"For the Worst of Sinners"

Have you ever looked at someone or known someone and thought, “They’re so bad not even God could save them?” Have you ever felt that you were too far gone for God to love you? The great reformer Martin Luther thought he was too sinful to be saved. He struggled with the question of how a sinful person can stand before a holy God. Then one day, as he was reading Romans, his eyes were opened to see and understand that it is God who saves us in mercy through faith, not works. He could probably identify with Paul’s words in today’s reading.

1 Timothy 1:15–16 NIV84

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Unlike most of his letters which were written to churches, Paul is writing here to an individual. Timothy is a younger disciple, Paul calls him his son in the faith. He has worked with Paul for about fifteen years and has now been left in Ephesus to help that church grow and to guard against false teachings.

One of those false teachings was that it was still necessary to follow the Jewish law in order to be saved. This would mean that Jesus’ death was not adequate. As he seeks to encourage Timothy he quotes from a known saying which he says is worthy of acceptance, and then uses his own life and calling as an example.

Christ came to save sinners

Jesus did not come to save good people. He did not give His life in order to rescue those who already were pleasing to God, who were obedient to God, who loved God. He came to save people who were enemies of God, who disobeyed God, who rejected God, who ignored God. He came to save sinners.

Who are the sinners? People whose lives and actions are contrary to the will and law of God. If we are honest we will realize that each and every one of us falls into that category. In Romans, Paul makes it quite clear that no one can follow the law, not even the Jews.

Romans 3:23 NIV84

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

If this were not the case Jesus would not have needed to come to save us. But Jesus did come, and it was specifically in order to save sinners. This is the trustworthy saying. The problem is, not everyone realizes that they are sinners. It is those who know they need help who seek it, they are the ones whom Jesus does save.

Mark 2:17 NIV84

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

How does Jesus save us? It is not by simply showing us how to save ourselves, by giving us His example or teaching us the way to be saved. He is the way. He rescues us from our spiritual condition of separation from God and the consequence of that condition, which is death.

He does this by living a life of perfect obedience, do for us what we cannot do for ourselves, taking our place and laying down His life for us, and providing the means for our forgiveness and restoration to fellowship with God.

Paul calls himself the worst

Paul sees himself as the foremost sinner. A few verses before today’s reading Paul says that he was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man (1 Tim. 1:13)

He says to the church in Galatia:

“For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.” (Galatians 1:13)

His rejection of Christ led him to become one of the greatest persecutors of Christ’s followers.

Even after Paul’s conversion the disciples were afraid to accept him.

Acts 9:26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.

Notice that Paul does not say, “I was a sinner” but “I am a sinner”. He still falls short, he admits that he is not perfect just forgiven.

Paul was shown mercy

In spite of Paul’s disbelief and persecution of the early church God had mercy on him and called him to not only become a disciple but the apostle to the Gentiles. Paul deserved God’s wrath but instead was given God’s grace.

He had acted in ignorance and unbelief.

Even after all the years since his conversion, Paul is still amazed that God would show him grace.

Jesus’ unlimited patience

Paul says that being shown this mercy is a sign of Jesus’ patience.

Psalm 103:8–10 NIV84

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

God’s patience gives people time to repent and turn back to God.

An example for us

Paul was saved not only so God could use him as the missionary to the Gentiles but also to serve as an example.

If God was willing to show mercy and save someone like Paul, then no one is beyond hope. When people see that even a sinner like Paul can be saved, they will know that salvation is by God’s mercy and not by works. We are never beyond the reach of God’s love.

Do we still appreciate the depth of God’s mercy toward us? Do we still feel joy and awe at the knowledge of our salvation? Then let us celebrate His abundant grace, giving thanks to Him in word and by deed. Let us proclaim His love to others that they also may experience the greatness of God’s forgiveness.

What is our part? Believe and receive

Are you burdened by the guilt of your sin? Do you feel unworthy of God’s love? Do not despair! God’s love is not based on our worthiness but on His grace. We have only to put our faith in Jesus and His sacrifice cleanses us from sin and guilt.

If you are still bearing that burden, bring it to Jesus and He will give you rest. All He asks of us is to believe, to put your trust in what He has done for you, and then seek to follow Him as a disciple.

When we do this we will receive the gift of eternal life, fellowship with God, the Holy Spirit coming to dwell within us, and all the spiritual blessings that God desires to give us. We receive this as a gift – unmerited, undeserved, freely given to us because Jesus Christ paid the price for us.

Ephesians 2:8 NIV84

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

It is as we remember our sins that we appreciate more fully God’s grace. This is what the Lord’s Supper helps us with. We take time to examine ourselves and confess our shortcomings, we remember that it was for us that Jesus’ body was broken and His blood shed. We give thanks, and as we receive the bread and the cup we show our desire to receive the blessings that Jesus offers.