In reading Scripture lately I have noticed how constantly Paul takes the focus off himself, and what he has done and accomplished, and talks instead about what God has done for him. When Paul defends himself as an apostle, he talks about God's work in His life, not his own accolades.
Tonight I read Ephesians 1, and in verses 3-14 there are at least 10 different things mentioned that Paul thanks God for doing in our lives (I'm sure I've missed some). Here they are:
- blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing
- chose us to be holy and blameless in his sight
- predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ
- redeemed us through his blood
- forgiven us of our sins
- lavished grace on us
- made known His mysteries to us
- chosen so that we may be for the praise of His glory
- included in Christ and salvation
- marked us with a seal, the Holy Spirit, to guarantee our inheritance
WOW! It's not about what we have done, but what has been done for us and given to us. Praise be to God, not ourselves.
No comments:
Post a Comment