GETTING STARTED
It’s been well said that the church should be more like a hospital for sick people than a theater for the performing arts. So, why are we as Christ followers reticent to reveal who we really are? We can learn invaluable lessons about our identity from the example of Saul, who would later become Paul. His personal, life-altering encounter with Jesus changed everything, including his very name.
- Pause for a moment: What would your life really look like if Jesus Christ were not part of your life journey?
READ THE WORD: ACTS 9:1-9 (ESV)
9:1 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.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- Describe Saul before his encounter with Jesus.
- What response did Saul have to the light? Why is this profoundly significant?
- How have you been “blind” and been shown “the light” by God in your life?
- If it’s true that a conversion story need not be dramatic, but only authentic, then what is important in communicating faith in Jesus?
- How does this event give you confidence in Christ’s control over the advancement of the gospel? How does it give you hope that no one is out of his reach?
RESPOND TO GOD
The mere mention of the name Saul of Tarsus would send chills down the backbones of the believers of his day. Before he placed his trust in Jesus for eternal life, Saul was controlled by hate and was “sold out” to a misguided, radical view of righteousness that distinguished him as a notorious persecutor of the church. Then God stopped Saul’s “seek and destroy” mission against Christians by bringing him face-to-face with Jesus. In an instant, Saul was transformed from an enemy of God to a faithful follower of Jesus. God altered the course of his life. Today, we behold the great miracle of the gospel leading to a brand new life.
- Ask God to give you his unlimited supply of humble boldness to share your personal testimony—including your life before you trusted Jesus, how you trusted Jesus, and the difference Jesus has made in your life.
