1 Timothy 1:15b-16

(15b-16) …of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might disply his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

Paul is continuing to emphasize the glory of God in giving him a ministry, making sure that Timothy understands that it is all by grace as a gift – salvation and service. And he’s just said that Christ had a mission when he entered the world: the salvation of sinners; the rescue of rebels.

Now he makes it very personal – he says that he’s the foremost, or first, among sinners. Why’s he say that? V. 13 – he was a blasphemer and persecutor. Everyone sins – but Paul’s were especially blatant and especially grievous. Though it’s true that everyone is a sinner, it is also true that there are degrees of sin – and Paul’s were up there.

But even Paul was given mercy by Jesus. And Jesus had mercy on Paul with a purpose, a reason. What was that reason?

Jesus gave Paul mercy to put his patience on display. Jesus made much of his mercy; he showed off his patience. He glorified himself by displaying his character.

And he did it as an example to other believers – so that we could take comfort in his patience.

Do we doubt Jesus’ patience? Do we tremble because of our sins? Because of others’ sins? Look at how Jesus treated Paul. Jesus is merciful and patient. Though he could judge all of us in a moment, he withholds judgment for the salvation of his people.

What do we learn from these verses?

1) We should always keep in mind the gravity and grievousness of our own sins.
2) We should even remember our sins from before we were converted to Christ – remember who it was to whom he gave mercy.
3) That evil is in the world in part because Jesus is being patient and merciful to sinners.
4) If we need to seek comfort in Jesus’ patience, we should look to how he treated Paul.
5) Jesus’ actions to glorify himself are the same as his actions of mercy to his people. He loves us by putting his glory on display.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your patience. Thank you for your patience with me before you gave me mercy – and thank you for always interceding for me despite the fact that I still sin. Thank you for your example of mercy in Paul. Cause me to delight in your mercy and patience and to remember that you save by your glory – that I am not glorious nor worthy of praise or favor – but because you are, you saved me.

Continue to bring in the full number of your elect people. Make us all humble people, knowing that salvation is all of you, and joyful people because you have saved us.

Amen.