Be Grateful for Mercy
Paul is serious about avoiding Christian teachers who don't emphasise holiness. But he is as serious about always being aware of God's mercy. Listen to what he writes: "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. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:12-16)
No One Is Too Far From God's Mercy
Paul isn't claiming to have been this brilliant perfect religious man. He is quite clear that he also lived a sinful life and needed saving from it. He speaks openly about the ignorance and unbelief that characterised his life before Jesus.
You see, there's a false teaching that says do what you like because God loves you. There's also a false teaching that says you're such a sinful wretch that God despises you. Paul here is reminding Timothy that both of these are false.
The message of the gospel is that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - even the worst of sinners!
Who's the worst sinner you can think of? Hitler? Stalin? Osama Bin Laden? Jacob Zuma for us South Africans? Yourself?
Even the worst sinner finds mercy at the feet of Jesus Christ. Don't let anybody falsely tell you that anyone is too far for God to save. Avoid churches that preach so hard against sin that they never tell of the redemption from sin that Jesus offers!
A Story of Mercy and Judgement
There's a tale about Jesus that probably isn't true, but does align with His teaching. The story is that one day Jesus visited the cell of a monk known for his holiness. In the same city there lived a young man who was completely lost in sin - so much so that even Satan recoiled from the darkness of his heart, according to the people.
This young man, broken and convicted, came to the monk's cell. Overwhelmed in the presence of Jesus, he began to weep over his sins and begged for mercy and grace.
But before Jesus could respond, the monk stepped in with anger. He rebuked the young man, saying, "How dare you come here before me and before God's holy prophet! For you, forgiveness is impossible. Your fate is sealed for hell. My only prayer is that on the Day of Judgement, I may stand far away from you."
Then Jesus spoke: "It shall be as you both asked. This sinner has sought mercy and grace, and he will not seek in vain - his sins are forgiven, and he will have a place in Paradise. But you, monk, prayed that you would never stand near him. Your prayer is also answered. You will not stand near him, for your place will be in hell, far from mercy."
Beware false teachers who think they're better than others and harbour hatred in their hearts for sinners.
True gospel Christians are grateful for the mercy God showed them, and extend it to even the worst of sinners, that they may belong and find redemption.
Share in the comments below how you first learned of the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ.
Paul reminds Timothy that Christ's mercy reaches even the worst of sinners, so no one is too far gone for God's grace. Think of the person you find hardest to forgive or hardest to imagine saved, and pray for God's mercy on them today.