What can we learn from Paul's past in 1 Corinthians 15:9 for today? Paul’s Honest Confession “For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” (1 Corinthians 15:9) Humble Self-Assessment, Not Self-Hatred • Paul openly names his sin—“I persecuted the church”—without excuses. • He measures himself against God’s calling, not against other people. • Today: – Admit sin specifically, not vaguely. – Let Scripture, not comparison, set the standard (James 1:23-25). – Humility invites God’s favor: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5) Grace Outshines the Dark Past • The very next verse: “But by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10). • Where sin was large, grace was larger (Romans 5:20). • 1 Timothy 1:13-16 echoes the theme—Paul the former “blasphemer” becomes an example “to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.” • Today: – No past sin is too great for Christ’s blood. – Highlight grace, not guilt, in testimonies. Zeal Redirected, Not Destroyed • Before Christ: “as for zeal, persecuting the church” (Philippians 3:6). • After Christ: the same zeal builds the church (Acts 20:24). • God often redirects natural abilities rather than erasing them. • Today: – Passion once used for sin can be repurposed for service—think of musicians, leaders, influencers. – Ask, “Lord, where can this energy now advance Your gospel?” No One Is Disqualified from Kingdom Usefulness • Paul calls himself “least,” yet plants churches, writes Scripture, defends the faith. • 1 Corinthians 1:26-29—God chooses “the lowly and despised” to nullify worldly status. • Today: – Background, failures, or limited credentials cannot cancel divine assignment. – Churches should look for God’s calling, not merely résumés. Remember, but Do Not Remain • Paul never forgets his past, yet he refuses paralysis: “Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward…” (Philippians 3:13-14). • Healthy remembrance fuels gratitude and urgency, not shame. • Today: – Use past failures as motivation to press on, not chains to hold back. – Celebrate progress—“His grace to me was not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:10) A Testimony That Points All Glory to Christ • Galatians 1:23-24—“They glorified God because of me.” • The focus shifts from the sinner to the Savior. • Today: – Share stories so listeners admire Christ’s power, not the speaker’s turnaround. – Keep the spotlight where Paul kept it—on the grace of God. Key Takeaways in One Glance • Acknowledge sin honestly. • Embrace grace fully. • Redirect former zeal. • Believe no one is unusable. • Remember without remaining. • Testify for God’s glory. Paul’s past, laid bare in 1 Corinthians 15:9, becomes a timeless lesson: if God can transform the church’s fiercest persecutor into its boldest apostle, He can do the same with anyone who throws himself on the grace of Jesus Christ. |
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