Set Free – Called by Grace – Sermon – Pastor Marlee Page

1. Paul’s Revelation from Christ (vv. 11-12)

Paul begins this part of the letter by defending the Gospel he preaches, asserting that it is not man-made.

He writes in verses 11-12:

“I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.”

Paul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6) was a direct revelation of grace. This was not something Paul earned or sought after or made up; it was entirely initiated by God.

Similarly, each of us is pursued by God’s grace. He reaches out to us not because we are deserving, but because He loves us and has great plans for us.

Consider Augustine’s words: “God’s grace does not find men fit for salvation, but makes them so.”

Paul’s life is the perfect example of this truth, and so are each of you.

What I mean by this is that none of us are fit on our own, but God’s grace calls us, transforms us, and equips us for His purposes.

We are completely dependent on God’s grace to rescue us from sin and from ourselves and guide us toward the path of life.

Have you ever experienced a moment when God’s grace felt personal, like He was speaking directly to you?

Maybe have you felt:

A Sense of Peace in Difficulty: Feeling an overwhelming sense of peace during a challenging time, such as the loss of a loved one, a health crisis, or financial difficulties or maybe the peace comes when you make a tough decision that doesn’t seem to make sense but you know it is the answer or leap of faith God is asking of you.

OR

An Unexpected Answer to Prayer: Receiving a clear answer to a prayer, sometimes in ways they didn’t anticipate, such as an opportunity, a supportive relationship, or a solution to a problem that seemed unsolvable.

OR

Restoration of Relationships: Experiencing reconciliation with a family member, friend, or colleague when the relationship seemed broken beyond repair, feeling God’s hand in healing that connection.

These moments remind us that God’s grace is for all of us.

2. Transformation Through Grace (vv. 13-17)

As we’ve said a few times now, Paul’s transformation was radical, but it also speaks to the universal power of grace.

He recounts his former life:

“For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.” (vv. 13-14)

Paul’s zeal and misguided passion led him down a destructive path. Yet, in verses 15-16, he writes:

“But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.”

Here’s what’s remarkable: God’s grace didn’t just save Paul; it gave him a new purpose. The same is true for us. Each of us has a story of transformation. Maybe it’s not as dramatic as Paul’s, but it’s just as significant. Grace takes who we are—flaws, failures, and all—and transforms us into who God created us to be.

Imagine a lump of clay in the hands of a potter. On its own, it’s formless and ordinary, but in the hands of the potter, it becomes something purposeful and beautiful. That’s what God’s grace does in our lives. He shapes us into vessels of His love and glory.

Let me give you a contemporary example.

Consider someone like Robert Downey Jr. (Marvel’s IRONMAN). Downey reached incredible heights of fame early in his career on Saturday Night Live and in other movies, but he faced significant struggles with addiction and personal challenges that led him down a very dark path. Through support from loved ones and his own spiritual awakening, he experienced a remarkable transformation. He often speaks about the importance of faith, redemption, and finding purpose.

His journey reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of grace and that God uses our lives, even the messy parts, for His glory.

Think about your own journey. How has God’s grace transformed you?

If you’re still in the middle of the process, take heart. God is faithful to complete the work He’s begun in you. Trust in His timing and His power to shape your life.

3. We Are Living Testimonies (vv. 18-24)

Paul’s story didn’t end with his transformation; it became a testimony to God’s grace.

He writes of how others responded to his changed life:

“They only heard the report: ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they praised God because of me.” (vv. 23-24)

Here’s the key: Paul’s transformation wasn’t just for him. It was meant to point others to God and the same is true for us. When people see the difference God’s grace has made in our lives, they see His power and love at work.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “A Christian is a walking sermon.” Are you a walking sermon?

Our lives are meant to reflect God’s grace, not in perfection, but in transformation. The scars and struggles we’ve endured, those become testimonies to His faithfulness.

Thinking about God in this way makes me think of both my beginning and ending of ministry work at my previous church. My call to ministry is the one time I have heard God’s voice clearly and with great clarity BUT would I trust Him enough to step outside of my comfort zone and apply for a job that I had no education for, lots of experience and a heart for, BUT would I  trust that this was the path He was calling me to?

Similarly, He then told me it was time to move on, that He had something different, better and new for me, BUT would I trust Him enough to walk away with no job in sight at the time? Who leaves a job they love to go to nothing? That makes no sense and certainly not the way I was raised to do things; but that was exactly what God asked me to do. That’s what brought me here. Almost exactly 4 years ago today I left a church I loved because God had something extra special planned for me – if I was willing to accept it. Three weeks later we had our first meeting with the Chair of First Baptist Kingsville’s search committee.

In all of that, God was asking if I was willing to trust that He knew best. 

He knew I was a simple farm girl who was far from perfect! He knew I said really bad words. He knew I hadn’t always listened to my parents. He knew I misbehaved a little. He knew I yelled at my kids.

BUT He also knew I had loved Him all my life. He also knew I was growing, changing, listening and learning. He knew there was more to me than I knew and if I trusted Him, I would get to know the ‘Me’ that He knew was there too.

Think of a lighthouse. Its purpose is to guide ships to safety, not because it’s flawless, but because it shines.

In the same way, we are called to let God’s light shine through us, guiding others to Him. Think about individuals in your own life who have inspired you by their faith. Their lives may not have been perfect, but the way they lived spoke volumes about the God they served.

How can your life serve as a testimony to God’s grace? Maybe it’s sharing your story with someone who’s struggling. Maybe it’s living out your faith in a way that others notice.

Reflect on how even the ordinary details of your life can reflect God’s extraordinary love. Be intentional in your conversations and your actions and let them point others to Christ.

Our testimonies are also reminders for us. When doubts creep in, or when life gets hard, look back on your journey with God. Let the transformation He has brought to your life give you confidence in His ongoing work.

Remember, your story—messy parts and all—is evidence of His grace.

Paul’s story reminds us that God’s grace is for everyone. It calls us, transforms us, and equips us for His mission. And while Paul’s calling may seem extraordinary, it reflects a truth that applies to us all: we are all called by grace.

Here’s a Call to Action for you to consider:

This week, take a bold step in living out your faith. Would you consider sharing your testimony with a friend, a family member, or even a co-worker? Pray for God to show you someone who needs to hear about His grace.

As you go, let your life reflect the love and transformation that only He can bring.