“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.”
1 Timothy 1:15
SUN If there is one thing all jails have in common, it’s that they house those members of society who are automatically labeled “the worst.” When I entered the penal system, I tried to convince myself that I didn’t really belong among “the worst.” However, given time to interact with other inmates, and given time to read Scripture, the sobering truth has become evident: I do belong. I have seen who I am apart from Christ and now readily admit that but for His grace, I would have committed even worse evils.
Confessing how wretched he’d be without Christ, the Apostle Paul offered himself as the model “worst of the worst.” He told each one of us reading Scripture today that if Jesus would rescue him from hell, He is more than able to save us, too. Paul showed us that the Word of God is not to be used as a mirror so that we can admire ourselves, excuse our sin, or judge others. Rather, it is a lens through which the Lord reveals His prodigal grace supremely at the cross, where even the foremost sinner can find new life.
Confessing how wretched he’d be without Christ, the Apostle Paul offered himself as the model “worst of the worst.” He told each one of us reading Scripture today that if Jesus would rescue him from hell, He is more than able to save us, too. Paul showed us that the Word of God is not to be used as a mirror so that we can admire ourselves, excuse our sin, or judge others. Rather, it is a lens through which the Lord reveals His prodigal grace supremely at the cross, where even the foremost sinner can find new life.
Scripture Focus
1 Timothy 1
Insight
Let it be said of us, too, that we would never boast “except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14a).
Bible In A Year
- Exodus 19,20
- Psalm 35
- Mark 15
