August 23, 2024 -- I Timothy 1:15-17 -- Sinners who find healing

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 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. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
I Timothy 1:15-17 ESV

It is tempting to read these words and half-heartedly affirm, yes, Paul was the worst of sinners. He was a murderer. He fought with the other apostles. He was angry with Mark. There are various sins that can be cited. The problem is I am pretty sure that is not how the passage is supposed to be read. Notice how the pronouns change. Paul received mercy, literally he received the forgiveness that is found in Jesus. The first time Jesus’s Name is used in these verses, His title Christ is mentioned first. This emphasizes He was anointed, sent by the Father as the Messiah, to accomplish the task of living in full obedience to Him. As the Christ He is the second Adam, the representative of those who will be deemed righteous through faith in Him. As the Christ He is the perfect Prophet, Priest and King—all the Old Testament offices are perfectly fulfilled in Him. Second mentioned is His personal Name, Jesus, which means He saves His people from their sins.

Paul noted he is the foremost of sinners. He is not claiming that his sins are the greatest on record. It is not a competition. When Paul looks to the Christ, he sees the One Who in every way lived perfectly in service to the Faithful Father in heaven. Paul, the more the Spirit showed him his life, realized with every glance how far he continuously fell short of the standard of this kind of perfection. He was not comparing himself to all other sinners, he was comparing himself to the One Who is the measure and standard for all people. Anything less than the perfections of Jesus will disqualify a man, a woman, or a child from eternity in the wondrous Presence of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Thus Paul is an example to those who were to believe in Jesus for eternal life. Now the emphasis is on the saving work of Jesus. The mercy of God is perfectly displayed in Jesus. Ruined sinners, those who see the perfections of Jesus and in contrast with Him realize how truly vile their actions are the very ones to whom the mercy of God can be poured out. It is open to all. Just like Paul received mercy, so can you, having recognized your sin, casting yourself on Jesus’ saving kindness, receive forgiveness full and free.

What is the evidence of a heart that has been transformed? It is praise to God. Paul regularly breaks into songs, those are poetic expressions of love directed to God. After he has been inspired by the Holy Spirit to make profound theological statements which capture the beyond description greatness of God’s merciful kindness, his heart just overflows so that he can’t help but bless God in words that flow like music. Better than a final-second-touchdown-breaking-a-tie-so-that-the-underdog-team-wins-the-Superbowl is the cheering that breaks out from the soul that knows, in the guts realization, God has plunged his sins into the depths of the seas and has given him forgiveness full and free.

God of Mercy, sometimes I can barely lift my eyes to You. What Paul writes is too awesome to contemplate. Can it really be for me? I intimately know my own heart’s inkiness and horrible stains so long carefully, afraid-others-might-find-out-hidden from others sin. It seems too good to be true that You would, as You did for Paul, cancel the debt and bring life-healing forgiveness. Increase my faith in Christ Jesus. Help me to read the trustworthy statement that deserves full acceptance so that I will gasping with awe grasp hold of this extravagant gift of Your healing, saving, wondrous love. Mighty God, for those among us who have known this salvation for a long time, let it be new and rich for us, all over again, so that with enthusiasm and humble joy we will rejoice with those who are taking hold of this salvation for the first time

https://youtu.be/HLzEhE6Fe1g?si=Spw6IxwfQiqnxDh0 “I’m Healing” lyrics are included below

Verse 1
Jesus you see me
And God you really know me
You bring compassion
As sunlight greets the morning
Verse 2
Jesus you’re with me
You said you’d never leave me
Settle my heartbeat
As quiet slows the evening
Chorus
The sweetness of your presence My soul’s remedy
The sweetness of your presence
Clears the air I breathe
The sweetness of your presence
Covering my sleep In the sweetness of your presence
I’m healing
Tag
Oh I’m healing
Verse 3
We’ve had our history
Together through the hard things
You tend to my trauma
With nurture of a mother
Bridge
Oh I open up my heart to yours
Oh I’ll open up my heart (come in lord, come in)
Oh I open up my heart to yours
Oh I’ll open up my heart (come in lord, come in)

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