S – “This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:15–16 CSB
O – Paul lays out God’s personal relationship with him:
- This is a true statement.
- Christ saves sinners – I am the worst of them.
- I received His mercy
- In believing in Him, he receives eternal life.
A – Interesting that Paul says he is the worst of sinners, while he is one of the most prominent leaders in church history. It is present tense “I am” the worst of them. It is healthy for us to recognize our past – we should confess, receive forgiveness and grow from it. We should wrestle with our daily temptations and sin – it keeps us humble and reliant on God. We should keep our value in ourselves high because God has a plan and purpose for us. This should not be expressed with arrogance but confidence in God working in us.
R – Lord, help me to do this today.
Just Add Water . Chris Bonham 