Timeline of Paul’s Grace Self Awareness
AD 53 – “I am the least of the apostles and don’t even deserve to be called an apostle…” (1Cor15:9)
AD 62 – “I am least deserving of all God’s people…” (Eph.3:8)
AD 65 – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (1Tim.1:15)
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into the world to save sinners—to redeem people who don’t love and obey our heavenly Father with everything they have and are. People who break, ignore, and trivialize God’s Law and Word. This means we’re included!
In fact, this is the most inclusive group in all of history and humanity. No need to fear FMO—fear of missing out. No one is excluded, rejected, or overlooked. We all qualify for your saving grace—desperately need it and are grateful for it.
What we could never do for ourselves, you have perfectly done for us, Jesus. Thank you, Lord. Grace saves us utterly and to the uttermost. Through the Gospel of your grace, we’re not “just” forgiven, we’re also given the record of your perfect righteousness. Hallelujah, 10,000 times over.
As reflected in the three verses from Paul in today’s prayer, a sign we’re actually growing in grace is seen in a greater realization of our need for your grace. As Paul aged, your grace became more precious to him. He didn’t backslide into sin; he front-slid into more grace. Do that in us, Lord. We want to “front-slide all the way Home.
Reveal more of yourself to each of us—more of your truth, goodness, and beauty. That’s how we’ll discover our grace-need, repent quicker, boast more fully in you—becoming more like you. That’s what we want, Jesus. So Very Amen.