”Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.“
1 Timothy 1:15 NIV
Our stories can encourage other people.
In his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul is giving Timothy instructions for church leadership and organization. In chapter 1, he charges Timothy to oppose false teachers.
He then takes time to say this:
”I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 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. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.“ 1 Timothy 1:12-14 NIV
Early on in his letter, Paul is taking the time to tell Timothy his story – of how if God extended His grace even to Paul – then other sinners will receive the same grace.
But why does he take the time to write this out to Timothy?
”Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.“ 1 Timothy 1:18-19 NIV
Paul tells him all this because, he too, had once been a false teacher. He said of himself “I am a Pharisee descended from Pharisees.” As part of that group, Saul had been a notorious persecutor of Christians, arresting and killing them (Acts 8:3, 9:1, 9:13). Yet God had miraculously met him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3)!
The point is: if God could use Paul, a blasphemer and a persecutor of Christians, then surely He could use Timothy, who had been prophesied about.
I’ll even go a step further to say that if God could use Paul – then He can use us.
In prayer, consider how you’ve been encouraged in your faith through the stories of others and ask God, “what experiences have you given me that might encourage others?”
