When God Has to Correct You | Blueprint Bible Study Ep. 06 (Acts 9)

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Grace Reaches Us Even in Our Rebellion

No matter how far we stray or how fiercely we oppose God, His grace can still find us and call us by name. Saul was actively persecuting the followers of Jesus, yet Jesus Himself met Saul on the road to Damascus, not with condemnation, but with a personal encounter that changed everything. This shows that God’s grace is not limited by our past or our mistakes; He pursues us, interrupts our plans, and offers us a new beginning, even when we least deserve it. [11:00]

Acts 9:1-6 (ESV)
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?” 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.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel furthest from God’s grace? Can you invite Him to meet you there today, trusting that no place is beyond His reach?

Day 2: God’s Correction Is an Expression of His Love

God does not only speak to us with comfort and calling; sometimes He comes with correction, confronting us with the truth about our actions and calling us to change. Just as Jesus directly told Saul, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” God’s word sometimes comes to us to get us in order, not to shame us, but to realign us with His purpose. Correction is not a sign of rejection, but of a loving relationship where God desires our growth and transformation. [23:29]

Hebrews 12:5-6 (ESV)
And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you sensed God correcting you. How did you respond, and what would it look like to embrace His correction as an act of love today?

Day 3: God’s Direction Comes One Step at a Time

When God speaks, He often gives us just enough direction for the next step, not the whole journey. Saul was told to get up and go into the city, and only then would he be told what to do next. God knows what we can handle and invites us to trust Him with today, rather than being anxious about tomorrow. Living in obedience to the step God gives us now is the pathway to discovering His greater purpose for our lives. [41:57]

Acts 9:6 (ESV)
“But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are waiting for more clarity before obeying God? What is the next small step you can take in faith today?

Day 4: Faith Grows When We Cannot See the Way

Sometimes God removes our ability to see what’s next so that we are forced to trust Him more deeply. After his encounter with Jesus, Saul was blinded for three days, unable to rely on his own vision or understanding. In seasons where you feel “blind” or uncertain, God is inviting you to let go of your own control and trust Him to guide you, knowing that He is preparing you for the assignment ahead. [44:31]

2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Reflection: Where do you feel “blind” or uncertain about the future? How can you practice trusting God to lead you, even when you cannot see what’s next?

Day 5: Don’t Hold Grudges—God Can Use Anyone’s Story

God’s ultimate plan can include even those who have hurt us or made mistakes, and He calls us not to hold grudges—against others or ourselves. Jesus did not hold Saul’s past against him, but instead called him into a new purpose. Likewise, we are invited to release resentment, both toward others and toward our own “before Christ” stories, trusting that God can redeem every part of our journey for His glory. [39:14]

Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV)
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Reflection: Is there someone—yourself included—against whom you are holding a grudge? What would it look like to release that today and trust God to use every story for His purpose?

Sermon Summary

Today’s study explored the powerful encounter between Saul and Jesus on the road to Damascus, drawing out deep truths about God’s grace, correction, and the journey of transformation. Saul, a zealous persecutor of the early church, was convinced he was serving God by defending the law, yet he was operating out of personal ambition rather than divine directive. On his way to Damascus, Saul was confronted by a blinding light and the unmistakable voice of Jesus, who called him by name and revealed the error of his ways. This moment was not just a dramatic interruption, but a profound act of grace—Jesus met Saul in the midst of his rebellion, offering both correction and a new direction.

God’s grace does not negate the need for correction. Even as Jesus extended mercy to Saul, He did not shy away from addressing Saul’s wrongdoing directly. Correction is a sign of God’s love, not His rejection. Healthy relationships—both with God and with others—require the courage to face difficult truths and make necessary changes. The Lord’s correction is always purposeful, intended to realign us with His will and prepare us for greater assignments.

Saul’s story also challenges us to examine our own lives. There are moments when our actions, attitudes, or even well-intentioned plans may actually oppose the expansion of God’s kingdom. In such times, God intervenes—sometimes gently, sometimes forcefully—to redirect us. The Holy Spirit convicts, not to condemn, but to transform. We are reminded that God can use anyone, even those who have opposed Him, and that our past does not disqualify us from His future plans.

Furthermore, the narrative highlights the importance of obedience in the present moment. God rarely reveals the entire journey at once; instead, He gives us just enough light for the next step. Saul was told simply to go into the city and wait for further instructions. In seasons of uncertainty or blindness, faith is forged. God may strip away our sense of control so that we learn to trust His vision rather than our own sight.

Ultimately, Saul’s transformation is a testament to the relentless grace and purpose of God. No one is beyond His reach, and every encounter with Him—whether comforting or corrective—is an invitation to deeper faith and greater purpose.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Grace Finds Us in Our Rebellion Even when we are actively working against God’s purposes, His grace pursues us. Saul’s encounter with Jesus demonstrates that God knows us by name and is willing to meet us in our darkest moments, not to destroy us, but to redeem and redirect us. Grace is not reserved for the deserving; it is extended to those who least expect it, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love. [11:00]
2. Correction Is a Sign of Divine Love, Not Rejection God’s correction is not punitive, but restorative. Just as Jesus confronted Saul with the truth of his actions, God addresses the areas in our lives that are misaligned with His will. Embracing correction requires humility and the willingness to change, but it is through these hard conversations that we grow and are prepared for greater assignments. Correction is evidence of a living, loving relationship with God. [25:17]
3. Beware of Mistaking Personal Ambition for God’s Directive Saul believed he was acting on behalf of God, but his zeal was rooted in personal conviction rather than divine instruction. It is possible to cloak our ambitions in religious language, yet be far from God’s heart. Discernment is needed to distinguish between what God has truly called us to do and what we have taken upon ourselves. True obedience flows from hearing God’s voice, not just following tradition or personal desire. [16:07]
4. God’s Will Includes Grace, Correction, and Direction—One Step at a Time God rarely reveals the full picture of our calling at once. Instead, He gives us enough light for the next step, inviting us to trust Him daily. Saul was told to go into the city and wait; he was not given the entire blueprint. Faith grows as we obey in the present, trusting that God will provide further direction in His timing. [41:57]
5. Transformation Often Requires Seasons of Blindness and Dependence After encountering Jesus, Saul was blinded and had to rely on others to guide him. Sometimes, God removes our ability to “see” so that we learn to trust Him more deeply. These seasons of dependence are not punishment, but preparation—God is growing our faith for the assignments ahead. When we cannot rely on our own vision, we are positioned to receive God’s greater purpose and direction. [44:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:16] - Community Check-In and Announcements
[02:16] - Vision and Mission of Freedom Church ATL
[03:46] - How to Support and Sow into the Ministry
[05:46] - Opening Prayer
[06:16] - Introduction to Saul’s Story
[08:09] - Recap: Saul’s Background and Zeal
[10:05] - Saul’s Encounter with Jesus
[11:25] - Grace in the Midst of Opposition
[13:09] - Jesus’ Direct Confrontation
[16:07] - Personal Ambition vs. God’s Directive
[17:33] - The Necessity of Correction
[23:29] - God Speaks with Correction and Calling
[27:48] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Conviction
[32:00] - The Will of God: Permissive, Intentional, Ultimate
[38:01] - Christians and the Challenge of Grudges
[41:19] - God’s Direction: One Step at a Time
[43:32] - Saul’s Blindness and the Growth of Faith
[46:48] - Closing Reflections and Application
[50:35] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 9:1-9 (ESV) — 1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
2 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.
3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.
4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
8 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.
9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Observation Questions

What was Saul’s mission as he traveled to Damascus, and what authority did he have to carry it out? (Acts 9:1-2)
How did Jesus confront Saul, and what specific words did Jesus use to address him? (Acts 9:4-5)
What immediate physical effect did Saul’s encounter with Jesus have on him, and how did this change his ability to act? (Acts 9:8-9)
According to the sermon, what does Jesus’ direct approach to Saul reveal about how God deals with wrongdoing? [[25:17]]

Interpretation Questions

Why might God choose to confront Saul so dramatically, rather than allowing him to continue on his path? What does this say about God’s priorities for those who oppose Him? [[11:00]]
The sermon points out that Saul believed he was serving God, but was actually following personal ambition. How can someone’s zeal for God become misdirected, and what are the dangers of this? [[16:07]]
The sermon says that God’s correction is a sign of love, not rejection. How does this challenge common assumptions about discipline and correction in our relationship with God? [[25:17]]
After Saul’s encounter, he was left blind and dependent on others. What might be the purpose of God allowing seasons of “blindness” or uncertainty in a believer’s life? [[44:16]]

Application Questions

The sermon teaches that God’s grace finds us even in our rebellion. Can you recall a time when you were going your own way, but God intervened to redirect you? How did you respond? [[11:00]]
Saul was convinced he was doing the right thing, but he was actually working against God’s plan. Are there areas in your life where you might be mistaking personal ambition or tradition for God’s directive? How can you discern the difference? [[16:07]]
Jesus did not avoid confronting Saul’s wrongdoing. How do you typically respond when God (or someone else) brings correction into your life? Do you resist, ignore, or embrace it? What would it look like to receive correction as an act of love? [[25:17]]
The sermon says God rarely gives us the full picture, but just enough light for the next step. Is there an area in your life right now where you feel uncertain about the future? What is one practical way you can trust God with just the next step this week? [[41:57]]
Saul’s blindness forced him to depend on others and on God. Are you in a season where you feel “blind” or out of control? How can you lean into dependence on God and community rather than trying to regain control? [[44:16]]
The story of Saul challenges us not to hold grudges, even against those who have hurt us or opposed God’s work. Is there someone you need to forgive or release from resentment? What step can you take toward that this week? [[38:01]]
After his encounter, Saul waited for further instructions before moving forward. How can you practice patience and obedience in the “waiting” seasons of your life, rather than rushing ahead or giving up? [[41:57]]

Sermon Clips

God doesn't just speak with callings. God also speaks with correction. Somebody write that down. God doesn't just speak with a calling. God also speaks with correction. Correction often will sound difficult. And sometimes, if we can be honest, correction may make us believe that God is not pleased with us or cannot use us going forward. Never confuse correction for love. God loves us. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. God loves us. But even loving relationships have correction. [00:23:26] (55 seconds) #CorrectionIsLove

Any word of correction should be followed by some behavioral change. Any word of correction should be followed by some behavioral change. If the Lord gives you a word of correction you don't do anything different, then get ready for another word of correction. But whenever you receive a word of correction, there should be some behavioral change. We cannot act the same after we've heard the Lord tell us that there's something wrong. We've gotta act different. [00:26:43] (43 seconds) #ChangeAfterCorrection

One of the roles and responsibilities of the Holy Spirit is to convict us of the things that are wrong in our actions and our heart. It is not our role to convict people. It is not our responsibility to go and tell everybody all the stuff they've done wrong. The Holy Spirit convicts us of the things we've done wrong. Even as a pastor, as a preacher, we don't preach sermons. I don't preach sermons with the goal of convicting people. I preach sermons with the goal of speaking the words that God has given me and the Holy Spirit has instructed me to say, knowing that it is the Holy Spirit's responsibility to take the words that I put out and allow them to land in the way in which He wants them to for persons who are hearing to develop the way that God wants them at this point of their journey and on their walk with Him. [00:27:44] (63 seconds) #HolySpiritConviction

Do not waste your time upset at your life before you heard the word of the Lord. Don't waste your time upset at the things you've done, holding yourself back, feeling bad because you haven't always been as sanctified or as holy as you want to be and as you may be right now. Thank God that you heard His voice and received His word of correction that changed your path when you did. And this is the key. And you were able to turn it around. Don't be upset that you have a before Christ story, a BC life. Thank God that you're living on the other side now and that you allowed Him to change your path and change your direction. [00:39:29] (56 seconds) #ThankfulForChange

God gives us what we can handle in the moment. God gives us what we can handle in the moment. And let's hear this too. And do not miss the word of today because you are looking for the words of tomorrow. Live in the today. Operate in the today. Trust God in the today. And as you trust him in your today, he'll get you to your tomorrow. But God will give you what you can handle today so that you can get to your tomorrow. [00:41:55] (43 seconds) #TrustGodToday

When it's time for our faith to grow, God will put us in a position and a posture where we have no other choice but to grow. Somebody write that in the chat. God will put you in a place where your faith has to grow. He says, Saul, I'm taking your sight. And so you're going to be forced to allow these people to guide you. But you're going to have to trust that I'm going to protect you. [00:44:14] (43 seconds) #FaithForcedToGrow

God has great things in store for me. God has great things in store for me. And in order to get there, you've got to become blind to what you can see and trust God for vision. Let God take your sight so that you can trust the Lord for vision. [00:46:20] (26 seconds) #TrustGodForVision

``Saul's journey to Damascus reminds us that God can meet us anywhere, even in our rebellion. God's voice interrupts our plans. When God speaks, he corrects, redirects, and calls us into new life. And no one is beyond his reach. When grace decides to speak, it shows up wherever we might be. [00:47:39] (26 seconds) #GraceInterruptsPlans

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