I. THE MOTIVE FOR THIS SELF-ABASING, CHRIST-EXALTING MINISTRY

The word “for” at the opening of verse 6 indicates that here we have an explanation for what is said in verse 5. His own experience of God’s grace made him what he was, a slave of the people of God. He became as Christ, Luke 22:27.

1. There is a wonderful parallel between creation and regeneration.

[1]. The state of our hearts. Dark.

[2]. The sovereignty of God. No contributions from matter or man.

[3]. The acts were wrought through God’s Word.

[4]. What a mighty change was wrought.

[5]. It was the beginning of an ongoing work.

[6]. It was a work well-pleasing to God.

[7]. The unchangeableness of God.

2. The character of the light which shines into the sinner’s heart. Hebs 1:3. Light of God’s glory, light of God’s image, light of knowledge, light of Christ’s face.

3. The image of Christ is stamped upon all upon whom the light shines. It gives the knowledge of God, verse 6.

III. THE EFFECT OF THE LIGHT AND ITS POWER TO CHANGE WAS TO MAKE PAUL WHAT HE WAS.

All he did was for Jesus sake. The vision given him of God in Christ made him a willing slave of Christ and His cause. Light is not given to be hidden. It is given that it might shine. Matt 5:16. Light shines through a holy testimony.