Transformed by Christ: Embracing Purpose and Sacrifice
Summary
The life of Paul offers a powerful example of what it means to encounter Jesus and be transformed for a divine purpose. Paul’s journey began with zeal for the wrong cause, persecuting the church, until a dramatic encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus changed everything. This encounter was not just a moment of revelation, but the beginning of a lifelong mission. Like Isaiah, who thought he understood his calling until he truly saw the Lord, Paul’s life reminds us that God’s plans for us are established before we are even formed in the womb. Our true purpose is not found in self-satisfaction, but in surrendering to God’s greater mission—one that often stretches us beyond comfort and calls us to serve others.
Knowing God is not a matter of religious routine or outward acts, but of deep relationship and transformation. Paul’s desire was “that I may know Him,” not just in knowledge, but in the power of Christ’s resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. This kind of knowing requires that something in us must die—our pride, addictions, or anything we hold dearer than Christ. Only when we lay these down can we truly love and follow Him. Paul’s life was marked by seasons of separation and preparation, where he allowed the Holy Spirit to shape him away from the spotlight. This hidden work is essential for anyone who wants to be used by God.
Paul’s ministry was bold and sacrificial. He endured hardship, persecution, and misunderstanding, yet he pressed on, pouring himself into others and raising up new leaders. His life was a testimony to the sufficiency of God’s grace—he knew that his strength and capacity came not from himself, but from the Lord. Paul’s example challenges us to fight the good fight of faith, to finish well, and to measure our lives not by how we start, but by how we end. The invitation is to seek a personal encounter with Jesus, to know Him deeply, and to count all else as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Devotion, daily seeking, and a willingness to be transformed are the marks of a life that truly follows God.
Key Takeaways
- True Encounter Leads to Mission
A genuine encounter with Jesus always leads to a new sense of mission and purpose. Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle shows that God’s call is not based on our past, but on His plan established before our birth. When we meet Christ, He gives us an assignment that is bigger than ourselves and always aimed at blessing others. Seek not just knowledge about God, but a real encounter that redirects your life. [04:14]
- Knowing God Requires Sacrifice
To truly know God, something in us must die—whether it’s pride, addiction, or cherished beliefs that stand in the way of surrender. Paul counted all his achievements as loss for the sake of knowing Christ, and this is the pattern for every believer. Loving God is not about outward acts, but about crucifying what we hold most dear so that Christ can live in us. The depth of our relationship with God is measured by what we are willing to lay down for Him. [16:32]
- Preparation Happens in Hiddenness
Before Paul began his public ministry, he spent time in isolation, being taught and shaped by the Holy Spirit. This season of hiddenness is often overlooked, but it is where God builds our character and prepares us for greater service. We must be willing to step away from the spotlight, to be stripped down and rebuilt by God, so that our ministry flows from genuine encounter and maturity. Don’t rush the process; let God do His deep work in you. [19:15]
- Suffering with Purpose
Paul’s life was marked by suffering, but it was suffering with purpose. He endured beatings, imprisonment, and misunderstanding, yet he learned contentment and trusted God through it all. Our faith will be tested in various ways, but these trials are opportunities for growth and deeper dependence on God’s grace. Embrace suffering as part of your calling, knowing that God uses it to refine and strengthen your faith. [22:13]
- Finishing Well Matters More Than Starting Strong
It’s not how you begin your journey with God, but how you finish that counts. Paul fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith, urging us to do the same. Many spend years in church without growing, while others mature quickly through personal relationship with Christ. Focus on finishing well by continually seeking God, fighting the right battles, and holding tightly to eternal life. [25:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - The Church is Alive and God is Speaking
[02:09] - Introducing Paul: A Hero of Faith
[03:56] - Paul’s Dramatic Encounter with Jesus
[06:10] - Isaiah’s Encounter and Its Parallels
[09:16] - God’s Purpose Before Our Birth
[10:28] - The Cost of True Calling
[11:21] - Seeking a Personal Encounter
[13:01] - Empowered for Mission
[14:10] - The Deity of Christ and Knowing Him
[16:32] - The Sacrifice of Knowing God
[19:15] - Preparation in Hiddenness
[20:45] - Paul’s Bold Ministry and Mentoring
[22:13] - Suffering with Purpose
[24:06] - Living by Grace
[25:00] - Finishing Well: The Good Fight of Faith
[27:23] - The Invitation to Know God Personally
[29:14] - Devotion and Daily Seeking
[29:52] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Life and Transformation of Paul
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 9:3-6 – Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus
- Philippians 3:7-10 – Paul’s desire to know Christ and count all else as loss
- Galatians 1:15-18 – Paul’s season of separation and preparation
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 9:3-6, what was Paul doing before he encountered Jesus, and how did Jesus interrupt his plans?
2. According to Philippians 3:7-10, what does Paul say about his past achievements and his new goal in life?
3. In Galatians 1:15-18, what did Paul do after his encounter with Jesus, and why is this significant?
4. The sermon mentions that Paul’s encounter with Jesus led to a new mission and purpose. What specific changes do you see in Paul’s life after this encounter? [[04:14]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul’s encounter with Jesus required him to let go of his old identity and achievements? What does this say about the nature of truly knowing God? [[16:32]]
2. The sermon draws a parallel between Isaiah’s and Paul’s encounters with God. What do both stories teach us about how God reveals our true calling? [[06:10]]
3. Paul spent time in hiddenness and preparation before starting his public ministry. Why might God use seasons of isolation or preparation in a believer’s life? [[19:15]]
4. Paul’s life was marked by suffering, but the sermon says it was “suffering with purpose.” How does understanding the purpose behind suffering change the way we respond to hardship? [[22:13]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says a real encounter with Jesus always leads to a new sense of mission. Have you ever had a moment where you felt God was redirecting your life? What was that like, and how did you respond? [[04:14]]
2. Paul had to let go of things he valued—his pride, achievements, and even his old beliefs—to truly know Christ. Is there something in your life right now that you sense God is asking you to lay down? What would it look like to surrender that to Him? [[16:32]]
3. The sermon talks about “preparation in hiddenness.” Are you in a season where you feel unseen or overlooked? How might God be using this time to shape your character or faith? [[19:15]]
4. Paul poured himself into others and raised up new leaders. Who in your life could you encourage, mentor, or invest in spiritually? What is one step you could take this week to do that? [[21:39]]
5. Suffering is described as an opportunity for growth and deeper dependence on God’s grace. Can you share a time when a difficult season led you to trust God more? How did that experience change you? [[22:13]]
6. The sermon challenges us to “finish well” rather than just start strong. What does finishing well look like for you in your faith journey? Are there any habits or priorities you need to adjust to help you finish well? [[25:00]]
7. Paul’s devotion was shown in his daily seeking of God. What is one practical way you can deepen your relationship with God this week—through prayer, Bible reading, or another spiritual practice? [[29:14]]
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Devotional
Day 1: Encountering Jesus Transforms Our Mission
A true encounter with Jesus radically changes the direction of our lives, giving us a new purpose and calling that aligns with God’s greater plan. Paul’s journey from persecutor to apostle began with a dramatic meeting with Christ on the road to Damascus, showing that no one is beyond the reach of God’s transforming grace. When we meet Jesus, He not only forgives our past but also commissions us for His mission, often in ways we never expected. Like Paul, we are invited to ask, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” and to listen for His direction, trusting that He has prepared good works for us long before we were born. [05:55]
Acts 9:3-6 (ESV)
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.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God calling you to a new purpose or mission? How can you respond to Him today with openness and obedience?
Day 2: God’s Call Is Rooted in His Eternal Purpose
Before we were even born, God had a plan and a calling for our lives, shaping us for His purposes and not merely for our own satisfaction. Both Paul and the prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah were set apart by God before birth, and their true calling was revealed through encounters with Him. Our fulfillment comes not from comfort or self-satisfaction, but from stepping into the assignments God has prepared for us—assignments that often stretch us beyond our own desires and abilities. When we align our lives with God’s purpose, we become instruments for His glory and blessing to others. [10:44]
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Reflection: In what ways have you been living for your own satisfaction rather than God’s purpose? What step can you take today to seek and embrace His calling for your life?
Day 3: Knowing Christ Means Letting Go of What Holds Us Back
To truly know Christ is to value Him above all else, even to the point of letting go of things we hold most dear—our pride, addictions, habits, or anything that stands in the way of deeper devotion. Paul counted all his achievements and status as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus, and he called others to crucify their old selves so that Christ might live in them. Loving God is not just about outward acts or words, but about surrendering what we treasure most so that we can experience the fullness of His life and love. [18:34]
Philippians 3:8-10 (ESV)
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
Reflection: What is one thing you are holding onto that you need to surrender in order to know Christ more deeply? What would it look like to lay it down today?
Day 4: God’s Grace Empowers Us Through Every Trial
The life of faith is marked by trials, suffering, and challenges, but God’s grace is always sufficient to sustain and empower us. Paul endured beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and misunderstandings, yet he learned to be content and to rely on God’s grace in every circumstance. Our strength does not come from ourselves, but from the unmerited favor and power of God, who enables us to stand firm, persevere, and fulfill our calling even when we feel weak or inadequate. [24:43]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Reflection: Where do you feel weak or overwhelmed right now? How can you invite God’s grace to strengthen and sustain you in this area today?
Day 5: Finishing Well—Fighting the Good Fight of Faith
The true measure of our lives is not how we start, but how we finish—remaining faithful to the end by fighting the good fight of faith and holding tightly to the eternal life God has promised. Paul’s confidence at the end of his journey came from knowing he had stayed true to his calling, endured hardship, and kept his eyes on Christ. We are called to choose our battles wisely, to avoid distractions and quarrels, and to devote ourselves to growing in faith and helping others do the same, so that we may finish our race with joy and faithfulness. [26:25]
2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Reflection: What distractions or lesser battles are keeping you from focusing on the good fight of faith? What is one practical way you can realign your priorities to finish well?
Quotes
You see, you will want to be in this church because God is doing things in your life. Amen. This morning I have the singular honor to talk about Apostle Paul in continuation with our heroes of faith. And I think it's a very big task because I I hope you brought your pack lunch because you are telling me to talk about the man who wrote more than half of the New Testament and you want it in 30 minutes. Okay. The Lord will be my help. Amen. [00:02:09]
We know that he had um um a very dramatic journey from someone who persecuted the church of God, was killing the people of God until he had an encounter with Jesus Christ himself. One of the things you would have to look out for is your personal encounter with him. Have you had an encounter with him? And when you do, he gives you a mission. He gives you an assignment. Because Paul thought that his mission was to destroy people because they were not following Judaism. [00:03:59]
Now I brought in this story about Isaiah because that is in close match with the encounter of Paul and that relates to you as well. Sometimes you would hold on to something you think this is what God has asked me to do. But the reality is that your creation or the formation of your life in your mother's womb was preceded by something. God had a plan for you. The Bible says in Ephesians 1:4, "We were created in him before the foundation of the world. Before God formed you in your mother's womb, he had decided something for you. [00:09:01]
This morning as I talk about Paul, one thing I need to draw your mind is that if what you are doing is to your satisfaction, then it's probably not from God. If you are so relaxed, so pleased what what you are doing, then it's not from God. But if what you are doing is for people, is for the nations, is to bring salvation, is to enhance people's life. I believe that is from the Lord. Amen. For Paul, it was to be called to the nations. For Isaiah, he said, "Here I am. Send me." [00:10:28]
This morning, I want to encourage you to seek an encounter with the Lord. Look for something as a mark that tells you that this is God speaking to you. I used to do this um um spirituality thing um call on mediums call on spirits and one of the things that made us aware that these spirits were with us was to use an egg so let's say this is the the tall part of the egg anytime we were about to demonstrate these things I would hold the egg in that longitudinal form and then command spirits to come in the egg and the egg will stand. [00:11:14]
But there's one thing I know. When the Lord came into my life, the Bible said, "These signs shall follow them that believe." So instead of that he gave me ability to heal, to touch lives, to encourage, to speak his word. And you have the same thing with you. Amen. Bible says that you will be empowered. You will be empowered to be my witnesses in Judea, in Samaria, unto the uttermost part of the world. And that is what Derek and Hillary are doing to go out there. It's not because they want to travel for fun, but you have been empowered individually to be a missionary. [00:12:33]
You have been called to be a missionary. Whether you know it or not, you are a missionary. But there's something else I will tell you. You would have to dedicate your life entirely to the course as Paul did. The Bible started by saying he was a devoured Jew, devoted Jew. You see, one thing is I was talking about the deity of of Jesus. People ask and say, "Oh, Jesus wasn't God." But the Bible said Isaiah met the Lord, right? He saw the Lord. Look at John 12:41. John 12:41, the Bible says Isaiah was referring to Jesus. [00:13:37]
Seek an encounter with him. He is that aspect of the Trinity you can see and still be alive. He's that aspect of the trinity who is speaking in the lives of people and he speaks in your life. Seek that encounter with him and you will not be the same again. The Bible said that when Paul encountered him, he said this that I may know him. Philippians 3:10. that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his suffering being made conformable unto his death. Have you known him yet? Have you understood him? [00:14:51]
See, knowing God is not just coming to church and singing a few praise and clapping your hands, but knowing means knowing who he is in nature. Knowing knowing his faithfulness, knowing his mercy, knowing his power and his justice, know his essence. Bible says when you know the name of the Lord, you know these things. That's why the Bible says you run into him and are safe. The name of the Lord, it's a strong tower. is not just an ordinary name but his essence his being what what what makes him God walking in relationship with him and trusting his reputation and sometimes understanding his love. [00:15:38]
The love of God means that something has to die. And to Paul, he said, "When I met the Lord, I consider all that I've done rubbish because I want to know the excellency of his calling." Knowing the Lord means that something must die in your life. To God, it is his son dying. But to you, it could be an addiction. It could be that anger. It could be the wrong thoughts, the wrong beliefs, the things you've held so dear to yourself. Until something dies in exchange for Christ, you don't love the Lord yet. [00:16:32]
Until you pick up that cross, crucify it and follow him, you are not ready to be used. And this is what Paul said, for I am crucified with Christ. It's no longer I who live. Galatians chapter 3 uh 2:20. But Christ who lives in me? What do you hold dear? As we talk about Paul, do you hold something so dear that you can't give out in order to have the lamb? and Isaac whom you love must be sacrificed in exchange for the lamb. What will you exchange in order to have Christ with you so that he will use you? [00:18:06]
Now when Paul came to the Lord there was a season of separation. Bible said he traveled to Arabia from Damascus away from the spotlight and he was shaped and taught by the Holy Spirit. Many of us when we come to a new environment we the Lord calls us we want to be known you want everybody to know that yay I'm here you don't want to shut yourself in you don't want to come to a place of learning a place of being taught being stripped out and being built up but that's what happened to Paul Galatians chapter 1:16 to reveal his son to me that I would proclaim the good news about Jesus to the Gentiles. [00:19:09]
Paul was bold in his mission. Was bold in his ministry and his missions. He went out into multiple places into different missionary journeys, planting churches, preaching in hostile environment and enduring persecutions. He traveled thousands of miles, sometimes on foot or by ship across the Roman Empire through places like um modernday Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and Italy to spread the message of Jesus. Someone who was killing people has been transformed by the grace of God for something useful. It doesn't matter where you are, brothers and sisters. God is able to use you to change lives if you seek an encounter with him. [00:20:36]
Paul's faith, he suffered with purpose. Bible says he was beaten. He was imprisoned. He was shipwrecked and even misunderstood. Now the gospel we know or we talk about written by Paul and all that in those days he was misunderstood. People thought he was not in his right mind because of the revelations God was revealing to him. And he thought, "Oh, this guy is is gone bonkers." As we say today, he suffered for the gospel. But Bible said he had learned to be content in all circumstances and trusted in God. He endured major hardships, imprisonment, being beaten, shipwrecked, even stoned almost to death, hunger, cold betrayals, and so many of them. [00:22:20]
The Bible says he depended on grace. His entire life is life of grace. He started preaching his salvation was about grace. But by the grace of God 1 Corinthians 15:10, by the grace of God I am whom I am. He's he's preaching and he said to unto me, my grace is sufficient for you. He uses grace a lot in his missions. Phil Ephesians chapter 2:8 and then the verse 9. For by grace you have been saved, not of works that you should boast. Grace, grace, grace. [00:24:01]
How will you finish your life? How would you end up? It's not how you started, but it's how you finish. The issue is you can be 90 years in the church and still have a childish faith like a 5-year-old, but you can also be just 5 years or 10 years in the church and have a very strong faith because you know him personally. You know God personally. May I encourage you to seek a personal encounter with the Lord so that you you not just be coming and going just be a member of the church but you have a personal relationship with the Lord. [00:26:35]
I encourage you that you will count them but loss for the excellency of knowing Christ Jesus. His life was a life full of devotion. Are you devoted to knowing God? And listen for those of us who reading the Bible or studying scripture is once in a lifetime affair. Please have a change of mind and attitude towards the word of God and spend time in the scripture for by doing that you fight a good fight of the faith. [00:28:54]
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