Saul’s Radical Conversion And Fellowship Series

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 12

Saul’s Radical Conversion and Fellowship

Acts 9:1-22

Introduction

- Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth”

-- In 2023 we unpacked the beginning of all history (Creation/Fall/Promise)

-- And we looked ahead, anticipated the coming & victory of Jesus (Revelation)

-- But, in order to get to the end, we have to be busy doing the work now (Acts)

- Last week we saw a faithful servant: Philip who was willing follow God’s call

-- He was called to go a desert road – and he willingly went to be available

-- His mission was simple: evangelize and present the Gospel to a seeker

-- This is exactly the same command or example we have right now

-- Our direction is to go and make disciples … at any cost … we must GO!

- Today, we’ll introduce ourselves to one of the most pivotal men of the NT

-- Many know of Saul (later Paul), today I want us to know of his testimony

-- Not just his conversation, but what his obedience meant to changing his life

- Read Acts 9:1-22 / Pray

- TR: Saul has a dramatic experience, and a choice to make, when …

Point 1 – Jesus confronts Saul

- RE: Saul’s life, or his purpose, is to tear down the church by persecution

-- His desire is simple: For the name of Jesus to be eliminated (v1-2)

- He literally takes in (or embodies) the hatred of the world against Christ

-- Greek: empneó; to breathe (on), to inhale

-- And then exhales it as fuel to destroy what it signifies

-- Greek: apeilé; threats. AND Greek: phonos; murder

-- APP: Saul is a one-man wrecking machine against the Church

- Miraculously, a light comes from heaven, as if out of nowhere (v3)

-- It was brighter than the noon sun, and in it Saul saw the risen Christ

- Know this: God is light, His very presence is signified by light …

-- It is why we left the lights on this morning – darkness is expelled by light!

-- DEEPER: In order for men to be saved, His light must penetrate their soul

- Saul has a conversation with Christ, one that will change his life forever (v4-5)

-- He is asked a straightforward question … “Why are you doing these things?”

-- Notice his response: He calls Jesus ‘lord’ … why? Why does this matter?

- Because when the creation meets the Creator, you knows voice that it is!

-- Opposing or refusing Christ is a choice that leads to destruction …

- Saul’s response, even though it is not said, is shown in his action (v6)

-- Jesus gives him a direction, and his response is one of obedience, or surrender

-- APP: He heard and acknowledged Christ, and followed the orders given to him

-- ‘Get up and go’ - There is no discussion, no debate, just a command to move

- Know this … this was for Saul, but it was experienced by others (v7)

-- They were not privy to the visual, nor did they experience Christ’s calling

-- But, traveling on the road with Saul they also heard the Lord’s voice

-- They would have seen Saul fall to the ground, seen him cry out, and respond

- Interesting: Notice how they heard His voice, but did not respond to it!

-- BIG: Tells us it is possible to hear God’s voice, and choose to ignore it! (exp.)

- Then, they would have seen his reaction – his obedience to Jesus’ instruction

-- Saul got up, dusted himself off … but was now stricken totally blind (v8-9)

-- SEE: He had to be helped into town – helped by his partners bent on killing!

- Don’t miss the obvious: Saul is now isolated from the world he knew

-- All of his rage, all his authority, his purpose of destruction has been replaced

-- He would even have to depend on others to get him there; to not lean on himself

- Coming face to face with Jesus, he has realized something: he is not in charge!

-- So much so, that for three days he was traumatized and not even be able to eat

-- Consider the radical effect of this 180 he has just had done in his life

- TR: We must see, there is a huge lesson for us as we continue on …

Point 2 – New believers require discipleship to flourish!

- Every believer, regardless of their walk of life, has three basic needs

-- APP: This is where the church comes in (not the bldg., but the people!)

Need 1: To receive help from believers (v10-15)