But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16)
Paul's conversion was for your sake.
I want you to take this very personally. God had you in view when he chose Paul and saved him by sovereign grace.
If you believe on Jesus for eternal life — or if you may yet believe on him for eternal life — Paul's conversion is for your sake. It is to make Christ's incredible patience vivid for you.
Paul's pre-conversion life was a long, long trial to Jesus. "Why do you persecute me?" Jesus asked. "Your life of unbelief and rebellion is a persecution of me!" Paul had been set apart for God since before he was born. So all his life was one long abuse of God, and one long rejection and mockery of Jesus who loved him.
That is why Paul says his conversion is a brilliant demonstration of Jesus' patience. And that is what he offers you today.
It was for our sake that Jesus did it the way he did it. To "display his perfect patience" to us. Lest we lose heart. Lest we think he could not really save us. Lest we think he is prone to anger. Lest we think we have gone too far away. Lest we think our dearest one cannot be converted— suddenly, unexpectedly, by the sovereign, overflowing grace of Jesus.
Did you find this devotional helpful and inspiring? Read the book for more!
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This devotional is written by John Piper. For more information about Piper's ministry, writing, and books, visit DesiringGod.org.
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