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The Conversion of Saul

The Conversion of Saul. Acts: The Unfinished Story of the Church Series [20] Acts 9:1-19 July 22, 2012 Pastor Paul K. Kim. WHY IS SAUL ’ S CONVERSION STORY IMPORTANT?. It is repeated three times in the book of Acts (chapters 9, 22, & 26) because of its importance in the early church story.

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The Conversion of Saul

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  1. The Conversion of Saul Acts: The Unfinished Story of the Church Series [20] Acts 9:1-19 July 22, 2012 Pastor Paul K. Kim

  2. WHY IS SAUL’S CONVERSION STORY IMPORTANT? • It is repeated three times in the book of Acts (chapters 9, 22, & 26) because of its importance in the early church story. • It is a significant turning point for the church’s expansion and mission to the end of the earth. • It is a still relevant example of what genuine Christian entails for us.

  3. WHAT DOES SAUL’S STORY TEACH US ABOUT CHRISTIAN CONVERSION? 1) Saul’s story teaches us thatit is the SOVEREIGN GRACE of God that causes Christian conversion. 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. (vs.1-2) • Before his encounter with Jesus, Saul… • Despised “those whom belong to the Way.” • Breathed threats and murder against the disciples. • went after the disciples even to foreign cities “in raging fury against them” (Acts 26:11).

  4. WHAT DOES SAUL’S STORY TEACH US ABOUT CHRISTIAN CONVERSION? 1) Saul’s story teaches us that it is the SOVEREIGN GRACE of God that causes Christian conversion. 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. (vs.3-8) • This encounter was Christ’s intervention & sovereign grace. • It is also a strong evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. • Even today, acknowledging God’s sovereign grace can lead us to boldly pray for the conversions of unlikely people.

  5. WHAT DOES SAUL’S STORY TEACH US ABOUT CHRISTIAN CONVERSION? • Saul’s story teaches us that Christian conversion takes a GRADUAL YET COMPLETE process of turning to Christ. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” (vs.9-12) • Jesus had been pursuing Saul long before this Damascus—but Saul pointlessly “kicked against the goads” (Acts 26:14). • It could’ve been (1) Stephen, (2) doubts, and (3) turmoil. • God’s grace is gradual and gentle so our individual process may take time BUT a genuine Christian conversion must have a complete turning to Christ in repentance and faith.

  6. WHAT DOES SAUL’S STORY TEACH US ABOUT CHRISTIAN CONVERSION? 3) Saul’s story teaches us thatChristian conversion involves a NEW CALLING to the mission of the church. 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.  14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who  call on your name.”15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much  he must suffer for the sake of my name.” (vs.13-16) • Saul conversion was also a commissioning for the special apostleship to the Gentiles (to kings/Jews, & for suffering). • We are also called to the mission of the church in salvation. • Hence, we also have a calling: “mission” = all that God wants done; “missions” = to implement mission; “missionary” = to minister cross-culturally [Clement C. Muwele].

  7. WHAT DOES SAUL’S STORY TEACH US ABOUT CHRISTIAN CONVERSION? 4) Saul’s story teaches us thatChristian conversion involves the enfolding of a NEW FAMILY in Christ. 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. (vs.17-19a) • Saul’s conversion was embraced by God’s family in Christ—especially by Anaias, Judas, and later Barnabas. • Timely care, support and guidance for Christian converts/new believers are our important duties as the church. • We must Christian conversion NOT as an individualistic path but as a path that leads to an active “Body Life” in Christ.

  8. Need for a Personal Encounter with Jesus Christ Nevertheless, it is clear from the rest of the New Testament that other features of Saul’s conversion and commissioning are applicable to us today. For we too can (and must) experience a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, surrender to him in penitence and faith, and receive his summons to service. Provided that we distinguish between the historically particular and the universal, between the dramatic outward accompaniments and the essential inward experience, what happened to Saul remains an instructive case study in Christian conversion . Moreover, Christ’s display of ‘unlimited patience’ towards him was meant to be an encouraging ‘example’ to others. - John R. W. Stott

  9. THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE • In what ways am I thankful for the sovereign grace of God in my own conversion? • How has my conversion involved a gradual yet complete process of turning to Christ? Is my conversion genuine? • What are my first steps toward being more active in my New Family and my New Calling in Christ?

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