Grace on Display

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:12-14)

Paul described himself as the worst of sinners, and yet someone to whom the Lord had expressed His favor and love (1 Tim. 1:16 NIV). Because of divine grace, the apostle became spiritually alive and a member of God’s family. He had a new purpose for living—one that would glorify his heavenly Father and help build His kingdom. From that day forward, Paul’s attitudes and behavior were dramatically different.

Through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, Paul’s character was increasingly marked by gratitude and compassion. In his writings, the apostle consistently expressed appreciation for God’s blessings and urged others to be grateful as well. His words also revealed humility. A well-educated and influential man, he now counted all his credentials a “loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Phil. 3:8).

After Paul met the Savior, his actions also changed dramatically. He cared deeply about those who were still separated from God, and he fervently desired to help Christians grow in their faith. For the rest of his life, he served the Lord by sharing the gospel, encouraging fellow believers, and meeting the needs of others. He accepted that suffering for the cause of Christ was a part of this new life.

As we read about the apostle’s life, we see grace on display. He was used as God’s ambassador to the Gentiles. Through him, biblical truths were recorded for future generations. The Holy Spirit seeks to transform our lives, just as He did Paul’s. Are you allowing grace to work within you?

From Early Light Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

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INTROSPECTION: We cannot help but be thankful for God’s grace. An unmerited favor that opened the door for our salvation. A true gift from God. A gift that can fully be appreciated by one who has fully understood the depth of his sins. Someone like the apostle Paul.

As Saul, Paul has raised havoc against the saints in Jerusalem. However, a personal encounter with Jesus changed him to become the apostle to the Gentiles. From being an enemy, Paul became a son of God. A relationship that needs no paternity test for the Shepherd knows who belongs to His flock.