Sermon Tone Analysis

If I were to ask you what does it mean to be Saved would you be able to tell me?

I would like to think you could.

Now if I were to ask you what does it look like would you be able to paint the picture of what salvation looks like?

Does it look different then what your life looked like before salvation, did your thinking change did your circle of friends change did your direction and passions change?

True conversion is a transformation from within that is expressed with a visible and obvious behavior.

Behavior that can't be faked because when you cut right down to it you are becoming conformed to the image of Jesus Christ and you serve Him no matter what comes your way, no matter how much you suffer because you find that the purpose of this life is no longer to honor yourself and be your own authority but to honor God and fall under His authority.

We will see this truth spelled out for us in the transformation of Saul at his conversion.

The Way of Conversion Brings Genuine Transformation

Transformation in Thought

Saul begins immediately to proclaim Jesus as the "Son of God."

He considered this blasphemy but now embraces it.

Those who heard it were amazed because the transformation was a miracle.

Transformation in Authority

Prior to Saul's conversion he was his own authority

Now as he embraced Jesus as Son of God and the revelation of Scripture he increased in strength and confounded the Jews.

Seeing God as True Authority gives Saul a higher view of God's Word and its revealing power.

Proof of who Jesus is is always derived from Scripture.

Transformation in Associations

Saul had spent much time giving the gospel which brought about enemies where they were first allies and brought about allies where they were once hostile.

Transformation in Direction

Saul suffering caused him to have to leave Jerusalem and go back to his home town of Tarsus, in what is modern day Turkey.

No written record of Saul's time in Tarsus but it is safe to assume he spread the gospel there.

The transformation that God makes in us through the power of the Holy Spirit leads us in a different direction.

We no longer follow our own interests but his and we submit to his leading.

When we think we are doing what God wants He moves where he needs us.