Pulpit Curriculum
Called by God's Grace
Derek A Ward
January 28, 2024

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Pulpit Curriculum

January 28th – February 4th, 2024

Sermon Summary

The evidence of the power of the Gospel is seen in the transformation of men! It is biblically impossible for anyone to profess salvation without evidence of transformation. While Paul builds his case with evidence of his call, it is almost as if he takes a break from giving past evidence to say “if you doubt what I am saying, then take note of the evidence of my transformation.”

Evidence indeed testifies to transformation - our words and our living therefore must align, they must preach one message. For Paul, the end result was that “they glorified God because of me”. So too, our call must be evidenced by our transformation which points the lost to God, for it is therein that they see the display of the awesome power of the Gospel.

Verse of the Week

Galatians 1: 22-24
22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy” 24 And they glorified God because of me.

Going Deeper

Review Galatians 1:10-24

1) “Without using words of Paul, where can you find evidence in Scripture that supports Paul’s claim that the Gospel he preached is not man orchestrated but inspired by God?

2) “Serving Christ and pleasing humanity are mutually exclusive alternatives”. Discuss this statement using Scripture references to articulate your position.

3) Paul’s life and mission were significantly altered after his encounter with Jesus. Highlight and discuss two other persons, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament, where unquestionable evidence of transformation is seen after their encounter with God and Christ.

4) Apart from his words, Paul’s life indisputably demonstrated that transformation had occurred. How do you understand the role of the Holy Spirit in such a transformation?

5) Using Paul’s conversion and the subsequent commencement of his ministry in the Book of Acts, document Paul’s immediate and willing obedience to the commission.

Assess Your Life

1) The preacher shared the statistic that “to date only 10%” of the world’s population has heard the Gospel. What impact, if any, does knowing this statistic have on you?

2) 2) How would you rate yourself regarding your commitment in the past to actively sharing Christ with others?

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a. I thought that that was the responsibility of those specially called and commission to do so


b. I didn’t think I knew what to say in those situations
c. I have done so but wasn’t intentional in following up with those I shared with
d. I usually share the Good News of Christ with others
e. I am always looking for opportunities to share Christ

Application

1) What strategy do you have, or can put in place, to intentionally share the Gospel where you are?

2) List one way, starting today, that you will begin to be intentional about sharing the Gospel?

Sermon Main Points

As believers our lives glorify God when we:

1) Embrace the authenticity of our calling (Gal 1:10-12)
Our identity is wrapped up in the grace of God and not in ourselves. We are all called by God’s grace and the call is authentic. Others may challenge our call and the message we carry; however, it must be noted that it’s not the messenger that validates the message but the message that validates the messenger.

2) Experience the transformative power of God’s Grace (Gal 1:13-17)
The call of Christ is a call to service. God takes the initiative in calling and transforming lives, His transformative power does not just change our lives, it fuels His ministry to others through us.

3) Respond with obedience and surrender (Gal 1:18-24)
Every believer is called by God’s grace and part of that call is to carry the Gospel. This is not a task alienated for special individuals but for every believer. The world needs the Gospel, and will only hear it when we who are called carry it.

Sermon Reflection

What stood out for me in this sermon?

What is something I can do to remember this?

5 Day Study Plan

Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.

Follow these steps
1. Observe the text.
(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)
2. Interpret the text.
(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)
3. Apply the text.
(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)

Day 1 - 2 Peter 3: 14 - 18

Day 2 - John 14:6

Day 3 - Hebrews 9: 11 - 15

Day 4 - Acts 4: 1 - 4

Day 5 - Acts 5: 27-32


For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.