1 Timothy – Week 2 – Day 2

READ 

1 Timothy 1:15-17 

15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. 

Notice that Jesus did not come primarily to be a good example or even a good teacher. He was both, but His main purpose was to “save sinners.” Paul humbly admitted he was the worst of all. He had approved of the persecution—and even the killing—of some believers in Christ. Paul can be used as an example to let others know if God could save Paul, He could do it for them also. This caused Paul to break out into a doxology of praise.  

REFLECT 

Have you met some who thought they were too bad for God to save? Ask if they have contributed to the killing of believers. If not, they’re not as bad as Paul was. If so, God can save them just as He did Paul. 

RESPOND 

See the passages that tell of Paul’s past. Read Acts 8:1-3; 22:3-5; 26:9-11. Use Paul’s example to let others know no one is beyond the reach of God because Jesus died for everyone and they can come to Him by faith.