1 Timothy 1:15-16 Sinners

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. [1 Timothy 1:15-16 NASB]

Previously in this chapter, Paul referred to sinners by saying;

realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, [1 Timothy 1:9-10 NASB]

Paul identifies with these sinners. What's more, he considers his sins to be more severe than any of them. He says regarding his own sins;

even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; [1 Timothy 1:13 NASB]

Far from condemning sinners, Paul counts himself among them and says "among whom I am foremost of all." He offers mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ.

Paul presents himself as an example. In essence he is saying, "If i can find mercy, then anybody can find mercy."

He uses this phrase, "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance." Everything written in the Bible is trustworthy and deserving full acceptance, but by making this statement, Paul is singling out the next statement for special emphasis. Think of it as bold, italicized, and underlined. The statement is this: "Jesus came into the world to save sinners."

This is probably the best and most concise summary of the gospel ever. It goes right to the heart and intent of Jesus' mission on earth. As John said;

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." [John 3:16-17 NASB]

Many sinners believe that theirs is the worst sin. I have been told, "I want to be saved, but I have sinned too badly for God to forgive me." But I can tell you with absolute certainty that it is not true.

If you have any longing for God, that longing comes from the Holy Spirit who is calling you to Christ. It is not in your nature to seek God without Him first calling for you.

If you have never been saved, come to Him. If you have been saved, but feel distant from Him because of ongoing sin in your life, then come back. Pray this prayer with me.

My Father in heaven, I praise Your name. Lord, I confess that I have sinned, and I ask you to forgive me. Cleanse me and make me right with You. Jesus, I confess that you are my Lord, and I believe that You died to pay the price for my sin, then rose from the dead, and that You are alive forevermore with God the Father. Thank You for my salvation.