Paul Shares Five Wise Maxims to Encourage Us and Give Comfort
The phrase “a trustworthy saying” occurs five times in the Bible, all in the New Testament. They all come from Paul in his pastoral letters, four times to Timothy and once to Titus. Consider these five trustworthy sayings of the apostle Paul.
1. Jesus Came to Save Sinners
In Paul’s first letter to his protege Timothy, he writes
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
(1 Timothy 1:15, NIV)
The essential part of this saying is that Jesus came to us to save us. All we need to do is believe in him and follow him. He wants Timothy to know this, both for his personal edification and to teach others.
Then Paul tacks on a personal disclosure, not only identifying himself as a sinner in need of Jesus, but also the worst of sinners.
Though we may think this is a humble exaggeration to make his point, remember that Paul persecuted followers of Jesus to the point of death.
2. Whoever Aspires to Be an Overseer Desires a Noble Task
In the same letter, Paul later tells Timothy,
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
(1 Timothy 3:1 NIV)
An overseer is a Bishop, leader, elder, or supervisor of Jesus’s church. It’s a high calling and an admirable aspiration. Paul follows this encouraging statement will the list of the requirements for this role. He sets forth a lofty expectation.
Then he follows it with a similar teaching about deacons.
Contrast this to James teaching that not all should become teachers because they will be held to a higher standard (James 3:1).
3. If We Die with Him, We Will Also Live with Him
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he gives a third wise saying. He writes,
Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
(2 Timothy 2:11-13, NIV)
This saying offers promises to encourage us. If we die to him, we will live with him. If we endure, we will reign with him.
Yet Paul also gives a warning for us to heed. If we disown him, he’ll disown us.
But even if we are faithless, he will remain faithful to us.
4. Godliness Has Value in All Things
For the next two sayings, Paul gives us the saying first and then identifies it as such.
Again, in his first letter to Timothy, he writes,
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.
(1 Timothy 4:8-9, NIV)
As we pursue godliness, we receive benefit both here on earth now, and later with him in heaven. May we pursue godly living.
5. We Are Justified by Grace to Become Heirs
Finally, in his letter to Titus, Paul gives his fifth trustworthy saying. He says,
[Jesus] saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.
(Titus 3:5-8, NIV)
We are saved by Jesus’s sacrificial death for us. We are then renewed by the Holy Spirit who he sent us. Through his grace we are justified and made right with Father God. In doing so, we become heirs with Jesus to receive eternal life.
Meditate on these five trustworthy sayings from the apostle Paul. May they inspire you and encourage you on your faith journey with Jesus.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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