Paul's Conversion a Pattern

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1 Timothy 1:16

However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering…

I. IN THE CONVERSION OF PAUL THE LORD HAD AN EYE TO OTHERS, The fact of his conversion and the mode of it —

1. Would tend to interest and convince other Pharisees and Jews.

2. Would be used by himself in his preaching as an argument to convert and encourage others.

3. Would encourage Paul as a preacher to hope for others.

4. Would become a powerful argument with him for seeking others.

5. Would, long after Paul's death, remain on record to be the means of bringing many to Jesus.

II. IN HIS ENTIRE LIFE PAUL SPEAKS TO OTHERS.

1. In sin. His conversion proves that Jesus receives great sinners.

2. In grace. He proved the power of God to sanctify and preserve.

III. IN HIS WHOLE CASE HE PRESENTS A CARTOON OF OTHERS.

1. As to God's longsuffering to him. In his case longsuffering was carried to its highest pitch. Longsuffering so great that all the patience of God seemed to be revealed in his one instance. Longsuffering which displayed itself in many ways, so as to let him live when persecuting saints; to allow him the possibility of pardon; to call him effectually by grace; to give him fulness of personal blessing; to put him into the ministry and send him to the Gentiles; to keep and support him even unto the end.

2. As to the mode of his conversion. He was saved remarkably, but others will be seen to be saved in like manner if we look below the surface of things. Saved without previous preparation on his own part; saved at once out of darkness and death; saved by Divine power alone; saved by faith wrought in him by God's own Spirit; saved distinctly, and beyond all doubt. Are we not also saved in precisely the same way?

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