“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 Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:15,16).
I believe this because it is scripture. I believe it, but only to a point, however. I cannot fully embrace it. This is where I have to disagree with Paul because, you see, he didn’t know about me. At the time he wrote this, he may have been the worst of sinners, but that was only because I wasn’t born yet. He hadn’t met me.
So this is the only scripture I know that must be revised. Paul was not the worst of sinners, I am. And because he put it in present tense, I must too. It’s not that I was a sinner way back when. I am now. I know myself too well, and you don’t know the half of it.
And the patience – the unlimited patience – he talks about is for all the rest of you guys, because if he would show me mercy, then there is hope for everyone. Emphasis on “everyone.” If there are no worse sinners than me, then there is no one who can’t qualify for eternal life – no one outside of God’s grace.
So come one, come all! Get in on this incredible offer! No one is too bad for this; no one is beyond it. You can’t run out of God’s patience!
John Fischer The Catch 
Great Catch brother John, but I now have to take exception with you. I am the chief of sinners. No one but God Himself knows the depths of my sin… or yours… or any other readers. I saw a great T-shirt the other day at my Celebrate Recovery meeting that says it all… it read, “I am the wretch that the song was talking about”. Priceless.
Your both wrong. It’s me, I am the worst.
It sounds to me like we have a discussion concerning who is the CHIEFEST OF SINNERS. Even though we all could lay claim to this title, I beg your pardons, but I, Gary Lee Parker, is THE CHIEFEST OF SINNERS. If you knew my life as I do and God does, there would be no argument to my statement. Thanks be to God’s Mercy, Love, and Grace, He is leading me to be His Holy Servant in this world I live in for His purposes. Wow, does this mean that each of us if we are honest enough will lay claim to being THE CHIEFEST OF SINNERS? I do. Are there anybody else laying claim to my title?
Ah beautiful. Lots of disagreement. I love it!
I think you are mistaken when you suggest you can not fully embrace this passage. I think you already have. Paul’s sinfulness is not what he suggests deserves full acceptance. Instead he writes a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.” Your acceptance of this saying has led you to conclude you are worse than Paul. My acceptance of this saying has led me to conclude that I am worse still.
I suppose we could argue over which of us is actually the worst. We are both really bad sinners, so it would probably be a pretty ugly argument. But since I fully accept that I am the worst, there’s no argument. Instead I will admire the image of God I see in you and try to learn from you to become a better, more godly person. Of course, just because you aren’t as bad as me, doesn’t mean you’re perfect. When I see sin in you, I must acknowledge that since the grace and patience of God can handle the log in my eye, it can surely take care of the speck in yours.
My point, exactly. I expected disagreement for the same reason I disagreed!
i’ll add what a great God that loves us all and willing to forgive all of our sins and cast them as far as the East is from the West, which is amazing becauz the East will never meets the West! One can travel North and eventually you’ll be going South, yet that will never happen traveling East or West… So i am prasing the Lord today for His goodness, mercy and love.
And thanx brother John 4 reminding me of His great love, kindness & mercy to me, in which I fully know I don’t derserve it…
And this in one of Paul’s last letters … so as you said, it was not what Paul “used to be” or had “matured out of” (maybe “matured into”?) In one of his first letters he thought of himself as “the least of the apostles” so he was ‘better’ then.
Put me on the list for Worst too … let’s just all cast our crowns at his feet and fall on our faces in worship when we see Him.
I must also disagree, as a descendent of Paul – or is it really Saul from whom I am descended? For I am a great sinner, in the present tense, who disguises himself as a holy man. And so, if anyone were to take a look at my life there would be (1) the sin, as well as (2) the lived-out denial of a modern day Pharisee, but also (3) the suggestion that “this is the way to God; this is Godliness.” Surely such a triple threat must be high on the list, if not at the top.
I don’t think it matters who is the biggest or worst sinner. We’re each bad enough. To me it matters more that I see who I condemn, secretly, in my heart. World villains, past and present, just for starters. Some people seem — the word “seem” is crucial there — utterly evil. My judgment of them is one big wrong I commit regularly. So, regularly,I ask the Lord to lead me to that place where I no longer condemn them.
Please Laura please don’t feel alone, so I’ll join you in asking the Lord: “…Lord to lead me to that place where I no longer condemn…” I luv that thought, or pray, becauz I know how much it appilies to me.
John,
Do you have an email address that does not go to a public posting? We are having problems with our contributions through Paypal. I need some information from you in order to set an another payment method. Please let me know how I can email you directly–Thanks Peggy