1 Timothy 1:8-17

Contemporary English Version

⁸ We know the Law is good, if it is used in the right way. ⁹ We also understand it wasn't given to control people who please God, but to control lawbreakers, criminals, godless people, and sinners. It is for wicked and evil people, and for murderers, who would even kill their own parents. ¹⁰ The Law was written for people who are sexual perverts or who live as homosexuals or are kidnappers or liars or won't tell the truth in court. It is for anything else that opposes the correct teaching ¹¹ of the good news the glorious and wonderful God has given me.

Being Thankful for God's Kindness

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me the strength for my work because he knew he could trust me. ^13 (A) I used to say terrible and insulting things about him, and I was cruel. But Christ had mercy on me because I didn't know what I was doing, and I had not yet put my faith in him. ¹⁴ Christ Jesus our Lord treated me with undeserved grace and has greatly blessed my life with faith and love just like his own.

¹⁵ “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all! ¹⁶ But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life. ¹⁷ I pray that honor and glory will always be given to the only God, who lives forever and is the invisible and eternal King! Amen.