| JESUS CAME TO SAVE |

1 Timothy is one of a number of letters known as the “pastoral epistles.” They are written by Paul to young elders in the church to remind them of the Gospel and call them to the central matters of leading the church. One of the best things Paul does for these elders is to openly repent of his own sin.

A Trustworthy Saying

Verse 15 simply must be at the heart of our Christmas celebration.

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.

I am convinced that the main reason our culture doesn’t have a problem with Christmas trees and candy canes but balks at the mention of Christ is because Christ came to save sinners. The problem is that every single one of us is implicated in this reality. This means that in order to be saved I must admit that I am a sinner. Where Paul did not seem to be afraid of confessing his sin, we are masterful in pretending we have it all together.

How can Paul confess his sin without fear? Because when the light of Christ broke into this world, he came to save sinners. Glory to God that sinners may openly rejoice at the coming of our Savior!

Merry Christmas! May all our celebration be done unto the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God. To him be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.