I doubt the Apostle Paul ever made New Year’s resolutions. I could be wrong about this, but I just can’t imagine him resolving to join Weight Watchers or to learn a new language. Can you?
Paul was consumed by the grace of God. Nothing else mattered. When Paul met Jesus grace became everything to him. From that point forward, he lived to tell others of this good news.
If he met you today, here is what he would tell you about the grace of God.
- Jesus is full of grace. (John 1:14, 1 Corinthians 16:23)
- Grace saves you and gives you life. (Ephesians 2:1-10)
- Grace justifies you and makes you right with God. (Romans 3:24)
- Grace makes you new. (2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 15:10)
- Grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- Grace produces fruit in your life. (Colossians 1:6)
- Grace teaches you to say “No” to sin and to live righteous, upright lives. (Titus 2:11-13)
- Grace is where you stand. (Romans 5:2, 6:14)
Paul’s purpose in life never changed. Day after day, year after year, he found new ways to carry out the task the Lord Jesus had given him — “the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24 NIV).
On second thought, maybe this was Paul’s annual resolution.
Has the grace of God changed your perspective on New Year’s resolutions?