From Shame to Glory: God Can Use Your Past

Sunday Sermon Notes

June 29, 2025

Pastor Derk Adams

1 Timothy 1:12-16 (KJV)

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 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. 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.”

Background on 1 Timothy 1:12-16:

Paul is writing to his spiritual son Timothy, reflecting on the grace and mercy of God in his own life. He remembers his past—how he was once a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence—but God didn’t leave him there. Instead, God poured out abundant grace, transforming him from a sinner into a servant. This passage is Paul’s testimony, highlighting how God delights in turning the worst into witnesses. Paul uses his story as an example of God's longsuffering, to show that if God can save and use someone like him, He can do the same for anyone. It is both a declaration of God's grace and a call to others not to let their past stop them from believing and serving.

Introduction:

There is no past too dirty that God cannot clean, no mistake too great that God cannot redeem. In this perilous hour, God is calling people out of shame, guilt, and bondage, and declaring, “I can use your story for My glory!”

I. God Knows Your Past and Still Calls You

Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV)

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee...

”Psalm 139:16 (KJV)

“Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.”

Even before the mess, God had a message in mind. Even when we were lost in sin, He saw potential. Like Paul, we may have been blasphemers or broken, but God sees a preacher, a prophet, a worshipper in the making.

II. God Will Turn Your Mistake into a Ministry

Romans 8:28 (KJV)

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”Genesis 50:20 (KJV)“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

In this passage, Paul reminds us that our past does not disqualify us from future use in the kingdom. In fact, it is often the broken areas of our life that God uses most powerfully. Many biblical figures—like David, who committed adultery and murder, or Peter, who denied Christ three times—were restored and went on to accomplish mighty things for God. What the enemy meant for evil, God turns around for good and for His glory.God doesn’t throw away broken pieces—He builds with them. What the devil used to destroy you, God will use to deliver others. Your addiction becomes your anointing, your failure becomes your fuel, and your pain becomes your pulpit.

 

Revelation 12:11 (KJV)

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony...”

Your testimony is not just a story—it’s a sword. When you speak about what God brought you through, it snatches others out of hell and reminds the devil that his grip couldn’t hold you.

IV. God Doesn’t Use the Qualified—He Qualifies the Used

1 Corinthians 1:27–28 (KJV)

“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise...”

Judges 6:15–16 (KJV)

“And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee...”

That’s why He picked a murderer like Moses, a prostitute like Rahab, a liar like Jacob, and a denier like Peter—because His grace gets the glory! If your past was perfect, you'd try to take the credit.

V. You’re a Living Example of Mercy

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Titus 3:5 (KJV)

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

You are not what you did. You are what Christ did for you, in you, and through you. Your past is the backdrop that makes His glory shine brighter.

No matter how broken your past may be, God can take the very things that brought you shame and use them to bring Him glory. Your past is not the end—it is the foundation for a powerful testimony that will encourage others and exalt the name of Jesus.

Key Theme:

Let God Use You

God is not looking for perfect people. He’s looking for surrendered people. Don’t let your past keep you from stepping into your calling. If Paul can preach, Peter can lead, and Mary Magdalene can follow Jesus—so can you!

A Call to Action::

Come to the altar and say, “Lord, use my past for Your glory. Let my story be a testimony of grace.”

Say this Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You that nothing in our past disqualifies us from Your purpose. Cleanse us, restore us, and use us. Let our testimony shake the gates of hell and bring hope to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.