“So you can be all Christ wants you to be!”
1 Timothy 1:15 – “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.”
Paul makes this statement as a testimony to the greatness of God’s mercy and grace. Paul believed that – if God would save him, “the greatest of all sinners,” anyone who put their faith in Christ could be saved. Paul’s acknowledgement and awareness of his sin, his past failures, his inability to personally attain holiness, gave glory to the faithfulness of God’s love. Paul was a man who persecuted and executed Jesus followers. Yet, even then, God in His great mercy and love, redeemed and used Paul’s life for His glory.
Albert Barnes’ Commentary on the verse:
“That an acknowledgment that we are sinners is not inconsistent with evidence of piety, and with high attainments in it. The most eminent Christian has the deepest sense of the depravity of his own heart and of the evil of his past life.”
Popular New Testament Commentary:
“Such is ever the cry of the conscience, when, ceasing to compare itself with others, it sees itself as in the sight of God.”
F.B. Meyer’s write this…
“It is only when we see God, that we know ourselves and repent in dust and ashes.”
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke 18:9 -14 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable:
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people–robbers, evildoers, adulterers–or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Jesus tells this story of two totally different people praying. Many of us that are “churched,” are very much like the Pharisee. Leaning on our faithful, religious practices to the point of elevating ourselves over people we consider of lesser value to God and His Kingdom. Humbleness, humility and repentance are the cornerstones to the faith required to “boldly” approach the “Throne of Grace” for mercy. We can only enter boldly by our faith in what Christ has done. We must always remember we are still sinners saved by grace. For this we give thanks, we rejoice, and we pray without ceasing. Life has freedom, life has joy, life has real peace — under God’s grace.
Albert Barnes’ Commentary on the verse:
“The prayer of the publican was totally different from that of the Pharisee. He made no boast of his own righteousness toward God or man. He felt that he was a sinner, and, feeling it, was willing to acknowledge it. This is the kind of prayer that will be acceptable to God. When we are willing to confess and forsake our sins, we shall find mercy,”
Proverbs 28:13 ” Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
John Wesley’s commentary basically states that coming before God in the humility of shame is more honest than the regulation of fear.
Remember the shackles of your old life, so that you may fully enjoy this moment of freedom you have in Christ.
