1 Timothy 1:12-17

1 Timothy 1:12-17
English Standard Version (ESV)

  When an NFL team drafts a player, they want to pick the best of the best of the best, so that the player will bring their talent to upgrade a weakness in the current team so that the team will be better.  Scouts spend weeks watching film of players, breaking down every attribute to determine the factors that will be the most reliable indicators of success at the next level.  It is a high pressure opportunity.
  When God was picking an evangelist for the growing church, God picked a blasphemer, persecutor and insolent opponent.  God picked the individual that was busy hurling insults and violence at the church.  It seemed like God picked the worst candidate possible.
  In doing so, God demonstrated God's power, God's mercy, and God's grace.  This wasn't about the talent that Paul brought to the table.  This was about the majesty that God brings to the table, and through the workings of the Holy Spirit, God transformed Saul into Paul and a broken and proud man into a powerful evangelist for the church, and all the glory was directed towards God.
  God saves sinners, not by their own merit, but rather by grace and love.  You have been selected and redeemed -- not because you deserve it, but because God chooses to shower grace upon you.  Revel in it, give thanks for it, and live as though you are completely freed and completely loved.  To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.