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The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is now studying the heroes of faith found in the Bible. In Hebrews 11, we find a remarkable chapter that introduces us to a cloud of witnesses, individuals who exemplified extraordinary faith. However our study will go beyond Hebrews 11 and include the lives of others that are examples of the blessings of having faith in God. We will also talk about other people that exhibited extraordinary faith, some of them are people we may know.
Throughout this Bible study, we will delve into the lives of these individuals, examining the specific trials they endured, the faith principles they embraced, and the lessons we can learn from their examples. Our goal is not merely to admire their accomplishments but to understand the underlying principles that fueled their faith and to apply those principles to our own lives.
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In this final session of this series of studies we continue our study of Paul who started out as a persecutor of Christianity and after a miraculous encounter with Jesus became one of Christianity's most influential and important figures.
Paul's understanding and writing about grace were deeply intertwined with his own transformative faith experience. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ, was a pivotal moment that fundamentally reshaped his worldview and his understanding of God's relationship with humanity.
Paul uses the word "grace" (Greek: charis) and its derivatives approximately 144 times in his epistles.
This is more frequent than in the entire Old Testament and the four Gospels combined.
The word appears only 13 times in the four Gospels.
Here's how Paul's faith figured into his interpretation of grace:
Grace is Unmerited Favor: Before his conversion, Paul, then known as Saul, was a zealous Pharisee who believed in achieving righteousness through strict adherence to the Jewish Law. His encounter with Christ revealed to him that righteousness comes not through works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.This personal revelation led him to understand grace as God's unearned, undeserved favor and love, freely given to humanity through Jesus's sacrifice. His own experience of being radically transformed despite his past actions fueled this understanding of grace as a gift.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10 NIV [9] For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. [10] But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
Faith as the Means to Receive Grace: Paul emphasized that this grace is received through faith, not by human effort or good deeds. His own conversion was not the result of his merit but a direct act of God's grace, which he embraced through faith.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV [8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast. [10] For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
This is a cornerstone of Christianity; salvation is by grace through faith
Centrality of Christ: Paul's faith was entirely centered on Jesus Christ. He saw Christ as the embodiment of God's grace, the one through whom redemption and reconciliation with God became possible. His writings consistently point to Jesus's life, death, and resurrection as the ultimate expression of God's grace and the foundation of Christian faith.
Romans 3:21-26 NIV [21] But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. [22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. [25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— [26] he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Galatians 2:20-21 NIV [20] I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. [21] I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
Transformation through Grace: Paul's personal transformation from persecutor to apostle demonstrated the power of God's grace to change lives. He saw grace not just as a means of salvation but also as a transformative power that enables believers to live lives reflecting God's goodness.
In essence, Paul's own faith, born from his direct encounter with Christ and his subsequent understanding of God's unconditional love, became the lens through which he interpreted and articulated the concept of grace in his letters.
Acts 26:12-18 NIV [12] “On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. [13] About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. [14] We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ [15] “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. [16] ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. [17] I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them [18] to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
His writings on grace are not abstract theological concepts but are deeply rooted in his personal experience of God's saving and transforming power.
Salvation is a gift, removing the idea that we can earn it through our actions. This freedom allows us to approach God with confidence, in faith knowing that His love is not contingent on our performance.
Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV [14] Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. [16] Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
We can come to God without fear or hesitation. Our confidence is based on Jesus' sacrifice and His role as our mediator. God provides both mercy (forgiveness) and grace (strength and help) when we need it most.
1 Timothy 2:1-6 NIV [1] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
Hebrews 8:4-6 NIV [4] If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. [5] They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” [6] But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.
Hebrews 9:15 NIV For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
Paul had Faith in the Midst of Suffering
2 Corinthians 11:21-28 NIV [21] To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that! Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. [22] Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. [23] Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. [24] Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. [25] Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, [26] I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. [27] I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. [28] Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
We just read of some of the things Paul suffered for delivering the Good News of the Gospel but he considered the suffering worthwhile. Why?
Philippians 3:7-11 NIV [7] But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. [10] I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Paul's unwavering faith and his focus on the eternal rewards and the impact of the Gospel on others enabled him to view his suffering not as a defeat, but as a worthwhile and even joyful part of his calling.
He believed that just as Christ suffered and was glorified, those who suffer with Him will also share in His glory.
Romans 8:14-17 NIV [14] For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
He considered it a privilege to suffer for the sake of Christ's name. Paul's willingness to endure hardship demonstrated the transformative power of the Gospel. His perseverance in the face of adversity showed that his faith was genuine and that the message he proclaimed was worth any cost.
Paul understood that his sufferings often served to benefit others and further the spread of the Gospel.
2 Corinthians 1:6 NIV [6] If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.
Colossians 1:24-27 NIV [24] Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. [25] I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— [26] the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. [27] To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Philippians 1:21-26 NIV [21] For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. [22] If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! [23] I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; [24] but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. [25] Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Paul's words highlight that true Christian faith is not just about believing certain doctrines, but about a lived experience that involves both the joys and the hardships of following Christ. To embrace the reality that following Christ may involve suffering, knowing that in those times, there is a closer fellowship with Christ.
Biblical joy is not the absence of suffering, but a deep settled peace that comes from knowing Christ, and trusting in his power, even in the midst of suffering. Knowing that suffering can produce a deeper fellowship with Christ, and that we have the power of the resurrection working in us, gives us an eternal perspective. This perspective helps us to see trials not as meaningless pain, but as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God.
James 1:2-8 NIV [2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
Paul knew that the gospel was true power. Not the power of man, but the power of God. He knew that the gospel had the inherent ability to transform lives and bring about spiritual redemption.
Romans 1:16-17 NIV [16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. [17] For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
How did Paul's faith fuel his boldness in proclaiming the gospel?
How can we apply Paul's example of boldness to our own lives?
Paul's boldness stemmed from his profound, personal encounter with Jesus Christ. This experience transformed him, giving him an unshakable belief in the Gospel. Paul consistently proclaimed the Gospel, even in the face of persecution, imprisonment, and physical danger. Paul's primary focus was on spreading the Gospel, even above his own comfort or safety. Paul's motivation was love for people, he wanted them to have the saving grace of Jesus.
How can we share the gospel without shame?
Remember that the power to transform lives lies in the Gospel itself, not in our persuasive abilities.
Romans 1:16 NIV [16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Be Authentic: Share your personal testimony, how God has worked in your life. Authenticity resonates with people. Let your actions show your faith.
Be Prepared for Rejection: Not everyone will receive the Gospel. But, that should not stop us from sharing it.
Paul saw his life and ministry as a constant struggle against spiritual forces of evil, as well as against the challenges and persecutions he faced.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 NIV [6] For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
"Good fight" emphasizes that this was a righteous struggle, a battle for truth and the Gospel. It signifies his dedication and perseverance in defending and spreading the Good News
"I have finished the race":
Implies that he had completed the task God had set before him. He had run the course of his life and ministry to its intended end. It speaks to his endurance and faithfulness in pursuing his calling.
"I have kept the faith": refers to his unwavering loyalty to the Christian faith, the body of truth he had received and proclaimed. It signifies his consistent belief and trust in God, despite the trials he endured. It also means that he kept the faith pure, and did not waver from the truth of the gospel.
Conclusion:
Paul's life demonstrates that faith is not passive but an active, transformative force. From his dramatic conversion to his unwavering commitment to the gospel, Paul's example inspires us to live lives of bold faith, rooted in grace, and focused on Christ.
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