Paul’s Mission
Teaching Notes
What is your mission?
The Bible tells us there is an answer?
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
Ephesians 1:11-12 MSG
Listen to what he said to the prophet Jeremiah about his own life –
Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—that’s what I had in mind for you.
Jeremiah 1:5 MSG
Listen to the words of David about his life –
You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.
Psalm 139:15-16 MSG
Paul’s Mission
Who is God going to tap on the shoulder to take the message to the Gentiles—to us?
Better Call Saul.
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Acts 9:15-16
Here is Saul’s own assessment of himself:
For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
To get suited for this assignment, Saul starts going by a different name.
Then Saul, who was also called Paul (Acts 13:9)
· Saul was his Jewish name.
· Paul was his Latin name.
Your Mission
The Benefits of Knowing Your Mission
Improved physical and mental well-being
Lower risk of death
Better Heart Health
Lower risk of cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, dementia
More robust immune system
Increased resilience
Enhanced overall quality of life
Greater happiness and satisfaction
Strong sense of belonging
Foster stronger relationships
Better sleep
Longevity – live longer
Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
Boost self-esteem
The Mayo Clinic has come to this conclusion:
People with a sense of purpose and mission take better care of themselves through
Exercise
Healthy eating
Addressing health issues as they arise.
Identifying Your Mission
The general mission for every believer is to “become like Jesus.”
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.
Romans 8:29
But God has created you “to do” – to get something done.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
The primary driver is to serve God not money.
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Matthew 6:24
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
It has something to do with how God has wired you.
It likely has something to do with the opportunity right in front of you.
It's not about you.
Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the does not shine on itself…Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other…Life is good when you are happy; but much better when other are happy because of you.
Pope Francis
Setlist
WFC Lenexa + WFC Anywhere
Battle Belongs- Phil Wickham
Promise Keeper- Hope Darst
A Thousand Hallelujahs- Brooke Ligertwood
WFC Speedway
I Thank God- Maverick City
Goodness of God- Bethel Music
Jesus You Alone- Highlands Worship
Be sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday’s set!