Chief of Sinners

Opening Verse

“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.”
1 Timothy 1:15 (KJV)

Introduction

Why did Paul, the great apostle, call himself the chief of sinners? He understood something many ignore: without a heart sensitive to God’s Word, even religious people remain dead in sin. A hard heart cannot receive grace. Sensitivity to Scripture is not optional: it is life or death.

Devotional Insight

When the Word of God is preached, it cuts. That is its purpose. According to Hebrews 4:12, the Word is sharper than any twoedged sword. It does not flatter. It does not excuse. It pierces, exposing the sinner for what he is.

Yet many resist. Their hearts are like stone, proud and self-sufficient. They are untouched by the warnings of judgment or the promises of mercy. But when a soul is made sensitive by the Holy Ghost, Scripture speaks directly: not as a text to study, but as a voice calling for repentance.

Paul, once a Pharisee, once proud and convinced of his own righteousness, became sensitive to the truth the moment Christ struck him down on the Damascus road. He confessed his sin. He identified himself as the chief of sinners, not to glorify his past, but to magnify Christ’s mercy.

Sensitivity to God’s Word demands humility. It means reading Scripture not to argue with it, but to be changed by it. It means hearing sermons not to judge others, but to ask, “Lord, is it I?” It means treating the Bible as a mirror, showing what must be repented of today.

Do not be satisfied with hearing Scripture. Plead with God to make you feel it. The chief danger of a churchgoer is to be around truth yet unaffected by it.

The more you see your sin, the more you will cherish the Saviour. The more sensitive you are to God’s Word, the more you will run to Christ for mercy, as Paul did.

Think About This

Do you approach God’s Word asking to be changed, or only to be comforted? When was the last time the Bible brought you to tears? If it no longer convicts you, your heart is already hardening. Ask God to break it before it breaks you.

Prayer

Lord, let Your Word cut deep. Make my heart soft. Show me my sin, even when I resist seeing it. Let me confess, like Paul, that I am the chief of sinners. Save me from pride, and make me cling to Jesus Christ alone for mercy. In His name I pray, amen.

Closing Verse

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)