Acts 09v1-19 Saul’s Conversion

A man surprised.

1        By the truth about himself.

a          He was mistaken in thinking he was right with God

Philippians 3:4-6 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

    If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. (NIV)

He came to see things in quite a different light.

1 Timothy 1:15     Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- of whom I am the worst. (NIV)

b          He mistook self righteousness for zeal.

No one could have been more firm in his opinions or more convinced that his cause was the cause of God. No one could have been more mistaken!

1 Corinthians 15:9     For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. (NIV)

            c          He mistook the character of God

His God was narrow he had no grasp of the personal love and identification of Jesus with His people.

Some vital questions

1                    Do you see yourself as God sees you?

Ø      He sees your need.

Ø      He sees your helplessness

Ø      He sees your future

2                    Do you see God as He is?

Ø      He is Righteous and Holy

Ø      He is Love

3                    Do you know where to find correct answers to both

Questions?

Ø      Nature will tell you so much

Ø      Conscience will tell you so much

Ø      Scripture will tell you so much

Ø      Scripture read in dependence on the Spirit.

4          Have you like Paul met Christ?