“But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Perfect Patience
Nobody I know in this life has perfect patience. But I know beyond the shadow of doubt that God displays perfect patience.

We can see it on full display in Paul’s life.

In this short passage Paul describes himself as “foremost.”

What did he mean?
Let’s look back at a few verses:

1 Timothy‬ ‭1:12-15‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 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.”
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Paul’s message here is simple and clear. Christ came to save sinners and according to him, he was the foremost- the worst – the chief of them all.

He recounts how in his past life he was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent opponent of the faith.

But something special happened. He received something from God that he did not deserve.

The Bible says, he received mercy, the grace of our Lord overflowed towards him and Jesus lavished his love and forgiveness on Paul by drawing the foremost of all sinners to Himself.

FOR THIS REASON
Paul says,

“But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”
— ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Paul says, the reason why I am here today is because of God’s Perfect Patience. And if you have any doubt in your mind that He can’t save you or forgive because you, believe me He can.

if you feel like you’re too far gone, and your sin is dark and evil – Paul says, look at me: The foremost of all sinners. If He did it for me – He’ll do it for you.

My life is a perfect example of The Perfect Patience of God towards sinners.

Come, plunge beneath His precious blood and lose all your guilty stains.