terribly wrong can experience God's wonderful mercy. And then comes verse 14, one of my favorite statements in this passage: "And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus." Did you notice those words? Exceedingly abundant! Paul doesn't simply say that God showed him a little grace. He says that God's grace was exceedingly abundant! In other words, God's grace was more than sufficient to overcome the terrible sins of his past. And my friend, that same grace is available today.

Perhaps someone listening to this Chat is carrying a burden of guilt over something that happened many years ago. Maybe you've wondered whether God could really forgive you. Let me remind you that no sinner is beyond the reach of God's saving grace when they turn to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. And for those of us who already know the Lord, we should never forget that we're saved by grace and sustained by grace. The longer I live, the more I appreciate that wonderful truth. God's grace is greater than our failures, stronger than our weaknesses, and sufficient for every day of our lives.

So today, take a moment to thank the Lord for His amazing grace. And remember, the same God who transformed Saul of Tarsus is still changing lives today!

Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, how we thank You for Your wonderful grace! Thank You for loving us when we were undeserving and for sending Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. Father, when we think about the Apostle Paul and how You transformed his life, we're reminded that no one is beyond the reach of Your mercy. Lord, thank You for the grace that saved us, the grace that sustains us, and the grace that enables us to serve You. Help us never to become proud of what we've accomplished, but always to give You the glory. And Father, I especially pray for anyone listening today who may be struggling with guilt or regret. Help them to discover the forgiveness, peace, and hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ. We love You, Lord, and thank You for Your exceedingly abundant grace. For it's in the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!