The Worst Sinner I Know!

"12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."

Here Paul is thanking God for the strength He has given him to be faithful in the ministry in which Christ had called him to. He’s acknowledging that it was Christ’s work and His grace! Paul realizes who he was before conversion. Just like us, he was a blasphemer of Christ! Though I was once a blasphemer of Christ, in His mercy, there is no sin that is too great for acceptance with Him. How I long for this to be my heart towards others when they sin against me! How merciful and kind of God to accept wretched little me! I must ALWAYS have the mind set that I am first and foremost the worst sinner I know and it’s only by the grace of God I am who I am (1 Corinthians 15:10). Just as Christ has extended this grace towards me, I must also extend grace towards others when they sin against me. God loves us, whether we’re sinning or not, and this should be the love I have towards others, for it is only by the mercy and grace of God that I stand here today. God’s gracious dealings with us should fill us with admiration of His glorious attributes. He is eternal without beginning of days, or end of life, or change of times. He is the Ancient of days! What a humble and God glorifying example Paul displays here! Lord please give me the desire and grace to have this attitude at all times!

"18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme."

Paul is addressing Timothy to hold on tight to his convictions. God calls us to fight the good fight of faith when we’re tempted to sin. We are to pull out our sword and remind ourselves of the glorious gospel and the reason why we stand today. Let us hold our faith and a good conscience in God’s sight. Our hope should lie on the solid rock of Jesus Christ!

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.