Introduction: from an unknown source: A man from the back mountains of Tennessee found himself one day in a large city, for the first time standing outside an elevator. He watched as an old, haggard woman hobbled on, and the doors closed. A few minutes later the doors opened and a young, attractive woman marched smartly off. The father hollered to his youngest son, “Billy, go get mother.”
Saul really could have used a booth like that! Listen to his description, “A man of moderate stature, with crisp hair, crooked legs, blue eyes, large knit brows, and a long nose, at times looking like a man, at times like an angel” (from the apocryphal book, "The Acts of Paul and Thecla").
Realistically there is no magic elevator, fountain, or otherwise that will change people. There is however a God of the miraculous and when he comes on the scene dramatic change happens!
What better example of this than Saul who made true God’s promise to Abraham; that through his seed all the nations will be blessed. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world. Paul carried the Gospel of Jesus to the ends of the world. In Saul we see the greatest about-face of anyone in history.
· What I believe that God wants us to see from Saul’s dramatic change on the Road to Damascus is that no one is too bad for salvation. (There is not distinction all have sinned) Romans 3.23
o We must remember that Saul, when he took up his Greek name Paul, called himself the chief of sinners.
· The story of Saul’s dramatic change also instructs us that we don’t “clean up” to come to God. When God meets us at the crossroads of life, He cleans us up!!!
· God wants everyone to come face to face with the reality of Jesus’ life, death, burial and resurrection.
This morning I want to point out three very important landmarks on Saul’s road to dramatic change.
Transition: The initial landmark in Saul’s dramatic change is his desire.
I. Saul’s Desire
A) To build his own righteousness
James Stalker who wrote a book on the life of Paul the apostles had this to say,
“It was the universal belief of His people that Messiah would only come to a nation keeping the law, and it was even said that if one man kept it perfectly for a single day, his merit would bring to the earth the King for whom they were waiting. Paul’s Rabbinical training, then, culminated in the desire to win this prize of righteousness and he left the halls of sacred learning with this as the purpose of his life.”
1) Saul did not understand righteousness is given, not gained.
2) Saul forgot his righteous deeds were as filthy garments (Is 64.6b)
a) Righteousness is not based on what we can do but what God has done! (What is your point Bro Bill?)
1) Point: 1 Corinthians 6.9 “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?”
2) You must be wondering how can I know who is unrighteous?
The Bible says in Romans 3.10 quoting Psalm 14 “There is none righteous, not even one.”
c) Righteousness is the gift of God
Romans 5.17 “For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”
Paul’s desire to win the prize was a pointless journey.
It is like the little boy or girl or even grown man who sees a rainbow and runs to reach the end of the rainbow in order to get the pot of gold. They will keep running and running and never reach their prize! It will always be just out of reach.
Saul’s desire for the prize of righteousness drove him to want the destruction of Jesus disciples.
B) To destroy those “belonging to the Way.”
1) His threats
“Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder”
a) Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament draws a vivid picture of words describing what Saul was doing.
“Saul breathed, like a war-horse who sniffed the smell of battle.”
b) Breathing (emp-neh-oh) – Very similar to the word used to say that God inspired all of scripture.
1) This word shows that Saul was instrumental and responsible for the death of several believers, men and women in Jerusalem.
Acts 9.2 “letters” Warrants, authority to bring people to Jerusalem
2) It also shows us that Saul’s desire was to be the means by which Christianity was blown off the face of the earth.
2) His targets
a) Followers of the Way
1) Distinctive name of the early Christians is used five times in Acts. (9.2, 19.9, 19.23, 22.4, 24.14, 22.22)
2) The name, "The Way," shows us that Christianity is much more than believing, or opinions on issues.
Following Jesus is the Way to live.
Dr John MacArthur: It is
1) The way of God Acts 18.26
2) The way into the Holy place Heb 10.19-20
3) The way of truth 2Peter 2.2
Current Illustrations: Saul’s work is not finished. There are many today trying to bind our words, and our very lives as Christians.
1. Taking the Ten Commandments from public display
2. Taking prayer out of School
3. Taking the right to say Merry Christmas in Corporate America
Saul’s desire was to destroy Christianity. However, God intervened and made him not the means of destruction, but the means of construction.
Saul was to become a mighty tool in the hand of God building strong the body of Christ.
When your desires do not follow God’s design He will send you a detour.
Examples: Think about the following
1. Think about Moses and the Burning Bush
2. Think about Jonah and the belly of a big fish
3. Think about David and the death of his son after his adultery
4. Think about Israel and the destruction of the nation after their spiritual adultery.
Transition: The next landmark in Saul’s dramatic change is his detour.
II. Saul’s Detour
Saul was about to have an impromptu meeting with the Lord Jesus Christ.
“As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus.”
A) Destination
1) Damascus
a) Depending on the source, Damascus is approximately 130 to 160 miles northeast of Jerusalem at the tip of what is known as the Fertile Crescent (this would make it at least a six-day journey).
b) Distance that Paul had to travel to bring followers of the Way back to Jerusalem showed his dedication and determination to his cause.
B) Illumination
Acts 9.3: “suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.”
The freight train known as Saul came to a screeching halt.
1) Contact with Christ
a) We learn that the event happened at Midday and the light was brighter than the sun (Acts 22.6, 26.13).
Probably reminded Saul of God’s Shekinah Glory in dealings with Israel
2) God is on the scene and has just crossed paths with Saul on the crossroads of life.
God must initiate contact with His lost creation
If you are not saved, God must make first contact because you are dead in your sin (Eph 2.1), and cannot come to God on your own (Romans 3.10-12).
Acts 9.4 “and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, Saul why are you persecuting me?”
1) Conviction of Sin
a) Humbled by God’s holy presence
b) Hearing God’s voice
1) Saul’s desires had led to deeds not against Christians, but against Christ.
2) Sinners that never harm a Christian, but live their lives without the acceptance of Jesus as Savior and Lord are just as guilty of crimes against Jesus as Saul was.
2) Conversion of Saul
Acts 9.5 “Who are you Lord?”
a) Recognition of Jesus ‘
1) Deity
Jesus was not dead. He was who He claimed to be; the Son of God, the Messiah.
2) Lordship
Acts 26.14 “It is hard to kick against the goads.”
This is a great illustration of a stubborn unyielding Ox kicking against the goads.
1) Denotes rebellion against lawful authority and getting into greater difficulty by trying to oppose the commands to duty.
- This was the condition of Saul and is the condition of every sinner that is lost without Christ.
- Solution: If you wish to have peace and happiness Submit cheerfully and fully to God’s authority.
Truth: When God sends a detour to turn you toward him and away from yourself; your desires, dreams, direction, and devotion will change.
Transition: The final landmark in Saul’s dramatic change is his devotion.
III. Saul’s Devotion
The reality of Saul’s conversion can be seen in his dramatic change of devotion.
Acts 22.10 Saul’s asks the Lord Jesus, “What shall I do Lord?
A) Before meeting Jesus his devotion was to Himself. 1) The Pharisees Law
2) The establishment of his righteousness
3) The destruction of Christ’s followers
B) After meeting Jesus, his devotion was to His Savior
1) The Lord Jesus Christ
2) The enlarging of the kingdom of righteousness
3) The construction of Christ’s followers
“What shall I do Lord? “
Saul’s surrender was complete. He had finally humbly submitted his entire life to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: Christians are men and women, boys and girls, old and young that have had their desires changed, their devotion directed to God and God alone.
Are you a Christian is your surrender complete? Have your desires changed, is your devotion directed toward Heaven and God alone who is worthy?
If you are lost without Christ,` let him fulfill you desires today. It is only the one who created you who can also fulfill you.
Christians Today
Make it your prayer to change your desires. "Change My heart, Oh God."
The change that Christians experience doesn’t end at the cross. We are continually being transformed into the image of Christ. Make it your prayer to continue to be more like our blessed Lord Jesus.
