October 27, 2023 – Friday
1 Timothy 1:15-16 NKJV
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
1 Timothy 1:15-16 NIV
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.
Comments
Continuing on with another example of why Jesus came beyond the verses John 3:16-17, 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Today, I have chosen 1 Timothy 1:15-16, 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
I especially like the NKJV here because there Paul calls himself the chief of sinners. And I recall long ago once reading a booklet titled “The Chiefest of Sinners” which no longer appears to be in print or available as a used book. However, there seem to be plenty with the title “Chief of Sinners” also about Paul.
In this, Paul’s first letter to Timothy, Paul seeks to let Timothy know how great God’s mercy is. Thus, he said (NIV), 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. He confesses he was a zealous Pharisee who persecuted the church prior to his conversion. His persecution consisted of imprisonment, beatings, loss of home and property, and worst of all he forced many to renounce their faith in Jesus. He watched over the cloaks of those who stoned Stephen to death (Acts 7:58-60). Yet, he received mercy.
This brings to mind Richard Wurmbrand, who in his book, Tortured for Christ, relates how he was caught praying (a forbidden activity) by the prison’s warden. The warden, who had authorized many beatings and torture, asked him who he was praying for and Wurmbrand replied, “For you.” Sometime later he was imprisoned with Wurmbrand, having accepted Christ. Like Paul, he received mercy. This is a great example of verse 16 in Paul’s letter to Timothy, 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. Such mercy continues to this day for all who turn to Jesus in repentance accepting Him as their Lord and Savior.
Bottom Line: Wurmbrand never stopped praying for his enemies, nor did Paul. We are to do the same, thus bringing Micah 6:8b to life in our own lives, 8 And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? God’s mercy abounds, let it also abound in our own lives.
Prayer: Father, I often come to this point and have no words or so few as they seem so inadequate to what I have learned and shared. Thank You more than I can say for Your love and mercy. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Still writing and working for the Glory of God