How can we guard against being like Saul, who "ravaged the church" in Acts 8:3? Our Starting Verse “But Saul began ravaging the church. Entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.” – Acts 8:3 What Went Wrong for Saul? • Zeal without truth: “I persecuted this Way to the death” (Acts 22:4). • Confidence in self-righteousness: “as for righteousness based on the Law, faultless” (Philippians 3:6). • Spiritual blindness: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4). • Hard heart toward Christ’s body: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4). Warning Signs in Us • Pride that elevates our opinions above Scripture (Proverbs 16:18). • Harsh judgment of fellow believers (James 4:11–12). • Religious activity that eclipses love (1 Corinthians 13:2). • Anger dressed up as “holy zeal” (James 1:20). • Isolation from Spirit-filled counsel (Proverbs 18:1). Guardrails for Our Hearts • Stay under Scripture’s authority – “Your word is a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). – Measure every conviction by clear biblical teaching. • Keep a soft, teachable spirit – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). – Invite correction from mature believers (Proverbs 27:6). • Pursue Christ-centered zeal, not self-centered zeal – “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). – Let love guide every action (John 13:35). • Guard the unity of the church – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). – Refuse gossip and divisive talk (Titus 3:10). • Watch over your heart daily – “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23). – Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). • Walk in the Spirit – “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). – The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience… against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). Hope from Saul’s Transformation • Even the fiercest opponent can become a devoted servant: “I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief” (1 Timothy 1:13). • God’s grace turns persecutors into preachers (Acts 9:20). • Remember this grace when confronted with our own blind spots or when we meet a modern-day “Saul.” Closing Thoughts Vigilant hearts anchored in Scripture, humbled before Christ, and filled with His Spirit will not ravage His church; they will build it up. |
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