Acts 9:1-19

The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to take the gospel to:

Jerusalem (where they were hated)

Judea & Samaria (where they hated them) and

To the uttermost parts of the earth

“But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”” (Acts 9:1–4, ESV)

Jesus does not see the church as an institution or a building. He sees it as an extension of Himself.

There is no separation between love for Jesus and commitment to His church.

“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;” (Revelation 19:7, ESV)

There is no question, based on the Bible, that a follower of Jesus should be very involved in a local church.

“And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do. The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.” (Acts 9:5-7, ESV)

“Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” (Acts 9:8–9, ESV)

“The Hebrew of the Hebrews would become the apostle to the Gentiles; the persecutor would become a preacher; and the legalistic Pharisee would become the great proclaimer of the grace of God.” -Warren Weirsbe

The name Paul means “small”

“Saul the mighty”, is about to become “Paul the small”

“Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,” (Acts 9:10–11, ESV)

“and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;” (Acts 9:12–18, ESV)

3 things we learn about conversion from Paul’s experience:

1. God pursues us.

2. We must recognize we were once blind.

One way to be assured that you’re a genuine disciple of Jesus, is that you are aware that you were once blind.

Some people have a blindness that says, “I don’t need God. I’m in charge and I can handle it on my own.”

Another type of blindness involves people who think they can actually be good enough and do things to earn God’s approval.

What is the cure to spiritual blindness?

God’s grace

“Grace is God reaching downward to people who are in rebellion against Him.”

-Jerry Bridges

Grace: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

As soon as Paul experienced this transforming grace, he was filled with a sense of wonder and amazement for the rest of his life.

Have we, individually and collectively, lost the wonder of God’s grace? Have we lost sight from what God has rescued us?

“The ultimate test of our spirituality is our amazement at the grace of God.”

-D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Most people incorrectly measure their spirituality based on being more patient or how long they pray or how much money they give.

Christian growth is not getting to a place where we don’t think we need the grace of God, but instead it’s getting to the place where we grow in even more amazement and wonder of the grace that He continually gives us!

“…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” (1 Timothy 1:15b, ESV)

Instead of being known as a man of hatred and pride, Paul became known for his kindness and generosity.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8, ESV)

You don’t have to be good at being good in order for God to love you.

Salvation is not about your actions, but it is based on Christ’s actions on your behalf.

“[grace is] not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:9)

3. Your past does not disqualify you from grace nor does it keep you from being used by God in the future.

Saul of Tarsus:

-a murder

-a leader in the persecution of the church

-a man who’s driving purpose in life was to destroy the church

-later known as the greatest Christian to ever life

-He wrote more books of the Bible than anyone else.

“Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now am found

T'was blind but now I see”

What did Jesus save us from?

Eternal separation from Him

A life lived without purpose

A life void of genuine joy

If I am not a wretch, God’s grace is not that amazing.

Too many Christians and too many churches have forgotten how lost we were.

Questions for this week:

1. Have I lost the wonder and amazement of God’s grace?

2. Have I surrendered my life to Jesus?

“The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” (Revelation 22:17, ESV)