THE REVEALED TRANSFORMATION Galatians 1:18-24 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles – only James, the Lord’s brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing to you is no lie. Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they praised God because of me. (NIVUK) The Apostle Paul had been explaining that after he encountered the risen Jesus, he had no contact with other apostles, churches or believers for three years. During that time the Lord taught Paul the meaning of the Scriptures - when they were read as intended, looking forward to the person and work of Christ. Peter and James were still alive when this letter was written and could validate all that Paul said; when they eventually met, their understanding of the gospel was identical to Paul’s. So his teaching came from the Scriptures and from Jesus Christ: not from human wisdom or even other apostles. Paul had been transformed. He had met the living Jesus and repented of his former life. Instead of destroying the churches, he now did all he could to build them up. His method was simple: to preach the gospel and to reveal Jesus as the Son of God as well as the Man of Sorrows, and then how to live to please Him. Paul’s radical personal change excited praise to God among many who had never met him. When God changes a person’s heart, He also changes their behaviour. Your life should also have some of the marks of divine transformation. It is right that people should rejoice when your behaviour demonstrates that your heart has changed. That is why it is important to live with spiritual integrity – be what you are; and be ready with an answer to explain the reason for your new way of life (1 Peter 3:15 ). If another Christian cannot look at you and thank God for His grace, something is wrong! Every internal transformation done by God will have evidence. It is also important to thank God for others: instead of criticising the parts of their behaviour you do not like, it is better to thank the Lord for whatever is good and brings glory to Him.
Posted on: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 07:29:55 +0000
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