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not measuring up

1 Timothy 1:12-14 (JDV)

1 Timothy 1:12 I give gratitude to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me for the assistance –
1 Timothy 1:13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief,
1 Timothy 1:14 and the favor of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and care that are in Christ Jesus.

not measuring up

Paul had been telling Timothy that some would use the law as a standard for condemning others, but would reject the excellent message (the gospel) which is the only thing that can change a heart.

He uses himself as an example of this. His life was changed because Christ had mercy on him. He did not “measure up” to God’s standards. He came to God like everyone else does: through repentance and faith.

LORD, thank you for having mercy on all of us — who do not measure up.