우리 함께 나눠요 | 천예준 목자

(1 Corinthians 15.1-11)

Summary:

Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel that is of first importane. That in fulfillment of the Scripture, Jesus Christ died for our sin, was buried, was raised on the third day, appeared to Peter and the 12, to 500+ brothers who are living eyewitnesses, to James, all the apostles, and to Paul. Paul considers himself the least of the apostles because of his persecution of the church yet now works harder than anyone else so that the grace of God is not in vain. 

Meditation:

"For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle because I......"

There are many things I could say to finish this sentence, so I am so grateful for Paul's example. Because no matter how I do finish the sentence,I have never persecuted and murdered Christians. So it does away with every accusation that Satan would throw at me that I am unqualified, unworthy, thus unable to preach about Jesus. It removes every excuse and lie that might prevent me from carrying the name of Christ wherever I go. Though comforting in some measure, thinking that my sins are "not as bad as that guy's" is not the gospel and can quickly turn into another sin of my heart. Like the Pharisee who prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men". Rather may I be like the tax collector: "God, be merciful on me, a sinner." [[Luke 18#11-13]]. Rather than being a comparison of the severity of sin, the example Paul sets for me is that I need not be ashamed of my past for it is how God's grace was made known in my life. Not only does my past fail to prevent me, it becomes a core part of my testimony. I was once dead in my sin, but by grace, I am not alive in Christ!

So I remember the gospel today. With the start of EM on the horizon, the doubts can pile up. "Can I do it? Is this the right choice, the right way? Is there something else that I am supposed to be doing in order to prepare? How do I preach the gospel so that people will be saved?" But each week as new people are brought to CTC without my doing, I am reminded that I am under God's grace. It has never been and never will be by my power that anyone changes, for I was only changed by grace as well. So whether I prepare to preach or lead small group, whether I am in Toledo or Ann Arbor, whether I am at church or at work, I do all as one who was saved by grace. As I discipline my body by the grace of God within me to do the Lord's will, day by day, may the life I live be a testament to the grace I have received. To work hard at my job, to rely on the Spirit during sermon preparation, to love my family well, to pray continuously, to give thanks, and rejoice always in the Truth. This is my daily bread for today.