Encounter of Purpose! - CC

Message Notes (Download Here)

Encounter of Purpose!

Part 5 in the series Encounters!

The journey to God’s purpose for my life!

1.             My journey to God’s purpose for my life _________________________________!

Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest.  He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.

Acts 9:1-2 (NLT)

2.             My journey to God’s purpose for my life __________________________________!

As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him.  He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

Acts 9:3-4 (NLT)

3.             My journey to God’s purpose for my life __________________________________!

 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Acts 9:5-6 (NLT)

4.             My journey to God’s purpose for my life __________________________________!

But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.  And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”  So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”  Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.

Acts 9:15-18 (NLT)

Deeper Dive Study Notes (Download Here)

Deeper Dive – Encounter of Purpose!

Part 5 in the series Encounters! 

The journey to God’s purpose for my life!

1.             My journey to God’s purpose for my life begins where I am!

Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest.  He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.

Acts 9:1-2 (NLT)

Thoughts and questions for discussion: God doesn’t wait for us to think about coming to find Him—He pursues us right where we are. He uses the people around us. And He uses the Holy Spirit, who calls out to our spirit to stop and listen. If you are a Christ follower already, explain how He pursued you. If you still have not made that decision, what has been happening in your life and in your spirit? Give details.

2.             My journey to God’s purpose for my life addresses my sin!

As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him.  He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

Acts 9:3-4 (NLT)

Thoughts and questions for discussion:  Jesus loves us right where we are—and loves us too much to leave us there. When we recognize that He is calling us, we realize that He is shining a bright light on our lives. His revealing truth can be alarming and scary. When has Jesus revealed a sin in your life that you hadn’t noticed before? Give details.

3.             My journey to God’s purpose for my life demands my obedience!

 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Acts 9:5-6 (NLT)

Thoughts and questions for discussion:  Like a good leader, once Jesus has our attention, He gives us orders to see how obedient we will be. Sometimes the task is a fairly simple one, like making a public profession of our decision to follow Christ. Other times the order is more difficult, such as when we’re asked to give up a hurt, habit or hang-up. And then sometimes, He might even call us completely out of our comfort zone by asking us to go halfway around the world. How has God demanded your obedience? Explain.

4.             My journey to God’s purpose for my life involves other Christ-followers!

But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.  And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”  So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”  Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.

Acts 9:15-18 (NLT)

Thoughts and questions for discussion: Jesus doesn’t call us to simply live a solitary life, but a life of community. Paul describes this community as the Body of Christ. We are each called to be a part of the Body. And just like the many parts that make up a physical body, some parts of the Body of Christ support other parts, but no part is more important than another. When have you found this to be true in your life? How have others been a help for you? Explain.