Chief of Sinners but Recipient of Grace

Daily Devotional – Friday, November 5, 2022

…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 1:15 (NKJV)

Saul of Tarsus was the principal sinner against the early church. The learned and powerful Pharisees had been leading a militia of Jews that was incarcerating and killing the followers of Jesus. So zealous was Saul to kill Christians that he went after them in Damascus.

The Foremost Offender

Then it happened! A blinding light in broad daylight. An encounter with the resurrected Jesus. A dramatic conversion from chief persecutor to a fierce defender of the new faith. A new name to signify the transformation. Thus was born Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

Despite being forgiven and confirmed by Jesus into the ministry, though, Paul never forgot the pit from which the Lord had pulled him. He stated, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15).

Other Supreme Lawbreakers

Whenever Paul reflected on his sinfulness, he loved Jesus more. He realized that only by God’s grace had he been saved. He acknowledged that if God paraded all sinners, he (Paul) would be the first on the queue because of the enormity of his sin.

Others Biblical character that could easily rival Paul for the title ‘Chief of Sinners’ include Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, Solomon, Peter, John and James. Paul states that God’s love of him is an object lesson for all sinners (verse 16).

Chief of Sinners but Recipient of Grace

I, too, am the Chief of Sinners. Why is God so merciful to such a miserable offender like me? How does Jesus continue to love me yet I am so imperfect? It can only be because of His unconditional and perfect love because in me dwells nothing good.

As you reflect on God’s unfathomable love and forgiveness today, let Him fill you with a sense of awe and gratitude. Acknowledge that you are indeed the chief of sinners. Let God’s love reign over you. Purpose to be the role model of God’s transformative power for repentant sinners.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, though I am the chief of sinners, I am happy and grateful that I have eternal life because of Your death on the cross. Thank You because You have never given up on me.