The Power of a Dangerous Testimony. Every one of us is telling a story. Sometimes it’s through social media posts, sometimes in conversations, sometimes just in the way we live. But here’s the question: what story are you telling about yourself?

Most of us curate our story to highlight the good and hide the bad. We put a filter on it, emphasise our strengths, and downplay our struggles. But in 1 Timothy 1:12–17, Paul does the opposite. He doesn’t edit. He doesn’t spin. He doesn’t make himself the hero. His testimony is powerful—and even dangerous—because it puts all the focus on God’s mercy.

This sermon explores The Power of a Dangerous Testimony and shows us how Paul’s story is really God’s story of grace overflowing in the life of a sinner. He reminds us that a dangerous testimony is not about our achievements but about God’s mercy that:

• Changes People – God transforms the least likely and calls them into His mission.
• Confronts Sin – God’s mercy meets us in honesty, not in the fake version of ourselves.
• Magnifies Grace – Mercy saves us, but grace overflows into faith, love, and mission.
• Creates a Testimony – Our lives become living evidence of Jesus’ perfect patience.
• Leads to Worship – Mercy ultimately points us to the eternal, immortal, invisible God who deserves all glory.

Paul’s testimony is dangerous because it shatters pride, exposes hidden sin, and points to Jesus as the only Saviour. It’s a reminder that no one is too far gone for mercy, and no one is too “good” to not need grace. Whether your sins are loud and public or quiet and hidden, the gospel is the same: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—and that includes you.

If you’ve ever wondered whether God could use someone with your past, or if you’ve doubted His patience with your failures, this message will remind you: His mercy is bigger, His patience is longer, and His grace overflows.

Calvary Chapel is a church in Southampton focused on Bible teaching and making disciples. For more bible resources, please visit www.calvarysoton.co.uk