In 1 Timothy, Paul says he is the “chief of sinners.” He’s #1 in the sinner rankings. Many have noted that Paul said earlier in his ministry that he was less than the least of all saints and less than the other apostles.
Paul had a serious view of his sin. Paul was a man. Never forget that biblical people were still human. Paul sinned, not just in the past, but all his life. When you see your sin, it is depressing.
I’ve heard Christians say that because of Christ’s forgiveness you shouldn’t have any regrets or shame about the past. I understand the point. Paul also said to “forget those things that are behind.” But to have a calloused attitude toward sin, to not be humbled by your trespasses, seems dangerous territory.
Paul was in ministry. Ministry has a way of making you see other people’s sins, and boy howdy will you see them. You’ll see and hear about so many of them you might be tempted to think, “What is wrong with you people?” Perhaps you’ll follow that up with, “Lord, thank you that you did not make me like those sinners.”
As soon as sin becomes “what other people do” and you view yourself as better than those lowly, evil sinners, you should resign.
Yes, forgiveness is great and yes, God has removed our sin as far as the east is from the west. We should press toward the mark and forget what is behind. But never forget you were and are a sinner.
The flip side of not seeing your sin is to have a hardened conscience, which in the Bible is always a characteristic of unbelievers. If we say we have no sin we are liars.
Paul knew his sin, remembered his sin, and regretted his sin. This is normal and healthy, a mark of true spiritual wisdom.
Paul didn’t beat himself into the ground over it, he didn’t whine and give up in mopey inadequacy. Paul saw the sin, but also saw the greatness of His Savior. Read the full quote:
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. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
–1 Timothy 1:15-17
Paul saw his sin right along with the greatness of his Savior, leading him to worship his great God.
There are many reports of pastors falling into disgrace. Typically this happens because they don’t take their sin seriously. They fixate on and yell about the sins of others, while feeling their “sins” are justified because of their spiritual position. They revel in their “Man of God” status, they feel they are God’s gift to humanity, the whole church needs them and their wisdom.
You’d never hear any of them say they were the chief of sinners, or less than the least of all saints (However, some do belabor this point in humble bragging, which is also a warning sign).
Humility should mark your ministry. Humility is best understood by seeing that you are a sinner, not just them other people, but you, the guy up front, the “spiritual leader.”
Don’t lose sight of your sin, your need for a Savior and the Gospel, and your need for spiritual growth and maturing. Self-righteousness is nothing more than forgetting you are a sinner.
At the same time, you do no one any good to wallow in your sinful misery and be too afraid of the master and bury your talents. Yes, your sin is tremendous, but our Savior and His Gospel are more powerful still.
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Failing Pastor 