Blinded By Grace Series

Paul recognized that it was God’s grace that day that blinded him

A Grace that was poured out on him abundantly.

He came to realize that he was hopeless apart from Christ.

And hopelessly headed in the wrong direction.

Application

You may be sitting here today thinking my life has been moving in a certain direction my whole life. If this isn’t the right direction, there is no hope for me. It is too late now.

That is why God’s grace is so amazing.

By his grace, it is never too late. He gives us

hope for the future. He gives us

hope that no matter what direction we have been going

He can meet us where we are at, and by His grace, get us moving in His direction.

Maybe you are saying, Scott, you don’t know

the things that I have done or

the life I have lived or

the direction that my life has gone.

I have destroyed people’s lives

I have not been the husband or wife I should have been.

I have not been the parent I should have been.

I have not been the child I should have been.

I have not been the friend I should have been.

I have stolen, lied, cheated, murdered.

You think your sins are bad. Listen to how Paul continues in the next 2 verses to Timothy

1 Timothy 1:15-16

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

(from New International Version)

Paul considers himself the worst of sinners

He was a blasphemer

He was a persecutor of Christ

He was a violent man.

He assented to the murder of Stephen.

Yet he received God’s grace which gave him hope

for a new life,

for an eternal life,

for a life that is abundant and full and worth living.

Everyone here can have that same hope through Jesus Christ.

He desires to pour out grace and forgiveness on you today, if only you “would believe on him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16b)

But God’s grace does not only provide hope to the hopeless,

His

Grace Gives Help to the Helpless

Slide 4

We see Saul go from powerful persecutor to a helpless man dependant upon others just to get him to the city he was traveling to.

But it is to such men that help comes.

When we think we are something,

When we have things under control

Our pride will keep us from receiving the help that we need. It will stop us from recognizing our truly helpless state.

It is not until we come to a point to realize that we are truly helpless, that we can receive the help we need.

Psalm 72:12

12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.

Paul is a man on a mission. But when the Lord strikes him blind, he is forced to recognize his helpless state and receive the help from his companions to make it to Damascus.

Acts 9:8

8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.

So the Lord provides help for Saul to get to Damascus, but He then provides the true help Paul needs through Ananais.