Saul becomes Paul - One Letter Changes All
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Scripture
Scripture
Introduction
Introduction
Monday night completed Romans, Galatians and Ephesians
Σαῦλος Saul, 17 times in the NT.
Παῦλος Paul, 163 times in the NT
9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
The Key Question
The Key Question
How does Saul of Acts 9:1-2, become Paul, who gives us that wonderful final benediction in Romans 16:25-29?
How do we get from,
1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
To Paul saying,
25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith—27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
Just One letter Changes All
Just One letter Changes All
Σαῦλος Saul, 17 times in the NT.
Παῦλος Paul, 163 times in the NT
9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
What is in your Box?
What is in your Box?
"Conversion happens when religion becomes relationship with a God who is love"
"Conversion happens when religion becomes relationship with a God who is love"
Father means relationship
19 We love Him because He first loved us.
Perfect fear cast out fear.
Love takes fear out as the motivator.
Love begins to fill Paul. New seed.
Where fear, anger, frustration had occupied.
Wrapped up in the love of God
1 Cor 13
Knew it all, but he was motivated by fear, by anger and by frustration, not love
Pauls fears and passions were overshadowed by the love of God.
And we sometimes somehow get the impression that to speak of the love of God is soft words.
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Love replaced fear in how ones relate to God.
Paul realised he was loved by God no matter what.
Best days, and the very worst day.
Insecure, fearful, not lovable, gone too far in some area of life, Paul said I am the chief of sinners, stephen
Ananias called me their Brother, in-spite of all that.
Accept that love.
They still under the schoolmaster, tradition. Inward looking. Do they five things and then...
Replaced by Relationship and Freedom in Christ.
Walt’s message on Saul. What is really in the box? What if fear was at the centre of the box for Saul. Saul thought God was is in the box, by defending the faith, pointing fingers at others, he was defending God, but really he was driven by fear. Fear that He was not good enough, fear that He will not make it, fear because He was not really sure of what he claimed to others. Blind for three Paul needed time .God’s unconditional love at the centre his box. T he peace of God, and peace with God.