Transcript Run Your Own Race

Running
the Race:
Lessons from
Paul for
Today’s
Woman
Please take this time to
silence your cell phone.
Run Your Own Race!
Run Your Own Race!
Paul’s race—
• Was based on God’s calling & gifting
• Lined up with his background
• Progressed as God opened doors of
opportunity
Acts 9:19b-25
“For several days he was with the disciples in
Damascus, and immediately he began to
proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “This
man is the Son of God.” All who heard him were
amazed and were saying, “Is this not the man
who in Jerusalem was ravaging those who call
on this name, and who had come here to bring
them as prisoners to the chief priests?” But Saul
became more and more capable, and was
causing consternation among the Jews who
lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the
Christ.”
Acts 9:26-30
“When he arrived in Jerusalem, he attempted to
associate with the disciples, and they were all afraid of
him, because they did not believe that he was a disciple.
But Barnabas took Saul, brought him to the apostles,
and related to them how he had seen the Lord on the
road, that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in
Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of
Jesus. So he was staying with them, associating openly
with them in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name
of the Lord. He was speaking and debating with the
Greek-speaking Jews, but they were trying to kill him.
When the brothers found out about this, they brought
him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.”
Acts 11:19-21
“Now those who had been scattered because of
the persecution that took place over Stephen
went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch,
speaking the message to no one but Jews. But
there were some men from Cyprus and Cyrene
among them who came to Antioch and began to
speak to the Greeks too, proclaiming the good
news of the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord
was with them, and a great number who
believed turned to the Lord.”
Acts 11:25-26
“Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to
look for Saul, and when he found him, he
brought him to Antioch. So for a whole
year Barnabas and Saul met with the
church and taught a significant number of
people. Now it was in Antioch that the
disciples were first called Christians.”
Acts 13:1-3
“Now there were these prophets and teachers in
the church at Antioch: Barnabas, Simeon called
Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen (a close
friend of Herod the tetrarch from childhood) and
Saul. While they were serving the Lord and
fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me
Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have
called them.” Then, after they had fasted and
prayed and placed their hands on them, they
sent them off.”
Run Your Own Race!
Paul’s race—
• Was based on God’s calling & gifting
• Lined up with his background
• Progressed as God opened doors of
opportunity
Run Your Own Race!
Finding your Personal Race
• Discover how God has gifted you
 Study Scripture.
 Talk to people who know you about the
possibilities.
 Talk to others who clearly exhibit
gifts you may have.
 Try using them!
Run Your Own Race!
Finding your Personal Race
• Inventory your desires and your
background.
 Where has your race already taken you?
 What are your burdens? To what people
group are you drawn? What
cause gets you excited?
What do you think should
have more budget and visibility
in the church?
Run Your Own Race!
Finding your Personal Race
• Wait on God to open opportunities.
 Trust God to have the power to speak to
anyone!
 Use the waiting period to train, prepare, and
grow!
Run Your Own Race!
Finding your Personal Race
• Discover how God has gifted you
• Inventory your desires and your
background.
• Wait on God to open opportunities.
• Watch for confirming fruit.