Transformative Power of the Gospel: Saul's Conversion

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel's Transformative Power

The gospel has the power to transform anyone, no matter how resistant or antagonistic they may seem. Saul's conversion is a testament to this truth. Saul, who later became known as Paul, was a fervent persecutor of Christians, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and zealous for Jewish purity. He went to great lengths to imprison and even kill Christians. However, on his way to Damascus, a dramatic encounter with Jesus changed everything. A light from heaven shone around him, and he fell to the ground, hearing Jesus' voice asking, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" This moment marked the beginning of Saul's transformation. [33:18]

This story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. We must hold onto the belief that the gospel can transform anyone, from the most devout religious person to the most antagonistic atheist. We are encouraged to pray for those in our lives who seem far from God, believing that the gospel can reach and change them just as it did with Saul.

Acts 9:3-5 (ESV): "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.'"

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who seems resistant to the gospel. Can you commit to praying for their transformation every day this week?

Day 2: Jesus Identifies with His People

When the church suffers, Jesus suffers. He identifies deeply with His followers, and this identification underscores the profound love and commitment He has for us. In Saul's encounter with Jesus, we see that Jesus asked, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" This question reveals that when people persecute the church, they are persecuting Jesus himself. This identification is crucial for understanding the depth of His love and commitment to us. [40:58]

Understanding that Jesus identifies with His people can deepen our relationship with Him and our empathy for the persecuted church. It reminds us that we are never alone in our suffering, as Jesus is with us and shares in our pain. This truth can bring comfort and strength, knowing that our Savior is intimately connected to our experiences.

Matthew 25:40 (ESV): "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'"

Reflection: How can you show empathy and support to someone in your community who is suffering or facing persecution? What practical steps can you take today to be the hands and feet of Jesus to them?

Day 3: The Nature of Conversion

Conversion can be a dramatic event or a gradual process, but it always involves a personal choice to turn away from sin and towards Jesus. Saul's conversion was a dramatic, life-altering event, but for others, it may be a gentle, gradual process. Regardless of how it happens, everyone needs to be converted. Conversion involves repentance, a turning away from sin, and a turning towards Jesus. It is a personal choice that begins a total transformation, moving from darkness to light, from self-righteousness to Christ-righteousness. [51:36]

This transformation affects every aspect of our lives. We must recognize our need for conversion and embrace the change it brings. It is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of becoming more like Christ. As we grow in our faith, we continually turn away from sin and towards Jesus, allowing His grace to transform us.

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

Reflection: Reflect on your own conversion experience. How has your life changed since you turned towards Jesus? What areas of your life still need to be transformed by His grace?

Day 4: Our Call to Preach the Gospel

Just as Saul was transformed to become a preacher of the gospel, we too are called to share the good news. This responsibility is not limited to pastors but extends to every believer. Saul's transformation led him to become a preacher of the gospel, and we too are called to share the good news wherever we live, work, and play. The gospel transforms us to preach, and we must live with a sense of urgency, understanding that no one is beyond the saving reach of Jesus. [59:27]

We are God's instruments to reach others, and we must take this responsibility seriously. Sharing the gospel is not just about words but also about living a life that reflects the love and grace of Jesus. Our actions, attitudes, and relationships should all point others to Him. We must be intentional in our efforts to share the gospel, knowing that we have been entrusted with the most important message in the world.

Romans 10:14-15 (ESV): "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? How can you intentionally share the good news with them this week, both through your words and actions?

Day 5: Standing on the Solid Rock

Our faith is built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. In times of darkness and storm, we must anchor ourselves in His unchanging grace. All other foundations are sinking sand. This truth should renew our hearts and strengthen our resolve to share the gospel with others. Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. We stand on Christ, the solid rock, knowing that all other ground is sinking sand. [01:01:02]

This foundation gives us stability and confidence, even in the midst of life's challenges. When we face trials and uncertainties, we can trust that Jesus is our firm foundation. His love and grace are unchanging, and He will never fail us. This assurance should inspire us to live boldly for Him and to share His love with others, knowing that our hope is secure in Him.

Psalm 62:6-7 (ESV): "He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to anchor yourself more firmly in Jesus? How can you remind yourself daily of His unchanging grace and faithfulness?

Sermon Summary

In today's sermon, we delved into the transformative power of the gospel, focusing on the conversion of Saul, who later became known as Paul. We began by reflecting on the people in our lives who seem beyond redemption, those who make life difficult and appear resistant to change. I encouraged everyone to think about such individuals and to hold them in prayer, believing that the gospel can transform anyone, just as it did with Saul ([33:18]).

We then turned to Acts chapter 9, where Saul's story unfolds. Saul was a fervent persecutor of Christians, seeking to eradicate followers of Jesus. He was deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and zealous for Jewish purity, going to great lengths to imprison and even kill Christians ([35:29]). However, on his way to Damascus, a dramatic encounter with Jesus changed everything. A light from heaven shone around him, and he fell to the ground, hearing Jesus' voice asking, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" This moment marked the beginning of Saul's transformation ([36:23]).

We discussed the significance of this encounter, emphasizing that when people persecute the church, they are persecuting Jesus himself. Jesus identifies with his people, and this identification is crucial for understanding the depth of his love and commitment to us ([40:58]). Saul's conversion was not just a personal transformation but a pivotal moment for the early church. It demonstrated that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.

I then shared a personal reflection on the nature of conversion. Conversion can be a dramatic, life-altering event, or it can be a gentle, gradual process. Regardless of how it happens, everyone needs to be converted. Conversion involves repentance, a turning away from sin, and a turning towards Jesus. It is a personal choice that begins a total transformation, moving from darkness to light, from self-righteousness to Christ-righteousness ([51:36]).

We paused to pray for those in our lives who need this transformation, asking Jesus to save them. We acknowledged that the gospel can transform anyone, from the most devout religious person to the most antagonistic atheist. We prayed with expectation, believing that God hears our prayers and delights in saving people ([56:44]).

As we continued, we explored the implications of Saul's conversion for our own lives. Saul's transformation led him to become a preacher of the gospel, and we too are called to share the good news wherever we live, work, and play. The gospel transforms us to preach, and we must live with a sense of urgency, understanding that no one is beyond the saving reach of Jesus ([59:27]).

In closing, we reflected on the foundation of our faith. Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. We stand on Christ, the solid rock, knowing that all other ground is sinking sand. We prayed for renewed hearts, believing that the gospel can transform and save anyone, and that we are called to share this miraculous message with the world ([01:01:02]).

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Transformative Power of the Gospel: The gospel has the power to transform anyone, no matter how resistant or antagonistic they may seem. Saul's conversion is a testament to this truth. We must hold onto the belief that no one is beyond God's reach and continue to pray for those who seem far from Him. [33:18]
2. Jesus Identifies with His People: When the church suffers, Jesus suffers. He identifies deeply with His followers, and this identification underscores the profound love and commitment He has for us. Understanding this can deepen our relationship with Him and our empathy for the persecuted church. [40:58]
3. The Nature of Conversion: Conversion can be a dramatic event or a gradual process, but it always involves a personal choice to turn away from sin and towards Jesus. This transformation is total, affecting every aspect of our lives. We must recognize our need for conversion and embrace the change it brings. [51:36]
4. Our Call to Preach the Gospel: Just as Saul was transformed to become a preacher of the gospel, we too are called to share the good news. This responsibility is not limited to pastors but extends to every believer. We must live with a sense of urgency, understanding that we are God's instruments to reach others. [59:27]
5. Standing on the Solid Rock: Our faith is built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. In times of darkness and storm, we must anchor ourselves in His unchanging grace. All other foundations are sinking sand. This truth should renew our hearts and strengthen our resolve to share the gospel with others. [01:01:02]
### [61:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:18] - Introduction: The Difficult People in Our Lives
[35:29] - Saul's Zeal and Persecution of Christians
[36:23] - Saul's Encounter with Jesus
[40:58] - Jesus Identifies with His People
[51:36] - The Nature of Conversion
[56:44] - Praying for Transformation
[59:27] - Our Call to Preach the Gospel
[61:02] - Standing on the Solid Rock

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Saul's mission before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus? ([35:29])
Describe the events that took place during Saul's encounter with Jesus. What did Saul see and hear? ([36:23])
How did Saul's companions react to the encounter on the road to Damascus? ([36:23])
What instructions did Jesus give to Saul after the encounter? ([36:23])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Jesus asked Saul, "Why are you persecuting me?" What does this reveal about Jesus' relationship with His followers? ([40:58])
How does Saul's dramatic conversion illustrate the transformative power of the gospel? ([37:14])
What does the sermon suggest about the nature of conversion? How can it vary from person to person? ([51:36])
According to the sermon, what role does prayer play in the transformation of those who seem far from God? ([56:44])

Application Questions

Think about someone in your life who seems resistant to change or antagonistic towards faith. How can you begin to pray for their transformation, believing in the power of the gospel? ([33:18])
Reflect on a time when you felt persecuted or misunderstood because of your faith. How does understanding that Jesus identifies with His people change your perspective on that experience? ([40:58])
Have you experienced a dramatic or gradual conversion in your own life? Share your story with the group. How did this transformation impact your daily life and choices? ([51:36])
The sermon emphasizes the urgency of sharing the gospel. What are some practical ways you can share the good news in your workplace, neighborhood, or social circles? ([59:27])
The foundation of our faith is built on Jesus Christ. In what areas of your life do you need to anchor yourself more firmly in His unchanging grace? ([01:01:02])
How can you support and encourage someone in your small group or church who is struggling with their past, helping them to walk in the freedom that is theirs in Christ? ([53:26])
Identify one person in your life who you believe is beyond God's reach. How can you change your approach towards them, inspired by the belief that the gospel can transform anyone? ([55:04])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "There is no telling what God can do. The gospel can transform anyone. No one is beyond the saving grace of God. Yeah, yeah, Nate, I know that. I know that. But do you know it? You really see what a person believes and how they live, right? This is what James says. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says they have faith but has no deeds, right? Faith without works is, now he's talking about saving faith is going to manifest itself in your life. But we really see what we believe in terms of how we live and what we do." [55:04](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "All kinds of people can be saved. The sexually deviant, immoral individual, the Southern Baptist who was raised in church, but never really yielded their life to Jesus. The woman who had an abortion or the man that encouraged her to do so. The militant Hindu in India, the rage monster. The monster with a racist heart that looks at people as less than, the rebellious teenager who regularly communicates apathy, the antagonistic atheist, the indifferent agnostic, the morally good neighbor that doesn't see their need for Jesus. Jesus can save them all." [58:19](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "The gospel transforms us to preach. He said, no, no, no, no, that's your job. That is my job. It's one of my jobs. But everybody who names the name of Christ is a follower of Jesus and where you live, work, and play, those people are reached because you are there. I'm not in your workplace. I'm not in your family. I'm not in your neighborhood. I'm not in your circle of influence. Jesus has converted you and saved you and rescued you so that you would preach him where you live, work, and play." [59:27](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "Conversion can be like that. It can be an uneventful, seemingly non-dramatic experience. Or it can be like getting knocked off your horse. And the sky lighting up with lightning. And you being told to go talk to somebody. And something like scales fall all over your eyes. And you realize for the first time, I see clearly. But you need to be converted. And I know two things about everybody in this room. Either you're converted or you're not. Everybody in the room. Everybody watching online. Either you have been converted or you're not. Everybody needs to be converted. Everybody. Everybody in the room. Everybody that's not in the room. Everybody watching online. Everybody needs to be converted. Everybody is invited to come to Jesus. Everybody's invited to come to Jesus. And nobody's beyond God's reach. Nobody is beyond God's reach." [51:06](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "Not just a regular acknowledgement that we get things wrong. But conversion teaches that at some point in your life. You understood that you were living for something or someone. Some type of pursuit. And you changed your life. And you had to acknowledge whether out loud or in the quietness of your heart. I was wrong. I need to align my life to Jesus. Are you listening? Well Saul is challenged and his whole life has turned upside down." [43:34](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "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. The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one. 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." [36:23](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "People who persecute the church of Jesus. When they persecute the church. They revile the church. There's suffering that comes upon the church. They undermine the church. When the church suffers around the world. When it suffers in New Albany. When people attack the church. They're not just attacking a local congregation that identifies with Jesus. They're attacking Jesus. Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? Jesus identifies with his people. He identifies with you. He identifies with me. If we are believers in Christ. And Saul listens to Jesus. He listens to him." [40:58](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "The gospel, the good news of Jesus can transform anyone. So I want you to think about that person. Hopefully it doesn't create a distraction in your heart and your mind this morning as we walk through the word, want to sit under the word. But I want you to think about that person because that's the person I want you to pray for here in just a little bit. We're gonna have a moment in the sermon. We're gonna stop. We're gonna ask Jesus to save them because the gospel, the good news can transform anybody." [34:47](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "The reality of conversion is that we need to have a willing response to the gospel. This happens in Saul's life. Right? He used to trust in family religion. Now he understands. That his religious efforts are worthless. He thought he was living a good life. But now he knows he was spiritually dead and separated from God. He thought he was a good person. But now he understands he's guilty before a holy God. He's a sinner and he needs mercy. The reality of conversion. That we have to make a choice. We need to sincerely repent of the sins that we're aware of. And trust in Jesus. A change of mind. A change of heart. Where you exemplify trust and confidence in Jesus. Dependence. And it's a personal choice. I have to choose to place my trust and faith in Jesus and claim Jesus as my greatest treasure." [49:15](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "If it does not move you to pray for lost people. And weep for lost people. And share the gospel with lost people. Your theological system might be right. But you might be wrong. Whatever theological system you have. It should move you to people. And if you know me. If you've been listening. You've been listening to our church. We actually care about lost people. We care about the nations. We care about our neighbors. We care about spouses and kids. And we care about people. So it moves us. All I know is that I indiscriminately. We indiscriminately want to give the gospel to whoever it is." [45:45](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

6. "Saul's mission, as I already mentioned, was he wanted blood. He wanted to eradicate followers of the way. And we're going to see in this passage, in verses really 1 through 30 that we're looking at, a big chunk of scripture. But the overwhelming truth that I want you to walk away from gracefully this morning, whether you're in the room or online, is I want you to understand and believe it. It's in your heart. Not just theoretically, but functionally, I want you to believe that the gospel can transform anyone." [37:14](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

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What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?