Accept The Truth Series

Life Lessons From the Chief of Sinners

Accept the Truth

Acts 9:1-19

Introduction

Last week we talked about the brutal and vicious persecution of the man from Tarsus. His hatred for followers of Jesus was frightening to the believers of that day. In spite of his great familiarity with the Hebrew Scriptures, he failed to see Jesus as the Messiah.

Acts 9:1-2 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Paul was convinced that destroying the followers of Jesus was the only way to serve the God of Israel. He thought they were a threat to everything that he held close.

3. Acts 9:3-9

3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.

Saul’s encounter with Jesus is an iconic turning point for him.

Saul, who thought his eyes were wide open to the threat of the Jesus people, is now blinded and led into Damascus.

We can only imagine what was going through his mind as he spent three days unable to see, neither eating nor drinking.

4. God called a disciple of Jesus named Ananias and told him where to find Saul.

Verse 11 “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”

Imagine God sending you to a terrorist! Ananias registered his concern, but God told him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.”

Acts 9:17-19

17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.Saul stayed with the believers[d] in Damascus for a few days.

5. Saul would recount this story many times, the turning point when he met Jesus and his entire life was changed. What we learn from the chief of sinners is to accept the truth about Jesus.

1. Jesus And Truth (John’s Gospel)

The message of truth is the rescue mission of Jesus. John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The source of truth is Jesus. John 1:17 … Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

The result of truth is freedom from shackles of sin and shame. John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The power of truth is to bring us peace and assurance. John 14:1, 6 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.… “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

What the man from Tarsus embraced in Jesus Christ changed his life in every way - and Jesus is still changing lives today to everyone who embraces the truth!

How do we accept the truth of Jesus in our life today? Let’s listen to the story of the chief of sinners!

2. Admit: Jesus Is Lord (Acts 9:4-5 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”)