The Credentials Of Saul

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