SF896 - The Conversion of the Chief of Sinners (Acts 9 1-31)

Acts 9:1-31, 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Introduction

The conversion of the Apostle Paul is one of the most significant events in Christian history.

In Acts 9:1-31 we find recorded Saul’s conversion, Saul’s commission, and Saul’s commitment.

1A. Saul’s Conversion (9:1-9)

1B. The miracle of Saul’s conversion (9:1-2)

Saul hated Christianity (9:1)

Saul hated Christians (9:2)

So what God wants us to see in this conversion is that the most unlikely people can be converted and are converted. God's mercy and power are not limited to people who have been set up for Christianity by a good family or a church association or a clean moral track record. The chief of sinners was converted. And that means hope in evangelism and in your own faltering walk with the Lord. (John Piper)

2B. The manner of Saul’s conversion (9:3-9)

He was confronted by the glory of the Lord (9:3)

Acts 22:6 (NASB) 6“But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me,

He was convicted by the Word of the Lord (9:4)

He was converted by the grace of the Lord (9:5, 1 Timothy 1:13-17)

He was consecrated to the work of the Lord (9:6-9)

2A. Saul’s Commission (9:10-22)

1B. God’s messenger for Saul (9:10-17a)

Ananias was available (9:10-12)

Ananias was apprehensive (9:13-14)

Ananias was obedient (9:15-17a)

2B. God’s manifestation to Saul (9:17b-19)

The message Saul heard (9:17b)

The confirmation Saul experienced (9:18a)

The confession Saul made (9:18b-19)

2 Timothy 1:12 (NASB) 12For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

3B. God’s ministry through Saul (9:20-22)

Saul’s public proclamation of the gospel (9:20-21)

1 Corinthians 9:16 (NASB) 16For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.

Saul’s powerful demonstration of the gospel (9:22)

3A. Saul’s Commitment (9:23-31)

1B. Saul’s willingness to wait on the Lord. (9:23a)

Galatians 1:17-18 (NASB) 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. 18Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days.

2B. Saul’s willingness to stand for truth (9:23b-25)

His old friends became his new enemies (9:23b-24)

His old enemies became his new friends (9:25)

3B. Saul’s willingness to submit to others. (9:26-31)

He was not well received by the church (9:26-27)

He was rejected by the world (9:28-29)

He was removed by the brethren. (9:30-31)

Application

Have you been converted?

Have you received your commission?

Are you fully committed?

THE CONVERSION OF THE CHIEF OF SINNERS
Acts 9:1-31, 1 Timothy 1:12-17

1A. Saul’s _____________________________ (9:1-9)

1B. The ___________ of Saul’s conversion (9:1-2)

Saul hated Christianity (9:1)

Saul hated ___________________________ (9:2)

2B. The ________________ of Saul’s conversion (9:3-9)

He was confronted by the glory of the Lord (9:3b)

Acts 22:6 (NASB) 6“But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me,

He was ______________________ by the Word of the Lord (9:4)

He was converted by the grace of the Lord (9:5, 1 Timothy 1:13-17)

He was consecrated to the work of the Lord (9:6-9)

2A. Saul’s ___________________________ (9:10-22)

1B. God’s messenger for Saul (9:10-14)

Ananias was ______________________ (9:10-12)

Ananias was apprehensive (9:13-14)

Ananias was _____________________ (9:15-17a)

2B. God’s manifestation to Saul (9:15-19)

The _____________________ Saul heard (9:17b)