Acts 9:1-8, 18-21

When God Interrupts

Introduction:  To interrupt means to cause or make a break in the continuity or uniformity of (a course, process, condition, etc.); to stop (a person) in the midst of doing or saying something.  Interruptions are normally things that you don’t really want to experience.  Interruptions can be good sometimes.  In the sermon today we will look at an instance when God interrupted. 

We see Saul in chapter 7 when Stephen was stoned because the persecutors laid their coats down at the feet of Saul (v.58). We then hear about Saul again in chapter 8 when Luke reminds us that Saul was yet consenting to the death of Stephen.  Then there is a brief interlude until chapter 9.  You would think that after a man has been murdered that Saul would be a little hurt, “But Saul, still burning with desire to put to death the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, And made a request for letters from him to the Synagogues of Damascus, so that if there were any of the Way there, men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.”

I.                  There was Conviction (vv. 3-4)

·         The Lord’s words “Why are you persecuting me”, reflect the inseparable link between Himself, as head of the body, and its members.  By persecuting Christians, Saul inflicted blows directly on their Lord.  Jesus took it personal.  He takes it personal when someone offends one of His children.

·         Now he being brought face to face with the enormity of his crimes, not against Christians but against Christ.

·         True salvation must include conviction of sin, since it is sin that separates man from God.

II.               There was Conversion (vv.5-8)

·         Recognition - He recognized who Jesus was

·         Repentance – trembling and astonished – what wilt thou have me to – a change of direction

·         Reflection – a changed heart is reflected in our actions

III.           There was Consecration (vv.17-19)

·         Consecration - The devoting or setting apart of anything to the worship or service of God

·         Humility - Blindness is humbling – human frailty – total dependence on God and others

·         Holy Spirit Filled

·         Followed him in baptism (v. 18)

·         Gained strength (v. 19)

Conclusion: He Preached Christ, the man he persecuted.

III.  The Power of Prayer and Fasting  (v.21)

·         Sacrifice is a great asset for the believer

Conclusion:  Lord, don’t move my mountain, but give me the strength to climb, and Lord don’t take away my stumbling block but lead me all around.  All mountains are not bad…

·         Mt. Moriah – a place where we see God provide

·         Mt. Sinai-a place where we see God give direction

·         Mt. Carmel-a place where see God prove himself

·         Mt. of Transfiguration-place we see God glorified