Believers are called to unashamedly share the gospel and worship God only.

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7,16-25 

Central Truth

Paul’s transformation was definitely drastic. He was a persecutor of Christians, but after meeting Jesus, he became a bold apostle. We can sometimes think our transformations aren’t as spectacular, but we couldn’t be more wrong. The change which takes place within us moves us from being dead in sin to being alive in Christ.

Key Question

Why is it sometimes difficult to let go of who you were before knowing Jesus? How does Paul’s life encourage you?

Keep in Mind

Our students, though young, also have a past. They know their past mistakes better than anyone else. They remember who they were before knowing Jesus, and sometimes this can make them timid in moving forward. Many of us allow this to make us feel unqualified to share God with the people around us, especially those who knew us before. 

Paul was well known and feared by other believers. But God changed Him! We can be encouraged by Paul’s boldness in sharing the gospel because it is evidence of God’s power to change us too. It’s right and good for us to remind our students of God’s power to redeem them. One of the most miraculous parts of the gospel is the fact that it changes us and makes us new creations. Our students may need to be reminded of this when they feel held down by their past. 

APPLICATION

Paul’s life displayed the power of the gospel. What needs to change so that your life does the same?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: Paul’s life displayed a clear “before and after.” This doesn’t mean we will all have drastic testimonies like his, but there should be a clear change. Meeting Jesus alters us—in big and small ways. The power of the gospel, which is the saving power of Christ­, makes us new. 

FOR THE LEADER: Even if you’ve walked with God for a while, you may still feel pulled to old sins and patterns you once lived in. But when you allow God to make you new each day, you exhibit His ability to continue sanctifying believers. Being appropriately transparent with your students about this can be a great example to them of how we can still be effective for the gospel even though we’re imperfect people with a past.