Can God Use Someone Like Me? (Part 1)

1Timothy 1:12-17

Sometimes recent Christian converts wonder if God can use them in His service…. They look back at their colorful past before conversion and wonder if they are somehow disqualified for service through their new church home. Because they love the Lord and honestly desire to obey the Scriptures that encourage ministry and involvement, they wrestle with doubts about being good enough to serve through their church. What should a person with a ‘mucky history’ do? These individuals know they are relatively different than those who grew up under the influence of Christ and the gospel…they not only made mistakes, but they routinely reveled in shameful sinful practices. Now that they are saved…is God willing to use them? Now that they have been born again will they be allowed to serve in meaningful ways?

I would like to answer this question using one of the most respected Christians in the New Testament…the Apostle Paul! The text we will focus on is 1Timothy 1:12-17. Yes, the apostle is writing to Timothy his ministry partner to instruct and encourage him in his pastoral duties at Ephesus. Paul mentions "the glorious Gospel of the blessed God" (1 Tim 1:11) and this stirred Paul to share his own personal testimony. He is case study 1 to answering this question while proving the Gospel of the grace of God really does work in the lives of real sinners. When you read Paul's testimony (see also Acts 9:1-22; 22:1-21; 26:9-18), you are gripped with the astonishment of God's grace and His saving power. You also begin to realize that God uses people with incredibly colorful pasts in many different capacities.

FIRST, CONSIDER WHAT PAUL USED TO BE (1Tim. 1:13A).

            1. He Was A Blasphemer.

·        He was a blasphemer because he denied the deity of Jesus Christ and forced others to deny it.

·        The reason this was so striking to the apostle was that he knew so well the pit from which he had been dug.

·        When he gave this description of his past, he was a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, he was not exaggerating for the sake of effect. (See Acts 22:4-5, 19-20; 26:9-11 for the vivid truth.)

            2.  He Was A Persecutor.

·        He was a persecutor who used physical power to try to destroy the church. “Threatenings and slaughter” were the very breath of his life (Acts 9:1).

·        He persecuted the Christian church (1 Cor 15:9) and then discovered that he was actually laying hands on Jesus Christ, the Messiah! (Acts 9:4)

·        During this period of his life, Paul consented to the stoning of Stephen and made havoc of the church (Acts 8:1-4).

            3.  He Was Injurious.

·        Paul was injurious, a word that means “proud and insolent.”

·        A modern equivalent might be "bully,"

·        It conveys the idea of a haughty man "throwing his weight around" in violence.

            4.  He Was an Ignorant Unbeliever.

·        But the basic causes of his godless behavior were "ignorance" and "unbelief."

1.      Even though Saul of Tarsus was a brilliant man and well educated (Acts 22:3; Gal 1:13-14), his mind was blinded from the truth (1 Cor 2:14; 2 Cor 4:3-4).

2.      He was a religious man, yet he was not headed for heaven!

3.      It was not until he put faith in Jesus Christ that he was saved (Phil 3:1-11).

·        Yet Paul was shown mercy because his actions were the product of ignorance.

1.      Willful disobedience triggers God’s wrath (Num. 15:22-31; Heb. 10:26).

2.      But God deals gently with the ignorant and misguided (Heb. 5:2).

3.      The German philosopher Nietzsche said, “If you could prove God to me, I would believe Him all the less.” No such willfulness characterized Paul’s unbelief.

SECONDLY, CONSIDER HOW PAUL WAS SAVED (1Tim. 1:13B-15).

1. How Could A Holy God Ever Save and Forgive Such Self-Righteous Sinners?

A) Through Mercy and Grace. (Vs. 13, 14)

·        The key words are "mercy" and "grace." God in His mercy did not give Paul what he did deserve; instead God in His grace gave Paul what he did not deserve.

·        Grace is God’s undeserved, unearned, freely given favor. Grace is God’s loving forgiveness, by which He grants salvation apart from any merit on the part of those He saves (see Rom. 3:24; Gal. 1:6).

·        “but I obtained mercy” If the apostle Paul could find mercy after the terrible things he did against Christ, then God surely offers salvation with “open arms” to all people (see 2:4). 

B) With Faith.

·        faith and love. Attitudes frequently linked with salvation in the NT (see Eph. 1:15; 3:17; Col. 1:4, 23). They are gifts of God’s grace in Christ.

C) With Love.

·        Grace and mercy are God's love in action, God motivated by love paying a price to save lost sinners. It is not God's love that saves us, for God loves the whole world (John 3:16).

·        It is by grace that we are saved (Eph 2:8-9) because God is rich in mercy (Eph 2:4) and grace (Eph 2:7).

2. What Did Paul's "Ignorance" Have To Do With His Salvation? (Vs. 1:13)

A) Is Ignorance An Excuse Before God?

·        Of course not! The fact of his ignorance is related to a special Jewish law (Lev 5:15-19; Num 15:22-31).

·        If a person sinned knowingly "with a high hand" in Israel, he was cut off from the people. But if he sinned in ignorance, he was permitted to bring the proper sacrifices to atone for his sins.

B) Jesus Recognized This Principle When He Prayed On The Cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

C) Their Ignorance Did Not Save Them, Nor Did Christ's Prayer Save Them; but the combination of the two postponed God's judgment, giving them an opportunity to be saved.

3. Paul Stated That It Took "Exceeding Abundant" Grace To Save Him!

      A) The grace given to Paul was “exceeding abundant,” overflowing beyond all expectations.

1.      Therefore the apostle received God’s mercy, not His wrath. God’s grace far outpaced even Paul’s grievous sin.

2.      Where there was once only unbelief, God poured out . . . “faith” . . . “in Christ Jesus.”

3.      Where there had been violent aggression against God and His people, now God poured out the love of Christ. (See 2 Tim. 2:10.)

B) Everything Paul Lacked, God’s Grace Had More Than Amply Supplied.

1.      The term “exceeding abundant”, means “to be present in great or superabundance.”) Here may be seen the full measure of what Paul meant when he spoke of the empowering ministry of Christ (1 Tim. 1:12).

2.      “Paul liked to use the Greek prefix huper (meaning "an exceeding abundant amount"), and he often attached it to words in his letters. You might translate some of these as "superincrease of faith" (2 Thess 1:3); "superabounding power" (Eph 1:19); "superconqueror" (Rom 8:37). This same prefix has come into the English language as hyper. We speak of "hyperactive" children and "hypersensitive" people.” ---W.W. Wiersbe

4. Paul Makes It Clear That This Salvation Is Not For Him Only, But For All Who Receive Jesus Christ (1 Tim 1:15).

A) If Jesus Could Save Saul Of Tarsus, The Chief Of Sinners, Then He Can Save Anybody!

·        “This is a faithful saying.” A phrase unique to the Pastoral Epistles (see 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11; Titus 3:8), which announces a statement summarizing key doctrines. The phrase “worthy of all acceptation” gives the statement added emphasis. Apparently, these sayings were well known in the churches, as concise expressions of cardinal gospel truth.

·        World refers to all humanity.

·        Save means to deliver or rescue. Christ came to die for the sins of humanity.

·        This faithful saying was based on the statements of Jesus recorded in Matt. 9:13; Luke 19:10.

·        “The central thrust of Paul’s personal digression, begun in verse 12, now becomes clear. It is a testimony concerning the purpose of the Incarnation of Christ. Jesus came not merely to set an example or to show that He cared. He came to salvage sinners from their spiritual destitution—and Paul said he was the worst of that lot. There must be no misunderstanding of this most fundamental point. It is a truth that is completely trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. (Four other passages include this “trustworthy” phrase: 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11; Titus 3:8.)” ---John Walvoord

·        “Here we come to the very heart of the difference between true Christianity and all other teachings. False religions tell man that there is something he can do or be in order to win favor with God. The gospel tells man that he is a sinner, that he is lost, that he cannot save himself, and that the only way he can get to heaven is through the substitutionary work of the Lord Jesus on the cross. The type of law teaching which Paul described earlier in this chapter gives a place to the flesh. It tells man exactly what he wants to hear, namely, that he can somehow contribute to his own salvation. But the gospel insists that all the glory for the work of salvation must go to Christ alone, that man does nothing but the sinning, and that the Lord Jesus does all the saving.”  ---William MacDonald

B) We Admire Paul's Humility!

·        We note that he considered himself to be the "least of the apostles" (1 Cor 15:9).

·         And he referred to himself as the "least of all saints" (Eph 3:8).

·        Notice that Paul did not write "of whom I was chief" but "of whom I am chief." He was “first,” in rank.

·        Paul saw the degradation of sin and understood the sinfulness of human beings. Because of this, he placed himself first among sinners.

·        Few could be considered a worse sinner than someone who blasphemed God and persecuted His church (see 1 Cor. 15:9; Eph. 3:8). Paul’s attitude toward himself dramatically changed (Phil. 3:7–9; Rom 7:7–12).

Clearly God in His infinite grace and mercy can save anyone who realizes their sinfulness and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. Beloved, this is one of the primary reasons Jesus Christ came into this world! Yes, God has you and me in mind for our salvation and good. He took responsibility to provide a means for people to be reconciled to Him and forgiven of their sins. Jesus is His provision; it is Christ who died, was buried, and rose again the third day capable of saving all who will repent believing the gospel.

In the following article, I will further explore the question: Can God Use Someone Like Me? 

Stand On The Promise of Rest

Hebrews Four

The subject of the believer’s rest continues from chapter three and receives far greater treatment here in chapter four. God desires for Christians to understand that He still graciously offers rest to His people (Heb. 4:1-6, 9). Too many believers are uncertain about eternity and their spiritual welfare because they do not realize what they have in Jesus Christ. Too many are not even aware of the promise of rest through the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, they are working real hard to earn their way into God’s acceptance and favor. Typically these lives are laced with anxiety, insecurity, and uncertainty. They are haunted by their failures and frustrated with their lack of power to live up to their expectations. They cannot progress to maturity in this state…. This is what life is like when we live oblivious of the Promise of Rest offered by the Lord.

Newell stated concerning Hebrews 4:1 that, “this verse indeed apply first of all, to those who may have sorely neglected God’s promises and providences.” The “rest” believers should enter relates to the completed work of Christ at Calvary, the present work of Christ at the Throne of Grace in Heaven, and the future Kingdom Age when we believer’s will enjoy the eschatological inheritance God promised His authentic children. The writer desires for them and us to enter into this promised rest. God’s redemptive work is so comprehensive and substantial that God’s people can take refuge in it. Instead of being racked with anxiety over our eternal welfare, we can be filled with peace and assure in the Lord’s promised rest. He further admonishes us to fear the possibility of coming up short of God’s promised rest and encourages us to take full advantage of the good news of rest by exercising faith in this promise (4:2, 3). Newell said, “Do not try to become worthy by any works, or change of your “character,” but just believe.” He further said, “…we rest where God rests, in the shed blood of Christ! The spiritual rest arises from accepting God’s announcement of Christ’s finished work on our behalf.” These believers were to bear in mind that God’s rest was still available to them. In addition, it is prudent to respond to God in faith now instead of continuing unresponsively towards God’s Word (4:6). We do not enjoy the luxury of doubting God’s promise without falling prey to the consequences of such unbelief!

The writer was encouraging them (and us by application) to by faith take God’s offer—let us labor to enter His rest (Heb. 4:7-11). The lessons from Israel’s experience evidenced how God had been patient with Israel’s slow respond to His offers of rest (4:7, 8). He justifiably expected an immediate response to His offer of rest emphasizing “today” (4:7). They, like so many today, were reluctant and unbelieving regarding the Promise of Rest. Christians; therefore, must likewise diligently put forth every effort to enter into His rest to avoid falling in unbelief (Heb. 4:11). We must cease from our labors to earn God’s favor and chose to rest in the Lord’s work on our behalf! Beloved, we must believe the Promise of Rest offered by the Lord God through faith in Jesus Christ. Newell noted, “…this “universal earnestness” is a great secret of progress, and the great guardian against the sad condition of the Hebrew believers”—immaturity and inexperience in the word of righteousness. We can only mature and progress in our faith as we really believe biblical beliefs—taking to heart what God stated. Through Jesus Christ our sins are paid for and are forgiven, through Christ we have an Advocate and High Priest with the Father in Heaven, and through Christ we have a Millennial Kingdom hope. This is the Promise of Rest to God’s people!

These early Christians were also challenged to trust God’s Word to reveal unbelief and detect genuine faith in their hearts (Heb. 4:12-13). Human beings are not equipped to discern our own spiritual condition or status purely on our own. We need help with this, and the Lord provides His Word. Like these First Century Hebrew Believers, we must bring our hearts before the Lord and His Word for thorough examination and holy scrutiny. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23, 24). This is why we read the Word daily and why we get in on as many Bible messages we can. It is to expose our deceitful hearts to God’s perspective and scrutiny. Newell, referring to the writer, adds “He warns us again and again of the treachery of the human heart. “Let us take heed,” as we are exhorted in Hebrews—for eternity is at stake!” Clearly the living Word can pierce deeply and expose completely the thoughts and motives of our heart (4:12). It will reveal whether we are resting in the finish work of Christ, or if we remain anxious about eternity—yet in unbelief. God’s Word can afford calm assurance to the soul that truly and deeply trust it throughout the multiple challenges of life as well. In addition God will help us understand the condition of our hearts (4:13). There is absolutely nothing hid from His all-knowing gaze.

Once again Christians are counseled to rely on the Lord Jesus, our Great High Priest, who effectively resisted temptation and provides help for His people as we need it. Our attitudes as believers should be shaped by the truth that Jesus Christ is the God-Man. He is fully informed and aware of the human plight by firsthand experience. There is no situation where He is unable to sympathize with the human struggle and predicament. Also Jesus Christ is enthroned in Heaven at the right hand of the Father who occupies the throne. This highlights His sovereignty and dignity; He is positioned and postured to care for and respond to the people of God. He can do something definitive about our situation! The Father’s throne is “the throne of grace” (Heb. 4:16) pointing to his benevolence. Often we need grace to help us and sometimes we need mercy because of some failure or trace of doubt in our souls. God does indeed forgive and restore! Jesus, the High Priest, is the focal point in the text; it is His grand presence that permits believers to appear in God’s presence so boldly. God is ministering mercy and grace to believers as we turn to Him for help in our time of need. Christ’s priestly ministry assures believers God will met our every need in the hour of temptation. Newell observed, “Every believer is received according to the full, finished work of Christ!” Why not rest in the finished work and present work of our great high Priest?

Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, demands two fitting responses from Christians: first to hold firmly to our profession of faith in Christ (Heb. 4:14). “Profession” here refers to ‘confession’ like in the substance of the Christian faith. Newell observed the Christian’s confession is “First, that Jesus is the Son of God; second, that as the Son of God He is our Great High Priest; and third, that He has put away, at the Cross, all our sins forever; and fourth, that, raised from the dead, He passed through the Heavens.” This same Jesus ever lives making intercession for us before the Father in heaven. It is entirely safe to rest in the Lord Jesus. Lastly, in the light of Jesus as our Great High Priest, we Christians must come boldly to “the Throne of Grace” for the help we need. We too often turn to everyone else and every other thing…and when we find these great ideas do not work then finally we turn to the Lord as a last resort. What is wrong with the Lord Jesus that we do not choose Him first? Though the trials and challenges of bold Christian living are great, Christ the believer’s great High Priest, is greater! He will provide the assistance we need as we need it. Trust Him for it! Beloved, we can rest in Him with the greatest assurance. Stand on this Promise of Rest.

Consider Jesus

Hebrews Three

After being focused on believers’ Great High Priest regarding his humanity, reconciling atonement, union with believers, and suffering temptation, believers were also assured that Christ is perfectly able to help, aid, and assist the tempted. Now Christians are addressed as holy brethren and participants in the calling to Heaven. As such they must give the most careful attention—fix the mind with all attention on—to Jesus as Apostle, that is, one sent from God with a special commission. They are to also consider Jesus as High Priest, that is, as the one who mediates between God and them while representing them before God (Heb. 3:1).

They had confessed Jesus Christ as God’s “Apostle and High Priest!” What are believers to consider regarding Jesus Christ? It is the fact that He was completely faithful to God Who appointed Him! In fact His fidelity to God’s plan far out distanced the faithfulness of Moses as the servant of God (Heb. 3:2-5). The believer is called to give careful attention to Christ with the purpose of understanding Him while allowing Moses to fade into the background.   

Believers are also called to “hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end” (Heb. 3:6). Their persistence in confessing Christ demonstrates their genuine faith in Him. Continuance is one of several biblical evidences of Christian conversion. Therefore believers must listen to His Voice with submissive hearts full of faith. Such believers will experience rest in the complete and perfect work of Christ. Newell noted that “these warnings… are not given to create uncertainty, but to avoid presumption and carelessness.” Historically Israel greatly grieved and provoked the Lord to anger with their hardened hearts, unbelief, and stubbornness. Because of such evil hearts of unbelief they on occasion forsook the Living God. These believers were being warned to not make the same grave mistake (Heb. 3:7-12).

Solid advice for remaining faithful to the True and Living God is given in this last paragraph (Heb. 3:13-19). The Christians are told several things. First, they were to warn and admonish one another to keep their hope and confidence in Christ (3:13).  This is a ministry of love and service among fellow believers in Christ. It is this mutual caring ministry one to another that serves to prevent the hardening of Christians in the assembly. The deceitfulness of sin is effectively countered through personal and direct involvement and relationships of accountability. Secondly, to encourage one another’s faith and obedience to prove they are indeed partakers of Christ in the blessings of the promised rest (3:14). Thirdly, they must continue listening to God speaking in His Son as long as it is called “today” (v. 15). The danger of developing a harden hearts was ever before them. Fourthly, they must not fail to enter into God’s rest; believe God—live by faith in the Apostleship and Priesthood of Christ who was entirely faithful to God the Father who had appointed Him (Heb. 3:19). The first generation of Israel who left Egypt did not inherit the promises. It was unbelief that prevented them from knowing God’s very best for them. The same is true for us believers today. 

Yes, there is a real danger of tolerating an evil heart of unbelief still.... Do not simply live with doubts! Overthrow them entirely by believing God, and we understand that faith comes by listening to the Word of God. Instead of living with doubts and unbelief, purpose to be faithful to God as the Lord Jesus was most faithful! God is not a liar; believe Him in every respect. Be faithful to a faithful God. Trust Him in every situation. Know that He always has your highest spiritual welfare at heart. Stay in the Word allowing it to build real confidence in the Lord God. Give yourself permission to believe specific promises, statements, and prescriptions from the Bible. Hold on to God's clear promises. Cultivate a heart of unwavering confidence in the Lord Jesus. Do not permit doubts to deceive you and rob you of God's very best. It really is okay to trust an unflappably faithful God.