Empowered Witness: The Transformation of a Life Fully Surrendered
Empowered Witness: The Transformation of a Life Fully Surrendered • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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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. 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. 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.” 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.” 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. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.
You just witnessed the incredible conversion of Saul. Saul was lost, he was blinded by the worlds theology. He like many today despised Christians but he was humbled when he had an encounter with Jesus.
Jesus had to temporarily blind Saul to make him see the truth. Today we will see what happens when someone is genuinely and radically changed by Jesus.
Today’s Text
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.
A New Passion for Proclaiming Christ (Acts
A New Passion for Proclaiming Christ (Acts
20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
Immediate Proclamation
Saul didn’t wait to start sharing the gospel. His transformation was evident as he immediately declared Jesus as the Son of God. Genuine conversion ignites a passion to share what Christ has done in our lives.
Bold Witness in the Face of Opposition
Saul’s proclamation astonished those who knew his past (v. 21).
Application: When we encounter Jesus, we are no longer defined by who we were but by who we are in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Growth in Strength and Understanding
"But Saul increased all the more in strength..." (v. 22). His boldness and understanding grew as he walked with Christ.Application: Conversion is the beginning of a journey where we grow in the Word and deepen our understanding of Jesus.
Christians do not share their faith
Christians do not share their faith
Research indicates that a significant number of Christians do not actively share their faith, with various studies highlighting both the prevalence of this issue and the reasons behind it.
Statistics on Christians Not Sharing Their Faith:
Lack of Evangelistic Engagement:
A study by Lifeway Research found that 70% of Christians have not shared with a stranger how to become a Christian in the past six months.
Christian Post
Limited Familiarity with Evangelism Methods:
The same study revealed that 66% of Christians are not familiar with any methods for telling others about Jesus.
Christian Post
Infrequent Faith Conversations: Research from Lifeway indicates that only 29% of unchurched Americans have ever had someone explain to them how to become a Christian, despite many having Christian friends.
Lifeway Research
Their Reasons
Their Reasons
Fear and Perceived Social Barriers:
Fear of Offending or Being Rejected: Many Christians are concerned about coming across as pushy or fear that discussing their faith might offend others. A study by Jesus Film Project found that fear is a common reason for not sharing faith, with respondents expressing concerns about offending others or facing rejection.
Jesus Film Project
Perception of Evangelism as Pushy: Some Christians believe that non-Christians view evangelism negatively, which discourages them from initiating faith conversations.
Lifeway Research
Feelings of Inadequacy:
Lack of Knowledge or Training: A significant number of Christians feel unqualified or unequipped to share their faith, fearing they might not have answers to potential questions.
Baptist News Global
Uncertainty in Evangelism Methods: The unfamiliarity with evangelism techniques contributes to a lack of confidence in sharing the gospel.
Christian Post
Perceived Lack of Opportunity:
Waiting for the 'Right' Moment: Some believers feel that suitable opportunities to share their faith seldom present themselves, leading to inaction.
Jesus Film Project
Limited Interaction with Non-Christians: In some cases, Christians may not have regular contact with non-believers, reducing opportunities for evangelism.
Cultural and Social Influences:
Secularization and Pluralism: The increasing secular nature of society and the emphasis on religious pluralism can make Christians hesitant to share their exclusive faith claims.
Barna Group
Viewing Faith as Private: Some Christians consider their faith to be a private matter, not to be discussed openly.
Baptist News Global
Scared of persecution?
Scared of persecution?
A New Priority in the Face of Persecution
A New Priority in the Face of Persecution
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,
Persecution is Inevitable
Saul’s transformation made him a target for the enemy. Those who once supported him now sought to kill him.Application: Following Christ doesn’t mean an easy life; it often comes with opposition (John 15:18-20).
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
Resilience in the Face of Threats
Saul didn’t retreat from his mission but found ways to persevere. He escaped through the help of fellow believers (v. 25).
Application: The church plays a vital role in supporting one another in times of trial (Galatians 6:2).
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
A Life Focused on Eternal Things
Saul prioritized the advancement of the gospel above his personal safety.
Application: Genuine conversion shifts our priorities to focus on God’s kingdom and glory (Matthew 6:33).
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
A New Partnership in the Body of Christ
A New Partnership in the Body of Christ
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.
A Difficult Integration
Saul’s reputation made it hard for others to accept him, yet Barnabas vouched for him (v. 27).
Application: True conversion brings us into the family of God, where encouragement and trust are built over time.
A Powerful Advocate in Barnabas
Barnabas, whose name means "Son of Encouragement," became Saul’s bridge to the church.
Application: As believers, we are called to advocate for and encourage one another
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
A Unified Mission
"So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord." (v. 28).
Application: The church is strengthened when we work together to boldly proclaim Christ.
A New Purpose That Impacts Others
A New Purpose That Impacts Others
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.
Proclaiming the Gospel Despite Danger
Saul spoke boldly to the Hellenists, even as they sought to kill him (v. 29).
Application: Genuine conversion gives us courage to stand firm, no matter the cost (2 Timothy 1:7).
7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
Obedience to God’s Leading
The believers sent Saul away to Tarsus for his safety (v. 30). Saul’s mission didn’t end but shifted according to God’s plan.
Application: A transformed life is one that submits to God’s timing and direction (Proverbs 3:5-6).
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
We see exactly what we should do
Seek our training: that is what the church is supposed to do
Rely on the Holy Spirit
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
3. Build genuine relationships: engage with non-believers
4. Pray for boldness: Regularly ask God for the courage to share your faith, trusting Him to work through your efforts.
