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I Timothy 1:15-17, Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

In this letter to Timothy, Paul gives instruction to his younger friend about how to lead the churches in Ephesus.  Paul intends to travel there soon but expects to be delayed and thus, writes this letter to encourage and guide Timothy.  But this is not a private letter.  It was written to Timothy with the intention that these instructions be read aloud to the churches.  It's not a very long letter, but Paul addresses a number of topics in it, including doctrine and a warning against false teachers, public worship, guidelines for pastors and deacons, moral instruction, social responsibilities, and how to deal with material possessions.  This all would have been in reaction to struggles the churches were encountering.

Towards the end of this first chapter, Paul gives a mini-testimony.  He speaks about being a blasphemer and a persecutor (v. 14) but Christ showed grace toward him.  From a worldly perspective, there wasn't much hope for him.  But no one is beyond the grace of God.  In fact, Paul says that Christ's grace was poured out abundantly, overflowed, in his life.  

And then, Paul makes some pretty strong, definitive statements, which we find in our focus verses today.  He is responding to the deceptive and false teachers who were confusing the new believers.  Read through verses 15-17 again…

            Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the       world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and       ever. Amen.

Paul makes it clear that the Gospel message is trustworthy, unlike the hollow claims of the false teachers.  Christ came into the world to save sinners.  Thus, the Gospel message is true AND universal.  Jesus came to save the whole world.  The Gospel is also personal.  Paul speaks of his own experience of the Gospel.  He was a pretty bad sinner and Jesus even saved him.  Why did God show him this amazing mercy and grace?  To demonstrate his immense patience as an example to others who might believe in him. 

Have you experienced the Gospel as trustworthy, universal, and personal?  Do you know it as TRUE?  Do you understand that Jesus' offer of salvation is for all nations, all tribes, all people?  Finally, have you personally experienced Jesus as your savior?  Have you said YES to Jesus' offer of grace, repented of your sins, and decided to live a life following Jesus?  If not, today can be your day!  Maybe you need to recommit your life to Jesus.  You've wandered, you've walked away, or you've simply been going through the motions.  Today is the day to make a new commitment to Jesus Christ. 

Let's pray...Lord Jesus, I believe in you.  I believe that you died on a cross for my sins and that you were resurrected on the third day.  I know this to be true.  Lord, I'm tired of doing life as the world tells me to do.  I want to walk hand in hand with you.  Forgive me of my sins and help me focus on you and you alone.  Ignite in me a passion for you.  I want to live for you, Jesus.  In Your Name, Amen.