Kingdoms Collide Part 16: Truth Changes Things

INTRO

Transformation Stories

The Biggest Loser

Extreme Home Makeover

Acts 9:19–31 ESV

19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. 23 When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. 26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

1) Power of Truth (v.19b-22, 26-28)

Saul was transformed by the Truth of Jesus

He boldly proclaimed the reality of Jesus instead of denying the reality of Jesus.

The disciples, who feared Saul, accepted the converted Saul.

Not without hesitation

Barnabas, testifying to truth, made all the difference

Sometimes the difficulties faced by proclaiming truth become a proving ground that reveals we really do believe what we proclaim.

In a world that is increasingly rejecting truth, if you are not experiencing the tension that comes with truth, you should evaluate the impact of truth upon your own life.

Sometimes we are called to stand for truth, other times we are called to stand with those who are already standing (Barnabas)

When someone is unsure of or even in opposition to a brother or sister who is walking in truth, don’t be silent…speak up.

2) Problems from Lies (v.23-25, 29)

Saul was changed by the truth, but those who once sided with him, now rejected him.

They sought to destroy him.

His transformation had set him free but those who loved the lie now hated him.

While truth changes us, it doesn’t always bring positive change to those around us.

John 3:18-20 “18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.”

Many love to pretend they walk in the light of truth when they really walk in the darkness of lies.

When you begin to bring reality of what it means to live for Jesus, those who reject the Lordship of Jesus will either distance themselves or seek to bring destruction.

When you walk in the power of truth, expect to have to face the problems from the lies you left behind yet others still live in.

You may lose friends, you may be ostracized by family…but walking with Jesus is far greater!

3) Persevering in Truth (v.30-31)

Saul deescalated the persecution by returning to Tarsus

His conversion brought hatred and anguish to the Jews who rejected Jesus.

His absence opened the opportunity for them to think about what could bring that kind of change.

Church walked in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit

The church kept their focus on Jesus, not on Saul.

While the fire burning toward Saul was diminished, persecution was still present for Christians.

They still faced daily struggles and opposition, but they kept their eyes on Jesus and was comforted by the Holy Spirit.

Above all the noise and hatred from darkness, it’s important that we persevere in truth.

Saul's return to Tarsus was a returning to those who knew him the best.

He was deescalating the turmoil and going back to those whom he wanted to share Jesus with the most.

As Christians, we must persevere in the truth and continue to walk in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

CLOSING

Truth has the power to transform and change our lives. It can be hard to stand for truth, but we must stand and persevere.

WILL YOU COMMIT TO WALKING IN TRUTH AND IN THE COMFORT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?