“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15-16)
Paul wrote this epistle to Timothy, his good friend, spiritual son and ministry partner who was leading the work in the church at Ephesus. His purpose was to encourage and guide him to persevere in the work of ministry in the midst of difficult circumstances. False teachers had arisen among the brethren and were leading many astray with their strange and mysterious doctrines. These teachers promoted a wide range of beliefs and works designed to make the Christian holier. Paul labeled these as blasphemous for they denied the efficacy of the cross of Christ and did nothing to rid people of sin and its consequences.
Paul knew this truth well as he admits his own past sins. Paul had once been a self-righteous legalist who had persecuted the church of God. He became rather emotional as he considered God’s mercy for a sinner such as he was. He thanked God for His mercy in Christ who came for the sole purpose of saving sinners.
The law of God is vital to our salvation even though the sinner is not saved by keeping it. No one is for no one can keep it perfectly which is what God demands. The purpose of the Law is to show us our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. The Law drives us into the welcoming arms of the Lord to plead for His mercy. The law of God as embodied in the 10 commandments and in the scriptures serves to guide us into righteousness. Those who are in Christ have been changed completely and no longer live with their focus on sin and self. Rather they are so grateful for what Christ has done for them and for the world that they go out and live for God’s Kingdom. They live lives of righteousness as a testimony to the power of God. They dispense compassion, charity, and kindness to people who deserve only
condemnation. They go and tell sinners about the gospel of mercy in Christ Jesus.