Embracing the Struggle: Saul's Journey of Transformation
Summary
In today's exploration of Acts 9:19-31, we delve into the theme of "The Struggle of Starting." This passage highlights the early days of Saul, later known as Paul, as he embarks on his journey of faith and ministry. Starting something new, whether it's a faith journey, a career, or a personal goal, often comes with significant challenges. Saul's story is a testament to the transformative power of God and the importance of preparation, prioritization, persistence, and divine protection.
Saul's journey begins with a period of preparation. After his conversion, he spends time with the disciples in Damascus and later retreats to Arabia for three years. This time is crucial for Saul as he works, worships, and witnesses, laying a strong foundation for his future ministry. It reminds us that God often uses seasons of preparation to equip us for the tasks ahead. Embracing these times can lead to greater effectiveness and longevity in our calling.
Central to Saul's message is the proclamation that Jesus is the Son of God. This truth becomes the cornerstone of his ministry and writings. Understanding and prioritizing Jesus in our lives can transform our perspective and provide stability amidst life's uncertainties. Saul's unwavering focus on Christ serves as a powerful example of making Jesus the central priority in our lives.
Despite facing skepticism and doubt from those who knew his past, Saul persists in his mission. His transformation is met with astonishment, yet he continues to grow in strength and conviction. This persistence, despite doubters, encourages us to remain steadfast in our calling, trusting that God will validate and empower us as we move forward.
Finally, Saul's story illustrates the protective hand of God. When conspiracies arise against him, God provides a way of escape, demonstrating His sovereignty and care. This divine protection reassures us that God is with us, guiding and safeguarding us through life's challenges.
Key Takeaways:
1. Preparation for Ministry: Saul's time in Arabia highlights the importance of preparation before stepping into our calling. God often uses seasons of preparation to equip us for future tasks, teaching us valuable lessons that shape our journey. Embrace these times, trusting that God is preparing you for what lies ahead. [10:15]
2. Priority of Jesus Christ: Saul's focus on proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God underscores the importance of making Christ the center of our lives. Prioritizing Jesus transforms our perspective and provides stability amidst life's uncertainties. Let this truth guide your actions and decisions. [13:46]
3. Persistence Despite Doubters: Saul's persistence in the face of skepticism encourages us to remain steadfast in our calling. Trust that God will validate and empower you as you move forward, regardless of others' doubts or criticisms. [22:36]
4. Protective Hand of God: Saul's escape from conspiracies against him illustrates God's protective hand. Trust in God's sovereignty and care, knowing that He is with you, guiding and safeguarding you through life's challenges. [25:49]
5. Embrace the Struggle of Starting: The struggle of starting something new is often educational, teaching us about God's faithfulness and our own resilience. Embrace these challenges, knowing that they are shaping you for future success and growth. [38:34]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:30] - Saul's Early Ministry
- [03:26] - The Struggle of Starting
- [04:53] - Roland Parrish's Story
- [07:54] - Preparation for Ministry
- [10:15] - Embracing Preparation
- [13:46] - Priority of Jesus Christ
- [17:03] - Persistence Despite Doubters
- [21:10] - Transformation Through Christ
- [22:36] - Let Them Doubt, You Keep Doing
- [25:49] - Protective Hand of God
- [29:38] - Backdoor Blessings
- [31:54] - Thankful for Rejection
- [35:11] - Walking in Purpose
- [37:02] - Keeping Jesus the Priority
- [38:34] - Embrace the Struggle of Starting
- [44:41] - Closing Prayer and Praise
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Struggle of Starting
Bible Reading:
- Acts 9:19-31
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Saul's initial reaction after his conversion, and how did he begin his ministry in Damascus? [01:30]
2. How did the people in Damascus react to Saul's preaching, and what was their main concern about him? [17:03]
3. What role did Barnabas play in Saul's early ministry, and how did he help Saul integrate with the disciples in Jerusalem? [01:30]
4. How did Saul escape the conspiracy against him in Damascus, and what does this reveal about God's protection? [25:49]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is the period of preparation important in Saul's journey, and how does it reflect on the importance of preparation in our own lives? [10:15]
2. How does Saul's focus on proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God serve as a foundation for his ministry, and what does this teach us about the centrality of Christ in our lives? [13:46]
3. In what ways did Saul demonstrate persistence despite the doubts and skepticism of others, and how can this inspire us in our own faith journeys? [22:36]
4. How does the story of Saul's escape from Damascus illustrate the concept of divine protection, and what can we learn about trusting God's sovereignty in our lives? [25:49]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced the struggle of starting something new. How did you see God's hand in your preparation during that season? [10:15]
2. Saul made Jesus the priority in his life. What are some practical ways you can ensure that Jesus remains the central focus in your daily decisions and actions? [13:46]
3. Have you ever faced skepticism or doubt from others regarding your faith or personal transformation? How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Saul's persistence? [22:36]
4. Think of a situation where you experienced God's protection or guidance in a surprising way. How did this experience strengthen your faith? [25:49]
5. Saul's story shows that starting something new can be educational. What lessons have you learned from your own struggles, and how have they shaped your current path? [38:34]
6. Identify an area in your life where you feel God is preparing you for something greater. How can you embrace this season of preparation with faith and patience? [10:15]
7. Consider the concept of "backdoor blessings" in your life. Can you identify a situation where a rejection or closed door led to a greater opportunity? How did this change your perspective on setbacks? [29:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Seasons of Preparation
In the early days of Saul's journey, he spent significant time in preparation before stepping into his ministry. This period was not wasted; rather, it was a time of deep learning, worship, and laying a strong foundation for his future work. Saul's retreat to Arabia for three years highlights the importance of preparation in our own lives. God often uses these seasons to equip us with the necessary tools and insights for the tasks ahead. Embracing these times can lead to greater effectiveness and longevity in our calling. Trusting in God's timing and purpose during these preparatory phases can transform our perspective and readiness for what lies ahead. [10:15]
Galatians 1:15-18 (ESV): "But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is preparing you for something greater? How can you embrace this season of preparation with patience and trust?
Day 2: Centering Life on Christ
Saul's transformation and ministry were centered on the proclamation that Jesus is the Son of God. This truth became the cornerstone of his life and work, providing stability amidst uncertainties. Prioritizing Jesus in our lives can similarly transform our perspective, guiding our actions and decisions. By making Christ the center, we find a firm foundation that anchors us through life's challenges. Saul's unwavering focus on Jesus serves as a powerful example of how centering our lives on Christ can lead to profound transformation and purpose. [13:46]
Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to make Jesus the central priority in your life? How might this shift in focus change your daily decisions and interactions?
Day 3: Persevering Through Doubt
Saul faced skepticism and doubt from those who knew his past, yet he persisted in his mission with strength and conviction. His transformation was met with astonishment, but he remained steadfast in his calling. This persistence, despite doubters, encourages us to trust that God will validate and empower us as we move forward. When faced with criticism or disbelief, we can find encouragement in Saul's example to remain committed to our purpose, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. [22:36]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Who in your life has expressed doubt about your calling or purpose? How can you respond with grace and perseverance, trusting in God's validation and empowerment?
Day 4: Trusting in Divine Protection
Saul's story illustrates the protective hand of God, as seen when conspiracies arose against him and God provided a way of escape. This divine protection reassures us that God is with us, guiding and safeguarding us through life's challenges. Trusting in God's sovereignty and care allows us to face difficulties with confidence, knowing that He is our refuge and strength. Saul's experience reminds us that we are never alone, and God's protective presence is a constant source of comfort and assurance. [25:49]
Psalm 121:7-8 (ESV): "The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection in your life. How can this memory strengthen your trust in His care and guidance today?
Day 5: Learning from the Struggle of Starting
The struggle of starting something new is often educational, teaching us about God's faithfulness and our own resilience. Saul's early days in ministry were marked by challenges, yet these experiences shaped him for future success and growth. Embracing the struggle of starting allows us to learn valuable lessons and develop a deeper reliance on God. As we navigate new beginnings, we can find encouragement in knowing that these challenges are part of God's plan to prepare us for greater things. [38:34]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What new beginning are you currently facing that feels challenging? How can you embrace this struggle as an opportunity for growth and deeper reliance on God?
Quotes
Starting your faith journey is an adjustment. Learning how to pray, learning to be consistent in your church attendance, learning how to give, learning how to be a part of a grow group or a ministry. All of these are those early stages that we all go through if we're trying to get our faith journey started. And it's not always easy. Scientists say that it takes more energy to move a heavy object like a stalled car than any other time. Once that car is started, it can keep going. But it takes a whole lot of energy to get it going. You know this. Anything that's new, takes energy to get started. [00:03:30] (43 seconds)
Truth of the matter is that many of you in this room, when you look back over your story, you can relate because who you are today is a function, is an equation based on what shaped you early in your life. Some of you today, you can't go a day without thinking about what your mother taught you, what your father taught you, what your grandparents taught you, when they wouldn't let you do a job just half way. Because they said, one of these days you got to work somewhere and I want you to be able to do a good job. [00:06:10] (32 seconds)
Here's the big idea of today's message, friends. Getting started is not always easy, but it is educational. You're going to learn a whole lot getting started. It's not always easy, but there are so many things you're going to learn. We lean in now to the beginning of Saul as he gets started. You know in your Bibles last week we talked about Saul as last week Saul comes to faith and accepts Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. And now that he has given his life to Christ and been baptized and said he wants to follow Jesus, now he's getting started. And we'll find a few lessons right here out of this early season out of his life that will shape the rest of his life. And the rest of his ministry because getting started may always be easy, but it will be educational. [00:06:51] (52 seconds)
God and his sovereignty gives Saul three years in Arabia so that Saul can get ready for the future. The future that lies ahead of him. Listen, friends, don't doubt God because God has called you to prepare before he takes you where he wants to take you. Friends, if you don't prepare well, you won't last long. If you let God prepare you in the early years, he will position you in the latter years. But you've got to embrace your season of preparation. [00:10:26] (35 seconds)
That's the title of his whole message. He keeps preaching this same message. Jesus is the Son of God. Your Bible says he is proving. What that implies is that because he was a scholar in the Old Testament, he had grown up under it, understood it. He is now applying all of the Old Testament Scriptures now to the life of Jesus Christ and proving to each and every person that Jesus is the Son of God. He wants them to understand this because it is this truth that has changed his life. It is this truth that they have been waiting for a Messiah already. All of these years, and now Paul shows up and says, listen, the Messiah that you're looking for was not a political leader. He was a spiritual leader, and he was Jesus Christ. [00:11:42] (56 seconds)
I love that Saul raises this to be so important because when you read Saul's letters, I mean, Paul's letters, you keep finding him talking about Jesus. Can I show you too? Look at Colossians chapter 1. Look at Colossians chapter 1. I want to give you, these are letters that he will write later on in his ministry. But I want you to see how central Jesus as the son of God is to his writings. Colossians chapter 1, let me read for you verses 15 through 20. Look at what he says about Jesus. Look at this. The son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities. Look at this. All things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body of the church. He's the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God, who pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, or by making peace through his blood shed on the cross. Do you see the beautiful picture? That he paints of Jesus Christ? Because when you know he's the son of God, it changes everything. [00:13:46] (91 seconds)
This is what he's trying to help us to see. Not only, friends, is that the priority of Jesus, but thirdly, there is the persistence despite doubters. You get to verse 21, and it says, all those who heard him were astonished, because they keep, they're watching that word astonished means be beside yourself. It means to be struck out of your senses. And here's the issue. They're looking at Saul as he's preaching, and they're saying to themselves, number one, they're saying, isn't he the same one who raised havoc in Jerusalem? [00:17:03] (35 seconds)
Here's my word to you, friends. They're sitting there doubting Saul, but Saul doesn't take time to try to validate their doubts. Saul keeps being Saul and lets them try to deal with their own doubts. Here's the deal, friends. Let them doubt. You keep doing. [00:22:36] (22 seconds)
I said, let them doubt. You keep doing what God has called you to do. You let them question. You keep conquering. You let them keep rehearsing. You keep remaking your present and your future. You cannot stop your life to try to validate yourself to every single person that wants to try to measure you by who you used to be. That's not what God calls you to do. God says, you go do what I've called you to do and let me do the validating. Let me handle all the doubters and the haters and the naysayers. Don't worry about them. You move forward and watch God validate you by doing the work he's called you to do. I love it. I love it. He says, let them doubt. You keep doing what God has called you to do. You will always have people that doubt the change in your life. Doubt the progress that you made. Doubt the reason and motivation behind you while you're doing it. You cannot have a press conference for doubters because even if you gave a press conference, it wouldn't be enough for them because they always go down. You do what God has called you to do and let God be the one to deal with everybody else. [00:22:56] (72 seconds)
There is this, there is this, this persistence, despite the doubters. But here's the next one, friends. There also is the protective hand of God. I mean, you're going to see it right in the text. There is this protective hand of God. You see it right there in verse 23. After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him. And when you see this, friends, there's a, in other words, what happens is there's a, they're hearing Saul preach Jesus, and they're not, they don't really want to hear that. They're not, they're not, they're not, see, whenever you preach the gospel, the gospel is offensive. [00:25:49] (37 seconds)
So while they are planning his destruction, what happens is they have a leak in their operation. Something, something. They're back there setting it up. They are watching him come in and out. They can't kill him in the city. They got to wait for him to leave the city, but he hasn't left the city yet. So they are watching the gate. They got a plan. They are plotting, but they have a leak in their situation. Somebody is a plant. Somebody is getting everything they plan keeps getting leaked out. Friends, I want you to know this is not a coincidence. This is God's providence. [00:26:41] (39 seconds)
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