We think most people used by God in the Bible are good examples for us to follow. But if I understand the gospel correctly, they were actually bad people whom we SHOULD NOT follow. But, by the grace of God, they had been saved, washed, and used by God such that we should be focusing on God who did it rather than the people who turned themselves around.

The Apostle Paul is a primary case. He is an example for us to follow only in that he was a chief of sinners but God showed His spectacular mercy on him and saved him gloriously. Therefore, what we come away with is: “That God is still alive and He can do that for the worst of sinners around me and even for me!” The example we are to follow is not, “Oh, if the Apostle Paul turned his life around, then I can turn it around, too.” That would bring glory unto ourselves if we succeeded.
“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 Tim 1:16
Why was Paul selected for God’s special use? Because He was worse than most! So that when he gets picked and used by God, there would be no mistake in thinking that Paul did it himself.
Religion says God picks us because we were good.
Christianity says God picks us because we were bad.
Religion glorifies those who can turn themselves around.
Christianity glorifies God.
Come to God admitting helplessness. Anything else would be religion.
PH