The Main Reason

"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.  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."

1 Timothy 1: 15-16

 

In this letter to Timothy, Paul is charging his "true child in the faith", to hold fast to the teaching of the gospel that has been entrusted to him.  Paul is also encouraging Timothy throughout the letter and urging him to remain sincere in the faith and with a clear conscience.  In the portion of scripture above, Paul is reminding his readers of the utmost importance of faith in Christ.  This being, that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners".  I think so often we can get caught up in so many other things, not only in our day-to-day lives, but in our walk of faith as well.  These are things that lead us to focus our time, energy, and hearts on so many other things that, in the end, don't really matter.  We can get in a headspace, where we are relying too much on our own efforts.  We may be having a challenging season, in which, we think the solution is to pray more, or, pray harder.  This just simply isn't the real solution or healthy thinking.  We may be in a spot where shame and guilt have taken a grip on our minds and hearts.  This would cause times where we think we are 'un-savable', or lead to thinking we need to 'get right' before we come to God.  The sin we have committed in our past, or the sin we are currently living in takes us further and further from the Lord, and if we are not careful, we begin to be deceived into thinking that this is all our lives will ever be.  We forget the foundational reason that Jesus came to this world.  To save us, not to teach us how to save ourselves.  We forget that He gave of His life for the sole purpose of our salvation.  Paul goes on to site his own life as an example of the saving power of Jesus Christ.  Having been a highly regarded religious leader of his time, Paul was ignorantly involved in persecuting and martyring Christians.  However, on the road to Damascus, Paul had a radical encounter with Jesus' mercy and grace, that forever changed his heart to pursue the spreading of the gospel and discipleship.  All sin is sin, but Paul is making the point that the sin in his life was so devastating, that Jesus elected to use him in ministry, the "foremost sinner", to demonstrate the power of His mercy and grace, that ultimately more people would be lead to eternal life in Jesus.  The example of Paul's life is for us to have hope in our own salvation, because if Christ chose to show Paul grace and mercy, certainly we have hope of our own eternal salvation.  The point is to know that whatever past or current sin you have can be forgiven, healed, and you can walk in the power of Christ's grace and mercy.  Don't allow the enemy of mine and your soul, to deceive your thinking, and persuade you that you cannot be saved, or that you are too far gone.  Remember that the reason Jesus came into this world was to save sinners, like you, and like me.  He came for no other reason, then to love us, heal us, and offer His perfect patience, grace, and mercy to us.  Today, know that Jesus came to save you!  He came to give you freedom from the bondage of your sin, and He came to give you peace, love, and eternal life!  Love you all!  Praying for you and yours!  Have a blessed day, it's your choice!