The Gospel that Transforms

The Law Reveals Our Need for Grace

• But we know that the law is good, provided one uses it legitimately. We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious,  for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral and males who have sex with males, for slave traders, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching  11that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me.  1 Timothy 1:8–11 CSB

• For no one will be justified in his sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law. Romans 3:20 CSB

• When Jesus heard this, he told them, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 CSB

Grace Turns Enemies into Servants

• I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry —  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, and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:12–14 CSB

• Now Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As  he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? ”

  “Who are you, Lord? ” Saul said.

  “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied. “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:1–6 CSB

• But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love  that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead  in trespasses. You are saved by grace! Ephesians 2:4–5 CSB

The Gospel Is for the Worst of Sinners

• This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world  to save sinners”  — and I am the worst of them.  But I received mercy  for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.  1 Timothy 1:15–16 CSB

• Everyone the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never cast out.   John 6:37 CSB

• But God proves his own love for us  in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 CSB

Mercy Leads to Mission

• I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry …… But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.  1 Timothy 1:12, 16 CSB

• In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 CSB

• Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has  come!  Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.  That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world  to himself,  not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

  Therefore, we are ambassadors  for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf,  “Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17–20 CSB

Worship Is the Response to Grace

• Now to the King eternal,  immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.  1 Timothy 1:17 CSB

• My soul, bless the Lord, and do not forget all his benefits.  Psalm 103:2 CSB

• Our Lord and God, you are worthy  to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11 CSB