Pauls Conversion
Jay Haugh
Part of Sunday Notes
May 23, 2021

enews-header-ACTS.jpg

Pauls Conversion
Jay Haugh
May 23, 2021
Acts 22



Culturally savvy

“Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.” And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. —Acts 22:1-2

His background

And he said: “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. —Acts 22:2-3

I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. —Acts 22:4-5

God intervenes


“As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’”Acts 22:6-8

God saves a terrorist

“And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’” —Acts 22:10

Conversion isn’t just a prayer. It’s a course correction. It’s a change in the heart.

God uses the people Paul wanted to kill in Damascus to be his voice of salvation.

“And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him.” —Acts 22:12-13

He will be obedient because he trusts the goodness of God.

“And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth.’” —Acts 22:14

Paul wants us to see he’s an apostle, not an apostate.

“’for you [Paul] will be a witness for him [Jesus] to everyone of what you have seen and heard.’” —Acts 22:15

“’And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’” —Acts 22:16

“When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’” —Acts 22:17-18

“And he [Jesus] said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” —Acts 22:21

Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” —Acts 22:22

Paul’s story really is our story

BIG IDEA

We are saved by the might and grace of God alone, not by works but because He loves us

SMALL GROUP STUDY GUIDE

Pauls Conversion
Jay Haugh
May 23, 2021
Acts 22

Dwell In The Word 4

This spiritual practice is characterized by reading Scripture together, asking questions, and listening to the answers of others. Inside spiritual practices as a group, no one individual gets to be the authority. We honor the indwelling Holy Spirit at work in the heart of our group members and allow the questions and thoughts that arise from God to have jurisdiction over the moment.

Step One
Select one person to read Acts 22:1-21. During this reading you will be looking to answer one of the following three questions:

  • What may someone who is far from God ask about this passage?
  • What would you tell ‘the you’ from 10 years ago about this passage?
  • What would you ask a Bible scholar about this passage?

Read through the passage and then allow a minute or two for everyone to jot down or think about these three questions.

Step Two
Split your group up into pairs. This could be with the person next to them, with their spouse, or any other creative way your group can imagine. The goal is for it to be two individuals sharing together. Once you have split up you will each take a turn sharing your answers without being interrupted and listening without interrupting. Here is a format to help:

  • Decide who will share first and who will listen first
  • Set a timer for 2 minutes.
    Share your answers to the question uninterrupted
  • When the timer goes off, switch
  • Step Three
    Come back together as a big group. Each person will now take a turn sharing a summary of what their partner said. It may be tempting to help your partner remember correctly what you said. It could also be tempting to add meaning to what you heard your partner say. This may feel uncomfortable or intimidating, just do your best.

    Next
    Process this experience as a group. Are there ways God is trying to activate you or your group? The “Activated” Group Process questions on page 6 may be a helpful guide as your group engages with this material and with God.

    ACTIVATED: GROUP PROGRESS
    How is God activating your group this week?

    Share how you are sensing God’s call on your 2 life this week. Listen as others share with you.

    Lean into the Holy Spirit and spur Leading By Example
    one another on. This may include encouragement or asking questions.

    Pray over these specific activations in the lives of one another.

    What did you enjoy about this group experience?

    What was uncomfortable?

    How do you think a regular practice of this could
    benefit our group?

    SELF-REFLECTION

    How did God get your attention during your personal rhythms with Him this week?

    What is one thing God brought to your attention while listening to the sermon this week?

    How do you think a regular practice of this could benefit our group?