One Week/3 Days.

One Week/3 Days

Date: April 6, 2025

Main Themes

The power of God in our lives

Living by the Spirit

God's calling and purpose

Faith and identity in Christ

Sermon Overview

In this week's sermon, we delve into the transformative power of God's wisdom and revelation as articulated by Paul in Ephesians 1:16-19. Pastor Rebecca Gore encourages us to reflect on whether we have been actively living by God's power over the past week. The sermon challenges us to engage with the Holy Spirit and embrace the supernatural wisdom that God offers us.

The Story of Two Sauls

The sermon draws parallels between two biblical figures named Saul, emphasizing their encounters with God's calling and the subsequent transformations in their lives.

Saul in the Old Testament

In 1 Samuel 9:1-2, we are introduced to Saul, a man of impressive stature and appearance from the tribe of Benjamin. Despite his physical attributes, Saul's journey begins with a mundane task—searching for his father's lost donkeys. This task, however, leads him to an encounter with Samuel, a prophet who had been instructed by God to anoint Saul as the first king of Israel.

1 Samuel 10:1 describes the anointing of Saul, marking the beginning of his journey as Israel's first king. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing God's preparation and timing in our lives, even when it seems inconvenient or unexpected.

Pastor Rebecca points out that Saul's initial reaction to God's calling was one of doubt and insecurity. He questioned his worthiness and capability, much like many of us do when faced with God's call. The sermon encourages us to move beyond our limitations and trust in the power of God's anointing, which equips us for His purposes.

Saul in the New Testament (Paul)

In the New Testament, we encounter another Saul, later known as Paul, whose life was dramatically transformed by an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Acts 9:3-6 recounts this moment of divine intervention, where a bright light from heaven blinded Saul, leading to his conversion.

Acts 26:14-18 provides Paul's own testimony before King Agrippa, where he explains how Jesus called him to be a witness to both Jews and Gentiles. This calling, despite Saul's past as a persecutor of Christians, illustrates God's grace and ability to repurpose our lives for His glory.

Paul's story is a powerful reminder that no past is too dark for God's light to transform. The sermon urges us to embrace the new identity we have in Christ, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17, where we are made new creations, leaving behind our old selves.

Key Takeaways

God's Calling and Anointing: Both Sauls were chosen by God for specific purposes. The sermon encourages us to see ourselves as chosen and anointed by God, just as 2 Timothy 1:9 and 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 affirm our holy calling and anointing in Christ. This divine selection is not based on our merit but on God's purpose and grace.

Faith Over Human Reasoning: We are reminded not to rely solely on our understanding or resources but to trust in God's vision and power. This is exemplified in how Saul (Paul) was called to preach to the Gentiles, despite his past. The sermon challenges us to step out in faith, trusting that God's Spirit will empower us to fulfill His purpose.

Living by the Spirit: Pastor Rebecca emphasizes the necessity of living by the Spirit's power, as illustrated in Galatians 5:16. The sermon calls us to step out in faith, trusting that God's Spirit will empower us to fulfill His purpose. Living by the Spirit means being attuned to God's voice, ready to act upon His instructions, and confident in His guidance.

Identity in Christ: Our identity should be rooted in who God says we are, rather than our limitations or past mistakes. The sermon challenges us to embrace the truth of being new creations in Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17. By understanding our identity in Christ, we can overcome doubts and insecurities, allowing God's power to work through us.

Conclusion

As we approach Easter, the sermon invites us to reflect on our spiritual journey and the power of resurrection that lives within us. We are encouraged to step out boldly, trusting in God's anointing and purpose for our lives. Let this week be a time of active participation in God's kingdom, where we seek to extend His love and power to those around us.

Pastor Rebecca concludes with a call to action, urging us to live with the expectation of God's movement in our lives. She challenges us to consider how we can use the gifts God has given us to impact the world, reminding us that we are on a mission to bring others into the knowledge of Christ.

Reflection Questions:

How have you experienced God's power in your life this week?

What steps can you take to live more fully by the Spirit's guidance?

In what ways can you embrace and act upon your identity in Christ?

By embracing these truths and stepping out in faith, we can live lives that reflect the glory of God, impacting those around us and fulfilling the purposes He has set before us.

Study Guide: One Week/3 Days

Reading

Ephesians 1:16-20: Paul's prayer for the Ephesians, asking for wisdom and revelation.

1 Samuel 9-10: The narrative of Saul's anointing as king of Israel.

Acts 9:1-19: Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus.

2 Timothy 1:9: A reminder of God's holy calling.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22: Assurance of God's anointing and the Spirit as a seal.

1 Corinthians 2:2-5: Paul's reliance on the Spirit's power.

John 2:1-11: Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana.

Warm Up

Reflect on Past Experiences: Think of a moment when you felt a strong sense of purpose or calling. What were the circumstances, and how did you respond?

Understanding "Calling": How do you currently perceive the idea of being "called" or "chosen" by God? Share any experiences or teachings that have shaped your understanding.

Daily Power: In what ways have you experienced God's power in your life recently? How do you keep this awareness alive in your daily routine?

Scripture Exploration

Ephesians 1:16-20 Analysis: What does Paul mean by "the spirit of wisdom and revelation"? How does this apply to your understanding of God's power?

1 Samuel 9-10 Context: What were the key events that led to Saul's anointing? How did his physical and personal attributes play a role in his selection as king?

Acts 9:1-19 Transformation: Describe Saul's journey from persecutor to proclaimer. What does this transformation teach about the power of divine encounters?

2 Timothy 1:9 Reflection: How does this verse frame your understanding of purpose and grace? What does it mean to be called "not because of our works"?

Personal Reflection

Identity and Calling: How does knowing you are chosen and anointed by God affect your self-perception and actions?

Cross-Reference Insights: Compare Saul's anointing in 1 Samuel with Paul's conversion in Acts. What do these stories reveal about God's methods of calling individuals?

Theological Implications: What does 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 say about the Holy Spirit's role in affirming our identity and mission? How does this assurance affect your faith journey?

Personal Application

Stepping Out in Faith: Identify a specific area where you feel God is calling you to act. What practical steps can you take this week to begin this journey?

Community Engagement: How can you help others in your community recognize and pursue their callings? Consider organizing a small group discussion or prayer meeting to explore this together.

Living the Miracle: Reflect on John 2:1-11. How can you apply the principle of "doing what He tells you" in your daily life? List at least three actions you can take to align with this directive.

Empowering Others: Write down a plan to support someone in your community who is struggling to see their calling. How can you encourage and assist them in discovering their God-given purpose?

Vision and Action: What vision has God placed in your heart? Develop a detailed action plan to pursue this vision, including potential challenges and how you will address them.

Weekly Challenge: Commit to a "one week" challenge inspired by the sermon. Each day, intentionally seek to live out your calling and document your experiences. Reflect on how this practice impacts your spiritual growth and community interactions.

Discussion Questions

Icebreaker: Share a moment from the past week where you felt particularly grateful or inspired. How did this moment impact your perspective or actions?

Theme Reflection: Pastor Rebecca Gore's sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing and embracing God's calling in our lives. Reflect on a time when you felt a clear sense of calling or purpose. How did you respond, and what were the outcomes?

Scripture Insight: Ephesians 1:17-18 speaks of the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Discuss how these qualities can be nurtured in your personal spiritual practices. How do they influence your understanding of God's will?

Personal Application: The sermon encouraged us to step out in faith and confidence, trusting in God's power. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel called to act more boldly. What steps can you take this week to move forward in that area?

Theological Implications: Reflect on the transformation of Saul to Paul as discussed in the sermon. How does this story illustrate the power of God's grace and the potential for change in our own lives? What does this teach us about redemption and purpose?

Emotional and Spiritual Responses: Consider how the sermon challenged or comforted you. Share your emotional or spiritual reactions with the group. How can these shared experiences enhance our collective faith journey?

Community Impact: Pastor Rebecca emphasized the role of the church in supporting each other to live out God's purpose. How can we as a community foster an environment that encourages spiritual growth and active participation in God's work?

Call to Action: The sermon spoke about being "chosen" and "anointed." Reflect on what this means for your daily interactions and relationships. How can embracing this identity influence the way you engage with others and the world around you?

Practical Steps: Discuss specific ways in which you can apply the sermon's teachings in your life this week. Consider acts of service, personal spiritual disciplines, or ways to encourage others in their faith journey.

Future Vision: As we approach Easter, think about how you can prepare your heart and mind to reflect on the significance of Christ's resurrection. What practices or reflections can help you deepen your understanding and appreciation of this pivotal event in the Christian faith?