1 Timothy 1:15
In our culture, self-esteem is seen as one of the highest virtues –perhaps the highest. Whitney Houston used to sing “The
greatest love of all is to love yourself” and many in the world sing along with that sentiment. Paul couldn’t be more different.

In 1 Corinthians 15:9 he calls himself “the least of the apostles.” Later in Ephesians 3:8 he’s “the least of the saints.” Finally in 1 Timothy 1:15 he’s “the chief of sinners.” His opinion of himself seems to go down over time. But this is not morbid introspection on Paul’s part, it’s a liberated self-forgetfulness. The more he trusts the grace of Christ the less he needs to justify himself.

If “sinners” are who Christ saves then Paul says “Sign me up!”

PRAY to have a true assessment of your own sin but an even deeper appreciation of the grace and salvation of Jesus.