“For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”  1Cor 15:9-10

Let’s take a closer look at this passage… a 2 verse exegeses, as it were.  In verse 9, we can see Paul’s humility… he calls himself unworthy. How easily we say, “Paul persecuted the Church.”  Nevertheless, have you considered the memories that he tried to forget, the scars upon his heart? He and his associates, filled with religious zeal and perhaps self-righteousness, would enter the home of a Christian and seize them by force, causing bodily harm. No doubt there were insults hurled and other cruelties perpetrated as parents were torn away from their screaming, bewildered children. These captives were either tortured, imprisoned or murdered. Could it be possible that during these violent episodes, hatred filled Paul’s heart… even demon’s? Anyway, Paul knows who he used to be and what he did, and he fully appreciated the wonderful grace of God. He could clearly state, “But by the grace of God I am what I am...” sensing absolute unworthiness, and knowing that neither His calling, nor his fruitful apostolic accomplishments were by his righteous self-effort.

However, he goes on to reveal a major key to his effective ministry: “His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all…”  He knew with every fiber of his being that God had called him and that he was afforded abundant grace to fulfill his mission. His strength and ability was in Christ alone, (“yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me”), but he also applied his best effort, straining and pressing toward the goal. Paul was diligent, he worked hard, he was disciplined, committed and he persevered. In fact, he stated that he “labored more abundantly” than all of the rest of his peers! He had his eyes set on the goal. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection....” 1Cor 9:24-27

God's favor, His anointing, His power and strength are all abundantly available to you. You can do all things through Him. Oh yes, one more thing: your surrender and obedience, your labor and commitment, your diligence and perseverance are required… all by His grace.   

Peter Whitehouse