1. 1 Timothy 1 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, 13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

2. 1 Timothy 1 15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

3. 1 Timothy 1 17 All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. 18 Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles.

4. 1 Timothy 1 19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.

5. Search and Rescue Rick Wright 17 th Sunday of Pentecost (C) September 11 2016

6. Worst person in New York? Broyoan Lopez 26 years old Takes money from a 93 year old person in wheelchair If he visits our church…?

7. Saint Mary of Egypt 4 th century Born in Egypt Lives terrible life Goes to Jerusalem Cannot enter church Prays and turns toward God Goes in Later goes into the desert

8. 1 Timothy 1 Though before I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 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.

9. 1 Timothy Letter to young friend Timothy = a pastor There are false teachers What Paul and Timothy teach is wrong! We are right! This is true Christianity! Cause confusion and chaos That is why Paul tells his story Points to larger truth What is the true gospel of Jesus?

10. Paul Do not know everything Well educated Leader in religious community Enemy of early Christian movement They are wrong about God! Must stop them! Find… arrest… kill… Jesus appears to him on the road From enemy to friend…

11. Paul versus false teachers From sinner to servant Compare Paul to false teachers They = from servants to sinners Not about Paul About truth of what God does through Jesus Christ his son Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

12. Purpose and mission of Jesus Some say Jesus came to teach love and showing love Not wrong… and not the whole truth Jesus came to save / heal / rescue / transform us Sin ~ disease / brokenness of soul God loves the world so much… He gave his only son in order to save us

13. Good news for everyone Do not believe in God? Do not believe in Jesus? Christian for many years? Every day… repent The greatest saints repent every day!

14. Thomas Long Even today the Writer continues to emphasize the primary mission of Jesus Christ is to save sinners. Not only to be a good example of a nice person. To show us how to take care of ourselves. To walk around the land and speak wisdom. He has a much greater purpose. He came into the world to rescue lost and dying humanity.