It Starts Small

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Scripture Reading:

• 1 Timothy 1:15
• Romans 5:12
• Matthew 20:28
• Galatians 1:4
• Romans 5:17
• 1 Timothy 1:15-20
• Romans 3:23

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¹⁵ This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them.

1 Timothy 1:15

Daring rescues are on of the most common narratives found in the world of story telling. It could be a new book series or a film, but the most successful involve a daring rescue of some sort. Rescues are full of exciting, daring and chaotic narratives. One story in mind that was put to film is the story of Saving Private Ryan. It portrays Captain John miller and his ragtag group of soldiers who are tasked with going behind enemy lines to save Private James Ryan. Private Ryan was under orders to be removed and sent home because his three other brothers were killed. The rescue mission pulls us into a captivating tale involving a dynamic hero who would stop at nothing to save the victim from the nefarious antagonist.

What draws us to these types of stories? In an informational age of technology we are bombarded with in the moment stories of daring rescues on the high seas, after disastrous weather events, or even rescues of victims of unspeakable acts of violence. Why do we get so much satisfaction and joy in seeing someone rescued? Maybe it’s the excitement and actions, but I think it is something more. I believe it is because as believers in Christ, we are living out the greatest rescue story of all time.

¹² Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned

Romans 5:12

Romans 5:12 tells us that sin made its entry through one man and death was passed on to the whole race of humans. No one could break himself free from sin. In today’s verse we learn that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). The Greek word Paul uses, sosai, means to deliver out of danger, to rescue from destruction, to bring into divine safety.

We are, as Paul claims, slaves to sin. Because of this every man is condemned and a hostage to death. There is a ransom over every single human’s head.

²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:28

Jesus did not just come to serve, but to pay that ransom.

⁴ who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.

Galatians 1:4

Our hero and Savior, Jesus Christ, came into the world for this very reason! Because He did this, we who believe in Him and receive Him:

¹⁷ If by the one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive the overflow of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

This is what makes this time of the year so wonderful! BUt let us not miss something Paul says,

¹⁵ This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. ¹⁶ But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to 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.

¹⁸ Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, ¹⁹ having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and have shipwrecked the faith. ²⁰ Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 1:15-20

Each time I read these verses, I put myself in place of Paul. Instead of it saying Christ came to save sinners, of whom Paul was the worst, I read, “And Kimberlee is the worst of them all.” I encourage you to do the same. Why? Because we are all equal in our sinfulness. None of us is righteous.

²³ For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:23

And if God saved Paul to use him so others could come to the faith, He can use me. He can use you!

The Christmas story is our story. It s the story of how we are rescued by Jesus from the clutches of death. We were guilty. Bu the Christmas story has the power to change the lives of ALL of mankind. Every person, no matter how far from grace thy have fallen, can be rescued! Is in need of rescue! WE should share it with everyone we meet. Not just at this time of the year but every day of the year.

Why?

Do you not want others to experience it, also?

AS we close this series, I pray you have a different look at the season and have discovered the beauty of the Christmas story. I pray er will be used by this upcoming year to bring change to our homes, neighborhoods, schools, jobs, cities, and the world.

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