Unshackled #2
Paul’s Credentials
Galatians 1:11-24 (NKJV)
Paul’s Story
Galatians 1:11-12 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Paul was sent by God with the goal of glorifying God
- Before Christ
Galatians 1:13-14 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. 14 And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
Paul sought to destroy the church
Acts 26:10-11 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
Paul was zealous for the cause of Judaism
Philippians 3:4-6 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning
zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
- Because of Christ
Galatians 1:15-24 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
21 Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. 23 But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God in me.
Paul’s change was the work of God – “But when it pleased God …” (v. 15)
Paul’s change was accomplished by God’s grace – “… and called me through His grace,” (v. 15)
Paul’s change impacted others – “… that I might preach Him among the Gentiles …” (v. 16)
Paul’s change was for the glory of God – “And they glorified God in me.” (v. 24)
Your Story
- Your story is through the work and grace of God – thank Him for it
- Your story impacts others – share it
- Your story is for God’s glory – point to Him through it
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
