Two Responses to the Gospel: Transformation vs. Rejection

This morning, we reflected on the profound difference between two men who encountered the truth of the Gospel: Paul and King Agrippa. Both were deeply religious, knowledgeable, and influential, yet their responses to God’s invitation could not have been more different. Paul, once a zealous persecutor of Christians, was radically transformed by a direct encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. His entire worldview, shaped by strict adherence to tradition and law, was upended in a moment of divine intervention. Paul’s story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and that even the hardest hearts can be softened and redirected for God’s purposes.

In contrast, King Agrippa, though well-versed in Jewish customs and the teachings of the prophets, chose to walk away from the invitation to faith. Despite hearing the Gospel clearly and feeling its weight, he allowed status, pride, or perhaps the comfort of his current life to keep him from surrendering to Christ. His story is a sobering reminder that proximity to truth and religious knowledge do not guarantee transformation. The heart’s response is what matters.

We also considered the sovereignty of God in orchestrating opportunities for salvation. Paul’s journey—from persecutor to preacher, from Jerusalem to Caesarea, and finally to a divine appointment with Agrippa—was not a series of accidents, but the unfolding of God’s plan. God’s desire is for all people, regardless of background or status, to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. This includes those we might least expect, and it challenges us to persevere in sharing our faith, even when we face resistance or indifference.

Ultimately, the evidence of true salvation is not a mere profession of faith, but a transformed life marked by obedience and submission to Jesus as Lord. The invitation to follow Christ is not partial; it demands our whole being—our thoughts, words, and actions. Each of us must decide how we will respond. Will we, like Paul, surrender everything for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, or will we, like Agrippa, walk away unchanged?

Key Takeaways

• 1. God Qualifies the Called, Not the Qualified Feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness do not disqualify us from God’s calling. Just as Moses and Paul had their own doubts and limitations, God delights in using those who feel unqualified, equipping them for His purposes. Our willingness to obey is more important than our perceived abilities. [32:33]
• 2. Religious Zeal Without Surrender Can Blind Us to Truth Paul’s strict adherence to tradition and law made him resistant to the Gospel, even as he believed he was serving God. Deep religious commitment, if not coupled with humility and openness, can harden our hearts against God’s new work. True faith requires us to let go of pride and be willing to have our beliefs challenged by Christ. [38:41]
• 3. God’s Sovereignty Orchestrates Divine Appointments The journey of Paul, including delays, detours, and even persecution, was all part of God’s plan to bring the Gospel to unlikely audiences, including kings. What may seem like setbacks or coincidences in our lives can be God’s way of positioning us for greater impact. Trusting God’s timing and providence opens us to His purposes beyond our understanding. [52:14]
• 4. Proximity to Truth Is Not the Same as Transformation King Agrippa heard the Gospel clearly and understood its implications, yet chose not to respond. Knowledge, religious background, or even conviction are not enough—what matters is a heart surrendered to Christ. The tragedy of Agrippa’s story is a warning against procrastination and the danger of letting pride or comfort keep us from true faith. [57:51]
• 5. True Salvation Is Evidenced by a Transformed Life A genuine relationship with Jesus is marked by visible change—obedience, submission, and a new way of living. Merely professing faith without a corresponding transformation is empty. Jesus calls us to total surrender, making Him not just Savior, but Lord over every aspect of our lives.
  
  ** [64:27]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [32:00] - Introduction: Called but Unqualified
• [33:28] - Two Responses to the Gospel
• [35:24] - The Religious Zeal of Paul
• [36:48] - Persecution and Encounter with Christ
• [38:03] - Paul’s Transformation
• [39:13] - Other Pharisees: Nicodemus and Joseph
• [41:04] - Challenges in Sharing the Gospel
• [43:17] - Paul’s Damascus Road Encounter
• [44:30] - God’s Mercy and the Work of Salvation
• [46:23] - Personal Testimony and God’s Timing
• [47:41] - Paul’s Mission to Kings
• [49:06] - Divine Appointments: Paul and Agrippa
• [52:14] - God’s Timing and the Herod Dynasty
• [54:35] - God’s Heart for All People
• [56:48] - Agrippa’s Response: Procrastination and Rejection
• [59:55] - The Nature of True Belief
• [64:27] - Evidence of True Salvation
• [65:45] - The Call to Total Surrender
• [66:17] - Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

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.”

2. Acts 26:27-29 (ESV)
> “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

3. Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV)
> But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

Observation Questions

1. What was Paul’s attitude and lifestyle before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus? ([36:48])
2. How did King Agrippa respond when Paul asked him if he believed the prophets? ([56:48])
3. According to Philippians 3:7-8, what does Paul say about his past achievements and status after coming to know Christ? ([01:02:42])
4. What does the sermon say about God’s role in orchestrating Paul’s journey and encounters, including his meeting with King Agrippa? ([52:14])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul, despite his deep religious background and zeal, was so resistant to the Gospel before his encounter with Jesus? What does this suggest about the dangers of religious pride? ([38:41])
2. King Agrippa was familiar with Jewish customs and the prophets, yet he chose not to respond to the Gospel. What factors might have influenced his decision, according to the sermon? ([57:51])
3. The sermon mentions that God qualifies the called, not the qualified. How does Paul’s story illustrate this truth? ([32:33])
4. What does the contrast between Paul and Agrippa teach us about the difference between knowing about God and truly surrendering to Him? ([59:15])

Application Questions

1. The sermon says that feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness do not disqualify us from God’s calling. Is there an area in your life where you feel unqualified to serve God? What would it look like to trust God to equip you in that area? ([32:33])
2. Paul’s religious zeal actually blinded him to the truth about Jesus. Are there traditions, habits, or beliefs in your life that might be keeping you from hearing what God wants to say to you? How can you be more open to God’s leading? ([38:41])
3. King Agrippa was close to the truth but walked away unchanged. Have you ever found yourself “close” to making a step of faith or obedience, but held back? What was stopping you, and what would help you move forward? ([57:51])
4. The sermon highlights that God orchestrates divine appointments, even through delays and setbacks. Can you think of a time when an unexpected event or detour in your life led to a spiritual opportunity? How did you respond? ([52:14])
5. True salvation is evidenced by a transformed life. In what specific ways has your life changed since following Jesus? Are there areas where you still struggle to surrender? ([01:04:27])
6. The invitation to follow Christ demands our whole being. Is there a part of your life—thoughts, words, or actions—that you have not fully surrendered to Jesus? What step can you take this week to give that area to Him? ([01:05:45])
7. The sermon challenges us to persevere in sharing our faith, even when we face resistance. Who is someone in your life that you feel called to share the Gospel with, even if they seem uninterested or resistant? What is one practical way you can reach out to them this month? ([41:04])