Prepare
As we approach Sunday, take time to read the passage: Galatians 1:10-24. Also read Act 8:1-3 and Acts 9:1-31. These passages will help us understand the background to what Paul was writing to the Galatians about.
- Here we see the powerful and amazing transformation that took place in Paul because of Jesus.
- Note any words or phrases that stand out to you.
- What does Paul say about his previous way of life? Why did he remind them about his old life?
- What does Paul say about his calling? Why is this important?
- What did Paul believe his calling to be?
- What can we learn from Paul here?
Engage
The Call to a New Story
The Called-Out:
are called by God v15
By grace God calls us to a new story, through his son Jesus.
realise there are two ways to live v10
We live to please man or serve Christ. Before Jesus we lived to please man and ourselves but the new story God calls us to is one of service to Christ.
know and preach the gospel v11, 12
We see Paul’s desire for Jesus.
The new story of our lives is informed by our knowledge of Jesus and of God’s plan of salvation, guided by the Holy Spirit. The new story of our lives is not simply knowledge, we are called to preach the gospel, making Jesus known.
are transformed v13, 14, 16, 23
Paul had to be what he was in order to be what he became. And God used the story of Paul’s transformation powerfully.
have a powerful purpose v16, 23, 24
The power of Paul’s story of salvation brought transformation to others.
Apply
Take time to reflect on your story of faith, your life before and after you met Jesus.
- How have you changed?
- How have your priorities changed?
Take time to work through the challenges and encouragements from the sermon.
Read this quote from Pete Greig.
I think I’m coming to rather a lovely conclusion: that the God who made me hasn’t finished the job just yet. That when he says (rather grandly) ‘behold I am making all things new’ he is actually, more particularly, beholding me and including me in the whole scheme. He hasn’t shrugged his shoulders and walked away muttering, “Well I suppose that will have to do.” He somehow still believes in the raw material of me – the ‘maybes’ and ‘possibilities’ and ‘what ifs’ of my life – way more than I will ever believe in myself. Or in Him.
The Creator of the cosmos continues to nurture utterly lovely plans for my future. And this is because he sees me not just as I once was, and not even as I currently am, but as the person I am gradually becoming. I guess I’m talking here about sanctification and amazing grace and all those other strange old sepia terms from another time.
And maybe, if this means anything at all, it means that I can walk a little taller into this new year. When the cockerel cries to herald an unwelcome dawn I can get up and begin again and again and again. I can discover day by day how to let my destiny, instead of my history, shape my truer self.
Pete Greig, Facebook
God loves us and has called us out of the world to minister his love in the world, making a difference where he places us. Sadly, as we reflect on our lives, so often we see the failures. Today let us look to the future and grasp the power of the new story of our lives.
As I reflect what have I found interesting?
As I reflect what has challenged my life, attitudes and actions?
Is there one practical step I can apply to my life to help me to become more like Jesus?
How would this help me to introduce others to Jesus?
Is there there anything I need to pray about, explore further or extra help I need?
Is there someone I should share with, pray with or encourage?
Trinity Deeper 