Scripture reading: Romans 5:12–21

The Depth of Sin and the Height of Grace

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. (I Timothy 1:15)

 

If you examine Paul’s statements about himself in the chronological order in which they were written, you make a very interesting discovery.

As Paul matured in his faith, he became increasingly conscious of his sinful condition and his utter and absolute need for God’s grace.

,. Early in his spiritual journey he came to the humble realization that he was the least of the apostles. (I Corinthians 15:9)

,. A few years later, as he matured in self-understanding, he realized that not only was he least the among the apostles, he was also least among all the saints. (Ephesians 3:8)

,. Near the end of his life, his understanding of the depth of sin in his own life caused him to confess, I am the chief of all sinners. (I Timothy 1:15)

Paul’s journey of self-understanding helps us to realize that the closer we grow to the blazing light of God’s holiness, the more we become aware of the depth and perversity of our own hearts. But notice that such self-discovery does not lead Paul to depression and despair. No! God exposes our sin not to condemn us in it but to save us from it! The more we walk in the light, the more the blood of Jesus is able to cleanse us from all sin (I John 1:7). There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). But there is conviction! As we walk with Christ, he exposes our sin more and more so that he can transform us more and more into his own glorious image.

In his book Shattered Dreams: God’s Unexpected Path to Joy, Christian psychologist Larry Crabb testifies how an awareness of his inadequacy opened new doors of power and freedom in Christ.

Recently I’ve made a truly liberating discovery. I am inadequate. My sense of inadequacy is not the effect of deficient intellect or poor training, nor is it a symptom of emotional disorder. It is the painful admission of what is true. On my own, I can make nothing of importance happen . . . But if I abide in Christ, if I present myself before God’s Spirit for searching and filling, if I study and ponder the Scriptures and live my life in brokenness before a grace-dispensing community, I can transcend my inadequacy. I can find myself as I worship . . .

I have learned that an awareness of inadequacy is neither a curse to lift nor a disorder to cure. It is a gift to be received, a gift that if properly used can make me powerful and strong and clear and wise.

It takes courage to see the truth about ourselves. But only as we know our sin can we know his holiness. Only as we realize our inner bankruptcy can we experience his fullness. Only as we acknowledge our weakness can we discover his power. Only as I confess the depth of my sin can I realize the height of his grace!

 

There are only two kinds of men: the righteous who think they are sinners

and the sinners who think they are righteous.—Blaise Pascal

 

point to ponder • The closer I come to God, the more I see the depth of my sin.

prayer focus • That God would (yikes!) expose that sin that continues to lurk under the surface.