7/06/25 Savior Before Example

Takeaway: Before we can follow Jesus as our example, we must first receive Him as our Savior.

Opening Prayer (Sunday)

Lord, this is Your day, and I come before You with a heart of worship. Prepare me to hear Your voice, to grow in faith, and to reflect Your love in all I do. Be glorified in my life today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection

There’s a temptation, especially in our success-driven world, to treat Jesus primarily as a moral teacher or an example to emulate. We look at His kindness, His justice, His compassion, and His courage and think, I should be more like that. And while there’s truth in wanting to follow His example, Paul reminds us that the gospel doesn’t begin with imitation, it begins with rescue. Jesus came first and foremost to save, which his name implies. Before we can ever follow His way, we must first receive His grace.

Paul’s confession in this passage is both deeply personal and general to all people. He doesn’t soften the edges of his past; he calls himself the worst of sinners. And yet, it’s precisely because of that admission that God’s mercy shines so brightly. Jesus didn’t come to offer a better self-help method for good people. He came to rescue broken people who could never climb their way back to God. Until we see ourselves in need of saving, Jesus will remain just an inspiring figure, not the Savior our souls cry out for.

Salvation is what transforms us; we are saved through Christ and become children of God. This changes everything. It humbles us. It liberates us from the exhausting burden of trying to prove our worth through goodness. And it anchors us in mercy. Paul became an example not because of his natural virtue, but because of how radically he had been forgiven. His life pointed to Jesus because of that forgiveness that came from a Savior who is patient, merciful, and powerful enough to redeem anyone. That’s the gospel: Jesus came to save sinners, and only then does He say, “Follow Me.”

Questions

In what ways have you viewed Jesus more as an example to follow than as a Savior to receive?

What does it mean to you personally that Jesus came to save sinners, not just inspire good behavior?

Application

As you seek to follow Jesus’ example, let your obedience flow from gratitude, not guilt. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you’re striving instead of surrendering.

Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank You for coming not just to inspire me but to save me. I confess that I often try to live the Christian life in my own strength, trying to follow Your example without first resting in Your grace. Remind me that I need first as my Savior. Rescue me again from pride, self-reliance, and the pressure to earn what You freely give. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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