An exposition of 1 Timothy 1:12–14 in which Paul's account of his own conversion serves as a demonstration of sovereign grace. The sermon traces Paul's self-description as a former blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent man, and shows how his reception of mercy was not incidental but purposeful — a pattern for all who would believe on Christ for everlasting life. Main points: - Paul's testimony of what he was before conversion - the mercy Paul received and the grace that accompanied it - the purpose of Paul's conversion as a pattern of Christ's longsuffering toward sinners Scripture references: - 1 Timothy 1:1-20 - Acts 9:1-22; 22:3-21; 26:9-18 - Galatians 1:13-16 - Philippians 3:4-11 - 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 - Ephesians 2:1-5