Saints and Sinners: BOTH AND

Psalm 51:1-13 / 1 Timothy 1:12-17

What is true

I was born a sinner

Psalm 51:5 “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.”

Jesus came to save sinners

Matthew 9:11–13 “And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.””

Because of Jesus, sinners can become saints

John 3:17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

What is true of me

I am a sinner

Isaiah 6:5 “And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!””

Romans 7:18–19 “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.”

I am a saint

John 9:25 “He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.””

Jesus keeps this paradox of my salvation

Luke 22:31–32 ““Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.””

Hebrews 7:25 “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

Oh, to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm constrained to be Let Thy goodness like a fetter Bind my wandering heart to Thee

-Come Thou Fount: Robert Robinson -1758

Before the throne of God above I have a strong and perfect plea, a great High Priest whose name is "Love," who ever lives and pleads for me.

-Before The Throne: Charitie Lees Smith

I am called to be an example of grace, not of perfection

1 Peter 3:15 “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”

What is true of others

They are born sinners

Therefore they should be expected to sin

Matthew 7:18 “A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.”

Therefore they are unable to keep God’s law

Romans 8:7–8 “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”

Therefore they need the grace and gospel of Jesus

Just like YOU did

I don’t wanna abuse your grace, God I need it everyday; it’s the only thing that ever really makes me want to change.

Church family, for all who are in Christ Jesus, we are simultaneously Saint and Sinner. By God’s grace, we will someday no longer be a sinner. Until then, let us show mercy, empathy, and grace to those around us, be they saints or sinners; let us be an example that they may believe.