Realigning Our Lives: Transformative Obedience and Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the transformative journey of Saul, who later became Paul, and how his life was radically realigned by God's love and purpose. Saul, initially a fervent persecutor of Christians, encountered Jesus in a dramatic way that left him blind and uncertain of his future. This moment of humility and surrender marked the beginning of a new life dedicated to spreading the gospel. Saul's story teaches us that God can use our existing gifts and passions, but realign them for His kingdom rather than our own agendas.
We also looked at the role of Ananias, who, despite his fears and reservations, obeyed God's call to help Saul. Ananias' obedience, even when it made no sense, was crucial in Saul's transformation. This highlights the importance of aligning our lives with God's will, even when it involves risk and suffering.
Barnabas, another key figure, exemplified the power of encouragement and support within the Christian community. Without a dramatic vision or divine command, Barnabas used his gifts to bridge the gap between Saul and the skeptical disciples in Jerusalem. His actions remind us that sometimes our calling is simply to do the next wise and faithful thing with the gifts God has given us.
In essence, the sermon calls us to examine our own lives and gifts, and to ask whether we are using them for our own purposes or for God's kingdom. It challenges us to be open to God's interruptions and to realign our lives around His love and purposes. Whether through dramatic encounters or simple acts of obedience, we are invited to ignite the good life that God has prepared for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Humility and Surrender Lead to Transformation: Saul's encounter with Jesus left him blind and uncertain, but it was this moment of humility that opened him up to God's transformative work. True transformation begins when we surrender our own agendas and allow God to realign our lives for His purposes. [58:02]
2. Obedience in the Face of Fear: Ananias' willingness to obey God's call, despite his fears and logical reservations, was crucial in Saul's transformation. Aligning with God's will often involves taking risks and stepping into uncomfortable situations, but it is through these acts of obedience that God's plans unfold. [01:03:11]
3. The Power of Encouragement: Barnabas, known as the son of encouragement, played a pivotal role in integrating Saul into the Christian community. His actions remind us that sometimes our calling is to use our gifts to support and encourage others, even without dramatic visions or divine commands. [01:07:19]
4. Using Our Gifts for God's Kingdom: Each of us has unique gifts and abilities that can be used for God's kingdom. The challenge is to lay these gifts before God and ask how they can be used for His purposes rather than our own. This realignment can lead to a life of greater significance and fulfillment. [01:01:36]
5. Aligning with God Requires Sacrifice: Both Saul and Ananias had to make significant sacrifices to align their lives with God's will. This often involves suffering and taking courageous risks, but the fruitfulness that comes from such alignment is eternal and deeply rewarding. [01:05:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:47] - Women's Retreat Announcement
[21:11] - Offering as Worship
[38:48] - Gratitude and Praise
[46:26] - Saul's Transformation Begins
[57:38] - Saul's Humility and Surrender
[58:32] - Saul's Realigned Gifts
[59:33] - Saul's New Life and Ministry
[01:00:02] - Saul's Ode to Love
[01:01:03] - Aligning Our Gifts with God's Kingdom
[01:02:40] - Ananias' Obedience
[01:03:43] - Ananias' Courageous Risk
[01:06:47] - Barnabas' Encouragement
[01:08:19] - Using Our Gifts for God's Purposes
[01:11:22] - Aligning with God and Going
[01:18:01] - Closing Remarks and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 9:1-19 (Saul's Conversion)
2. Acts 9:26-27 (Barnabas' Encouragement)
3. 1 Timothy 1:15 (Paul's Humility)
### Observation Questions
1. What was Saul's initial reaction after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus? ([58:02])
2. How did Ananias respond to God's command to help Saul, and what were his initial reservations? ([01:03:11])
3. What role did Barnabas play in Saul's integration into the Christian community in Jerusalem? ([01:07:19])
4. According to the sermon, what are some of the gifts and abilities Saul had before and after his conversion? ([58:32])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Saul's moment of humility and surrender on the road to Damascus illustrate the beginning of true transformation? ([58:02])
2. What does Ananias' obedience, despite his fears, teach us about aligning our lives with God's will? ([01:03:11])
3. In what ways does Barnabas' encouragement and support reflect the importance of community in the Christian faith? ([01:07:19])
4. How can the realignment of Saul's gifts and abilities for God's kingdom serve as a model for us in using our own gifts? ([01:01:36])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to humble yourself and surrender your own agenda. How did that experience open you up to God's transformative work? ([58:02])
2. Are there any areas in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a risk or step into an uncomfortable situation? How can you respond in obedience like Ananias? ([01:03:11])
3. Think of someone in your life who could use encouragement and support. How can you be a Barnabas to them this week? ([01:07:19])
4. Identify one of your gifts or abilities. How can you realign it for God's kingdom rather than your own purposes? ([01:01:36])
5. Have you ever felt interrupted by God in your plans? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([01:09:52])
6. What sacrifices might God be calling you to make in order to align your life with His will? How can you find courage and strength to take those steps? ([01:05:46])
7. How can you cultivate a habit of laying your gifts before God and asking how they can be used for His purposes? ([01:07:48])
Devotional
### Day 1: Humility and Surrender Lead to Transformation
Saul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus was a pivotal moment that left him blind and uncertain of his future. This dramatic experience forced Saul into a state of humility and surrender, where he had no choice but to rely on God's guidance. It was in this vulnerable state that Saul's transformation began, as he opened himself up to God's will and allowed his life to be realigned for a greater purpose. True transformation often starts with a moment of humility and surrender, where we let go of our own agendas and allow God to take control.
In our own lives, we may face moments of uncertainty and vulnerability that challenge us to surrender our plans and trust in God's greater purpose. These moments can be uncomfortable and even frightening, but they are also opportunities for profound growth and transformation. By embracing humility and surrender, we open ourselves up to the transformative work that God wants to do in our lives. [58:02]
Acts 9:8-9 (ESV): "Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt uncertain or vulnerable. How can you surrender this situation to God and trust in His transformative work?
### Day 2: Obedience in the Face of Fear
Ananias was called by God to help Saul, despite his fears and logical reservations. Obeying God's call required Ananias to take a significant risk and step into an uncomfortable situation. His obedience was crucial in Saul's transformation, demonstrating that aligning with God's will often involves taking courageous steps of faith. When we obey God's call, even in the face of fear, we become instruments of His plans and purposes.
In our own lives, we may be called to take risks and step into situations that challenge our comfort zones. Obedience to God's will often requires us to trust Him more than our own understanding and to act in faith, even when it doesn't make sense. By doing so, we allow God's plans to unfold in ways that we could never imagine. [01:03:11]
Acts 9:13-15 (ESV): "But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.' But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.'"
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you feel God is calling you to act despite your fears? What steps can you take today to obey His call?
### Day 3: The Power of Encouragement
Barnabas, known as the son of encouragement, played a vital role in integrating Saul into the Christian community. Without a dramatic vision or divine command, Barnabas used his gifts to support and encourage Saul, bridging the gap between him and the skeptical disciples in Jerusalem. His actions remind us that sometimes our calling is to use our gifts to support and encourage others, even in seemingly small ways.
Encouragement is a powerful tool within the Christian community. By offering support and encouragement to others, we can help them grow in their faith and fulfill their God-given potential. Barnabas' example shows us that our actions, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on the lives of others. [01:07:19]
Acts 9:26-27 (ESV): "And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who could use encouragement. How can you use your gifts to support and encourage them today?
### Day 4: Using Our Gifts for God's Kingdom
Each of us has unique gifts and abilities that can be used for God's kingdom. The challenge is to lay these gifts before God and ask how they can be used for His purposes rather than our own. Saul's story teaches us that God can use our existing gifts and passions, but realign them for His kingdom. This realignment can lead to a life of greater significance and fulfillment.
In our own lives, we may have talents and passions that we use for personal gain or satisfaction. By offering these gifts to God and seeking His guidance, we can discover how they can be used to further His kingdom. This shift in focus can bring a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment as we align our lives with God's greater plan. [01:01:36]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What are some of your unique gifts and abilities? How can you offer them to God and use them for His kingdom?
### Day 5: Aligning with God Requires Sacrifice
Both Saul and Ananias had to make significant sacrifices to align their lives with God's will. Saul had to give up his former life and embrace a new identity, while Ananias had to overcome his fears and take a courageous risk. Aligning with God's will often involves sacrifice and suffering, but the fruitfulness that comes from such alignment is eternal and deeply rewarding.
In our own lives, aligning with God's will may require us to make sacrifices and take courageous steps of faith. This can be challenging and may involve suffering, but the rewards of living a life aligned with God's purposes are eternal. By trusting in God's plan and being willing to make sacrifices, we can experience the fullness of life that He has prepared for us. [01:05:46]
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 it difficult to align with God's will? What sacrifices might be necessary to bring this area into alignment with His purposes?
Quotes
1. "Saul doesn't know what's next. All he knows is he needs to humble himself, open himself up to what's next. And so as Saul is submitting his life, what he's doing, as he's surrendering his agenda, as he's doing all this work, what he's doing is he is opening himself up to what God's going to do next. And Saul has no idea that he's going to live the second most consequential life in human history, second only to Jesus." [58:02] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Are you going to use your gifts for your own kingdom? Your own purposes? Your own safety? Your own provision? Even for your family, which is not a bad thing. It's a good thing. It's not the ultimate thing. Or are you willing to surrender all your gifts, all your temperament, all your abilities to the feet of Jesus and say give me the word. Show me my calling. Tell me what you want me to do. I am fully surrendered. I will be fully aligned around the God who is love." [01:01:36] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Anyone here wrestling with a call from God that you don't want to attend to? Anyone here resisting something that you feel like God is kind of pushing us? God, this keeps coming up. I have a heart for this. This keeps bubbling up on my news feeds. I keep seeing this all over the place. Anyone have a sense that you're supposed to have a conversation you don't want to have? Anyone have a sense you're supposed to go to a place you don't want to go? Anyone have a sense you're supposed to serve someplace you don't necessarily want to serve?" [01:04:13] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sometimes you sacrifice things in the now for fruitfulness in the future. Sometimes you sacrifice things in the now for fruitfulness into eternity. That's part of aligning with God, to ignite the good life that He created you for." [01:06:17] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Barnabas just does a thing. That the Holy Spirit best version of Barnabas can and should do, given his gifts, given his temperament, given his personality. Here's the thing, my friends. I don't want you to sit around waiting for a voice, waiting for a dream. God has wired you up with gifts. And part of our job as Jesus people is to continually lay our gifts before the Lord, listen to the Spirit, continue to surrender to the Spirit, continually asking God to refine us and purify us and make us new and help us understand the promises and His purposes and what's true about Him and knowing our identity as God's people." [01:07:48] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Sometimes, most of the time, calling and what am I doing next is just you taking the best version of you that you possibly can, full of the Spirit, fully surrendered to God. And just saying, God, here's what you need right in front of me. I'll do it. Thanks for this opportunity. Thanks for the stretch. Thanks for the challenge." [01:08:19] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus lives this life perfectly all the way to the cross. He knows what's true about God. He knows what's true about himself. He knows what God's purpose is in the world. God so loved the world that he sent Jesus to suffer, die, forgive us all of our sins. And here's what Jesus did. Jesus trusted God's promises all the way to the cross. Jesus goes to the cross with a promise in his heart that God made to him. God said, you lay down your life. I promise you I'll raise you from the dead. What a crazy promise. What a crazy promise. And Jesus trusts it. It changes the world." [01:09:21] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Some of us are wrestling with something you're not sure that you want to do, but you feel like God wants you to do. I want to invite you, like Ananias, to align with God and go. That your story might read like Ananias' story. Then Ananias went. Sometimes. In fact, most of the time. The next thing is just to bring the best version of you and the gifts God's given to you to bear on the problems, opportunities, challenges in front of you, right? Just what's in front of me. How do I step into this faithfully?" [01:10:52] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "My prayer is that you might meet the Lord, maybe in dramatic ways, maybe in super quiet ways, maybe in ways that are really simple. Just like, alright Lord, here I am. Here's these gifts you've given to me. I'm ready and willing to do your will. That's exactly what Jesus prayed. My prayer is that would be our prayer too." [01:11:22] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Thank you so much for the gifts here at Chatham Community Church. We pray that you would give us a fresh feeling of the Spirit, that we might be Barnabases, that we might go places, serve people, and do the work you've prepared in advance for us to do. We do all this, fully surrendered and submitted to you, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, that we might ignite the good life that you invite us into." [01:12:52] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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