1 Timothy: Foremost of Sinners

What if I always kept in the front of my mind that I have been immoral, immature, and rebellious against my God? The apostle Paul has to be one of the strongest human examples of Christ there has ever been. And yet, in writing to his special friend Timothy (his son in the faith), he wrote these words:

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for 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 1:15-17

What if I had a heart like Paul? How could that change my perspective?

1. I would have a better appreciation for God's amazing grace. I think we see this in Paul's statement above. Look at the praise Paul gives to God in this little paragraph! He is completely appreciative of his salvation.

2. I would use my life to better glorify God. If I don't have an appreciation for how LOW I am ("such a WORM as I"), I won't have an appreciation for how HIGH God is. But when I see myself as a creature of bad habits and sinful, I will reach out to my Savior to depend on Him and praise Him.

3. I would want to share my story with others. Sometimes we scorn the idea of giving testimonies. But isn't that what Paul does right here? He uses his life as an example for others. He doesn't gloat about the "good old days" when he was into sinful activities. He doesn't tell his story as if he enjoys it. But he tells it as a warning to others - and an encouragement to others. "If God can save me, He can save you, too!"

4. I would not look down on people in the world. I would appreciate their struggles with sin, even if they struggle with sins with which I've never wrestled. I know I have my own problems! I would be more interested in reaching out to them and bring them to the great Healer.

I'm going to try to go forward remembering I living among sinners...among whom I am the foremost of all.

God bless,
Nathan

Tomorrow's Reading: 2 Timothy & Titus