What made a Saul become a Paul?

Philippians 1:12-14

A goodly number of us Christian would not walk across the street to a neighbor to enquire about their spiritual condition, yet some of us would be bold and invite them to a Christmas play at church.  But do we really have any understanding of what Paul is sharing with the church at Philippi?  In his letter he states; “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.”

Do most of us who go by the name of Christian have any knowledge of God’s requirements to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ?   Will I get honest about the advancement of the gospel; will you?  Did Paul sign up for prison fellowship, is he making the decision about who, where, and when, he will go and do what is required to advance the gospel? 

Paul was like some church members, he was into the tradition of the Jews, he was smart, and he had goals; then he had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, and he died to Saul and became Paul.  Many have by passed a personal encounter with Christ, they are a member in good standing, they are busy, they are consumed, they are lost; then there is a group who are in Christ but are controlled by what God calls the flesh. 

The real question is, would I know a Paul if I sat next to him in the building we call a church?  When the Holy Spirit came into the lives of men and women this is what happened; “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)  God has not changed, the Holy Spirit is still invading the life of each and everyone who comes into a personal relationship with Christ, so where is the power? 

Last year God called me to VBS, and I went kicking but I did submit to the call, and I made a difference to one little girl.  This year I did not feel God’s calling, but they needed workers and Jan and I once more played a part in some children’s lives.  But I control my life most of the time; I do not make decisions based on the advancement of the gospel but on my schedule and comfort, and I often think wrongly that I’m not fleshly.

What made a Saul become a Paul?  He gave up on what a Saul could do for God and became a servant to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and God changed his name, and the new man Paul forgot how to be Saul.  If you’re looking to be in charge, you are like most of us who go by the name of Christian; however, do not be deceived, your life will not count to advance the kingdom of God or to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice