A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE WITHOUT LIMITS

1 Timothy 1:15 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.

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE STRENGTH OF THE SAYING (LOGOS)

1. It is a Faithful Saying

1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Corinthians 1:18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.

2. It is a Worthy Saying

There are some sayings that aren't worth the breath it takes to say them. Not so this one.

Hebrews 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Revelation 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

It carries the idea of being deserving of a positive hearing.

3. It is a Saying to be Accepted

It is not just good for some, it is good for all! Universally!

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

II. THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

1. The Immanuel "Christ Jesus" [Is. 7:14, Mt. 1:20-25]

2. The Incarnation "Came into the world" [3:16]

3. The Intention "to save sinners" [Lk. 19:10]

III. THE CHIEF OF SINNERS SAVED!

This is no exaggeration, this is Scriptural, inspired writing. So how can Paul (Saul) be the chief of sinners.

1. He had been a Blasphemer [v. 13] -a mouth against Jesus

2. He had been a Persecutor [v. 13] -hands against Jesus

3. He had been Injurious [v. 13] -heart against Jesus

hubristes, hoo-bris-tace'; an insulter, i.e. maltreater:--despiteful, injurious.