The Gospel and Change
Acts 9:1-20
Part of ACTS—The Spirit on Mission
September 1, 2024

THE GOSPEL AND CHANGE

Acts 9:1-20

God changes people. God uses changed people to change people.


Gospel change is for everyone (including the religious). (9:1-2)

No amount of moral or religious behavior can earn you God’s salvation.

No amount of past sin or current struggles can keep you from God’s grace.

Gospel change is an encounter with the living Jesus. (9:3-5)

God can speak to those who don’t want to hear!

Gospel change is a personal process. (9:6-9)

Stop comparing what God is doing in someone else, and be sure He is doing something in YOU!

Gospel change reshapes our relationships. (9:10-17)

With Jesus • With Ourselves. • With Others
When gospel change happens, forgiveness follows.

Gospel change will keep changing you. (9:18-20)

What in your life needs to be “converted” by the gospel today?


Discussion Guide

Open Up
When the morning alarm goes off, do you wake up right away or are you a “snoozer?”

Share your conversion story.

Why do you think some people have a more dramatic conversion story than others?
 

 
Dig In
What do the following passages say about conversion and change:
Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 3:3-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-24?

Skim Galatians 1:11-24 (Paul’s description of his conversion story). Who does Paul see as the one who caused him to change according to verses 15-16?

How do you think Ananias felt when God called him to go to Saul?

Why do you think Ananias responded the way that he did to God’s call?

Live Out
Is there an are of your life in which you need to see gospel change?

Is there someone in your places or spaces that seems highly unlikely to ever be changed by the gospel?

Take some time to PRAY for the change needed in your group and in those unlikely to change.