Total Surrender - The Transformation Of Saul To Paul

Acts 9:1-19

Total surrender is a foundational aspect of our spiritual journey. It requires us to fully trust in God and align our hearts, desires, thoughts, and beliefs with His will. This process is not easy, but the rewards are immeasurable.

One powerful example of complete surrender can be seen in the transformation of Saul to Paul in the book of Acts. Before his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, Saul was a devout persecutor of Christians. He was motivated by his own zeal for his beliefs and had no intention of changing his ways. However, when he encountered Jesus and heard His voice, Saul's heart and will were completely transformed. He surrendered his old self and became a devoted follower of Christ.

This transformation was not just a change in beliefs, but a complete surrender of Saul's desires, thoughts, and emotions. He gave up his own ambitions and desires to follow God's plan for his life. This enabled him to emerge as one of the foremost Apostles of the early New Testament Church, significantly influencing the spread of Christ's message globally.

Let's study his transformation today...

I. Encountering Christ Leads to Complete Surrender

Scripture Reference: Acts 9:1-6

A. Saul's journey to Damascus with the intent to persecute Christians is abruptly interrupted by a divine encounter.

B. Saul is confronted by a blinding light and the voice of Jesus.

1. The immediate and direct question from Jesus: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

2. The significance of Saul’s response: “Who are you, Lord?”

C. Application:

1. Highlight the necessity of a personal encounter with Christ as the starting point for true transformation.

2. Romans 12:1-2 - "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

3. Encourage the congregation to reflect on their own encounters with Christ.

II. Responding in Obedience by Surrendering Your Desires and Will to God.

Scripture Reference: Acts 9:7-12

A. Despite being blinded and disoriented, Saul follows Jesus' instructions.

B. Saul’s companions lead him into Damascus where he waits for further instructions.

1. The role of Ananias, who, despite his fear, obeys God’s command to go to Saul.

2. The act of surrender in waiting and trusting God's plan.

C. Application:

1. Emphasize the importance of obedience even when we don’t fully understand God’s plan.

Philippians 2:12-16

12. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14. Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

16. Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

2. Challenge the congregation to take steps of faith in their own lives, trusting in God’s direction.

III. Embracing Your New Identity

Scripture Reference: Acts 9:13-19

A. Saul receives his sight and is baptized, symbolizing his new identity in Christ.

B. Saul’s transformation from a persecutor to a proclaimer of the Gospel.

1. The physical and spiritual restoration Saul experiences.

2. Saul begins his new mission almost immediately after being filled with the Holy Spirit.

C. Application:

1. Discuss the power of God in transforming lives and granting new identities.

2. 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 (Read in AMP)

3. Encourage the congregation to embrace their identity in Christ and step into their God-given purpose.

Conclusion:

• Invite the congregation to reflect on their own journey of total surrender.

• Encourage them to seek a personal encounter with Christ, respond in obedience, and embrace their new identity in Him.