Audio Messages:
Pastor Wade Burleson

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The Purpose Driven God
He Came to Save Sinners

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I Timothy 1:12-17 (KJV)

12. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13. Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I can think of no better text in Scripture than this one to begin a New Year. It is a passage of hope, reminding us all that what is good and precious in your life need never be lost, and what is evil and undesirable in your life can be changed. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save us from fatalism. He came to stop people from saying, 'That's just the way I am'" John Piper. What is there in your life that needs changing? Notice what is needed.

1. Change begins with a humble assessment . . . "I am the chief of sinners" (v.15).
   The word chief is literally "first." Paul was first in rank. He was the king of sinners.
   1. He profaned the name of Christ . . . "Who before was a blasphemer" (v.13)
   2. He persecuted the followers of Christ . . . "and a persecutor" (v.13).
   3. He punished those who refused to deny Christ . . . "and injurious" (v.13).
      "As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling (dragging violently) men and women committed them to prison" (Acts 8:3). Paul had a real sense, a real apprehension, of himself and his sin. Saul was a religious man, but yet he came to consider himself "the chief of sinners."
2. Change requires an honest acceptance . . . "Christ came to save sinners" (v.15).
   He came to deliver sinners. He came to change sinners. This is worthy of acceptance. Until you know that Jesus didn't just come to deliver you from the punishment of sin, but He also came to deliver you from the power of sin, you will not see change. "You shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
3. Change flows from a heartfelt appeal . . . "but I obtained mercy, because" (v.13).
   "I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief" (v.13) is misunderstood.
   1. This statement is not extenuating sin . . . Paul is not saying, "God gave me mercy because my sin was not as bad as those who are not ignorant." That is contrary to the teaching of Scripture and Paul's own experience. Paul's light regarding the gospel was more than others, and this light compounded his sin.
   2. This statement is not excusing self . . . Paul is not saying, "Had somebody simply helped me understand, I would have believed." Paul was a teacher.
   3. This statement is expressing shame . . . it is simply a description of himself.
      "This phrase describes the apostle's state and condition; he was a poor, blind, ignorant bigot, an unbelieving and hardened creature, and so an object of mercy, pity and compassion of the God who pities the ignorant" John Gill.
4. Change solidifies with a helpful attitude . . . "a pattern to them hereafter" (v.16). Paul never allowed his past to hold him back. His past became a "pattern" for others. The word "pattern" is an interesting compound word that means "a sketch." Paul was saying that his life, when sketched, is a testimony to others of Christ's saving power. What is it you are ashamed of in your life? Let this year begin with your eye on God. "Christ Jesus came to save the sinner from his sin." He can deliver you this morning.

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Questions? Comments?
Pastor Wade


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