How can we apply Saul's transformation in Acts 26:15 to our lives? The Text in Focus “ ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied.” (Acts 26:15) From Opposition to Obedience: Saul’s Radical Change • Saul began that day convinced he served God by hunting Christians (Acts 9:1–2). • One sentence from the risen Christ exposed the truth, reversed his direction, and set him on lifelong mission (Acts 26:19–20). • His experience shows that no one is beyond reach, and no heart is too hard for Christ to conquer. Recognizing the True Lord • Saul’s first response—“Who are You, Lord?”—admits Jesus’ authority before understanding everything about Him. • Romans 10:9 reminds us the starting point is the same: “if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” • Daily application: begin every decision by acknowledging Christ’s right to rule it. Owning Our Misplaced Zeal • Saul’s zeal was real, but misdirected; Jesus named the sin: “whom you are persecuting.” • 1 Timothy 1:13 makes Paul’s confession clear: “I acted in ignorance and unbelief.” • Invite the Spirit to expose any passion we justify that actually fights against God’s purposes—pride, unforgiveness, self-reliance. Surrendering to Christ’s Sovereign Call • Moments later Jesus assigned Saul a mission (Acts 26:16–18). Salvation and calling arrived together. • Ephesians 2:10 links the two for every believer: we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” • Practical step: list spheres God has already placed you in—family, workplace, community—and ask how to shine His light there. Living Out a New Identity • 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Saul receives the new name Paul, symbolizing total renewal. • Leave old labels at the cross—failure, addict, angry, anxious—and walk in the identity Christ speaks over you: child, ambassador, heir. Becoming a Witness of Grace • Acts 26:22—Paul testifies, “I stand to this day testifying to small and great alike.” • Your story of meeting Jesus is evidence the gospel works. • Share it naturally: – Highlight who you were. – Describe the moment you recognized Jesus as Lord. – Explain the difference He makes today. Practical Takeaways for Today • Start each morning echoing Saul’s question: “Who are You, Lord?”—inviting fresh revelation of Jesus’ character. • Confess any area where zeal outruns truth; align it with Scripture. • Embrace Christ’s specific assignments—no task is insignificant when He gives it. • Walk in new identity; refuse to answer to old names sin once shouted. • Tell your story; Paul’s transformation still fuels ours, and God uses personal testimony to open blinded eyes. |
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