July 10: Jesus came to save sinners

  
This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” — and I am the worst of them. But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.   (1 Timothy 15-16 — Holman Christian Standard Bible)

One of Satan’s most effective tools is guilt and condemnation. If he can keep you feeling condemned and unworthy and worthless, then you are his. If you constantly think about what a big sinner you are, and replay the regrets of your past, it will be impossible for you to live for God. Satan's very name means "accuser", and he does his work enthusiastically. His worst nightmare is for you or anyone else to understand that Jesus has provided forgiveness of sins. And if you do discover this fact, he works at making you think that you are too undeserving of that forgiveness.

This passage states that there is a great truth that deserves full acceptance by all: Jesus came into the world to save sinners. We are sinners, even though we’ve given our lives to God, and even though we’ve been baptized in the Holy Spirit. We don’t live in sin, we don’t wake up in the morning determined to get away with as much sin as we can — but we do sin, and need to continually repent of wrong and be sensitive to our conscience and God’s voice.

Paul states that he considered himself the worst of sinners. He must be referring to how he had persecuted, and helped kill Christians before his conversion. Paul is not exaggerating here, or attempting to appear excessively humble, rather I think he is referring to the fact that the most repulsive group of people on the face of the earth, in God’s view, are hypocrites and religious fanatics, and Paul had been the biggest, most dedicated hypocrite. But he says that God has made him an example of His unlimited patience and willingness to forgive men. And so, the Holy Spirit’s message for us today is that we should refuse to wallow in condemnation any longer. Accept the “too good to be true” forgiveness of the Lord Jesus, and get busy serving Him with gratefulness and love. And more, tell others about the amazing Savior you’ve found.