The Apostle Paul and the Worst of Sinners

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” – I Timothy 1:15,16

When we think of the apostle Paul, how often do our minds conjuring up a man who is fiercely self-righteous, a man who is murderous, filled with a mad religious zeal that compels him to persecute, torment, imprison and slay those who do not hold to his creed?

When we think of Paul, often what comes to mind is a far gentler soul, filled with love for mankind and a powerful  desire to point them toward a savior who reaches out to them with open arms, a man who wrote, in Romans 12:18, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  It is right that we regard him so, because this is what God made of him.  But prior to that transformation, Paul, had he lived today, would have been branded a violent extremist, perhaps even a terrorist. In the above passage Paul brings to mind this reality of his past.  We may read his accusation that he was the "worst of sinners" as hyperbole springing from the heart of a man too humble to see himself as anything but wicked, but this is not so.

Paul was a fanatical Pharisee, zealous for the traditions of his order to such extend that he believed that in imprisoning and putting to death Christians, he was serving God and performing his righteous duty.  This is the same point of view held by Muslim terrorists who believe they are guaranteeing blessings for themselves by slaughtering "infidels". Paul knew all about this mindset, because he shared it.

But Paul notes that, as wicked and as blind as he was, God had mercy on Him. Not for Paul's sake, but so that the incredible patience and mercy of God could be seen for all time. If God could save a man like Paul, change and transform his life and turn him into a true missionary of God's love, then there is no one in this world who is beyond the saving reach of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I recall listening to a missionary, a native of Lebanon who was visiting my church, and he asked the congregation whether any of them prayed that God would bless Osama Bin Laden (this being only a short period after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center). When no one responded, he pronounced shame on us, noting that if God saved Osama, the world would have another Apostle Paul.  This stuck with me, and I began to pray that God would open Bin Laden's eyes to His truth.

Jesus Himself commanded us to pray for and to bless our enemies (Luke 6:28). Perhaps our difficulty with this is we assume that blessing means prospering them in their wicked ways, but this is by no means the case. God has no part in wickedness, and to bless the hard, unbelieving heart means nothing less that to soften it, to open its eyes to the truth and grant it the gift of faith in the God who “who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” (I Timothy 2:4)

If a man like Bin Laden, or any other modern-day villain, comes to Christ, that same influence they wield for evil in this world would become a powerful testimony to the goodness and grace of the Almighty. Impossible that God could forgive and use someone like that?  Certainly not. Paul is the proof that God has both the power and the desire to bring about such change. Let us not harden our own hearts and pronounce judgment on those we are called to bless, but rather pray for the worst among us, that God will transform them into the best.

On Tithing

The Tithe, as established in the law, provided for the Levites, because they were not permitted to own land, but were dedicated entirely to the service of the lord, were solely entrusted with the priesthood and upkeep of the temple, and as such were provided for out of the produce and abundance of the other tribes (Numbers 18:19-21).  Tithing had a very practical and pragmatic purpose at its heart; it was God taking care of those whose given work was ministry.  It supported the workers and the upkeep of the temple.

Today, the same principle applies.  Certainly God promises blessing when we are obedient and give.  He even goes so far as to invite testing on this point (Malachi 3:10)  But the point of giving, and its purpose, is not to receive anything; it is to take part in, support, and assist with the ministry of God’s Word.  Indeed, even in Malachi the reason for God’s insistence on tithing was not that people could be blessed, but because they had abandoned giving to God.  The people were neglecting God and disobeying His commandment to support the workers and the temple through their offerings, and as a result they were under a curse from God in discipline for their disobedience.  But God promised that if they would repent and do what they had been told, once more giving the offerings that God commanded, they would cease to be under discipline and would instead be blessed (Malachi 3:9-12).

This brings up an important point with regard the blessings of God: there is no “in-between” state between blessing and cursing.  A person is either being disciplined, so that they will learn obedience, or they are already exercising obedience and being blessed for it.  That God should bless an individual for tithing is not an extraordinary thing, for He blesses obedience in all forms, and will bring discipline when obedience is not present.

Should we give to God?  Absolutely we should.  What does that mean?  It means that, just as the Israelites did, we take our own abundance and give it freely to support the efforts and ministry of those who are reaching out to others with the Gospel, be they pastors, missionaries or teachers.  It means that we take part in and support the upkeep of the churches where the message is preached, and aid in the expenses of reaching out to those beyond the church walls.  In so doing, we become active participants in the ministry efforts of those we support.  When we do this, as an old song by Ray Boltz once said, we should not be at all be surprised if we arrive in Heaven and find ourselves meeting someone who will say to us “Thank you for giving to the Lord; I am a life that was changed”