Certainly, the conversion of Saul to Paul presented one transformed life that changed the world. So, dramatic was his transformation! But shouldn’t knowing Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord be just as dramatic a transformation in my life as well? A transformed life should be displayed in all that I do or say! Yet, does it. Do I allow selfish or prideful ideas to squelch the power of the Holy Spirit? Allowing the worries, fears or cares of this world to push aside the flaming fires of faith that are truly mine because of all that Jesus did for me? He died on the cross that I might be freed from the powers off sin in my life. Then, He sent the Holy Spirit to reside in me to guide me and to comfort me, reminding me of all His promises to me.
Yet, how quickly do I or we allow our hearts to be pulled aside and our minds to be distracted. Immediately, Saul bowed to the Lordship of Christ there on the road to Damascus saying, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6). The number one persecutor of the early church would embrace Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, preaching fervently the gospel message he had intended to eradicate!
One Transformed Life
John McArthur in a sermon said,
In one day, the history of the whole world was changed when that man was transformed. The blasphemer became the preacher of Christ’s love. The hand that wrote in anger the execution paper for Christians, now writes in love with tears the letters of the redeeming of love of God in Christ. The heart that beat with thirst for the blood of Christians now desires that the blood of Christ be applied to every heart for sin.
He’s a changed man, and it happened in a moment. From a volatile, energetic, dynamic enemy of Jesus Christ – persecutor, blasphemer – came the greater part of the New Testament; came the noblest statements of Christian theology; came the sweetest songs of God’s love. And he became the most saintly, heroic person who ever named the name of Jesus Christ. What a transformation.[1]
Acts 9:17-25
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket
Straightway, he preached the gospel. No hesitancy. We do know from Galatians that he did go into Arabia to prepare for his ministry, not being taught by men. Yet, it is certain, he taught as he studied those three years; because, somehow, he had irritated King Aretas of Nabatean Arabia. He noted this in 2 Corinthians 11:32. Hence, the order went out to kill him.
Changed the World
As John McArthur points out:
“That’s the story that we’ve been looking at in the 9th chapter of the book of Acts. One day the history of the world changed. One day that history changed because one man was transformed. The blasphemer Saul became the preacher Paul. The purveyor of hate became the prophet of love. The hand that wrote in anger the execution papers for the disciples of Christ now wrote love letters with tears to the followers of Christ. That heart that beat in the passion of anger for the blood of those he opposed now desired that the blood of Christ be applied to every heart…God has to replace the unusable characteristics – hatred, animosity, bitterness, anger – and he replaced them in Paul’s life with love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. He was a model of humility.” [2]
Isn’t that the case for every one of us who profess the name of Christ? the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). But how often do we allow the fruit to flourish? We must reflect the transformed life we have so freely been given. But how do we do that? Paul gives us a clue in the following scripture.
I Corinthians 9:
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Always mindful that our actions must be kept in check, for we represent Jesus Christ and never do I want to bring shame to His name or be found unworthy to be His missionary to the world.
Philippians 3:
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Even then, it is Christ who is my conqueror! He will reveal to me my failures and frailties. Yet, my transformed life reflects Him, so long as I keep my eyes focused on Him who is my greatest prize and treasure.
2 Timothy 1:11-13
11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Concluding Thoughts
Paul, the apostle was one transformed life who changed the world. What about you? Do you know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? If so, will you keep your eyes focused on Him? Whatever the cost, will you say, “Lord, what would you have me to do?” Then, with the power of the Holy Spirit, will you step forward, die to selfish desire and do whatever He asks of you?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
PREVIOUSLY
Will You Do Whatever God Says, No Matter What?
If I in Silence Do Dismiss (A Poem)
Did You Receive the Power of the Holy Spirit?
Is there a Faith that Cannot Save?
But for God, the Sorrows that Abound- a poem
How can Relentless Persecution Really Bring About Good?
One of the Greatest Sermons Ever
7 Characteristics of Stephen Everyone Should Know
ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Books Available
If you want to know more about books I have written, click on this link to discover my Book Resources.
Another option is going to Amazon.com. There you can find my books by searching for Effie Darlene Barba. Or click this link to be taken there
Furthermore for inspirational photos or home decor click here.
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits:
[1] John McArthur, The Transformed Life Part 4, Gracetoyou.org, 2/18/1973, https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/1731/the-transformed-life-part-4 accessed 8/24/19
[2] John McArthur, Paul’s Transformation Part 2, Gracetoyou.org, 5/24/2015, https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/44-33/pauls-transformation-part-2 accessed 8/24/2019
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash