Public Sinner Number One

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.   

1 Tim 1:15

The Apostle Paul sometimes wrote as if he were depressed or negative.  He thought of himself as the “worst sinner” Jesus had come to save, or as the Message paraphrases him, “I'm proof — Public Sinner Number One.”

If you read Paul’s autobiography, he reveals that he “was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man” (v13).  Paul did indeed persecute Christians and he was present for the murder of a deacon named Stephen (Acts 7:57-8:1, 3). 

Then, a miracle happened.  The Holy Spirit transformed a bitter Saul into a humble Paul.  By living in the Spirit, Paul began to live in divine love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).  In humility, Paul recognized what he had been, but more importantly, saw the miracle Christ had done in him.  Paul was expressing with thankful joy, that he was a, “has been—Public Sinner Number One.”

   

Yes you and I will remember what we were.  If you have been transformed (Rom 12:2, 2 Cor 2:15, Eph 4:22-24) like Paul, then as a Christ follower, a follower of the Way (Acts 24:14; see John 14:6), you will rejoice in thankfulness that you’re a “HAS BEEN—Public Sinner Number One.”

A Has Been In Christ,

Owen <><