The Impact of the Resurrection (Part Two)

This week following Easter Sunday we are considering the impact of the resurrection in microcosm. If the macrocosm is seen in the resurrection’s impact on the world, the microcosm is seem in its impact on one person—here, the apostle Paul. That impact began to unfold as we saw evidence in Paul’s heart of genuine spiritual humility. It continues to unfold in 1 Corinthians 15 with:

Honesty (v.9)- There was more to his sense of undeservedness than that he was saved last. Paul knew only too well that he had not only opposed the church and persecuted the faith—he had murdered Christians (Acts 7-9). Here, he reflected back on those dark seasons in his life and saw his former life through the lens of honesty—again reaffirming his personal sense of unworthiness.

            Notice that Paul never doubted his apostolic office, but he was always doubting his worthiness. This is the marvelous mystery of the privilege of ministry—none of us deserve it. The difference is that Paul never forgot it, and he never recovered from the wonder of it all. That is why he wrote, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Tim. 1:12) To Paul, ministry was an amazing privilege that he honestly never ceased to be amazed with.

Dependency (v.10a)- “I am what I am” Be careful with this. This is not a copout to excuse sin or stubbornness. It is not an attempt to justify inappropriate thoughts, attitudes or actions. One Bible teacher noted that he does not say…

“By the grace of God I still am what I always was.”

Rather Paul declares…

“By the grace of God I am what I am!”

            In Paul’s mind, this is the only way to adequately explain the transformation that has occurred in his life. He has been dramatically changed:

• from persecutor of the church to preacher of Christ,
•  from enemy of God to evangelist of the Gospel,
• from stalwart of the Law to a soldier of the Cross,
•  from hater of men to lover of God.

            The Gospel is all about transformation—and Paul knew it and lived it. He saw himself as he was—an enemy of God, and a man of religion without true faith. But, through the resurrection of Christ, grace redeems! And that redeeming grace must also be rested in and trusted in for the transforming life of grace that follows conversion.