Credibility
Here is a trustworthy statement that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst.
There is power in personal testimony! Paul has immense credibility when he talks about God’s grace and mercy because He personally experienced it. Even though he once “was a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man” (vs 13), he was shown mercy. He writes, “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (vs 14). I am the worst of sinners, Paul writes, “so that in me Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life” (vs. 16). Paul’s credibility comes not in his pedigree or accomplishments or even in being zealous to the nth degree. No, his credibility comes because he, the worst of sinners, had experienced the grace of God.My credibility as one who wants to speak God’s truth into the lives of others does not come from my accomplishments, victories, education or giftedness. I am credible and have something to say only because I have yielded to the Lordship of Jesus in my life and have received His mercy and grace. Christ in me is all I have worth offering to others. My testimony of His grace is the place from which I live and teach. “Nothing in my hand I bring, only to the cross of Christ I cling…”Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into the world to save sinners, of which I am one. Thank You for saving me! Thank You for dying for me, for not holding my sin against me. Thank You for the gift of Your righteousness so that when the Father looks at me, He sees You in me. You in me is my hope of glory! Use me today for Your purpose. Speak through my life and reach others in my prayer.
1 Timothy 1:15
There is power in personal testimony! Paul has immense credibility when he talks about God’s grace and mercy because He personally experienced it. Even though he once “was a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man” (vs 13), he was shown mercy. He writes, “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (vs 14). I am the worst of sinners, Paul writes, “so that in me Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life” (vs. 16). Paul’s credibility comes not in his pedigree or accomplishments or even in being zealous to the nth degree. No, his credibility comes because he, the worst of sinners, had experienced the grace of God.My credibility as one who wants to speak God’s truth into the lives of others does not come from my accomplishments, victories, education or giftedness. I am credible and have something to say only because I have yielded to the Lordship of Jesus in my life and have received His mercy and grace. Christ in me is all I have worth offering to others. My testimony of His grace is the place from which I live and teach. “Nothing in my hand I bring, only to the cross of Christ I cling…”Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into the world to save sinners, of which I am one. Thank You for saving me! Thank You for dying for me, for not holding my sin against me. Thank You for the gift of Your righteousness so that when the Father looks at me, He sees You in me. You in me is my hope of glory! Use me today for Your purpose. Speak through my life and reach others in my prayer.
