WALKING FREE. (6)

*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*

*WALKING FREE. (6)*

*Scripture Treasure.*

Ephesians 5:16 *Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.*

*Insight and Highlight.*

The past is redeemed, not erased.

*Scripture Commentaries.*

We have been looking at one of the two sides of Paul in his discussion of his past.

First was his ability to let go his past, his esteemed accomplishments and leaving them behind to move forward.

Today we will look at the second side.

Second was his past as a powerful testimony to the transforming power of God's grace.

Paul used his past as a powerful testimony of how God repurposed his life.

God's power was transformational in life of Paul.

A once destroyer of the Chuch became one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament containing exposition of the works and ministry of the Holy Spirit.

He carried a great measure of the Spirit that found answers to many if not all, questions on the Spirit.

The transforming power of God's grace in his life teaches us that though our pasts could still speak we can choose to use them as a powerful testimony of God's power rather than allow the experiences to negatively affect our present.

Paul tells us that 'old things are passed away' which tells us that our past is redeemed but his reflection on his past tells us that though the past may not be totally erased God's work through him showcase God's mercy.

He wrote in 1 Tim 1:15-16 telling us that God's mercy over him at and after his conversion was a perfect example of how God's longsuffering and patience waited for a time a sinner like him would come to Him.

He wrote *This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.*

*Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.*

Paul's words in 1 Tim 1:15-16 teaches us two things:

First is that Paul gave credence that truly God does not want the death of any sinner and by His longsuffering waited till they confess and turn to God, 2 Pet 3:9.

Second is that he gave credence to Acts 17:30 *And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:*

You can walk free with God when you free yourself from walking with your bad past.

Who you walk with is who you agree with.

*Remorse corner.*

God used Paul's past as a source of testimony to show God's transformative power of mercy.

*Call to Word action.*

His pasts was used by God that there is hope of a new foundation of life to terrible sinners. They can be used by God to minister to others with similar vices when the power of God touches them.

*The Christian clarion duty.*

God's transformative power shows that no life is useless before God. Your bad past is not the end of your story. A better life can spring from it through Christ!.

*Prayer.*

Lord give me a new life in Christ Jesus, in Jesus name.

Good morning all and have a blessed day.

God bless you.

Shalom.