1 Corinthians 15-16, Psalm 148
1 Corinthians 15:10-11 (NLT)
“But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. So it makes no difference whether I preach or they preach, for we all preach the same message you have already believed.”
In 1 Corinthians 15:10–11, Paul tells the church at Corinth that he became who he was because of the grace of the Lord. Paul reminded believers that the Lord's grace in his life was not without results because he established several churches among the Gentiles. He reminds believers that he worked harder than the other apostles, but he credited everything to Father-God, who was working through him. Paul reminds believers that he and the other apostles all preached the same message—that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead on the third day.
One Bible commentary I read pointed out that Paul discussed the resurrection of Christ because some in the Corinthian church doubted the resurrection of the dead. When I read these verses, what stood out to me was how Paul credited everything to the Lord. He did not believe that his personal merit was responsible for all the work he did for the Lord. Paul also admitted that he worked harder than the other apostles, but he attributed his accomplishments to the grace of the Lord.
Like Paul, I know I can honestly say that whatever I am now is all because of the Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I know myself well enough to know that the success I achieved at work and the financial foundation that I have now were all because of the Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And I went kicking and screaming, even though eventually I always obeyed the guidance of the Holy Spirit. What I am working on now is producing “fruit” that will please Father-God. I don't want to just be a covenant-keeping Christian and not produce any fruit in my life. I want to testify to the grace and glory of the Lord, like Paul did.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who transforms the lives of all those who believe in Him—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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