From Persecution to Purpose: Saul's Transformative Journey

Devotional

Day 1: Created with a Purpose

Every person is created with a purpose by God, much like musical instruments are designed to produce sound and evoke emotions. Our lives should produce a response that glorifies God. Reflect on whether your life is producing a sound that honors Him. Just as musical instruments are designed to produce sound and evoke emotions, every person is created with a purpose by God. We are all instruments, and our lives should produce a response that glorifies God. Reflect on whether your life is producing a sound that honors Him. [04:12]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

Reflection: Think about your daily actions and interactions. Are they producing a "sound" that glorifies God? What specific changes can you make today to ensure your life is honoring Him?

Day 2: Transformation is Possible

Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus illustrates that even the most ardent opponents of God can be transformed into His most fervent advocates. This transformation is a testament to God's grace and sovereign power. Saul was a Pharisee, a religious leader who vehemently opposed Christians, even going to the extent of seeking their imprisonment and death. His journey to Damascus was a mission to further this cause. However, a divine encounter with Jesus changed everything. A blinding light and the voice of Jesus asking, "Why are you persecuting me?" led to Saul's conversion. This moment marked the beginning of his transformation from an instrument against God to an instrument for God. [30:27]

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26 ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt far from God. How did He work in your life to bring you closer to Him? What steps can you take today to allow God to continue transforming you?

Day 3: From Opposition to Advocacy

Before accepting Christ, everyone is an instrument against God due to our sinful nature. However, through Jesus, we can be repurposed and restored to become instruments for God, spreading His message and love. Our human nature and sin separate us from Him. However, just as broken musical instruments can be restored, so can we. Saul's story is a testament to God's ability to repurpose even the most vehement opponents into powerful advocates for His kingdom. [20:03]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you have been resisting God's will. How can you surrender this area to Him and allow Him to repurpose you for His glory?

Day 4: Authentic Faith

Attending church for the sake of tradition or for our children is not enough. True faith requires a personal commitment to Christ. Our children will follow our example, so it is crucial to live out our faith authentically and passionately. It emphasized the importance of not just attending church for the sake of tradition or for our children, but truly committing our lives to Christ. The invitation was extended to those who have never accepted Christ and to those who need to rededicate their lives, urging them to become instruments for God and to publicly declare this transformation through baptism. [27:00]

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22 ESV)

Reflection: Consider your daily routine and habits. Are they reflective of an authentic faith in Christ? What changes can you make to ensure your faith is not just a tradition but a genuine commitment?

Day 5: Public Declaration

Baptism is a public declaration of our transformation and commitment to Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward change, showing the world that we are now instruments for God. The sermon concluded with a call to self-examination: Are we instruments for or against God? It emphasized the importance of not just attending church for the sake of tradition or for our children, but truly committing our lives to Christ. The invitation was extended to those who have never accepted Christ and to those who need to rededicate their lives, urging them to become instruments for God and to publicly declare this transformation through baptism. [51:37]

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19 ESV)

Reflection: Have you publicly declared your faith in Christ through baptism? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you continue to live out this declaration in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into Acts chapter 9, focusing on the transformation of Saul, a fervent persecutor of Christians, into Paul, a devoted apostle of Christ. The central theme was the concept of being an instrument—either against or for God. We began by discussing the purpose of musical instruments, which is to produce sound and evoke a response. Similarly, every person is an instrument, created with a purpose by God. The question is whether we are instruments against God, like Saul before his conversion, or instruments for God, like Paul after his transformation.

Saul was a Pharisee, a religious leader who vehemently opposed Christians, even going to the extent of seeking their imprisonment and death. His journey to Damascus was a mission to further this cause. However, a divine encounter with Jesus changed everything. A blinding light and the voice of Jesus asking, "Why are you persecuting me?" led to Saul's conversion. This moment marked the beginning of his transformation from an instrument against God to an instrument for God.

We explored the idea that everyone, before accepting Christ, is an instrument against God. Our human nature and sin separate us from Him. However, just as broken musical instruments can be restored, so can we. Saul's story is a testament to God's ability to repurpose even the most vehement opponents into powerful advocates for His kingdom.

The sermon concluded with a call to self-examination: Are we instruments for or against God? It emphasized the importance of not just attending church for the sake of tradition or for our children, but truly committing our lives to Christ. The invitation was extended to those who have never accepted Christ and to those who need to rededicate their lives, urging them to become instruments for God and to publicly declare this transformation through baptism.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Purpose of Instruments: Just as musical instruments are designed to produce sound and evoke emotions, every person is created with a purpose by God. We are all instruments, and our lives should produce a response that glorifies God. Reflect on whether your life is producing a sound that honors Him. [04:12]
2. Transformation of Saul: Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus illustrates that even the most ardent opponents of God can be transformed into His most fervent advocates. This transformation is a testament to God's grace and sovereign power. [30:27]
3. Against or For God: Before accepting Christ, everyone is an instrument against God due to our sinful nature. However, through Jesus, we can be repurposed and restored to become instruments for God, spreading His message and love. [20:03]
4. Authentic Faith: Attending church for the sake of tradition or for our children is not enough. True faith requires a personal commitment to Christ. Our children will follow our example, so it is crucial to live out our faith authentically and passionately. [27:00]
5. Public Declaration: Baptism is a public declaration of our transformation and commitment to Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward change, showing the world that we are now instruments for God. [51:37]
### [51:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:54] - Introduction and Questions
[01:45] - Keep Jesus at the Center
[02:21] - Purpose of Instruments
[04:12] - Instruments Produce a Response
[05:47] - Different Types of Instruments
[07:00] - We Are All Instruments
[07:44] - Instruments Against or For
[08:31] - Call to Transformation
[11:01] - Prayer for Guidance
[12:37] - Saul's Background
[14:02] - Saul's Mission
[15:39] - The Way: Early Christians
[18:02] - Saul's Passion Against Christians
[20:03] - Instruments Against God
[22:07] - Authentic Faith and Parenting
[27:00] - Personal Commitment to Christ
[28:39] - Hope for Broken Instruments
[30:27] - Saul's Encounter with Jesus
[35:29] - Saul's Transformation
[39:00] - Saul's New Purpose
[42:14] - God Can Repurpose Anyone
[44:12] - Call to Action
[51:37] - Public Declaration Through Baptism
[57:50] - Celebration and Conclusion

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Saul's mission on his journey to Damascus, and how did it change after his encounter with Jesus? ([12:37])
How did Saul's background as a Pharisee influence his initial actions against Christians? ([14:02])
What was the significance of the blinding light and the voice Saul heard on the road to Damascus? ([30:27])
How did Ananias respond to God's command to go to Saul, and what was the outcome of his obedience? ([35:29])

Interpretation Questions

What does Saul's transformation from a persecutor of Christians to an apostle of Christ tell us about God's grace and power? ([36:17])
How does the concept of being an instrument against or for God apply to our lives before and after accepting Christ? ([20:03])
Why is it important for believers to make a public declaration of their faith through baptism, according to the sermon? ([51:37])
How can authentic faith in Christ influence the way we raise our children and live out our daily lives? ([27:00])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Are you currently an instrument for or against God? What steps can you take to ensure you are living as an instrument for God? ([20:03])
Saul's story shows that even the most vehement opponents of God can be transformed. Is there someone in your life who seems far from God? How can you pray for and support their potential transformation? ([36:17])
The sermon emphasized the importance of authentic faith over mere tradition. How can you demonstrate a genuine commitment to Christ in your daily actions and decisions? ([27:00])
Baptism is a public declaration of faith. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you share your testimony to encourage others? ([51:37])
The sermon mentioned that attending church for the sake of tradition or for our children is not enough. How can you deepen your personal relationship with Christ this week? ([27:00])
Saul's encounter with Jesus was a turning point in his life. Have you had a significant moment that changed your faith journey? Share your experience with the group.
The sermon called for self-examination. Take a moment to reflect: What areas of your life need transformation to align more closely with God's purpose for you? ([08:31])

Sermon Clips

1. "I want you to hear Jesus today. I want you to experience Jesus today. And you might think I'm a jerk today by some things that I say, but it's out of a heart of love. And that's how Paul speaks constantly. If you ever read any of his letters in the New Testament, there are times he looked like a complete jerk, but he cared deeply for those people. He considered those people his reward more than anything else after Jesus." [01:45] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Have you ever realized that you are all an instrument? I've seen one of you. You're an all, you're all an instrument. I mean, you might be like, dude, you were wrong. This is weird. I'm not an instrument. That's crazy. I don't have any purpose. I don't have any point. I have no opportunity to create anything. I don't make a beautiful sound. I don't produce an emotion or entertainment or value to anybody's life. But that is all wrong because every single one of you is an instrument. Every single one of you. You were created as an instrument." [07:00] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Why do we come to Sunday morning church just say, oh, that was good. Let me have lunch. And then let me hear something inspiring next week. Why not change now? Why not be transformed now? Why not be repurposed now? I'm reading a book. a lot about consumerism, how the church is most of the time people's, people's, people that are consumers. Just give me something, feed me. I hate that, please do never, never tell your pastor I'm not being fed. Please don't do that, because that's untrue. That just tells me you just want to consume." [08:31] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Everybody is an instrument against God before salvation. Everybody. Seriously? Yes, everybody. Saul himself said it too. Even Romans five says we were God's enemies. We were God's enemies before salvation, before we gave our lives to Jesus Christ, before we became followers of the, the, the rabbi, right? The, the teacher, the son of the living God, we are against him and everything of him. Saul didn't realize it, but he was playing a terrible note and sound against everything of God. He was producing evil and sin and horrible travesties. He's against God." [20:03] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Your kids can sniff out a fake any day of the week, and if you aren't on a regular basis spending time with God every day in prayer, in the word, in, in deed, meaning in action, living it out, living truth out, they know it and they are watching. They might not see it, but they're watching and they're watching you like a hawk to say, what's dad doing? What's mom doing? Because I want to be like them. And if they only see you come to church for them. For them to, to have morals and values and maybe meet Jesus, they're going to grow up and they're going to say, well, dad didn't care to give his life to Jesus. So I'm not going to give my life to Jesus, but I'll go to church for my kids." [27:00] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "A broken instrument doesn't have to stay broken. I've seen music teachers in schools that do not have the budget. They will go to great lengths to go to Goodwills and trash heaps and garage sales to find the beat up broken instruments. And they repair them as good as new for those students that they teach. So just because you might be against in the moment, just because you might not have a relationship with God. It does not mean you can't have a relationship with God." [28:39] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Saul became an instrument by God for you. That's the whole piece to this chapter. He became an instrument by God for you. Well, for you, that's a, that's a really good phrase, right? For you. You love it when your kids give you something, right? It doesn't matter how ugly and decrepit it looks or how beautiful it looks and amazing it looks, doesn't matter. They could give you a rock and you would melt because that's who we are as parents. We absolutely adore our kids. So when they give us something, we'll take it. When somebody gives you a gift, what do you do? You cherish it. You love it. When it's for you and somebody produces that for you, you're all for it." [39:00] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "God can repurpose anybody. God can restore anybody. I will fight to the death on that, that God can take the hardest hearts and make them pudding. He can do that. He could have easily turned any dictator that had been horrible in history into a dictator. He could have easily he could have turned them around easily. Here's how I know that. Because 1 Timothy 1 verse 15 says this, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. That first states sinners, not barely sinners, or baby sinners, or stole a lollipop sinners. But no, not the murderers, not the bad people. We're not going to save those. No, he just blank statement said sinners. Everybody." [42:14] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Why would you just go to the parking lot? Why would you just come to church if you're against God? Why would you just come to church if you're against God? Why would you just come to the park? Why would you just go through the rhythms and the habits of this if you are not going to go into the park of God and enjoy the blessings of God, the beauty of God? And I'm not saying it's going to be easy. It is the hardest thing in the world to be a Christian, especially in our culture right now. But I can tell you, I will never turn back because the reward is greater than the pain, right? We say that." [44:12] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "When somebody gives you a gift, what do you do? You cherish it. You love it. When it's for you and somebody produces that for you, you're all for it. Like the other day I was at lunch and I was nowhere near home and there was a note on my windshield when I walked out of the restaurant I was at that said, God bless you, Pastor Nate. I didn't know who it was. They didn't give their name and I was like, that, that made me feel special there. I'm nobody special, but that, that meant something to me in the moment that they recognized my vehicle that I haven't even had more than three months or they saw me in that place. I had my church sticker on that. That's probably how they figured it out." [40:38] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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