1 Timothy 1:1-20
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.
Timothy 1:15.
Jesus Christ came into the world. He is for real. Though historically born of Mary, He was before she was. Only Jesus could say, "No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man...." John 3:13. Yes, He came down to earth from heaven's glories.
But why did He come? He came to save sinners. Some people have a problem with this. They are usually the self-righteous, like the Pharisees, who couldn't understand why the Lord would associate with corrupt tax collectors and sinners. He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." Matthew 9:12, 13.
In order to save us He died for us. "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8.
The apostle Paul, who wrote this faithful saying to Timothy, said that he was the chief of sinners. He knew from first hand experience that Jesus saves sinners. In 1 Timothy 1:13 he testifies, "I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent (or violently arrogant) man." He had been the chief persecutor of the church. Addressing an unruly mob in Jerusalem, he said, "I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women." But Jesus saved Paul by His exceedingly abundant grace.
This faithful saying, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners," is "worthy of all acceptance." There are two kinds of sinners in the world today: those who have accepted His forgiveness, and those who have not. The saying is faithful and worthy of acceptance, because it is true. Jesus does save sinners. He only saves sinners. When we welcome Him into our lives by faith, He welcomes us into the family of God. John 1:12.
Loving and gracious God, thank you for accepting us, who are so undeserving. We marvel at this great salvation that you have provided on our behalf. Now use us in reaching out to others with your message of truth and hope. In our Savior's name. Amen!
