A Week of Fin - 3
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:15
I am the worst. I am the chief of sinners. Now that's a huge claim. Do you think like this about your sin? Or do you downplay it? I know I’ve done both, and it's often I find myself thinking I don’t deserve Jesus’s forgiveness.
But can there really be the worst of sinners? What has Paul done that’s so bad? I don’t think this is an exaggeration, but a very real position to be in. I think we all experience this from time to time, wondering if God’s forgiveness would ever be enough to forgive the things we’ve done. It's a deceiving notion, which can cripple us too easily.
So let’s remember as Paul writes, our salvation in Christ “deserves full acceptance” which should be at the forefront of our minds.
Paul was once a blasphemer of Jesus, persecuting Christians, and labelled himself a violent man. But despite his actions, he was shown mercy in the forgiveness of Jesus. If God could transform and save Paul, imagine what he could do to you or others.
Paul gives us a blueprint of what Godly sorrow leads to. In his letter to the Corinthians, he writes: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”. Instead of dwelling in regret and self-pity over his sin, he allowed his shame to drive him toward repentance, leading to the eternal forgiveness found in Jesus. This redemption is offered to us with no cost, all we have to do is accept it.
Today, let's remember this truth that Jesus came into the world to save even the worst of sinners. This is the grace of God: His forgiveness is like the sky at sunrise - no matter how dark the night has been, His mercies are renewed each day.
This is a trustworthy saying which deserves full acceptance.
For Today
Pray
1 Timothy 1:15
I am the worst. I am the chief of sinners. Now that's a huge claim. Do you think like this about your sin? Or do you downplay it? I know I’ve done both, and it's often I find myself thinking I don’t deserve Jesus’s forgiveness.
But can there really be the worst of sinners? What has Paul done that’s so bad? I don’t think this is an exaggeration, but a very real position to be in. I think we all experience this from time to time, wondering if God’s forgiveness would ever be enough to forgive the things we’ve done. It's a deceiving notion, which can cripple us too easily.
So let’s remember as Paul writes, our salvation in Christ “deserves full acceptance” which should be at the forefront of our minds.
Paul was once a blasphemer of Jesus, persecuting Christians, and labelled himself a violent man. But despite his actions, he was shown mercy in the forgiveness of Jesus. If God could transform and save Paul, imagine what he could do to you or others.
Paul gives us a blueprint of what Godly sorrow leads to. In his letter to the Corinthians, he writes: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”. Instead of dwelling in regret and self-pity over his sin, he allowed his shame to drive him toward repentance, leading to the eternal forgiveness found in Jesus. This redemption is offered to us with no cost, all we have to do is accept it.
Today, let's remember this truth that Jesus came into the world to save even the worst of sinners. This is the grace of God: His forgiveness is like the sky at sunrise - no matter how dark the night has been, His mercies are renewed each day.
This is a trustworthy saying which deserves full acceptance.
For Today
- Take time to reflect on your own sin and the incredible grace and mercy Jesus offers. Let it lead you to gratitude and repentance.
- Think about how you could show grace to someone who has wronged you, remembering how freely God has forgiven you.
- Share the truth of God’s immense patience and mercy with someone who may feel unworthy of His forgiveness.
Pray
- Thank God for His endless mercy and the gift of salvation through Jesus, even for the “worst of sinners.”
- Ask God to help you turn from your sins with godly sorrow that leads to transformation.
- Pray for courage to share the message of God’s forgiveness and patience with those who feel hopeless or far from Him.
Posted in A Week of Fin
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