Grace Remembered
Monday, September 4
1 Corinthians 15:9-10 (NASB)
For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.
Devotion
Paul, the author of today’s passage, had previously persecuted Christians. He had been an enemy of Jesus' followers. However, as an act of grace, Jesus chose to save Paul from a life of capturing and persecuting His followers.
In his writing, Paul emphasized to the Corinthian believers the astounding grace of God in rescuing sinners from their sinful ways. Paul was a sinner turned saint, and by God’s grace, he had been welcomed into His kingdom.
Because of his past as a Pharisee (Acts 23:6, Philippians 3:5) and his former activities of persecuting Christians, Paul's conversion led to increased persecution directed at him, requiring greater efforts on his part to convey the Gospel message.
Paul’s recollection of his former sins resulted in increased humility, diligence, and faithfulness to the Cause of Christ.
Let Paul’s life show you that real humility doesn't mean convincing yourself that you're of no value; instead, humility means acknowledging the presence of God's work within you.
Like Paul, you may be a sinner turned saint, but also like Paul, let that bring you to a place of humility, gratefulness, and total reliance on the Giver of that grace, Jesus. By God’s grace, Paul's life was used for God’s glory. Let the same be said for you.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a humble heart, recognizing that the grace that saved Paul has also saved me from my sinful past. Just as Paul was transformed from a persecutor to an apostle by Your grace, let Your grace continually work in me to change my heart and renew my mind. Give me the strength to labor diligently for Your kingdom, relying on Your grace every step of the way. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Have you allowed God's grace to change you and pursue a humble, diligent, faithful life for Christ despite challenges? Dedicate yourself as a vessel of His grace, using past sins as a testimony. Pray for those with hardened hearts to find this transformation through God's grace.
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