Apostle Paul, 2of7

~ Paul’s Self-Understanding Changed as He Matured~

Key Principle  ~  As a Christian grows they focus less and less on themselves and more and more on their Savior—Jesus Christ.  One of the reasons is that as we grow more like Christ we increasingly realize how sinful we are.  With that in mind look at the example we find in the Apostle Paul’s writings.

Paul’s Progression  ~  To come to a saving knowledge of Christ Paul had to acknowledge that he was a “sinner.”

Apostle  ~  After becoming a minister of The Gospel Paul called himself “an apostle” (Galatians 1:1 and other references).  Paul actually used this identification at the start of a number of his epistles. 

Least of the Apostles  ~  As Paul progresses in his Christian maturity he refers to himself as “the least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9).

Least of the Saints  ~  Still later, Paul references himself as the “least of the saints [least of the early believers]” (Ephesians 3:8).

Chief of Sinners  ~  As he continued to mature in his knowledge of Christ and his own sinfulness he referred to himself as “the chief of sinners.”  “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.  However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life” (1 Timothy 1:15-16).  

Comments  ~  If you look at the progression of Paul’s view of himself the progression is related to the order of the books he wrote.  In his latest books he has an increasing appreciation for the vast gulf between his nature and God’s nature.  As any Christian grows in his sanctification they increasingly realize how sinful they are and how holy God is.  The typical result of this realization is to increase in the growth of true humility causing one to rely increasingly on God’s strength rather than their own. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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How To Pray

~ Prayer Principles – Philippians 4 ~

Packed into six short verses of Philippians 4:4-9 we find Six Attitudes of Prayer.

Rejoicing ~ “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (4:4). In prayer we should always be rejoicing. We do this by focusing on our Father rather than our problems. It is a great practice to start prayer by focusing on God, His love, and His attributes. “Rejoice always … for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Humility ~ “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand” (4:5). The very act of prayer should be a humbling experience. By focusing on God we realize how inept we are and that we have no right to approach the Father—except by the blood of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Expecting ~ “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (4:6). Anxiety has no place in prayer—expect God to do what is best in your long range interest. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28-29).

Quietness ~ “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (4:7). Focus your thoughts not only on God the Father but also on His Son Jesus Christ. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus … He humbled Himself … and became obedient ” (Philippians 2:5-8).

Realism ~ “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things” (4:8). As you pray, try to see things as they are, not as you perceive them to be. Never assume motivations for others. Remember that you are not as bad, nor as good, as some people tell you. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29).

Application ~ “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (4:9). Just do it! Feelings follow actions. Do what you know to be the will of God for you while waiting for any further specific instructions. “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17).

ADDITIONAL COMMENT: The book Thy Will Be Done On Earth (see the TWBDOE tab at the top of the page) contains an informative chapter on prayer from a different perspective including God’s four answers to prayer.