Written by Gaby Medrano, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Nicaragua
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2Ti 4:7 NIV).
This verse, which summarizes the legacy of the apostle Paul, continues to inspire millions of believers around the world. Paul went from persecuting Christians to becoming one of the greatest preachers of the Gospel. His life was transformed by Christ, and since then, he dedicated his time to sharing the good news, discipling believers, and planting churches—a missionary par excellence.
The fruit of his ministry was not only seen in the congregations he founded, but also in the lives he spiritually formed. In the Bible, we can see that he had several spiritual children— brothers whom he taught, accompanied, and helped to grow spiritually, such as:
"To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." (1Ti 1:2)
"To Titus my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior." (Tit 1:4)
He also wrote:
"Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel." (1Co 4:15)
These verses show how the apostle Paul produced lasting fruit by forming spiritual children who continued to teach and strengthen God's work. Their example continues to inspire Christians today to invest in the spiritual lives of others and to leave a legacy of faith that will endure for generations.
Who would be a Paul today?
In our day, a Paul can be a person who invests time in the spiritual lives of others. He is not necessarily a recognized pastor, preacher, or leader; it may be a Sunday school teacher, a home group leader, a Christian mother, an evangelist, a ladies' leader, a small group teaching leader, or a believer who leads others to the feet of Christ.
A current Paul is someone who:
- Shares the gospel with love.
- Teaches God's Word.
- Accompanies new believers in their spiritual growth.
- Prays for their children in the faith.
- Sets an example with their testimony and conduct.
Our Lord Jesus taught that the true disciple produces fruit that abides.
Paul's life and his incomparable abilities were precious to God. Paul gave himself to Him without reserve. God used all of his training, education, intelligence, and personality. God had a willing servant who gave all of himself until his last breath. Like Paul, you have unparalleled gifts and abilities that make you of great value to God's service.
Throughout the Bible, the word “fruit” refers to evidence from within. If what is inside a person is rotten, the fruit of that person's life will also be bad. Anyone who knows Christ and is baptized has Jesus Christ living within them and must bear good fruit—the fruit of righteousness (Php 1:11)—as God shines in his life. The fruit of the Spirit has been described as those gentle customs which the Holy Spirit produces in the Christian. In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul lists such gentle customs, the gifts of grace: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
Walking in the Spirit means:
- Living every moment in submission to God with integrity.
- Trying to please God with the thoughts we choose to harbor, the words we choose to speak, and the actions we choose to take.
- Letting Him guide and transform us every step of the way. Letting Him work within us so that we can glorify God.
Now, my dear sister, let me quickly tell you that walking in the Spirit doesn't mean you won't have difficult days. It means drawing on the resources God has provided for you to manage your impossible day and face it God's way, enjoying His grace, His strength, and His power. You will be able to handle difficulties calmly, and you will have everything under control, thanks to the assurance of peace, patience, and temperance that God gives you through the Spirit. And always keep these two truths in mind: the Holy Spirit speaks to you when you read God's Word, and if you walk in the Spirit, the Holy Spirit will bear fruit in your life.
Are you willing to let God take your life with all your qualities, including your faults, and put them at His service? Or are there some areas of your life that you reserve for yourself?
You'll never know what God can do through you until you allow Him to use every part of you, living and being a servant to His glory.
