In the book of 1 Timothy the Apostle Paul wrote some shocking things in chapter one. I normally use NIV, but I want to show you what the more word-for-word NASB says in 1 Timothy 1:8-11
"8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers 10 and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted." 1 Timothy 1:8-11
Paul was writing to Timothy to address some problems in the church in Ephesus and to give the young pastor some advice on how to deal with those problems. Apparently the self-righteous folks had made their way into the church. These people had been promoting controversies and teaching false doctrines and trying to make the new believers follow the Law as a means of salvation.
Paul, as usual was upset by this type of behavior. So Paul told Timothy that the main purpose of the law is to help us realize that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The Law primarily is to help sinners realize they need saving.
Paul basically said that the Gospel and therefore the local church is for broken down sinners. His list is shocking. He lists those who are rebellious and liars alongside homosexuals, kidnappers and even people that killed their parents!
To borrow a good cliche, the local church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners, ever those who have killed and kidnapped.
Paul continued his point in the next few verses.
"12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Paul reminds Timothy that he was once a murderer and a persecutor. Paul spent his days rounding up Christians to be imprisoned and killed. Paul was a violent man, but God chose to use him. God chose to give mercy and grace to a man that was merciless.
Paul firmly believed that if he could be saved then anyone could be saved and sanctified.
Don't hear me wrongly, this passage is by no means condoning any of the behaviors listed. God never approves of murdering your parents, or homosexuality, or lying, or adultery, or slave trading (as the NIV translates kidnapping), or whatever is contrary to sound doctrine. No, God does not permit those things, but God accepts those people.
If you have done anything that fits that list God wants you. If you have done ANYTHING on that list God desires you.
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners... of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15
Church, who do you have in your pews? What type of visitors feel welcome in your services? Who do you reach out to? What type of Gospel do you believe in: a big sinner saving Gospel or a gospel that is good rules before good news?
God has come to save sinners and all sinners can be saved today.
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