Bible ReadingGalatians 1:1, 13–16, 23–24 “Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead...”
[01:43]“For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.”
[13:12]“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone...”
[14:08]“They only were hearing it said, ‘He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they glorified God because of me.”
[17:23]Acts 9:3–6 “Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’”
[05:54]1 Timothy 1:12–16 “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”
[18:28]2 Corinthians 5:14, 17–20 “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died...”
[01:03:34]“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
[40:39]1 Corinthians 13:1–3 “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
[53:55]Observation questions- In Galatians 1, what details does Paul give about his former life, and what new work was he called to do after Christ was revealed to him? [13:12]
- In Acts 9:3–6, what questions does Jesus ask Saul, and what does Saul’s answer show about the beginning of his surrender?
- According to 1 Timothy 1:12–16, what names does Paul use for his old life, and what reasons does he give for receiving mercy?
- In 2 Corinthians 5:17–20, what words describe the believer’s new position and new responsibility before God and people? [40:39]
Interpretation questions- Paul says that Christ counted him faithful and appointed him to service even though he had been a persecutor. How does this show the difference between what a person has been and what Christ can make that person become? [18:52]
- Galatians says that Christ was revealed to Paul “in order that” he might preach Him. Why does salvation lead not only to a changed identity but also to a changed purpose and service? [15:04]
- What does it mean in practical terms for a believer to be an ambassador for Christ rather than an antagonist toward Christ, His gospel, or His people? [42:35]
- First Corinthians 13 says that even impressive speech, knowledge, faith, generosity, and sacrifice amount to nothing without love. Why can religious activity be harmful or empty when it is not controlled by the love of Christ? [01:00:41]
Application questions- Saul’s first response to Christ was surrender: “What wilt thou have me to do?” Is there an area of life—thoughts, words, habits, relationships, time, or plans—that still needs to be yielded fully to Christ? What would surrender look like this week? [16:05]
- A real change becomes visible at home, among friends, and in the neighborhood. If those closest to you were asked about your life, what change would they honestly be able to see? Is there an old pattern of anger, harshness, dishonesty, pride, or bitterness that they may still experience? [31:33]
- Christ does not leave His people trapped in their past. Is there a past failure or sinful identity that still discourages you or makes you think God cannot use you? How does Paul’s mercy give hope without making light of sin? [20:03]
- Every believer is called to be an ambassador for Christ. Where do you have a natural opportunity to bring peace, speak about Christ, encourage someone, or help a person take one step toward reconciliation with God? [41:40]
- God prepares a sanctified vessel for honorable use and every good work. What ability, experience, resource, or burden has God placed in your life that could become useful in serving others? What is one simple way to offer it to the Master? [48:36]
- The love of Christ should control both speech and correction. Think of a difficult conversation you may need to have. What would it look like to speak truth in love rather than out of anger, retaliation, or impatience? [01:03:49]
- Paul’s life turned from loveless destruction to life-giving service. Is there anyone toward whom you have become cold, impatient, critical, or fearful? What would it mean to let the love of Christ lead your next action toward that person? [01:05:07]
