The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 343: God Uses Paul's Past
Date: December 9, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension

Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores how God uses every aspect of our past—including what might seem insignificant or even shameful—for divine purposes, highlighting this through the story of St. Paul. The scripture readings for the day include Acts 22, 2 Corinthians 9–11, and Proverbs 29:5–7. Along with scriptural commentary, Fr. Mike reflects on cheerful giving, the danger of comparison, taking thoughts captive, and the motivations behind true apostolic zeal.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Paul’s Defense: The Power of Personal Testimony

(Acts 22; ~[13:11–15:30])

• St. Paul stands before his accusers in Jerusalem, speaking “in the Hebrew language,” which quiets and commands respect from the crowd (Acts 22).
• Paul recounts his pedigree—student of Gamaliel, zealous Jew—and describes his conversion: physically blinded on the road to Damascus, healed by Ananias, and commissioned by God.
  • Quote: “God uses everything in our past to be able to forge a way for our future. Right? God uses everything in our past.” (Fr. Mike, 15:37)
• Even Paul’s Roman citizenship (“born a citizen,” Acts 22:28) becomes a providential tool, protecting him from scourging and enabling his mission to spread the gospel to Rome.
• Fr. Mike reflects: Sometimes the traits or circumstances we don’t value in ourselves may be the very things God uses for our mission.

2. God Loves a Cheerful Giver

(2 Corinthians 9; [16:44–17:55])

• Paul encourages generosity among the Corinthians: “Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
  • Quote: “If you're going to give, be a cheerful giver. And it's a good reminder for me, maybe for you, too.” (Fr. Mike, 17:40)
• Fr. Mike reflects on attitudes toward giving and service—challenging listeners to give joyfully, not grudgingly or with resentment.
• The transformative spiritual principle: What we sow, we reap; generous hearts yield abundant blessings.

3. Defending Apostolic Ministry & Divine Power in Weakness

(2 Corinthians 10–11; [18:00–21:00])

• Paul stands against the “superlative apostles,” highlighting that he does not fight with “worldly weapons,” but with “divine power to destroy strongholds.”
  • Quote: “The weapons of our warfare...are not worldly, but have divine power to destroy strongholds...and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Cor 10:4–5, cited by Fr. Mike, 19:19)
• Fr. Mike expands: Christians must filter their thoughts—discernment matters. “Take every thought captive”; don’t let every thought or idea go unchecked.
• Paul’s physical presence was seen as weak, but his letters were considered bold—reminding us not to judge by outward appearances.

4. The Trap of Comparison and Boasting Only in Christ

(2 Corinthians 11; [20:30–21:45])

• Paul invokes his hardships and Jewish lineage not to boast in himself but to counter false apostles and to protect his flock.
• Fr. Mike addresses the “sin of comparison,” emphasizing that our worth doesn’t lie in outperforming others, but in God’s call and grace.
  • Quote: “The only credential I need to rely upon is ... Jesus Christ has called me to be an apostle. That’s it.” (Fr. Mike, 20:52)
• Paul’s “divine jealousy” is not envy but deep love for the Corinthians—not wanting to lose them to false teachings.

5. Authenticity in Ministry: Zeal Rooted in Love

([21:22–22:00])

• Paul’s “jealousy” for his flock arises from genuine love, not rivalry or insecurity.
  • Quote: “The only reason I’m asking is because I know the Lord loves you. The only reason I’m asking is because I love you.” (Fr. Mike, 21:55)
• Fr. Mike parallels this with contemporary Christian life: When we persistently reach out to loved ones far from faith, it’s not out of control or pride, but out of deep love and desire for their good.

6. Wisdom from Proverbs

(Proverbs 29:5–7; [12:39–13:02])

• Flattery can be a snare; true righteousness involves advocating for the poor and living with authenticity.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Use of Past Circumstances:
  “God uses everything in our past to be able to forge a way for our future. Right? God uses everything in our past.”
  — Fr. Mike, [15:37]

• On Generosity:
  “If you're going to give, be a cheerful giver. And it's a good reminder for me, maybe for you, too.”
  — Fr. Mike, [17:40]

• On Spiritual Warfare:
  “The weapons of our warfare...are not worldly, but have divine power to destroy strongholds... and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
  — 2 Corinthians 10:4–5, cited by Fr. Mike, [19:19]

• On Credentials and Comparison:
  “The only credential I need to rely upon is ... Jesus Christ has called me to be an apostle. That’s it.”
  — Fr. Mike, [20:52]

• On Apostolic Zeal and Love:
  “The only reason I’m asking is because I know the Lord loves you. The only reason I’m asking is because I love you.”
  — Fr. Mike, [21:55]

Important Timestamps

• [01:05] — Acts 22: Paul’s defense and conversion testimony
• [04:56] — 2 Corinthians 9: God loves a cheerful giver
• [06:50] — 2 Corinthians 10: Spiritual warfare and Paul’s apostolic authority
• [08:50] — 2 Corinthians 11: Paul’s sufferings, warnings about false apostles, and boasting in weakness
• [12:39] — Proverbs 29:5–7: Warnings against flattery, caring for the poor
• [13:11] — Fr. Mike’s prayer and transition to reflection
• [15:30] — Commentary on Acts 22: Paul’s use of his past and Roman citizenship
• [17:40] — Reflection on cheerful giving
• [19:19] — Commentary on spiritual warfare and taking thoughts captive
• [20:52] — Critique of comparison and boasting in Christ alone
• [21:55] — Paul's “jealousy” and love for the Corinthians
• [22:54] — Closing remarks

Structure & Tone

Fr. Mike’s tone is warm, relatable, and reflective, blending close textual reading with practical, personal application. He interweaves anecdotes, candid admissions (“I know this is true about me”), and gentle encouragement, always looping back to the overarching themes of grace, humility, and surrender.

Takeaways for Listeners

• God can and will use all facets of our lives—even what we might overlook—for His greater purposes.
• True generosity is joyful and willing, reflecting God's own heart.
• Christians are called to spiritual discernment: intentionally filtering thoughts and influences.
• The value of Christian service and leadership lies not in credentials or comparison, but in obedience to Christ and love for others.
• It’s okay—and even necessary—to persist in loving outreach to others, even in the face of indifference or resistance.

Fr. Mike’s final encouragement:
“I am praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.”
[22:54]