How can Paul's transformation inspire our own spiritual growth and witness today? Paul’s Shocking Turnaround (1 Corinthians 15 : 8) “and last of all He appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” What Happened on the Damascus Road? • Acts 9 : 3-6 – A literal flash of light, the risen Jesus speaking aloud, blind Saul falling to the ground. • Galatians 1 : 15-16 – Paul calls it God “pleased to reveal His Son in me.” • The encounter was historical, public (companions heard a sound), and bodily—affirming the resurrection’s physical reality. Why This Matters for Us • If Jesus can confront a violent persecutor, no heart is beyond reach. • Salvation is by grace alone; Paul contributed nothing but surrender (Ephesians 2 : 8-9). • The gospel’s power is objective, not psychological; it invades a life with real light and real words. Marks of a Transformed Life Paul immediately… 1. Confessed Jesus as Lord (Acts 9 : 20). 2. Joined the very church he once tried to destroy (Acts 9 : 26-28). 3. Accepted suffering as normal (Acts 9 : 16; 2 Corinthians 11 : 23-28). 4. Centered every message on the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15 : 3-4). Following the Same Pattern Today • Start with a clear, personal encounter with the risen Christ through His Word (Romans 10 : 17). • Let Scripture rewrite identity: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5 : 17). • Embrace complete turnaround—values, relationships, ambitions (Philippians 3 : 7-8). • Expect opposition yet persevere, knowing weakness showcases Christ’s strength (2 Corinthians 12 : 9-10). • Keep the resurrection central in every conversation and act of service (1 Peter 3 : 15). Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth • Daily reread Paul’s testimony (Acts 9; 22; 26) and note fresh insights. • Memorize 1 Timothy 1 : 15-16 to stay amazed at grace. • Share a concise “before-and-after” story of your own encounter with Christ. • Seek out the very people you once avoided or opposed; reconcile and witness. • Measure progress by obedience, not comfort. Witness That Reflects Paul’s Example • Bold proclamation without apology (Romans 1 : 16). • Culturally adaptable yet doctrinally firm (1 Corinthians 9 : 19-23). • Joy rooted in eternity, not circumstances (Philippians 4 : 4). • A life that visibly answers the question, “What happened to you?”—pointing straight to the risen Lord. Closing Thought The same Jesus who appeared “last of all” to Paul still calls, transforms, and commissions today. Taking Him at His Word unleashes that very power in our own story, giving us a testimony as undeniable as the light that stopped a Pharisee in his tracks. |
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