By the Grace of God

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:9-11

This chapter primarily deals with the resurrection. For a moment, Paul takes a break from discussing the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection to make a point about the grace of God. There are four points in these three verses that are related to grace.

Humility

  • Paul describes himself as “least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle” because of his past as a persecutor (v. 9)
  • Elsewhere he describes himself as “foremost of all” sinners (1 Timothy 1:15)
  • We must be humble in all things – grace is undeserved (Luke 8:13; Romans 6:23)

Grace

  • It was not Paul’s choice to have salvation available to him – although it was his choice to meet the conditions when God made it available (Acts 9:17-18; 22:16)
  • It was also not the choice of the apostles or other Christians (Acts 9:26-27)
  • The choice to make salvation available to Paul was made by God – same is true for us today (Titus 2:11; Mark 16:15-16)

Labor

  • Paul “labored even more” than the others (v. 10) – he was eager to work in service to God, just as we should be (Titus 2:14)
  • This is another passage that ties grace and works together
  • Paul’s labor was by “the grace of God” (v. 10) – he was taught, accepted, forgiven, and allowed to work for Christ

Preaching

  • The gospel is the message of God’s grace (Acts 20:24) – someone like Paul being Christ’s messenger is an example of God’s grace (1 Timothy 1:16)
  • The messenger is irrelevant (1 Corinthians 3:4-7)
  • We must believe, then obey the gospel (Mark 16:15-16)

Read the article: By the Grace of God