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The Attitude of a Saint

 

I Corinthians 9-11

 

The apostle Paul had a certain mindset that Christians would be wise to emulate. ( I Corinthians 11:1)

His attitude included;

 

  1. Humility – Pride cannot hide in the heart of a believer who understands divine mercy. Paul spread the gospel because he believed that the grace which was sufficient to save a sinner like him was adequate for anyone.
  2. A Sense of Obligation – The apostle never lost sight of how far God’s grace had brought him. He frequently reminded followers of his role in persecuting the church (I Timothy 1:13). Paul’s gratitude for salvation from that former life never waned. The book of Acts records the almost constant turmoil and heartache of his travels, and yet he kept praising the Lord for the privilege of serving.
  3. A sense of dependence – To describe the source of his strength, Paul used these words: “By the grace of God I am what I am.” (I Corinthians 15:10). He knew what it was like to depend upon one’s own goodness and work to be religious – and he wanted no part of it. Paul desired more of Jesus and none of himself (Phililippians 3:8). “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the Excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”
  4.  A spirit of absolute confidence – At the end of his life, Paul was as certain as ever that God was real, in charge, and worthy of all honor, glory, and praise. (II Timothy 4:6-8) For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.