Saul/Paul: The Consummate Legalist Finally Gains Perfection Lesson 10 Series

A. SAUL’S LAW KEEPING WAS IMPERFECT

1. He was a flawed law keeper (Philippians 3:4-6).

2. He hated Christ and persecuted Christians. “Saul was consenting to his (Stephen) death … great persecution against the church … went from house to house … throwing them into prison” (Acts 8:1-2).

3. Saul’s rage. “Uttering threats with every breath … eager to kill the Lord’s followers” (Acts 9:1).

4. The world’s most perfect law keeper was imperfect.

5. Law keeping begins with a head issue, and following Christ begins with a heart issue.

B. SAUL (MEANS TO ASK) BECOMES PAUL (MEANS SMALL OR HUMBLE)

1. God let him almost reach his goal. “Went to high priest … requested letters … to Damascus … bring them bound to Jerusalem … almost to Damascus” (Acts 9:1-3).

2. Confrontation. “Knocked to ground … loud voice … bright light … I am Jesus” (Acts 9:3-5, ELT).

3. Conversion when Saul recognized Jesus. “Called Him Lord” (v. 5).

4. Blind – both spiritually and physically. “He was blind … three days” (v. 9).

5. God told Ananias, “Saul is My chosen instrument to take My message to the Gentiles” (9:15, NLT). Ananias baptized Paul and he received his sight.

6. Taught by God. “I did not … consult with any human .. nor apostles … went away into Arabia (desert) … three years … went to Jerusalem … saw only Peter … only other, James the Lord’s brother” (Galatians 1:15-18).

7. The law man learned grace. “God Himself revealed His mysterious plan to me … both Jews and Gentiles share equally … both belong to Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6).

C. LEARNING FROM PAUL

1. We have an old nature. “Your old sinful nature makes you want to sin” (Ephesians 4:22, ELT).

2. Our old nature enslaves. “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway” (Romans 7:19, NLT).

3. Our new nature – Christ in you – gives you power. “Put on your new nature” (Ephesians 4:24, NLT).

4. You were crucified and raised to new life with Christ. “My old self has been crucified with Christ … Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20, NLT). “Just as Christ was raised from the dead … we also live new lives in Him” (Romans 6:4, ELT).

5. Our new passion is Jesus. “For me, living means living for Christ” (Philippians 1:21, NLT).

6. Our new power is Jesus. “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strengthens” (Philippians 4:13, NLT).

D. WHY DOES GOD USE IMPERFECT PEOPLE?

1. Paul who thought he was perfect, was unusable.

2. Only when we see our imperfections as Jesus sees them, can we begin to be used by Him.

3. That means we must have greater faith, so we can accomplish greater things through the power of Christ.

4. After all, isn’t it faith that makes us acceptable to Him and useable by Him?

5. The more we see our imperfection through the eyes of Jesus, the more we will trust in His forgiveness to accept us, and we will trust His power to use us.

6. Aren’t you glad you are imperfect, so recognize it and let your imperfections be your starting place for God’s usefulness.

7. What is the main lesson to learn from Paul?

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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