Joel M Bradshaw

15The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.–1 Timothy 1

Paul viewed Timothy like a son and was using his own life to illustrate a key truth to him. Let’s unpack it.

1. CHRIST CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS. Christianity is not a social club where you pay dues and get member benefits. It’s also not this group of people who were born into a certain standing and therefore are more fortunate than others. No. Every Christian is a sinner who has been saved. You have been rescued, redeemed, repurposed. Jesus therefore is now boss and you joyfully submit to him. He is not something or someone you simply add to your life, he is your life. For he has now given your life hope where there was none before.
2. OF WHOM I AM THE FOREMOST. I don’t hear Paul manipulating Timothy with shame here or practicing self-hatred. Others may do that, but not this. Paul was allowing the power of his horrible past to keep him humble. Paul considered himself the worst of sinners, the one who needed saving by Jesus the most. I like this. If I adopt this mentality, I will more naturally be grateful. I will want to give back and serve. I will not as easily compare and contrast with other people and their stories. Again, this is not self-hatred, but rather Jesus appreciation.
3. I RECEIVED MERCY FOR THIS REASON…AS AN EXAMPLE. Mercy isn not getting what I deserve. And what I deserve for my sin is death (Romans 6:23). Paul saw himself as the worst sinner and most needing of saving. Therefore this is the reason Christ saved him. He most most in need and would be the greatest example of that saving love and mercy. Can that be my story, too? How about yours?

What an attitude adjuster! What a perspective changer! Again, this is not to be a moment of self-hatred or shameful condemnation. My past serves to remind me of the mercy that I have received. We are all equal in that each of our pasts is full of selfish sin. The self-orientation came before any other orientation. I will naturally desire to live the fruits of the Spirit like love, gentleness, patience, peace, kindness, and self-control if I keep that great mercy on my mind. Sinners are by definition unworthy of salvation. If we deserved it, then it wouldn’t be by God’s grace! But God saved you and me even though we were the worst and most needing of saving! Accept this saying in your life.–JMB