Grace for Sinners: Villains Wanted

"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." (1 Timothy 1:13)

For Paul, grace wasn't just about theology and doctrine and getting the words in the right order in Sunday School. It was the rock bottom reality of his life. Paul was the villain of Acts. He was "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples." He was the Bad Guy.

He was a blasphemer -- denying that Jesus is the Son of God. He was a persecutor -- sneering near the coat pile at the execution of Stephen for believing in Jesus. Paul was a violent man; he wanted blood.

Instead, God gave him mercy. Why? Because he wasn't really that bad? No! Because he didn't believe, yet. So God helped Him believe and set him on a new path.

Why would God do that for someone so sinful? That's the question of grace. We'll find out more about the answer the rest of this week.

Think: What have you earned from God for the worst of your sinful choices? What has God given to you? Why?

Pray: Thank God for His mercy for sinners like you.

Do: Read about Paul's transition from villain to one of the good guys in Acts 9:20-31.

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