ASSEMBLIES OF GODDaily Devotional
The Reason
Read 1 Timothy 1:1 through 3:16
The apostle Paul wrote to his friend Timothy to guide Timothy’s care of the church in Ephesus. This letter offers a statement Paul wanted Timothy to always remember:
This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all (1 Timothy 1:15).
Why did Paul make that statement? It helps to glance back in history. On Paul’s fourth missionary journey, he traveled to Macedonia while directing Timothy to guide the church in Ephesus. Paul reminded Timothy why they were doing all their labor. He did not want the ministry to waver. All the other issues discussed and experienced must be based upon Jesus coming to save souls.
Paul ended that sentence with a confession of his own need for Christ. Considering himself the worst, Paul emphasized Christ’s sacrifice as the reason for all he was doing and the reason for Timothy’s ministry.
That truth—and Paul’s humble method of reminding Timothy—is the proper motive for churches to meet, people to worship, and missionaries to travel the world.
Thought for Today: The price Christ paid to save us should never be forgotten
Quicklook: 1 Timothy 1:12–17