The Lord's Prepared

Happy Resurrection Sunday.

I know that we are going to continue with our series today on Paul, but I want to take a moment to emphasizes this Sunday’s meaning.

Today we celebrate a hole in the wall.

This pass Sunday was the triumphal entry signifying Christ as the one true king and priest.

Holy Monday He cleared out the temple signifying that worship is not about what we do but who He is.

Tuesday or fig Tuesday is the day that Christ cursed the fig tree signifying the need to have fruit in our lives.

Holy Wednesday is the day that Christ went to the temple to aggressively discuss with the religious leaders signifying that we must learn to speak God’s Word with power from the Holy Spirit.

Maundy Thursday is the day Christ had the Last Supper with his disciples and washed their feet signifying that leadership is not a pedestal but a rag and a wash bowl.

Good Friday is the day that Christ was nailed to a cross and screamed Tetelestai(it is Finished) signifying that the ultimate debt of sin has been paid in full.

Silent Saturday is the day that Christ laid in the tomb signifying that silence does not mean the blessing is not coming.

Then Resurrection Sunday...a hole in the wall...signifying that we do not serve a dead prophet but a risen savior. One that is seated at the right hand of God. Signifying that He is God in the flesh.

This Holy Week signifies the very identity of us as Christians.

And it is this that we will discuss today as we see Christ preparing Paul for the ministry he is about to take on.

1. God Prepares His Servants

Galatians 1:17–21 CSB

I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me; instead I went to Arabia and came back to Damascus. Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days. But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. I declare in the sight of God: I am not lying in what I write to you. Afterward, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

Before Paul’s public ministry flourished in Antioch, he spent "silent years" in Arabia and Damascus. Galatians 1:17-18 emphasizes that he did not immediately rush to Jerusalem to confer with other apostles, but rather spent time receiving the gospel directly from the resurrected Christ.

Your season of preparation, even if it feels hidden or silent, is not wasted. God uses times of isolation and intense study to solidify your calling before bringing you into public ministry.

2. The Power of Mentorship and Community

Acts 11:25–26 CSB

Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul, and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul, bringing him back to Antioch to help with the growing ministry. Barnabas (the encourager) validated Paul, who was once a feared persecutor, and brought him into the community of believers.

We all need a "Barnabas"—someone to see our potential, mentor us, and create a space for us to serve. Likewise, we should look for "Sauls" (unexpected candidates) in whom we can invest, bringing them into active ministry.

3. Transformation Leads to Radical Devotion

Acts 11:26 CSB

and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

In Antioch, the disciples were "first called Christians" because their lives, message, and devotion to Christ were so evident. Paul, who once tried to destroy the church, was now living in a way that made him a recognizable follower of Jesus.

True conversion transforms not just our standing with God, but our public identity. Our lives should be such an imitation of Christ that the world labels us as His, prioritizing the gospel above personal accolades, as Paul did (Gal 1:23-24

Galatians 1:23–24 CSB

They simply kept hearing, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.