1 Timothy 1: 15

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst.

How does the Apostle Paul start this verse?
With "Here is a trustworthy saying"
Why does he use such words?
To draw attention to the greatness of his message.
What does the word "saying" indicate?
That this was a short proverb in common use.
How many of these sayings are there?
5: 1 Tim 3:1, 1 Tim 4:9,10, 2 Tim 2:11-13, Titus 3:8
What is said about this first saying?
It is trustworthy: you can believe this!
How does Paul emphasize this further?
By adding: "that deserves full acceptance"
What is meant by this?
It is not only worthy of your trust, we should also accept its message.
How did Paul know that it was trustworthy and deserved full acceptance?
Because he personally experienced in (see verses 12-14)

To what saying did the Apostle Paul refer?
"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."
To what great fact does this refer to?
To the coming of our Lord in the flesh.
What else do we call that?
The Incarnation>
What names are given to our Lord in this verse?
Christ Jesus.
What is the meaning of Christ?
Anointed One (i.e. to be king, priest or Messiah)
What is the meaning of Jesus?
God the Saviour.
What was the objects of the Lord's coming?
To save sinners
What is meant with the word save?
To rescue, preserve, heal, make whole.

Who are in need of salvation?
Sinners
What are Sinners?
People who commit unrighteousness, wickedness, or simple transgress the law - in short everybody.
What does this verse tell us?
That sinners need salvation and the Lord Jesus came to bring this.
What is meant with "of whom I am the worst?"
I am the one who has committed the worst sins.
Why did Saint Paul consider himself to be the worst sinner?
Because he had persecuted the Church etc.
What can we learn from Saint Paul's salvation?
The worst sinner was saved by the Lord Jesus, there is no crime to big, no sin to great or the Lord Jesus can save us.

Adapted from:
"The one hundred texts of the society for Irish Church Missions."
T.C. Hammond, Dublin. 1939