trustworthy sayings

As you read through Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus, written later than Paul's other works, you'll notice that he quotes five "trustworthy sayings."  Scholars believe these are short creed-like phrases circulated to help people remember the core of The Gospel. Paul wrote them or perhaps quoted them to highlight the essentials of our faith.

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (of whom I am the worst) - 1 Timothy 1:15  In a pluralistic, multi-faith world, remember that Jesus alone saves sinners, i.e., everybody, including me, the worst, and you, the worst still.  Nothing or no one else does.

He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit...so that, having been justified by His Grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life - Titus 3:5-7  In a transaction-obsessed world, note that we are saved, not by our faith, but by God's washing, renewing, and justifying Grace working through the faith He gives us.  We boast of nothing but Him and His Action for us and in us.

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  In a culture of self-actualization, we live with Christ by dying to self, sin, and Satan, and we make this an enduring pattern.

Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come—1 Timothy 4:8  Though people are encouraged to compare themselves with others, our aim is to become more like Jesus in faithful and fruitful living in the present and forever.

Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task - 1 Timothy 3:1  In a society that assassinates its leaders, we honor ours, grateful for their noble oversight and encouragement.

These are trustworthy sayings, as is every word in the Scripture, worthy of our full acceptance.