1 Timothy 1:13-14–though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

In a great sermon PH preached this past week on “sin and the fall”, he highlighted a condition that all of us have fallen under, coined “human depravity”.  That we may think we are “good” in our minds, usually compared to others who wrongfully make the news.  But in God’s eyes, we are depraved, corrupt and morally ruined and in need of a Savior…(Romans 3:10-12)
Now to be told that, and not have an understanding of Christianity and why we profess Christ as our Lord and Savior is highly offensive.  Especially if you contrast that with all the “positive vibes” and self sufficiency talk in society today.  But we as Christians should know ourselves enough, that doing what is right by God without supernatural grace is impossible. (Romans 8:8)
The apostle Paul indicts himself as to what kind of man he was in his depravity before coming to know Christ.  Because he revels in being redeemed and rescued from a life as a “blasphemer”, he is not insecure to call out what he once was.  Because he lives experiencing the grace of God overflow his own wicked and sinful nature.  Though not perfect in his “walk” he seeks God to abound in grace, not defined by his sin…(Romans 5:20-21, 2 Corinthians 9:8)
Our challenge is like Paul’s, in that we should recognize and embrace our depravity, for the sake of deep humility in being redeemed from such a destructive life of sin.  So looking back on how heinous we may have been in our “old life” in God’s eyes, should be superseded by how grateful we are in experiencing this new life in Christ, deeply loved in spite of who I was and am naturally!  
So even if we are struggling with present sinful patterns as Christian’s, victory is in seeking Christ for intimacy to receive this “overflow of grace and love”, affirming the new creation we are because of what Christ did.  Not revel in the old mindset that somehow we are hopeless in our sin and struggles.  
Acknowledging our past and present wickedness should drive us to humility for abounding grace and mercy, not despair, denial, and shame as if we are not redeemed by the blood of Jesus.(2 Corinthians 4:7-10)-In HIs Love, Ld