DCLM Higher Everyday 27 December 2022 — Paul’s Pattern
DCLM Higher Everyday 27 December 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Paul’s Pattern
TOPIC: PAUL’S PATTERN
TEXT: 1 TIMOTHY 1:14-19
14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
19Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
MEMORY VERSE: “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting” (1 TIMOTHY 1:16).
MESSAGE
Apostle Paul was a pattern in many ways. ‘Intense’ is one word that best describes him to every youth. Paul demonstrated intensity in everything he did. Before meeting the Saviour, he sinned with a passion – harassing, arresting and even killing Christ’s disciples. His encounter with Christ on the way to Damascus was quite intriguing – he saw a blinding light, fell down, heard Jesus’ voice and lost his sight.
Clearly, God’s programme for Paul’s life was fast and fascinating. From being an arrogant, cruel persecutor, he moved swiftly to becoming a convicted, humbled and repentant sinner. Then, he became a fasting and praying saint. The course of his life was altered forever. He is a pattern of God’s grace to every youth.
Now converted and commissioned by Christ, Paul served God with even greater intensity. He preached the gospel with a vengeance against Satan. He surpassed older Christians in commitment and consecration to Christ’s cause. He pioneered missionary activities to the remotest parts of the earth. He is a shinning example of Christian living to every saved youth.
QUOTE: Paul served God with even greater intensity.
CHALLENGE: Living without passion amounts to being dead.
PRAYER: Set my soul afire, Lord.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
