This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all.
1 Timothy 1:15 NLT http://bible.com/116/1ti.1.15.NLT
A Trustworthy Saying:
Words and actions that can be counted on are increasingly more valuable in the world today. People who actually do what they say draw people to them. “A trustworthy saying” is a phrase that is right there with some other great phrases:
* My word is my bond
* A handshake deal
* You can take that to the bank
Each of these phrases communicate a reliable commitment that one can count on. The apostle Paul is telling the young leader, Timothy, about a very trustworthy saying: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Jesus is reliable. He can be counted on. His words become His actions. Jesus says He has the ability to save, and guess what, He does actually save people from a life of separation from God forever.
Paul gives Timothy two more important pieces of information:
* Everyone should accept it
* I am the worst sinner of all
In general, people accept the fact that the person of Jesus Christ existed and was real. His existence is Trustworthy. Many people and religions accept Jesus as a great teacher. His teaching is trustworthy. Several world religions and historians recognize Jesus as someone with incredible healing powers. His healing power is trustworthy.
So, why is it if his existence, teaching and healing are trustworthy that people are reluctant to accept Jesus Christ as one who saves sinners? The core of that answer can be found in Paul’s closing statement “and I am the worst of them all.” Paul recognizes that he is a sinner and needs the life saving work of Jesus in his own life.
The biggest challenge in sharing the truth of who Jesus is with the people around us is the honest recognition that we are actually separated from God because of sin and brokenness in our lives. Paul willingly calls that truth out in his own life.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for saving me from the sin that separates me from God. When I compare myself to you, I am the worst of sinners. You have chosen to give everything to break the bondage that sin creates in this world. I am so grateful to be lifted from the load of broken commitments and self indulgence, greed and pride. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for restoring me to God the Father in relationship.
In Jesus name, Amen