first in line

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. 1 Timothy 1:15

Paul’s humble attitude toward his own need for salvation was that Jesus came to offer salvation for sinners, and Paul was standing first in line. He was the foremost sinner in the greatest need. He did not judge others as more sinful than he was. Those days had passed. Once a Pharisee… once a leader of the Jews… once a judgmental persecutor of Christians, Paul now saw all that as part of His sin résumé and not anything to be celebrated.

Paul is showing us here how to see ourselves before the cross. We are the first in line to humbly admit our great need and unworthiness. We are first in line to confess sin and our need of a Savior. We are first in line to be aware of our lostness and our need for divine direction. We are first in line to express praise and gratitude for the salvation that we have in Christ. We are first in line to joyfully share the good news with all the rest of the sinners around us.

Lord,

May I humbly see my sin as putting me at the top of the list of those needing Your grace. I hold no sin secret, dear, or tightly to my heart. I am a sinner, foremost in need, foremost to receive, foremost to declare Your saving grace to other sinners!

Amen