The Credentials of Saul 1 Thessalonians 1:1a
Introduction: Saul’s battle with the law & with Judaism
. Business transaction, accounting terms = profit vs loss
. Saul made the great exchange!
. Jesus said: Matthew 13:44-46; Christ & salvation sought
01. His Rituals - Philippians 3:4-5a; circumcised
. Genesis 17:1-14; 21:4; Leviticus 12:3 - 8th day
. Luke 1:59; 2:21 – Jesus’ parents obeyed the law.
02. His Race – Philippians 3:5b; stock of Israel
A. The tradition - heritage and descendant pure
. John 8:33, 37-39 – the seed of Abraham
. Many claimed & could trace their heritage back.
. From Abraham – Ishmael (Arabs)
. From Abraham – Isaac – Jacob & Esau (Edomite’s)
. Direct descendant of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob
. Genesis 32:27-28; Israel = Prince with God
. Culture, customs, birthright
B. The total - Acts 22:3a = I am indeed a Jew; full blooded
C. The title - 1 Samuel 9:1-2 = named after Saul
03. His Rank - Philippians 3:5c; tribe of Benjamin
. Genesis 35:18, the 2nd son of Rachel
. One of the elite tribes of Israel; loyal to David
. Only son born in the Promised Land; Genesis 35:9-19
. 1 Kings 12:21; formed southern kingdom; Judah
04. His Regulations - Philippians 3:5d; Hebrew of the Hebrews
. Hebrew parents & maintained the traditions, language
. Habits, behaviors, conduct and background
05. His Religion - Philippians 3:5e; Judaism / Galatians 1:14
. Father a Pharisee = Acts 23:6b; 26:5; works righteousness
. Member of the Sanhedrin; authority – Acts 26:10c
06. His Realness - Philippians 3:6a
. Zeal = combination of love, hate; Not sincerity!
. He was sincerely wrong! He thought he was right.
. Loved Judaism, hated whatever threatened it; Acts 8:3; 9:1
. Christianity threatened Judaism! He wanted to stamp it out
07. His Righteous legalism - Philippians 3:6b; outward walk
. But his heart was sinful & self-righteous; proud & lost
. A model Jew!
08. His Region – Acts 9:11; 21:39; 22:3b, 25-28
. Tarsus of Cilicia / Roman and free city
09. His Raising – taught, tutored = Acts 22:3c; trade = Acts 18:3
10. His Reversal – Philippians 3:7-11
Conclusion: Rich Young Ruler; Matthew 19:16-22
