The Worst Of Sinners

I. EXORDIUM:

Are you a worst sinner?

II. AUDIENCE PROFILE:

Believers

III. OBJECTIVES:

To show that GOD in His mercy can display His unlimited patience on anyone and even make anyone a good example to those who will believe.

IV. TEXT:

1 Timothy 1:16 (Amplified Bible)

But I obtained mercy for the reason that in me, as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might show forth and display all His perfect long-suffering and patience for an example to [encourage] those who would thereafter believe on Him for [the gaining of] eternal life.

V. THESIS:

GOD in His mercy can display His unlimited patience on anyone and even make anyone a good example to those who will believe.

VI. TITLE:

The worst of sinners

VII. EXPLICATION:

A. Author: Apostle Paul

B. Date written: About 64 A.D., but uncertain

C. To whom written: Timothy, Paul's true son in the faith

1 Timothy 1:2 (New International Version)

To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

D. Main themes: Advice and exhortation to a young pastor respecting his personal conduct and ministerial work

E. Keyword: conduct

F. Key verse:

1 Timothy 3:15 (New International Version)

if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

VIII. MAIN BODY:

A. Paul was shown mercy

"But I obtained mercy for the reason that in me, as the foremost [of sinners],"

1 Timothy 1:13 (Amplified Bible)

Though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and was shamefully and outrageously and aggressively insulting [to Him], nevertheless, I obtained mercy because I had acted out of ignorance in unbelief.

2 Corinthians 4:1 (Amplified Bible)

THEREFORE, SINCE we do hold and engage in this ministry by the mercy of God [granting us favor, benefits, opportunities, and especially salvation], we do not get discouraged (spiritless and despondent with fear) or become faint with weariness and exhaustion.

Our GOD is the GOD of Grace, Mercy and Peace and so much, much more for us. He is GOD who is more than enough for our needs. If He can do this to Paul, how much more He can do this to us by releasing His mercy to all of us.

B. CHRIST displayed His unlimited patience on Paul

"Jesus Christ might show forth and display all His perfect long-suffering and patience"

Romans 5:20 (Amplified Bible)

But then Law came in, [only] to expand and increase the trespass [making it more apparent and exciting opposition]. But where sin increased and abounded, grace (God’s unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased the more and superabounded,

Romans 15:4 (Amplified Bible)

For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope.

Hebrews 7:25 (Amplified Bible)

Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them.

Instead of rejecting Paul, GOD made Him an instrument of righteousness to display His Patience on Him.

Romans 6:13 (Amplified Bible)

Do not continue offering or yielding your bodily members [and faculties] to sin as instruments (tools) of wickedness. But offer and yield yourselves to God as though you have been raised from the dead to [perpetual] life, and your bodily members [and faculties] to God, presenting them as implements of righteousness.

C. CHRIST made Paul an example for the believers

"for an example to [encourage] those who would thereafter believe on Him for [the gaining of] eternal life"

Isaiah 55:7 (Amplified Bible)

Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have love, pity, and mercy for him, and to our God, for He will multiply to him His abundant pardon.

Luke 7:47 (Amplified Bible)

Therefore I tell you, her sins, many [as they are], are forgiven her—because she has loved much. But he who is forgiven little loves little.

John 6:37 (Amplified Bible)

All whom My Father gives (entrusts) to Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, no never, reject one of them who comes to Me].

No worst sinner can turn off GOD, come to Him and receive His Loving forgiveness on all our sins.

IX. CONCLUSION:

GOD in His mercy can display His unlimited patience on anyone and even make anyone a good example to those who will believe.