From Saul to Paul

Philippians 3:4-8 Intro

“Circumcised the eighth day”

He was circumcised in exact compliance with the Law

-this showed that he wasnt a proselyte jew (converted to Judaism)

-this showed that he was compliant with the Law from birth

“Of the stock of Israel”

He was a descendent of the patriarch Israel (Jacob)

-this would mean that he could trace his geneology all the was back to Abraham

“Of the tribe of Benjamin”

He was a Benjamite from which tribe Israels first king came

This tribe had a special place of honor and was viewed with great esteem

This tribes location was near the very center of religious influence

This tribe was one of the only 2 tribes which stayed loyal to King David

“An Hebrew of the Hebrews”

He is the hebrew son to hebrew parents, there was no mixture of Gentil blood

Not a single on of his ancestors was a proselyte Jew

“as touching the law, a Pharisee”

He was a member of the strictest sect among his people

What Paul Had Done

Paul attended Church

Paul grew up in church

Paul knew what to say, and when to say it

Paul knew what to do, and when to do it

Paul was the Preacher v.6

He was blameless

He had a zeal that no other pharisee had

He pursecuted the Church (Not a sin according to the Law)

Paul did EVERYTHING RIGHT according to the Law

***Paul Was Blameless***

What You Have Done

Maybe you went to church

Maybe you attend church regularly, every once in a while, or maybe it’s your first time in a while

Maybe you’ve made a profession of faith, or even prayed a sinners prayer

Maybe you know what to say and when to say it

Maybe you know what to do and when to do it

Maybe you even know how to lead someone to the Lord

What You and Paul Had in Common

You both went to church and maybe even served, taught sunday school, tithe, volunteer

Even though Paul had all of those accolades He was still lost

Are you lost?

What God Did Acts 9:1-6

Paul Got Knocked Off of His High Horse

He was doing everything he believes he should be doing JUST LIKE I’M SURE WE’VE ALL THOUGHT A ONE POINT

God Passed by his way and blinded him and God Humbled Paul

When Paul recognized the Righteousness and Glory of Christ He counted all of the works as DUNG

Maybe It’s Time You Get Knocked Off Your High Horse

Are you where Paul was? I can think of a time when I was.

Romans 11:6 “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”

Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

*close with my testimony and or Nathans testimony*