But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

1 Corinthians 15

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10

I continue my study looking at the life of Paul using John Piper's 30 Reasons Why I Love the Apostle Paul.  Today, I move to chapter twelve - Speaking with Feeling about the Glory of Christ, Not Religious Activity.  Here, John Piper emphasizes how Paul - certainly unlike the world, and even unlike many Believers who speak of "religious activity" - focused his words on the "preciousness of [his] fellowship with Jesus.*" Piper describes how a focus on religious activity is like interest and captivation with the shell vs the taste of the nut. Piper continues by sharing how Paul was not of want for religious activity as he was at the top of his game both as a Jew then as a Christian.  He points to Philippians 3:4-8, Galatians 1:14, 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, 15:10, and 2 Corinthians 12:11 as examples of where Paul shared his efforts but only used them to point to how God was at work vs glorifying himself. Piper wraps the chapter by sharing that "Paul was so united to Christ— Christ’s love for him and his faith in Christ— that there was a profound sense in which Christ was living out his life through Paul....This was the heart of his boasting and exultation."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace for me - working in and through me and never leaving or forsaking me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.