A Top-notch Testimony

1 Timothy 1:15-16--Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe and have eternal life.

I used to engage in the worst type of evangelism--sharing with people a false immediate happiness and doing so in a self-serving manner. I would approach someone with a giant grin, declaring "Hey friend, Christ has changed my life and He can change yours as well." That person would consequently look at my life to verify the Gospel and would come away sorely disappointed. If I was able to maintain the facade, that person would reject the Gospel because they thought it inaccessible by "normal" people. As was most often the case, the facade would fade and I would blatantly sin, thus confirming the horrible stereotype of Christian hypocrisy.

Paul provided Timothy with a wonderful testimony to be held close to Timothy's heart and tongue. The Gospel is not a mere description of the effects of Christ on someone's life--it is the proclamation of the objective work of Christ. Christ came into the world, taking full humanity upon His full deity. That is the fact of His person. The bridge to us comes in His mission: to save sinners. That was the purpose of His coming--not to introduce a higher sense of morality or pattern to live by or to eliminate the injustice of Jewish "racism"--but to free sinners from the reign of death by His atoning work. It is at that point that Paul finally includes himself in the testimony and mention that he is the worst of sinners--the most needy for God's grace. Our story is not that of pain and hardship being redeemed into hope and purpose. We still sin and suffer in this world! The story of Paul is our story--that through Christ's work, sinners are saved from the power of sin and sting of death.

What is the purpose of God's redemption of weak-kneed and feeble-tongued sinners? Through sinners, God's great glory is truly made manifest. When one is bereft of pride in their own accomplishment and abilities, they attest to the great grace of Christ that would make weak instruments the carriers of the greatest news ever known to mankind. It is this type of testimony that woos other sinners as well, because if God can be patient with someone as wicked as I am, then He can surely have that patience for others. Not only is this "display" compelling for sinners, but it also a clear testimony to God's glory.

We always want praise for the work that God does in us, as if we accomplished it ourselves. What a great moment it would be if someone approached me and said "Man, you suck. That God of yours must be pretty great to make a pansy like you something to be used."