August 05, 2026 | Be Connected
Paul's Divine Transformation
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-14(NIV)
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 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. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Devotional
The word grace can be understood as God’s divine favor, given to us even though we don’t deserve it. Think about birthday gifts. You receive them just because you have been born (which you had no control over) and regardless of whether you have been bad. But God’s gracious gift of Jesus is exponentially grander than any mere birthday gift. The grace of our Lord Jesus is an eternal gift, with a privilege to enjoy and live that life in Christ while we are still on earth. Thanks be to God!
The words of the famous hymn capture this thought:
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.
In this hymn, we acknowledge that compared to a perfect God, we are nothing more than wretches. In today’s passage, Paul admitted he was nothing more than a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man. The Bible plainly says that all have sinned and there is on one righteous (Romans 3:10, 23). Without Jesus, we are wretchedly lost.
Take a few minutes to jot down your own faith journey. Here are some categories to include:
BC – What was your life like before you knew Jesus?
✝ – How did you come to know Jesus as your Savior?
AD – What changes has Jesus made in your life since you accepted Him?
→– Where is Jesus taking you next in your faith and calling?
