In response to Paul’s message (and autobiography) there are two applications we can make: praise and service.
Praise for God’s grace. We can praise him for the grace he showed to Paul, making him part of his church, and for the grace he has shown to you and me. What a privilege to be part of the community where the truth of God is heard and proclaimed. What a privilege to know Christ, to be assured of life in God’s glory despite our many sins and failures. Throughout his life Paul marvelled at the mercy that was shown to him. He realized that he deserved nothing from God but wrath, that all was of grace. May the Spirit help us to see and acknowledge the same.
Serve in the place where God has put us. Paul’s conversion went hand in hand with his call to be an apostle; they went together. The recognition that Christ is King was followed by submission to the task that he has given. That same pattern holds true for us today. When we embrace Christ by faith, we also receive our instructions for service. Our duties as prophets, priests and kings do not begin after we have had many years of training. They begin with conversion, and we grow in our obedience as we grow in knowledge of God’s truth.
11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.