Saved to Serve

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10, Is A Fascinating Passage on Christian Service!

Salvation is not from man or by our efforts. Why? The answer is, because salvation is God’s “workmanship;” It is not our performance that will earn us salvation as a reward. Furthermore, the word “workmanship” refers to a work of art or a masterpiece. Believers are God’s masterpieces because we have been created in Christ Jesus for the purpose of doing good works. God’s workmanship is not achieved by our good works, but it is to result in good works (Titus 2:14; 3:8).

Also notice that God prepared beforehand certain works for each of us to “walk in them.” The purpose of these prepared-in-advance works is not “to work in them” but “to walk in them.” In other words, God has prepared a path of beneficial services for believers which He will perform in and through us as we walk by faith. This is not referring to doing a work for God; instead, it is God performing His work in and through believers (Phil. 2:13). This path of good works is detailed in the practical part of Ephesians (chapters 4-6).

So, Why did God Save Us?

God Saves Us To Become Servants Like Jesus 

Ephes. 2:10, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The foremost characteristic of the life of Jesus Christ was and is service. We are most like Him when we are truly servants at heart. The Lord Jesus in John 15:16, said, Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

A.     GOD SAVED EACH OF US TO SERVE HIM IN SOME SPECIFIC CAPACITY! (Eph. 2:10)

1. One Reason God Saved Us Is For “Good Works.”

While it is true that we are not saved by good works, it is equally true that we are saved for good works. Good works are not the root but the fruit. We do not work in order to be saved, but because we are saved (James 2:14–26). We are not saved by faith plus works, but by the kind of faith that results in a life of good works. Works prove the reality of our faith. Good works are not incidental to God’s plan; they are instead an essential part of His redemptive plan for every believer without a single exception. Good works are demonstrated in gratitude, character, and actions.

We are “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”

God’s order then is this: Faith—Salvation—Good Works—Rewards

 Faith leads to salvation. Salvation results in good works. Good works will be rewarded by Him.

2. But The Question Arises: What Kind Of Good Works Am I Expected To Do?

The answer is those good works God prepared beforehand for us to walk in (Eph. 10b). In other words, God has a blueprint for your life as with every Christian’s life. Before our conversion He mapped out a spiritual career for us. Our responsibility is to find His will for us and then obey it. We do not have to work out a plan for our lives, but only accept the plan which He has drawn up for us. This delivers us from fret and frenzy, and insures that our lives will be of maximum glory to Him, of most blessing to others, and of greatest reward to ourselves.

The following are some considerations:

            a. Sharing the gospel regularly and consistently

            b. Serving through your church  

            c. Feeding a homeless person

            d. Fighting pornography

            e. Tutoring a child

            f. Fighting human trafficking

3. In Order To Find Out The Good Works God Has Planned For Each of Our Lives, We Should:

            a. Confess and forsake sin as soon as we are conscious of it in our lives;

            b. Be continually and unconditionally yielded to Him;

            c. Study the Word of God to discern His will, and then do whatever He tells us to do;

            d. Spend time in prayer each day;

            e. Seize opportunities of service as they arise;

            f. Cultivate the fellowship and counsel of other Christians.

“God prepares us for good works. He prepares good works for us to perform. Then He rewards us when we perform them. Such is His grace!” –MacDonald, William: Believer’s Bible Commentary 

B.     WE ARE NOT LIKE THE LORD JESUS MERELY BECAUSE WE SERVE.

    1.  Many Seem to Think That a Person Is Most like Jesus When He Preaches like Jesus Preached, and Teaches like Jesus Taught.  

         a. Jesus Does Not Require That We Preach or Teach Exactly As He Did—His Style.  

         b. In Christian Service, Be the Unique Vessel That God is Building for a Special Purpose and Ministry.   

     2.  Some Think That They Are Most like the Lord Jesus When they Heal like Jesus Healed, or Performs Miracles like Jesus Performed Miracles. There are no promises in the Scriptures that performing miracles by individuals would be the norm throughout the Christian age!

     3.  Some Look Primarily at the Outward Manifestations of a Person’s Witness and Ministry as Key Indicators of Effectiveness.  They are careful to count the number of souls saved, baptized, church’s numerical growth, number in the Sunday school, number of Bible study units/groups ect.  Many feel that these outward “signs” indicate spiritual maturity, godliness, and acceptable service to God. While measurable numerical growth is a metric in the book of Acts, it is the same bragging point of secular and religious organizations alike. You do not need God or His blessings on a ministry to have great attendance or numerical growth! I know this may sound uncomfortable and maybe even counter intuitive, but I ask you to remember the Mormons, Buddhists, Catholics, Muslims, Atheist, and Jehovah’s Witnesses have results and impressive size followings. So, the question is does numerical growth necessarily mean the evangelist, church or pastor is a good servant in God’s eyes?

C.     WE ARE TO BE MOST LIKE THE LORD JESUS IN THE MOTIVES OF OUR SERVICE.

Mark 10:44-45, And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. [45] For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Philip. 2:5-7, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

These incredible passages place tremendous value on possessing the heart and spirit of a genuine servant of God! Jesus was and is a Servant of the highest order!

     1.  We Need to Look Beyond the Outer Manifestation to the Motivation for Jesus’ Life (Mark 10:44-45). That motivation was always service. Christ was essentially a “minister” and “servant” of God! As such he gave voluntary and sacrificial service to the glory of God!

        a. Jesus Preached, Taught, Healed, and Performed Miracles in Order to Help Others, Never to Call Attention to Himself. Time and again, Jesus said to those He had healed or helped, “Don't tell anyone what has happened.” The reason for this was that Jesus didn’t want others to respond to Him as an earthly political savior. He didn’t want them to focus on His potential to rule over them, but, rather, to focus on our loving heavenly Father and on Jesus’ role to serve humanity as Savior, Deliverer, and Redeemer.

        b. He Poured out His Very Life So That Others Might Be Saved, Never Thinking for a Moment to Save Himself. For Jesus service involved selfless, sacrificial, sustained, voluntary efforts to improve the welfare and wellbeing of others (Mark 10:44-45).

    2.  The Critical Point for Us to Recognize is: God Has Called You to Serve Him and Others Just as Jesus Served God and Others. He didn’t save you or call you to service so that you might be exalted, praised, glorified, or put on a pedestal. He saved you so that you might serve others and in so doing, bring praise and honor to God’s holy name (2Cor. 1:2-10; 4:5-16).  

  

    3.  The Good News Is That Any Person Who Is Saved Can Serve God and Bring Glory to Him. The nature of the ministry task or calling is not the only important factor; what is also important is the motivation behind our service. God loved us so that we might love others. That’s what the Christian life is all about.

Conclusion:

Philip. 2:5-7, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God … took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

God wants us to have a heart for service like the Lord Jesus. Adopt this attitude of Christ; become a genuine Servant of God with a Heart to serve voluntarily and sacrificially. Let this mind be in you! Live like our Savior motivated by voluntary and sacrificial service to God’s glory. God was motivated to save us because He loves us and as we develop into faithful servants we will glorify Him. Oh God, give us a servant’s heart!

Why not ask God today for a servant’s heart? God, please give me a heart to love others voluntarily and sacrificially as Jesus did. Father, give me an inner yearning to see you glorified by your work in and through me. God I realize this is why you saved me—this is my purpose and the meaning of my life—to glorify you.

Power Shortage Prayers

1 KINGS 18:17-22, 26-30, 36–40

SUBJECT: AUTHORITY IN PRAYER

                                                                                                                       

THEME: regularly engaging the Lord in prayer becomes more inviting when we review our God-given privileges, authority, and power in the light of our Lord’s cross. This is how we begin to appreciate the power we have with God and a satisfying relationship with Him.

INTRODUCTION:

Many believers find it hard to develop intimacy with God because they are not sure they belong in His presence. They are uncomfortable talking with and approaching God; they wonder and even doubt if He really accepts them. You see, not realizing that we are privileged to access God as priests can greatly hinder any hope of true openness and boldness for approaching the throne of grace.  Beloved, it is imperative that we understand we are not merely tolerated in God’s presence, but we are ushered in by Jesus Christ. Without overstating the facts, we have a right to be there because of Christ’s cross and blood sacrifice. Consider how Scripture portrays this glorious reality.

Hebrews 10:19, Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

  

Therefore, without any reservations we should freely come to our heavenly Father with complete confidence in the finish work of Christ. This is not coming into the area of some earthly temple or worship structure, but into the very inner throne room of the Almighty. This is not merely an appeal to St. Peter, St, Paul, or some other ‘saint’, but a direct appeal to the Most High! You and I need no one else to cry out to God except the Lord Jesus! Remember, it is not our merits that afford us access to God, but Christ’s cross! 

The truth of praying boldly with great power and mind-blowing results is wonderfully illustrated in the events on Mt. Carmel during the lifetime of the prophet Elijah. Certainly Elijah was accomplishing extraordinary exploits through prayer!  Unfortunately, the exact opposite is unveiled at the same biblical event—gross powerlessness in godless praying resulting in absolutely nothing. That is correct...though hundreds of 'priests' prayed for hours, cried out loudly, danced to the point of exhaustion, and bleed profusely as a part of their prayer ritual, it still achieved absolutely nothing. It had zero impact on the Most High God. How could this be when they were so sincere and fervent? 

LESSON:

God’s prophet Elijah and King Ahab had been in conflict for some time over idolatry and false worship in Israel before Elijah declared a showdown. Elijah commanded the king to call the Israelites to Mount Carmel, as well as the prophets of Baal and Asherah who were supported strongly by Queen Jezebel. When all parties were assembled, Elijah said to the people, “… How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” (1 Kings 18:21). The people did not respond, so Elijah challenged the prophets to a duel of sorts. In the outcome we witness a mind-blowing answer to prayer, and in contrast, we see a massive shameful failure.

CONSIDER AN EXAMPLE OF PRAYING WITHOUT ANY POWER

The prophets of Baal and the prophet Elijah were each given a bull to sacrifice. Elijah said, “And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.” (1 Kings 18:24).

And the showdown begins….

   1.  The Scene at Carmel is Extremely Revealing in Relation to Prayer.

Imagine the scene.  The prophets of Baal agreed to this plan and they spent all day—from morning until the time of the evening sacrifice—crying out to Baal, leaping about the altar, and cutting themselves with knives, all without any result whatsoever. In these passages, we witness one of the greatest expressions of powerless prayer in the entire Bible.   

      A.  The Fervor of the Prophets.

Great fervor, great length, and great energy in prayer are not necessarily keys to praying power.  They have not even addressed the one and true God, nor do they have a relationship with Him.

           1.  They Cried Out Loudly! 

Four hundred and fifty men "called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon" (vs. 26); but they achieved nothing. They shouted at the top of their voices! In verse 28, we find more details of their fruitless antics: “and they cried loud” exerting incredible energy all the while.

           2.  They Danced Feverishly!   (Vs. 26) “and the leaped upon the altar which was made.”

This was the sacrificial dance performed by these priests round about and upon the altar.

           3.  They Prayed Bloodily!

The first record informs us that they prayed or “called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon” (vs. 26).

Later in the day, they became so frustrated that they "cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.” (v.28)

           4.  They Performed Extendedly!

All day long they cried out to Baal! We read that "they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice," (vs. 29).

All of this effort, but none of it availed even a holy grunt from their gods! Beloved, we must approach the throne of grace by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. He gives us the right to approach God. It is not our long prayers, religious antics, or fleshly fervor that gains us access to God. No nothing but a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ can afford that!

      B.  The Failure of Their Prayers.

The children of Israel waited expectantly—no doubt growing restless as the day wore on. The heavens matched their own silence when they had refused to respond to Elijah's initial challenge. Baal, who supposedly was in charge of the weather, did not respond. There was no thunder, no lightning, and no fire! We simply read that “there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.” (v.29)  

Likewise, our prayers will only be effective as we operate from the context of a relationship with the true and living God. That means trusting Jesus Christ as Savior for the forgiveness of sins, and as a believer-priest engaging God through intercession and prayer. Beloved, our confidence is in the Lord Jesus’ ability to afford us access to God’s ear. No matter how long, how loudly, how fervently, or how eloquently we cry out, God will only hear if we have a right relationship with Him and we approach Him in Jesus’ name. The power that gains the ear of God must essentially be spiritual in its nature and not carnal expressions or powerless rituals.

   2.  The Sarcasm at Carmel Was Extremely Revealing in Relation to Prayer.

1 Kings 18:27, And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. 

For Elijah, this was an electrifying moment!

      A.  Elijah’s Silence.

Initially, Elijah stood by silently. However, by noontime he could restrain himself no longer. He began to taunt the prophets of Baal.

      B.  Elijah’s Statements. 

Elijah used the opportunity to contrast what they unfortunately believed with what was actually happening. If Baal is the god they thought he was why hadn't he responded to all of this frantic noise and motion? After all, there were four hundred and fifty men shouting and dancing! How could any god sleep through that?

The Lord Jesus emphasizes that it is a sin to pray to be seen and heard by others (Matt. 6:5-15). Prayer is secret fellowship with God, although public prayer is certainly authorized in the Bible. However, nobody should pray in public who does not pray in private; for that would be hypocrisy. Jesus points out three common errors concerning prayer: (1) praying to be heard by others (vv. 5-6); (2) praying mere words, empty repetition (vv. 7-8); and (3) praying with sin in the heart (vv. 14-15).

So many people pray as if they are preaching a sermon; instead of talking to God it is obvious they are talking to fellow believers. Some literally use the same words when they are called on to pray in public, and they do the same when praying alone. The mind is not even engaged in such pointless rituals. They devote themselves to nothing and no one; they “say their prayers,” but fail to address God. This is pure powerless ritual! Then some have pet sins they hold in higher regard than God; they actually value their sinful practice more then their relationship to God. How can God possibly listen to prayers from hearts that are really more devoted to sinful habits and practices then to Himself? 

Furthermore, the Bible mentions a number of hindrances to effective prayer. Among them is an unforgiving spirit. God does not forgive us because we forgive others but on the basis of the blood of Christ (1 John 1:9). Please allow me to hasten and say an unforgiving spirit will hinder our prayer life. Such godless attitudes demonstrate that a person has no understanding of the grace of God. God cannot forgive sin that has not been repented of and confessed. Harboring an unforgiving spirit is a gross violation of God's expectations for all His children. If we understand anything about how much God has forgiven our mess, we will forgive others their offenses against us far more readily. Beware, the more we feel justified for withholding forgiveness, the more difficult it will be to forgive. I encourage anyone in such a condition to run back to Calvary and think long and hard about how much God has forgiven them. Since God has dealt graciously with us, we must give grace to other undeserving souls. Our prayers will be powerless until we make this right with God. 

      C.  Elijah’s Strategy. 

The plan of God’s prophet worked! This is largely because the plan came from God originally. Praise the Lord for such courageous servants!

             1.  He Was Not Promoting Pride.

Do not misunderstand me. Elijah did not intend for his sarcasm to be a display of pride and arrogance. Rather, he was teaching Israel an important lesson. The wonderful reality is his strategy worked. Once Elijah challenged them, they shouted louder. Specifically, the Scriptures say, “And they cried aloud”!  They even injured themselves. Perhaps they understood their lives were at stake. If Elijah won this battle, they would be in deep trouble not only with King Ahab but with all of Israel.

             2.  He Was Presenting a Point. 

You see, carnal and fleshly efforts applied to holy matters will not result in spiritual power and effectiveness in prayer. Beloved, the flesh will never equal the Spirit! Going about holy disciplines and practices our own way will not prove to be effective from God’s perspective. Popular innovations in spiritual disciplines like prayer, meditation, Bible reading, worship, and self-examination are not effective if they are executed in fleshly and carnal energy. God requires that we pray in the Spirit (Jude 20), and the Spirit aids our prayers in a tremendous way in spite of our weaknesses (Rom. 8:27). Carnal shortcuts to spiritual maturity encouraged in certain "movements" will never yield genuine spiritual fruit!

Praying in the Holy Spirit is not speaking in tongues, but is “praying out of hearts and souls that are indwelt, illuminated, and filled with the Holy Spirit” (George Lawrence Lawlor, Translation and Exposition of the Epistle of Jude, p. 127). It is praying in the power of the Holy Spirit (cf. Eph. 6:18). –J. Walvoord

We are to pray as guided by the Spirit. That is in accordance with the will of God as revealed in the Bible or as privately revealed by the Spirit in a subjective way to the believer. If the guidance is from the Spirit of Grace it will be in agreement with the Bible. God is not confused, beloved. Prayer led by the Spirit is in contrast to prayers which are recited mechanically or spun off without any real spiritual involvement. God is not obligated to respond favorably to mindless and heartless rituals. 

CONCLUSION:

The power for building the Christian life comes from prayer: “praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 20). The Word of God and prayer go together in spiritual growth. If all we do is read and study the Bible, we will have a great deal of light, but not much power. However, if we concentrate on prayer and ignore the Bible, we may be guilty of zeal without knowledge. We read the Word to grow in faith (Rom. 10:17), then we use that faith to ask God for what we need and what His Word tells us we may have.—Wiersbe

Regularly communicating with the Lord is an awesome privilege! God-given authority and power in the light of our Lord’s cross is the source of our power. As we explore this wonderful reality, we begin to appreciate the power we have with God. Furthermore, a deepening and roundly satisfying relationship with Him takes shape to our edification.

We do not need to be among the many believers experiencing difficulty developing intimacy with God. We can know with great certainty that we are welcome in the very presence of the Almighty of the universe. Though we should always be reverent, we can be comfortable talking with and approaching God with confidence that He really does accept us. The blood of Christ is key!

Our Lord Jesus and the blessed Holy Spirit aid our prayer efforts and empower us and them to make effective appeals to our heavenly Father. Not understanding these privileges can greatly hinder any hope of true openness and boldness in the Lord.  God does not simply endure our entering His mighty presence; no, we are escorted in by Jesus Christ himself! Through Christ we have every right to be there because of His cross and blood sacrifice.  Therefore, without any reservations freely come to our heavenly Father with complete confidence in the finish work of Christ.  It’s not our merits that afford us access to God, but Christ’s cross! Beloved, the source of our power is not carnal but deeply and wonderfully spiritual.

Can God Use Someone Like Me? (Part 2)

1Timothy 1:12-17

In the previous article, I began to explore the question: Can God Use Someone Like Me? Many Believers and churches struggle with this very issue. Does a certain kind of lifestyle before Christ automatically exclude me from participating in my church's ministry? Are there any meaningful service opportunities for people with serious moral failures in their background before salvation? Before we explore this question further, I wish to review the previous article.

FIRST, CONSIDER WHAT PAUL USED TO BE (1Tim. 1:13A). 

You may recall Paul's colorful past as a blasphemer of God Almighty, a violent persecutor of the early churches, and even a murderer of Christians for their faith in Jesus. Clearly God can save and change the life of anyone who repents believing the Gospel. 

SECONDLY, CONSIDER HOW PAUL WAS SAVED (1Tim. 1:13B-15). 

He was saved by the extreme super grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ; this is how we all must be saved! In fact Paul's conversion gives every sinner reason to hope for forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  No matter how painfully filthy your past may be, God is still able to save and transform your life.  

THIRDLY, CONSIDER WHOM PAUL BECAME (1Tim. 1: 12, 16).

Now that we have seen how God saved Paul, it is here that we begin to explore how God used a person with an extremely colorful past for His glory. You see, a filthy past does not negate a relatively spotless future in Christ Jesus. Take another look at our case study--the Apostle Paul. 

1.  A Minister. (Vs. 12)

A) The Grace of God Turned The Persecutor into A Preacher, and The Murderer, into A Minister and Missionary!

1) So dramatic was the change in Paul's life that the Jerusalem church suspected that it was a trick, and they had a hard time accepting him (Acts 9:26-31).

2) God gave Paul His ministry; he did not get it from Peter or the other Apostles (Gal 1:11-24). He was called and commissioned by the risen Christ in heaven.

3) “At this point Paul’s inventory of sinners, of which he knew he was the chief—combined with his remembrance of the gospel with which he had been entrusted—triggered within him a powerful surge of gratitude. Literally, the words “Thanks I have”—with “thanks” in the emphatic position—begins this section. Paul’s gratitude stemmed from the fact that God in His grace had provided Paul all necessary enablement (cf. Phil. 4:13) and, considering him trustworthy, had pressed him into a privileged place of service.”  ---John Walvoord

4) “Verses 12–17 seem to illustrate the lawful use of the law from Paul’s own experience. The law was not to him a way of salvation, but rather a means of conviction of sin.

First of all he bursts out into thanksgiving to Christ Jesus for His enabling grace. The emphasis is not on what Saul of Tarsus did for the Lord but what the Lord did for him. The apostle could never get over the wonder that the Lord Jesus not only saved him but counted him faithful, appointing him to His service. The law could never have shown such grace. Rather, its inflexible terms would have condemned the sinner Saul to death.” ---William MacDonald

B) God Saw That Paul Was Faithful, And So He Entrusted The Gospel To Him. (Vs. 1:12)

1) Even as an unbelieving and Gospel-ignorant Jewish leader, Paul had maintained a good conscience and he lived up to the light that he had. So often those who are intensely wrong as lost sinners become intensely right as Christians and are greatly used of God to win the lost to Christ.

2) God not only entrusted the Gospel to Paul, but He enabled Paul to minister that Gospel (1Cor. 15:10; Phil 4:13). When someone obeys God's call to serve, God always equips and enables that person.

·        1 Cor. 15:10, But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

·        Philip. 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

3) No person has the power to do spiritual warfare; no person can penetrate the spirits of other people. If a person is to minister to people, he must be empowered by Christ, for only Christ can penetrate the spirits of people.

·        Therefore, the servant must possess the power of Christ. This is a critical fact. It means that a person cannot make himself a servant nor can other persons choose him to be a minister-not a true minister, not a minister who pleases Christ and can be blessed by Christ.

·        Why? Because no person can carry on a successful ministry in his own strength, not a ministry that truly reaches people for Christ and delivers them from sin, death, and the judgment to come. Only Christ can do this. This is the reason each servant must be enabled by Christ; he or she must minister in the strength and power of Christ regardless of the area of voluntary service.

·        The only way a vocational minister can be what he should be...

1.      Is to be put in the ministry by Christ Jesus.

2.      Is to be enabled (strengthened and empowered) by Christ Jesus.

3.      "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you" (Jn.l5:16).

            2. An Example (vs. 16)

But Paul not only became a minister; he also became an example (1 Tim 1:16).

A) This Explains Why Paul Obtained Mercy.

·        It was so that he might be an exhibit of the longsuffering of Jesus Christ. Just as he had been the chief of sinners, so now he would be the chief display of the untiring grace of the Lord.

·        He would be “Exhibit A,” a living example, as William Kelly said, of “divine love rising above the most active hostility, of divine longsuffering exhausting the most varied and persistent antagonism.”

·        Paul teaches us an important lesson about lowering our guard as an evangelistic tool. Paul was not nearly as interested in creating an image as he was in being an example. He did not hesitate to share his past, because he knew his failures would allow others to have hope.

o   There are times when we hesitate to share our past struggles with others because we are afraid it will tarnish our image. This, however, creates an immediate paradox. For their knowledge of us is incomplete. They don't know us, and we are not sure they would still accept us if they did know us. But these problems are image problems; they are difficulties we encounter in trying to manage what others know of us.

o   Paul demonstrated that lowering our guard can be an important step in communicating the gospel. People will not believe the gospel is important if they can't see that it is crucial in our lives.

§  How has Christ shown patience with you?

§  Did he stay with you when you doubted and rebelled?

§  Did he remain faithful when you ignored his prior claim on your life?

§  Did he love you when you disregarded his help and his church?

§  Remember that his patience is unlimited for those who love him.

B) In What Sense Is Paul An Example To Lost Sinners Who Believe On Christ?

·        None of us has had the same experience that Paul had on the Damascus road (Acts 9). We did not see a light, fall to the ground, and hear Jesus speak from heaven.

·        But Paul is a pattern ("type") to all lost sinners, for he was the chief of sinners!

o   He is proof that the grace of God can change any sinner!

o   In the primary sense the verse means that none need despair, no matter how wicked they might be.

o   They can console themselves that since the Lord has already saved the chief of sinners, they too can find grace and mercy by coming to Him as penitents.

o   “All who follow can look back at Paul as a prototype or pattern (“example,” 2 Tim. 1:13). The ultimate sinner became the ultimate saint; God’s greatest enemy became His finest servant. Somewhere between these extremes fall all the rest. In studying Paul’s pattern, Christians can therefore learn about themselves.” ---Walvoord, J. F.

o   By believing on Him, they too can find life everlasting.

o   “believe on Him: Over 185 times in the New Testament the sole condition given for salvation is belief, having faith or trust in Jesus Christ. The gospel is that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day. All those who place their trust in Jesus for salvation will be saved from the coming judgment. To add any other condition to faith for salvation is to make justification a matter of works (see Rom. 11:6; Gal. 2:16).” ---Nelson Study Bible

C) But, There Is A Special Application of This to Today's People of Israel, Paul's countrymen, for whom he had a special burden (Rom 9:1-5; 10:1-3).

·        Paul’s case would be a pattern.

o   In the printing trade, pattern means a first proof. It signifies a specimen or a sample.

o   Paul’s conversion would be a pattern of what God would do with the nation of Israel when the Deliverer comes out of Zion (Rom. 11:26).

·        The people of Israel, like unconverted Saul of Tarsus, are religious, self-righteous, blind to their own Law and its message of the Messiah, and unwilling to believe.

o   One day, Israel shall see Jesus Christ even as Paul saw Him; and the nation shall be saved. "They shall look upon Me whom they have pierced" (Zech 12:10).

o   This may be one reason why Paul said he was "born out of due time" (1 Cor 15:8), for his experience of seeing the risen Christ came at the beginning of this Church Age and not at its end (Matt 24:29).

D) Reflecting On How Good God Has Been To Paul Stirred Him To Respond With Praise To God!

·        He who was a blasphemer and persecutor, is now a praise leader! This verse is a natural, emotional response to these reflections about the mercy of God. When Paul realized all that God had done for him, he was left with no other words than praise.

·        God, our King, is eternal and immortal -- that is, he can never cease to exist. He is invisible -- we cannot see him or touch him; he is Spirit. He is the only God -- not one of many, but "the only."

o   God is called King, this denote that he rules over the universe.  The meaning of this expression is-"the King of ages" he is a king who rules throughout all ages.  The rule of earthly monarchs does not extend into successive ages; his does. Their reign is temporary; his is enduring, and continues as one generation after another passes on, and thus embraces them all.

o   Immortal This refers to God himself, not to his reign. It means that he does not die, and it is given to him to distinguish him from other sovereigns. All other monarchs but God expire-and are just as liable to die at any moment as any other people.

o   Invisible 1Tim 6:16; see John 1:18.

o   The only wise God notes, Rom 16:27.   It is true that Yahweh is the only God; it is also true that he is the only wise God. The gods of the pagan are "vanity and a lie," and they are wholly destitute of wisdom; see Ps 115:3-8; 135:15-18; Isa 40:18-20; 44:10-17.

o   Be honour Let there be all the respect and veneration shown to him which is his due.

o   And glory Praise. Let him be praised by all for ever.

o   Amen So be it; an expression of strong affirmation; John 3:3. The solemn assent of the heart! (Matt 6:13; 1 Cor 14:16)

·        “As Paul thinks of God’s marvelous dealings with him in grace, he bursts out into this lovely doxology. It is difficult to know whether it is addressed to God the Father or to the Lord Jesus. The words the King eternal seem to refer to the Lord Jesus because He is called the “Kings of kings, and Lord of lords” (Rev. 19:16). However, the word invisible seems to refer to the Father, since the Lord Jesus was obviously visible to mortal eyes. The fact that we are not able to distinguish which Person of the Godhead is intended might serve as an indication of Their absolute equality.

The King eternal is spoken of, first of all, as immortal. This means incorruptible or imperishable. God in His essence is also invisible. Men have seen appearances of God in the OT, and the Lord Jesus fully revealed God to us in visible form, but the fact remains that God Himself is invisible to human eyes. Next He is spoken of as God who alone is wise. In the final analysis, all wisdom comes from God (Jas. 1:5).” --- MacDonald, W.

Paul’s personal story gives the sinner reason to hope in salvation, it proves insight into the super grace and super mercy of God, and it affords us reasons to present ourselves as living sacrifices to execute the very plan and will of God as His servants (Rom. 12: 1-8). Yes, God can use you! I understand you have a colorful past and reflections on your history fill you with pain, regret, sorrow, and shame….Remember you have come to Christ to save and forgive you. All that stuff you did does not have to be a part of your future. For now, concentrate on learning and growing in Christ in as many ways as you can. Get into your Bible for intense study, stay in a good Christ-centered Bible-preaching church, and read good books on biblical Christian living. Began to serve in small ways and through church wide activities; this could help you discover your spiritual gift. God will make it clear to you as to how He intends to use you for His glory. Your desire to serve is not at all misplaced; it actually came from the God who created you in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph. 2:10).   

Can God Use Someone Like Me? (Part 1)

1Timothy 1:12-17

Sometimes recent Christian converts wonder if God can use them in His service…. They look back at their colorful past before conversion and wonder if they are somehow disqualified for service through their new church home. Because they love the Lord and honestly desire to obey the Scriptures that encourage ministry and involvement, they wrestle with doubts about being good enough to serve through their church. What should a person with a ‘mucky history’ do? These individuals know they are relatively different than those who grew up under the influence of Christ and the gospel…they not only made mistakes, but they routinely reveled in shameful sinful practices. Now that they are saved…is God willing to use them? Now that they have been born again will they be allowed to serve in meaningful ways?

I would like to answer this question using one of the most respected Christians in the New Testament…the Apostle Paul! The text we will focus on is 1Timothy 1:12-17. Yes, the apostle is writing to Timothy his ministry partner to instruct and encourage him in his pastoral duties at Ephesus. Paul mentions "the glorious Gospel of the blessed God" (1 Tim 1:11) and this stirred Paul to share his own personal testimony. He is case study 1 to answering this question while proving the Gospel of the grace of God really does work in the lives of real sinners. When you read Paul's testimony (see also Acts 9:1-22; 22:1-21; 26:9-18), you are gripped with the astonishment of God's grace and His saving power. You also begin to realize that God uses people with incredibly colorful pasts in many different capacities.

FIRST, CONSIDER WHAT PAUL USED TO BE (1Tim. 1:13A).

            1. He Was A Blasphemer.

·        He was a blasphemer because he denied the deity of Jesus Christ and forced others to deny it.

·        The reason this was so striking to the apostle was that he knew so well the pit from which he had been dug.

·        When he gave this description of his past, he was a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, he was not exaggerating for the sake of effect. (See Acts 22:4-5, 19-20; 26:9-11 for the vivid truth.)

            2.  He Was A Persecutor.

·        He was a persecutor who used physical power to try to destroy the church. “Threatenings and slaughter” were the very breath of his life (Acts 9:1).

·        He persecuted the Christian church (1 Cor 15:9) and then discovered that he was actually laying hands on Jesus Christ, the Messiah! (Acts 9:4)

·        During this period of his life, Paul consented to the stoning of Stephen and made havoc of the church (Acts 8:1-4).

            3.  He Was Injurious.

·        Paul was injurious, a word that means “proud and insolent.”

·        A modern equivalent might be "bully,"

·        It conveys the idea of a haughty man "throwing his weight around" in violence.

            4.  He Was an Ignorant Unbeliever.

·        But the basic causes of his godless behavior were "ignorance" and "unbelief."

1.      Even though Saul of Tarsus was a brilliant man and well educated (Acts 22:3; Gal 1:13-14), his mind was blinded from the truth (1 Cor 2:14; 2 Cor 4:3-4).

2.      He was a religious man, yet he was not headed for heaven!

3.      It was not until he put faith in Jesus Christ that he was saved (Phil 3:1-11).

·        Yet Paul was shown mercy because his actions were the product of ignorance.

1.      Willful disobedience triggers God’s wrath (Num. 15:22-31; Heb. 10:26).

2.      But God deals gently with the ignorant and misguided (Heb. 5:2).

3.      The German philosopher Nietzsche said, “If you could prove God to me, I would believe Him all the less.” No such willfulness characterized Paul’s unbelief.

SECONDLY, CONSIDER HOW PAUL WAS SAVED (1Tim. 1:13B-15).

1. How Could A Holy God Ever Save and Forgive Such Self-Righteous Sinners?

A) Through Mercy and Grace. (Vs. 13, 14)

·        The key words are "mercy" and "grace." God in His mercy did not give Paul what he did deserve; instead God in His grace gave Paul what he did not deserve.

·        Grace is God’s undeserved, unearned, freely given favor. Grace is God’s loving forgiveness, by which He grants salvation apart from any merit on the part of those He saves (see Rom. 3:24; Gal. 1:6).

·        “but I obtained mercy” If the apostle Paul could find mercy after the terrible things he did against Christ, then God surely offers salvation with “open arms” to all people (see 2:4). 

B) With Faith.

·        faith and love. Attitudes frequently linked with salvation in the NT (see Eph. 1:15; 3:17; Col. 1:4, 23). They are gifts of God’s grace in Christ.

C) With Love.

·        Grace and mercy are God's love in action, God motivated by love paying a price to save lost sinners. It is not God's love that saves us, for God loves the whole world (John 3:16).

·        It is by grace that we are saved (Eph 2:8-9) because God is rich in mercy (Eph 2:4) and grace (Eph 2:7).

2. What Did Paul's "Ignorance" Have To Do With His Salvation? (Vs. 1:13)

A) Is Ignorance An Excuse Before God?

·        Of course not! The fact of his ignorance is related to a special Jewish law (Lev 5:15-19; Num 15:22-31).

·        If a person sinned knowingly "with a high hand" in Israel, he was cut off from the people. But if he sinned in ignorance, he was permitted to bring the proper sacrifices to atone for his sins.

B) Jesus Recognized This Principle When He Prayed On The Cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

C) Their Ignorance Did Not Save Them, Nor Did Christ's Prayer Save Them; but the combination of the two postponed God's judgment, giving them an opportunity to be saved.

3. Paul Stated That It Took "Exceeding Abundant" Grace To Save Him!

      A) The grace given to Paul was “exceeding abundant,” overflowing beyond all expectations.

1.      Therefore the apostle received God’s mercy, not His wrath. God’s grace far outpaced even Paul’s grievous sin.

2.      Where there was once only unbelief, God poured out . . . “faith” . . . “in Christ Jesus.”

3.      Where there had been violent aggression against God and His people, now God poured out the love of Christ. (See 2 Tim. 2:10.)

B) Everything Paul Lacked, God’s Grace Had More Than Amply Supplied.

1.      The term “exceeding abundant”, means “to be present in great or superabundance.”) Here may be seen the full measure of what Paul meant when he spoke of the empowering ministry of Christ (1 Tim. 1:12).

2.      “Paul liked to use the Greek prefix huper (meaning "an exceeding abundant amount"), and he often attached it to words in his letters. You might translate some of these as "superincrease of faith" (2 Thess 1:3); "superabounding power" (Eph 1:19); "superconqueror" (Rom 8:37). This same prefix has come into the English language as hyper. We speak of "hyperactive" children and "hypersensitive" people.” ---W.W. Wiersbe

4. Paul Makes It Clear That This Salvation Is Not For Him Only, But For All Who Receive Jesus Christ (1 Tim 1:15).

A) If Jesus Could Save Saul Of Tarsus, The Chief Of Sinners, Then He Can Save Anybody!

·        “This is a faithful saying.” A phrase unique to the Pastoral Epistles (see 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11; Titus 3:8), which announces a statement summarizing key doctrines. The phrase “worthy of all acceptation” gives the statement added emphasis. Apparently, these sayings were well known in the churches, as concise expressions of cardinal gospel truth.

·        World refers to all humanity.

·        Save means to deliver or rescue. Christ came to die for the sins of humanity.

·        This faithful saying was based on the statements of Jesus recorded in Matt. 9:13; Luke 19:10.

·        “The central thrust of Paul’s personal digression, begun in verse 12, now becomes clear. It is a testimony concerning the purpose of the Incarnation of Christ. Jesus came not merely to set an example or to show that He cared. He came to salvage sinners from their spiritual destitution—and Paul said he was the worst of that lot. There must be no misunderstanding of this most fundamental point. It is a truth that is completely trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. (Four other passages include this “trustworthy” phrase: 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11; Titus 3:8.)” ---John Walvoord

·        “Here we come to the very heart of the difference between true Christianity and all other teachings. False religions tell man that there is something he can do or be in order to win favor with God. The gospel tells man that he is a sinner, that he is lost, that he cannot save himself, and that the only way he can get to heaven is through the substitutionary work of the Lord Jesus on the cross. The type of law teaching which Paul described earlier in this chapter gives a place to the flesh. It tells man exactly what he wants to hear, namely, that he can somehow contribute to his own salvation. But the gospel insists that all the glory for the work of salvation must go to Christ alone, that man does nothing but the sinning, and that the Lord Jesus does all the saving.”  ---William MacDonald

B) We Admire Paul's Humility!

·        We note that he considered himself to be the "least of the apostles" (1 Cor 15:9).

·         And he referred to himself as the "least of all saints" (Eph 3:8).

·        Notice that Paul did not write "of whom I was chief" but "of whom I am chief." He was “first,” in rank.

·        Paul saw the degradation of sin and understood the sinfulness of human beings. Because of this, he placed himself first among sinners.

·        Few could be considered a worse sinner than someone who blasphemed God and persecuted His church (see 1 Cor. 15:9; Eph. 3:8). Paul’s attitude toward himself dramatically changed (Phil. 3:7–9; Rom 7:7–12).

Clearly God in His infinite grace and mercy can save anyone who realizes their sinfulness and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. Beloved, this is one of the primary reasons Jesus Christ came into this world! Yes, God has you and me in mind for our salvation and good. He took responsibility to provide a means for people to be reconciled to Him and forgiven of their sins. Jesus is His provision; it is Christ who died, was buried, and rose again the third day capable of saving all who will repent believing the gospel.

In the following article, I will further explore the question: Can God Use Someone Like Me?