I Timothy 1:12-20
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (I Timothy 1:15-17)
If you missed last week’s blogs on the four core stories we must know to bear Christ to the world’s women, you may want to start there. Today is the third essential story: YOUR story of grace. Why must we know our own stories of grace to share the glory of God in Christ?
1. Because it reveals God’s grace in our lives. Far from being a “paralysis by analysis” maneuver, as my friend Scotty Smith warns us about, it is for the purpose of the transformation of the gospel working in our lives. Are we willing to tell people — yes, I am the WORST sinner you’ll ever meet? But God poured out his grace on me.
2. Because it keeps us from becoming like Simon. (I posted a podcast on the third story we must know – a woman’s story in the Bible, in this case, Luke 7.) The only way we can keep from being puffed up is by remembering how rotten we truly are BUT FOR the grace of God through Jesus Christ working in us. If we don’t know this story, we’ll be too far above anyone to share the good news of what Christ has done in us.
3. Because others may hope based on our stories. “Well, if God could change you, a screw-up like YOU, then maybe He could change me. What is this gospel anyway?”
