Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 16, 2023

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 1:15-17

Beloved: This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost. But for that reason I was mercifully treated, so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an example for those who would come to believe in him for everlasting life. To the king of ages, incorruptible, invisible, the only God, honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Paul’s statement today in his 1st Letter to Timothy underscores Christ’s mission in our world, namely, to save sinners. Paul identifies himself as “the foremost” of sinners, used by Christ to display Christ’s patience for “those who would come to believe.”

How does this pertain to us today?

Today, as in Paul’s time, we struggle with our own sinfulness and look to Christ for His mercy and patience with us. But we must also look to Him as the one He is, Son of God, Savior, who came to save us. And we must be willing to not only acknowledge Christ but our need for Him, our own sinfulness.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I wholly and honestly acknowledge Christ as Son of God, my savior? Do I wholly and honestly acknowledge my abundant need for salvation because of my own sins?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.