Saul was Born Again and Came to the Lord <Ac 9:3-9>

Introduction:

* Saul was not transformed through reflection or spiritual practice, but it was God working on him to fulfil the work of a new creation (transformation by the renewing of mind, born again).

* God did not diminish the humanity of Saul, but let him become a true human.

* Saul restored a glorious humanity, which submitted to his Creator Lord.

* After that, Saul went on a completely different direction in life.

* He lived completely for Christ.

* <Ac 9:19-20>: Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

Read <Ac 9:3-9>

1. <v3> That great light from heaven.

<1 Co 4:6>: Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.

2. <v4> “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

3. <v5-6>: Two questions asked by Saul <Ac 22:8, 10>.

(1) “Who are you, Lord?”

* <Php 3:8>: What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

(2) “What shall I do, Lord?”

* <Ac 9:16>:  I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.

4. <v7>: The men traveling with Saul heard the sound but did not see anyone.

5. <v8-9>: The impact Saul felt in his spirit made him unable to eat or drink for 3 days.

** Saul kicked against the goads **

<Ac 26:14>: ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

** What were the goads that Saul kicked? **

1）Doubts in his heart concerning Jesus that kept troubling him.

2）Stephen’s life and martyrdom.

3）His own moral imperfections.