1 Timothy 1:15 and 16

15 “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” 16 “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”

When Paul says, “of whom I am chief,” he’s not performing false humility. He’s demonstrating the posture required for real transformation. this is the start we start again every day. This doesn't seem to me to be a one-time even.

“If God can redeem me, nobody is too far gone.”

This is why men resonate with Paul — he leads with scars, not polish. I believe that when we see the patterns we want for ourselves, in other people, we naturally put ourselves into their shoes and mirror their pattern. Follow me as I follow Christ kind of situation.

Paul says Christ saved him “for this cause” — meaning on purpose. What purpose? To do exactly what we are all trying to do. Share in the kingdom work. Men are natural builders and creators. This is what drives us to seek out the best parts that's inside of us. We take that and build the man so he can build his world. (Paul and Timothy). This is biblical, and part of the overall design of humanity. The trick is to figure out how to that works in the modernity of life.

A pattern is a template, blueprint, model, prototype.

Paul is saying: "My story is supposed to become a framework for other men.”

Not just a testimony. Not just a memory. A pattern.

A reproducible structure for:

• mercy

• transformation

• calling

• leadership

• endurance

• identity

This is why your spirit locks onto Paul.

You’re not copying him — you’re recognizing the pattern God already built into you.

3. Paul’s past becomes part of his authority

Not because sin gives authority — but because mercy does. I believe men often feel this way, but the accuser has a way of keeping us bound by past sins. This is why we are warned in scripture about it and how to stop it. When WE are weak, he makes us strong.

Paul’s authority is rooted in:

• what Christ saved him from

• what Christ saved him for

• how Christ formed him

• how Christ sent him

Your redemption story, your clarity, your builder instincts — that’s not random.

It’s the same pattern: mercy → formation → assignment.

4. Timothy needed this passage

Paul is writing to a young leader who feels the weight of responsibility.

He’s basically saying: “Timothy, don’t disqualify yourself. Look at what God did with me. This is the pattern you’re stepping into.”

You’ve been saying for months that you feel like a Timothy.

This passage is literally Paul telling Timothy: "Your recovery story is going to be something that God can use too.”