The Phil Dooley 5 Day Men's Growth ChallengeSample

Paul

The apostle Paul needs no introduction. His life is like a ‘Before & After’ pic that shows a 180° turnaround. In fact, God makes an example out of Paul. ‘Here’s a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners,’ Paul writes to Timothy. ‘I’m proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now HE shows me off—evidence of HIS endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting HIM forever.’ (1 Timothy 1:15–16, MSG). 

Before he encounters Jesus, Saul (his Hebrew name) is determined to wipe out the early church. But on his way to Damascus to round up more believers, Saul is intercepted by the resurrected Jesus and encounters God’s love, mercy, and grace. 

Everything changes for Saul when he receives salvation. Suddenly, the things that seemed so important before – his pure-blooded Jewish lineage, his excellent education – fade by comparison to knowing Jesus and having a personal relationship with Him. 

Once he knows the truth, Paul sets THREE goals for his life: 

1. To know Jesus more and more. This is a life-changing goal for anyone at any time. The best way to cement any relationship, including your relationship with God, is to spend time together. Spending more time with Jesus will actually help you to use the rest of your time more fruitfully.

Whenever you spend time with God – by doing a devotional like this one, reading your Bible, talking to Him, praying, journaling, worshipping, going to church – you’re making space for the Holy Spirit to work in your life. And the Lord will enlarge your vision, direct your steps, and speed you on your way.

2. To be like Jesus. To become like Jesus is a goal of salvation. And who wouldn’t want to be as rock-solid as Jesus? Who wouldn’t want more love, joy, peace, patience, and all the other character traits of Jesus that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives? 

Look at how this benefits Paul. Nothing rattles him. He has joy and peace in the worst possible circumstances, like when he and Silas are stripped, beaten and thrown into prison and they still praise God. 

The more you practise being the bigger person – quick to forgive, slow to anger, steadfast, faithful, generous, etc. – the more you’ll actually become that bigger person. This kind of Christ-like maturity is probably the most underrated and liberating quality that we can possibly cultivate in our lives. 

3. To achieve all that God has for him to do. Which is a tall order. But Paul plugs into God’s grace to do it. Grace is God’s unearned or undeserved favour. It’s also the sustaining and enabling power of the Holy Spirit, which is available to us. Basically, God’s grace covers that stretch between what we can do (in our own strength), and what He has for us to do in His incredible plan for our lives. 

So, what would Paul tell us if he were here today? Perhaps he would say: ‘You may not have started well in life, but you can finish strong. Jesus has a far greater plan for your life, than any plans you could ever achieve on your own. Live a life that leaves a legacy. Fight the good fight. Finish the race. Keep the faith.’

Enjoying this devotional? Sign up to the monthly Phil Dooley Growth Challenge HERE.