234. Paul's Conversion A Pattern.

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.6 - I Timothy 1:1.

THE notion is common that Paul's conversion was something uncommon and not at ail to be expected in the usual order of things.

The text flatly contradicts such a supposition: the very reason for his salvation was that he might be a type of other conversions.

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.

We are each one saved with an eye to others.

For whose sake are you saved?

Are you making the fullest use of your conversion to this end?

II. IN HIS ENTIRE LIFE, PAUL SPEAKS TO OTHERS.

He was foremost in sin and also in grace, and thus his life speaks to the extremes on each side.

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

· He was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and injurious.

· He went as far as he could in hatred to Christ and his people.

· Yet, the grace of God changed him and forgave him.

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

· He was faithful in ministry, clear in knowledge, fervent in spirit, patient in suffering, diligent in service.

· And all this notwithstanding what he once was.

The foremost in sin may be saved, and so none are shut out.

These should be and may be foremost in faith and love when saved.

III. IN HIS WHOLE CASE, HE PRESENTS A PICTURE OF OTHERS.

1. As to God's long-suffering to him. In his case:

· Long-suffering was carried to its highest pitch.

· Long-suffering was so great that all the patience of God seemed to be revealed in his one instance.

· Long-suffering was concentrated. All the long-suffering that has ever been seen or ever will be seen in others met in him.

· Long-suffering 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 fullness 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?

It is possible for us to realize in ourselves a full parallel with Paul—

· There is a sad resemblance in our sin.

· There is a similarity in the divine long-suffering towards us.

· There is a likeness in some degree in the revelation, for the Lord Jesus asks us from heaven, "Why persecutest thou me?"

· Shall there not be a similarity also in the faith?

· Will we not ask, "Who art thou, Lord?" and "What wilt thou have me to do?"