What can we learn from Paul's past to apply in our own lives? Paul’s Yesterday Was Darker Than Ours “ For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.” (Galatians 1:13) • Paul’s history is presented as literal fact, not legend (Acts 26:9-11; Philippians 3:6). • He opposed Christ publicly, violently, and systematically—proof that even the fiercest rebel can be reached. • Seeing the worst in Paul reminds us never to write anyone off, including ourselves. Grace Greater Than Our Past • Romans 5:20: “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” • 1 Timothy 1:13-16: Paul calls himself the foremost sinner so we would know Christ’s patience is unlimited. • No record is too stained, no failure too final—because Scripture assures grace literally abounds. Zeal Needs Truth’s Compass • Paul was “extremely zealous for the traditions” (Galatians 1:14), yet completely wrong. • Romans 10:2 warns of zeal “not based on knowledge.” • Lesson: Passion is valuable only when tethered to the clear, literal teaching of God’s Word. Your Story Becomes Your Sermon • Galatians 1:23-24: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching…” • Acts 22 and 26 show Paul repeatedly retelling his conversion. • We don’t glorify sin, but we spotlight God’s rescue. A redeemed past is an unanswerable testimony. Humble Transparency Builds Credibility • Paul never hid his failures (1 Corinthians 15:9; Ephesians 3:8). • 2 Corinthians 12:9: boasting in weakness magnifies Christ’s power. • Authenticity invites others to bring their own brokenness into the light. God Redeems Lost Time • Joel 2:25: God “will restore to you the years the locusts have eaten.” • In roughly three decades Paul planted churches, wrote Scripture, and traveled the empire—years more productive than those he wasted. • Whatever was squandered can be reclaimed when surrendered to Christ. New Identity, New Priorities • 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” • Philippians 3:7-8: Paul now counts former trophies as loss. • Our goals, friendships, and values shift because we literally belong to a new kingdom. Forward Steps for Us Today – Believe that Scripture’s record of Paul’s rescue is historically accurate—and therefore proof of what God can do with you. – Bring your past into the open with trusted believers; let grace rewrite the narrative. – Channel zeal into biblically sound service: teach, give, evangelize, mentor. – Leverage your story; somebody needs the hope it carries. – Expect God to restore wasted years and realign your priorities for eternal impact. |
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