Ignorance in Unbelief

1 Timothy 1:13-14, AMP

“Though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and was shamefully and outrageously and aggressively insulting [to Him], nevertheless, I obtained mercy because I had acted out of ignorance in unbelief. 14 And the grace (unmerited favor and blessing) of our Lord [actually] flowed out superabundantly and beyond measure for me, accompanied by faith and love that are [to be realized] in Christ Jesus.”

Although I grew up in a Christian home, and in the Baptist church, once I went to college I turned my back on God. I think I chose not to remember what I had learned of His mercy, love and forgiveness, and for all practical purposes defaulted to “ignorance” of Him.

Though I still asserted belief in God and salvation in Jesus, nothing in my life supported this assertion in any way. I had the foulest mouth of almost anyone I knew, and blasphemed God by my words and actions. The outward evidence in my life screamed “unbelief” to others. I am certain my shamefully immoral life was insulting to God in every way.

Of all people, I certainly did not deserve God’s grace, favor and blessing that resulted when I finally came to the stark truth that I could not run my own life, truly repented to God, humbled myself, and turned over my life entirely to Him. I held nothing back; thankfully, He didn’t either!

His grace towards us will, in fact, flow out superabundantly; and, He exchanges His wisdom and faith for our ignorance and unbelief. Now that’s a great deal!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Tell the Father how thankful you are for His superabundant grace, love, mercy and forgiveness towards you. Ask the Holy Spirit if there is anything you are holding back. Give it to God today.

Dive Deeper: Study 1 Timothy 1.