Jesus Came To Save Sinners

1 Timothy

​Jesus Christ is God. He is sovereign above all earthly and spiritual power. He deserves our worship and service because of who He is and what He has done.

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 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. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15–17 (ESV)

Here in 1 Timothy 1, Paul identified himself as an apostle, emphasizing his function as an authorized messenger and also the role of both the Father and the Son in the believer’s salvation.

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 1 Timothy 1:1–2 (ESV)

Timothy was the apostle’s true child, not by birth but in the faith. This language reflects the deep affection each felt for the other.

“As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.” 1 Timothy 1:3–7 (ESV)

The goal of biblical instruction is love—love for God (to love God is to passionately pursue His glory and submit to His will) and love for neighbor (to love people is the decision to compassionately, righteously, and responsibly seek the well-being of others). The absence of love means that teaching (no matter how accurate) has not fully accomplished its goal.

“Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.” 1 Timothy 1:8–11 (ESV)

Paul emphasizes that he is not disparaging the law but those who misunderstand it and use it legalistically. The law is good, but it must be understood legitimately. The law shows us how sinful we are, how incapable we are of keeping it. The law was intended to point us to our need for a Savior.

“Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.” Galatians 3:21–26 (ESV)

It can’t make us righteous. Believers satisfy the demands of the law as they walk in the Spirit The law is for those who have not yet become convinced of their sin according to Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort in the Way of the Master.

“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 1:12–14 (ESV)

Dr. Tony Evans writes, “Timothy had no doubt heard Paul’s testimony before, but Paul apparently never tired of telling the story of the power of God’s grace in his life. No matter where you came from or what you did, if you trust in Jesus as your substitutionary sacrifice, you too have a testimony of grace to proclaim.”

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 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. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15–17 (ESV)

The apostle was grateful to serve as a testimony of hope and encouragement so that others might be motivated to believe the gospel. Are you?

“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience.” 1 Timothy 1:18–19 (ESV)

Dr. Harold Wilmington, with closing thoughts on this letter, writes, Paul charged Timothy to “fight well in the Lord’s battles,” thus avoiding the spiritual “shipwreck” others had suffered.
Do you believe that Jesus Christ is God? Do you believe He is sovereign, above all earthly and spiritual power? Do you believe He deserves our worship and service because of who he is and what he has done? Are you acting upon the the calling by which Christ has called you? If not; why not?

Today, be encouraged and gratefully serve Jesus Christ and His Kingdom as a testimony of the hope you possess, so that others might be motivated to believe the gospel and it’s transforming power.

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