“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
Think Paul wanted to make sure his readers where paying attention? He did everything but underline and circle this statement. And since every statement Paul wrote as Scripture was “trustworthy” and deserved “full acceptance,” this one must be huge.
“Jesus came here to save sinners.” He didn’t come to condemn sinners. He didn’t come to evaluate sinners for potential. He didn’t come to give sinners a little help so they could maybe stop sinning and make it to heaven eventually. He came to save sinners, from the “best” to the “worst” of us.
Paul said, “I am the worst.” Not “was” the worst, even though he had been a Christ-follower for quite a while when he wrote this. Jesus didn’t wait for Paul to stop sinning – or become less of a sinner – before saving him. Jesus saved Paul while he was still a sinner.
That’s grace; it’s what Jesus does for every believer.
Think: Why did Paul call himself the worst sinner? Does being less of a sinner make anyone more or less likely to be saved by God? Why?
Pray: Thank God for sending Jesus into the world to save sinners like you and Paul.
Do: Read what Jesus said about why he came into the world in John 3:16-21.