One Life Plus One Savior Equals A World of Difference

Text: Acts 9:1-31 (NIV)

Introduction

• Saul’s story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
• Many think their neighbor, coworker, or relative is closed to the gospel—but Saul was one of the most hostile people toward it.
• His transformation is proof that the message of the Cross can turn anyone’s life around.

I.  A Persecutor on the Hunt (Acts 9:1-2)

• Saul wasn’t just closed to the gospel; he wanted to shut it down—burn it down, with the Christians still in it.
• 1 Timothy 1:13 – He later called himself a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man.
• At the same time, he was deeply religious—blameless in keeping the Law.
• There are many practicing religion who are hostile to the gospel.
• 1 Timothy 1:15 – “I was the foremost of sinners.”
• Galatians 1:13 – “I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.”
• The persecution continues today—people are still working to destroy the church.
• Why didn’t God choose someone more worthy, like Stephen?
• Acts 6 describes Stephen as full of grace and power.
• Acts 7 – Saul watched with pleasure as Stephen was stoned.
• 16 – “But for that very reason – because I was the foremost of sinners – I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience.”
• Ephesians 3:8 – “I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, but grace was given unto me.”

II.  Blinded by the Light: A Divine Interruption (Acts 9:3-9)

• Saul was on a mission, but the mission changed after his encounter with Jesus.
• This moment became the foundation for his entire life.
• His testimony shaped the New Testament and our doctrinal positions today.
• Jesus identifies with His people: “Why are you persecuting Me?”
• Though Jesus was beyond Saul’s reach, He felt the persecution of His church as though it were happening to Him.

III. God’s Unexpected Choice (Acts 9:10-18)

• Ananias had concerns—and so did the brethren in Jerusalem.
• They simply didn’t believe it. Not Saul! THE Saul!
• If salvation was up to us, we might have excluded people like him.
• But aren’t we grateful that someone else doesn’t get to choose?
• Communion reminds us that none of us deserved to be chosen.

IV.  From Hunter to Herald to Hunted (Acts 9:19-25)

• Saul’s conversion had immediate consequences.
• He spent days with the disciples and began preaching in the synagogues.
• They tried to kill him in Damascus.
• They tried to kill him in Jerusalem.
• He had opposed Christians before, thinking it was his own reasoning—but his thoughts were being fueled by hell itself.
• When he began exalting the name of Jesus, he became hell’s target.
• Our struggle is not against flesh and blood.

V.  Final Thoughts & Communion

• Paul recognized that the cross of Christ made the difference in his life.
• Galatians 6:14 – “May I never boast except in the cross of Christ.”
• God ensured the gospel’s credibility by giving His most prominent messenger an encounter with the risen Christ.
• Paul’s life stands as strong evidence for the case for Christ.
• Many unheralded lives—stories never recognized by the world—are still significant to God.
• Your life, plus one Savior, shines as gloriously as any other in God’s eyes.
• Communion is our moment to say thank You to Him.