Embracing Brokenness: The Path to Greatness
Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the freedom we have to worship God, and I am grateful for each of you being here. Before diving into our main message, I want to acknowledge Penny, our preschool director, who is retiring after nearly 35 years of dedicated service. Her impact on countless lives is immeasurable, and we are deeply thankful for her commitment. Additionally, next Sunday is Mission Sunday, a time to be inspired by our guest speaker, Ray Heiden from SAT 7, and to support our mission team heading to Cambodia. We are collecting Band-Aids, Tylenol, and first aid ointment to bless the people there.
I shared a story about a woman who visited her uncle in Ireland, a sheep rancher, and saw a lamb with a splint on its leg. The uncle explained that he broke the lamb's leg to prevent it from running off and getting into danger. This act of breaking was necessary for the lamb's safety and future obedience. This story sets the stage for understanding how brokenness can lead to greatness.
In the Bible, we see a pattern where brokenness precedes greatness. Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Joshua, Samson, David, Daniel, Hosea, Peter, and Paul all experienced significant trials before achieving their God-given purposes. This brings us to the story of Saul, later known as Paul, in Acts 9. Saul was a fierce persecutor of Christians, but on the road to Damascus, he encountered Jesus in a blinding light. Jesus asked him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" and told him, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads."
The phrase "kicking against the goads" refers to resisting God's prodding and guidance. Saul was full of religious zeal but lacked a personal relationship with God. His encounter with Jesus was a turning point, leading him to ask two crucial questions: "Who are you, Lord?" and "What do you want me to do?" These questions signify a broken spirit ready to surrender to God's will.
Saul's transformation from a persecutor to a proclaimer of the Gospel is a powerful testament to God's ability to use our brokenness for His glory. Despite being blinded, Saul obeyed Jesus' instructions and went to Damascus, where he began a ministry that would change the world. He took three missionary journeys, started numerous churches, and led thousands to faith in Jesus Christ.
This story reminds us that God often uses our brokenness to bring about His purposes. Like the lamb with the broken leg, we may need to be broken to learn to follow and trust God fully. When we resist God's prodding, we are like cattle kicking against the goads, causing ourselves unnecessary pain. But when we surrender, we find that God has a great plan for our lives.
As we reflect on Saul's story, we must ask ourselves, "Who is Jesus in my life?" and "What does He want me to do?" These questions challenge us to examine our relationship with God and our willingness to follow His lead. If you have been resisting God's call, it's time to surrender and trust Him. He has something great for you, but you must be willing to follow His path.
Let's pray together, thanking God for His relentless pursuit of us and asking for the courage to surrender fully to His will. If you need to make a decision to follow Jesus, don't hesitate. Raise your hand, pray, and let us support you in this journey. God has a great plan for your life, and it begins with saying yes to Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Brokenness Precedes Greatness: Throughout the Bible, we see that significant trials often come before great achievements. Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Joshua, Samson, David, Daniel, Hosea, Peter, and Paul all experienced profound brokenness before fulfilling their God-given purposes. This pattern teaches us that our trials can be a precursor to the greatness God has planned for us. [41:22]
2. Resisting God's Prodding: The phrase "kicking against the goads" illustrates the futility of resisting God's guidance. Saul's initial resistance to Jesus' call led to unnecessary pain and struggle. When we resist God's prodding, we cause ourselves needless suffering. Instead, we should surrender to His will, trusting that His way is ultimately for our good. [49:45]
3. Transformation Through Encounter: Saul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus was a turning point that transformed him from a persecutor to a proclaimer of the Gospel. This transformation highlights the power of a personal encounter with Jesus. When we truly meet Jesus, our lives are changed, and we are set on a path to fulfill His purposes. [56:12]
4. Surrendering to God's Will: Saul's questions, "Who are you, Lord?" and "What do you want me to do?" signify a broken spirit ready to surrender to God's will. These questions challenge us to examine our relationship with God and our willingness to follow His lead. True surrender involves a willingness to do what Jesus wants, even when we cannot see the outcome. [01:00:08]
5. God's Relentless Pursuit: God pursues us relentlessly, even when we resist. Like the shepherd who broke the lamb's leg to protect it, God may allow us to experience brokenness to bring us closer to Him. This pursuit is an act of love, aimed at leading us to a deeper, more trusting relationship with Him. When we finally surrender, we discover the great plans He has for our lives. [01:07:45]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:07] - Acknowledging Penny's Service
[38:30] - Mission Sunday Announcement
[39:49] - Story of the Lamb
[41:22] - Brokenness Precedes Greatness
[43:01] - Saul's Background
[45:54] - Saul's Encounter with Jesus
[49:45] - Kicking Against the Goads
[56:12] - Transformation Through Encounter
[01:00:08] - Surrendering to God's Will
[01:07:45] - God's Relentless Pursuit
[01:21:59] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 9:1-6 (ESV)
> "But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 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.'"
2. Philippians 3:4-6 (ESV)
> "Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Saul's mission when he was traveling to Damascus? (Acts 9:1-2)
2. Describe the encounter Saul had on the road to Damascus. What did he see and hear? (Acts 9:3-4)
3. What were the two questions Saul asked during his encounter with Jesus? (Acts 9:5-6)
4. According to Philippians 3:4-6, what were some of Saul's credentials and achievements before his conversion?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to confront Saul in such a dramatic way on the road to Damascus? (Acts 9:3-4) [45:54]
2. What does the phrase "kicking against the goads" mean, and how does it apply to Saul's life before his conversion? (Acts 9:5) [49:45]
3. How does Saul's background as described in Philippians 3:4-6 contribute to his initial resistance to Jesus and Christianity? [52:57]
4. What is the significance of Saul asking, "Who are you, Lord?" and "What do you want me to do?" in the context of his transformation? (Acts 9:5-6) [58:38]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was "prodding" you in a certain direction. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [49:45]
2. Saul's encounter with Jesus led to a complete transformation in his life. Have you experienced a moment that significantly changed your relationship with God? What was it like? [56:12]
3. The sermon mentioned that brokenness often precedes greatness. Can you identify a period of brokenness in your life that led to personal or spiritual growth? How did it shape you? [41:22]
4. Saul's questions, "Who are you, Lord?" and "What do you want me to do?" signify a readiness to surrender. Are there areas in your life where you need to ask these questions? What might surrender look like for you? [01:00:08]
5. The story of the lamb with the broken leg illustrates how God may allow us to experience brokenness to bring us closer to Him. How can you see God's hand in your own experiences of brokenness? [01:02:19]
6. Saul was a very religious man but lacked a personal relationship with God. How can you ensure that your faith is based on a personal relationship with Jesus rather than just religious practices? [52:57]
7. If you have been resisting God's call, what steps can you take this week to surrender and trust Him more fully? [01:07:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Brokenness Leads to Greatness
In the Bible, we see a recurring theme where significant trials often precede great achievements. Figures like Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Joshua, Samson, David, Daniel, Hosea, Peter, and Paul all experienced profound brokenness before fulfilling their God-given purposes. This pattern teaches us that our trials can be a precursor to the greatness God has planned for us. Just as the lamb's leg was broken to prevent it from running into danger, our own brokenness can be a necessary step towards learning to follow and trust God fully. When we embrace our brokenness and allow God to work through it, we open ourselves up to the incredible plans He has for our lives. [41:22]
Isaiah 57:15 (ESV): "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced brokenness or a significant trial. How did that experience shape your relationship with God? Can you see how it might have been a step towards something greater He has planned for you?
Day 2: Resisting God's Prodding
The phrase "kicking against the goads" illustrates the futility of resisting God's guidance. Saul's initial resistance to Jesus' call led to unnecessary pain and struggle. When we resist God's prodding, we cause ourselves needless suffering. Instead, we should surrender to His will, trusting that His way is ultimately for our good. Just as Saul's encounter with Jesus transformed his life, our willingness to stop resisting and start following God's lead can bring about profound change and fulfillment in our own lives. [49:45]
Proverbs 3:11-12 (ESV): "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel you are resisting God's guidance? What steps can you take today to surrender that area to Him and trust in His plan?
Day 3: Transformation Through Encounter
Saul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus was a turning point that transformed him from a persecutor to a proclaimer of the Gospel. This transformation highlights the power of a personal encounter with Jesus. When we truly meet Jesus, our lives are changed, and we are set on a path to fulfill His purposes. Saul's story reminds us that no matter our past, a genuine encounter with Jesus can lead to a radical transformation and a new direction in life. [56:12]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Reflect on your own encounter with Jesus. How has it transformed your life? If you haven't had such an encounter, what steps can you take to seek a deeper relationship with Him today?
Day 4: Surrendering to God's Will
Saul's questions, "Who are you, Lord?" and "What do you want me to do?" signify a broken spirit ready to surrender to God's will. These questions challenge us to examine our relationship with God and our willingness to follow His lead. True surrender involves a willingness to do what Jesus wants, even when we cannot see the outcome. Saul's transformation from a persecutor to a proclaimer of the Gospel is a powerful testament to the impact of surrendering to God's will. [01:00:08]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 5: God's Relentless Pursuit
God pursues us relentlessly, even when we resist. Like the shepherd who broke the lamb's leg to protect it, God may allow us to experience brokenness to bring us closer to Him. This pursuit is an act of love, aimed at leading us to a deeper, more trusting relationship with Him. When we finally surrender, we discover the great plans He has for our lives. Saul's story is a powerful reminder of God's relentless pursuit and His desire to use our brokenness for His glory. [01:07:45]
Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Reflection: Reflect on how God has pursued you throughout your life. Can you identify moments where His relentless love has drawn you closer to Him? How can you respond to His pursuit today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You're kicking against the goads. You are resisting him. You are holding him off. Because guess what? He's pursuing you. And for some of you, he's been pursuing you for a long time. I believe he wants you to hear this message today. Because he's saying, look, I want you to surrender to me. I've got something great for you, but you can't just keep running off and doing your own thing. You've got to quit holding me at arm's length. Maybe somebody here, somebody online, you've been coming for a while, you go to church, but you've not... You've not yet surrendered your heart to Jesus." [01:06:20]
2. "Often for God to use us, he first has to break us. That's exactly what Paul did to Saul. He broke him. But he restored him. He does that in our lives. We get knocked down so many times we think, God, where are you? God, why would you do this? Why would you do this to me? God, how could this happen? God doesn't care about me. He doesn't love me. And all the time he's saying, hey, I'm right here. I'm ready to help you pick up the pieces. I'm ready to help put you back together. I want you to see that it's me who takes care of you." [01:04:54]
3. "Saul realizes he's completely missed the heart of God. God to him was distant. He wasn't a personal God who'd come in the flesh and die on the cross for lost people like Jesus did. That could not be God in his mind. But on the road to Damascus, Saul met a God that he never dreamed existed. So he asked him, who are you? Who are you? Who are you? Who are you? That's the question we have to all grapple with in our lives. Who is Jesus? Not just who we believe Jesus is. I mean, that's important, who we believe Jesus is. But here's probably more important. Who is Jesus in your life?" [59:27]
4. "You know what he wants from you. You just don't want to surrender your life to him. For whatever reason, you're just holding him off. You may even have the appearance of being religious. But you don't have a true authentic relationship with God yet. You've not experienced the transformation that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus. And you're not going to until you're broken. Until you're willing to be broken. Because that's the only way. That's the only way we can come to Jesus. We can only come to him as broken people. Because if we're not broken, then we don't think we need a savior." [56:12]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Before Abraham became the father of many nations, he and Sarah were childless. Before Jacob could be blessed, he was wounded in a wrestling match with an angel. Before Joseph ruled Egypt, he was thrown into a pit and sold into slavery and falsely imprisoned. Before Job, Job's estate was doubled, he lost everything he had, including his family, his fortune, and his future. Before Moses, became the great deliverer, he lost his position, his possessions, and his popularity. Before Joshua conquered the promised land, he went through the wilderness. Before Samson crushed the Philistines, he was blinded and bound. Before David became king, he was renounced by his family, ridiculed by his foes, and rejected by his friends. Before Daniel could be used mightily, he had to spend the night in a lion's den." [41:22]
2. "What Jesus means when he says that to Saul is that Saul was resisting what God was doing. God was prodding him. God was poking at him, and he was resisting. He was going against what God was doing. He was going against how God was trying to lead him. Now, this phrase, kicking against the goad, it was a, it was kind of a, an, like a, an expression or a metaphor that was known in that day, and it carried with this idea that, that if you're kicking against the goads, you're, you, you are, you're putting yourself through pain and struggle, but for no reason. You're doing it in vain, just like the cattle, the one doing the prodding is going to win." [49:45]
3. "Saul asks, what do you want me to do? This is a question of a man who is surrendering his will to Jesus Christ. Lord, what do you want me to do? This is a question of lordship. We ask Jesus that when we're ready to make him Lord of our life. It's a willingness to surrender our will to Jesus. It's as if Saul is saying, I've been leading my own life. I've been doing my own thing. I've been going my own way. But now I want to do your will. What do you want me to do? I'm ready to follow you." [01:00:08]
4. "God is saying to Saul, I'm going to take you to the breaking point. My goal is to break you, Saul. And I know you're struggling. There's a good chance that Saul was already struggling. He stood there and watched Stephen be stoned to death, and watched his faith, and heard him. Crying out to the Lord, and seeing, man, maybe there's something to this. We don't read that in the word, but I have a feeling that because he's been being prodded by the Lord, that there are already thoughts like, maybe there's something to this, but he would fight against it. Like, no, I know I'm not giving in to that. I'm not going to think that. I'm going to keep going with my mission. I'm going to keep trying to destroy this church that's being developed." [51:18]
5. "Before God can use a man greatly, he must wound him deeply. Ooh, we don't want to hear that, do we? That's not fun to listen to. Before you can bless, you've got to bleed. Before you can help, you must first hurt. Oswald Chambers said it this way. If we ever are going to be made into wine, we have to be crushed. Because you cannot drink grapes. Grapes only become wine when they are squeezed. God had to do something dramatic to knock Saul off of his feet. God does that sometimes. He does that in our lives sometimes. God tends to knock us down so he can pick us back up and dust us off." [56:53]
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