Chief of Sinners

“This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"--and I am the worst of them.”

~1 Timothy 1:15 HCSB

Paul is instructing Timothy in a letter and as he opens the letter he makes this statement, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"--and I am the worst of them.”  I love Paul’s heart!  He has been broken and has been made new.  His heart is pure, he has a clear conscience and sincere faith and from this he loves.  His humbled approach makes us want to read further to understand more about the Jesus he shares.  I want to have a heart like Paul’s, but how can I get there.

The key is in this verse is, Paul recognizes and acknowledges who he is, a sinner.  To understand our sin is to allow the weight of our sin to weigh us down to our knees in front of the holy God.  To own our sin and to recognize only through Christ can I experience forgiveness requires humility.  This humility becomes a part of our everyday life in Christ.  Humility is to be the mark of Christ in us.  Paul continues “But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:16-17)

Acknowledging sin before a holy God enables Him to show you His incredible mercy and grace.  But most of all God will use you as an example of His love so others may believe in Him for eternal life.  We also humble ourselves because Christ humbled himself.  Christ came into the world.  God became flesh and lived among us.  He allowed Himself to be crucified to defeat sin and death forever.  We put our faith in this fact Christ came to die for sinners.  Through Christ we have forgiveness and freedom from sin.  So humble yourself before a holy God and embrace Jesus Christ, our savior forever. 

Lord forgive me for my sins.  Lord help me live more and more like your Son Jesus.  Lord use me as an example to others, live through me and let others see you in me!  Amen