Episode 2 - Redirection

Sermon Notes:

SAUL'S WRONG AFFIRMATION -  ON THE WRONG SIDE
Acts 8:1-2 Saul agreed with putting him to death. On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria.

SAUL'S WRONG ACTION - DOING THE WRONG THINGS
Acts 9:1 - Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord.

SAUL'S WRONG ASPIRATION - GOING THE WRONG WAY
Acts 9:1-2 -He went to the high priest 2 and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

Acts 9:3-9 - As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. 4 Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 “Who are You, Lord?” he said.  “I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting,” He replied. 6 “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

JESUS RE-DIRECTS WHO WE ARE, HOW WE ARE ACTING, AND WHAT WE ASPIRE TO.

Acts 9:8-9 Then Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink.

Acts 9:18-19 At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 And after taking some food, he regained his strength.

OFTEN IT TAKES REJECTION OF OUR DIRECTION TO HAVE OUR EYES OPENED TO JESUS' DIRECTION FOR US.

Act 9:19,20 & 31 - Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some days. 20 Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: “He is the Son of God.” 31 So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and it increased in numbers.

IF WE AREN’T GOING GOD'S WAY WE ARE GOING THE WRONG WAY.

1 Timothy 1:12-16 - I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— 13 one who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

JESUS'OUTSTRETCHED HANDS COVER THE LONGITUDE & LATITUDE OF OUR SIN.

JESUS REJECTS OUR SINFUL DIRECTION & THROUGH HIS RESURRECTION, HE REDEEMS US & REDIRECT US.

Further Discussion:

Remember & Respond:

Considering Saul's agreement with putting Stephen to death (Acts 8:1), can you recall a time when your beliefs or affirmations were aligned with something counter to God's will.

Think about instances when your actions were in opposition to God's teachings. How did it impact your spiritual journey?

Reflect on moments when your aspirations led you away from God's path. How did it affect your spiritual growth?

Read & Reflect:

Read Acts 8:1-2: How do you interpret Saul's agreement with putting Christians to death in the context of the church's persecution?

Read Acts 9:1: Consider Saul's threats and murder against the disciples. How does this demonstrate the severity of being on the wrong side?

Read Acts 9:1-2: Saul sought letters to persecute followers of the Way. How does this illustrate the wrong aspirations that can lead us away from God?

Relate & React:

Share an experience when rejection or redirection was necessary in your life. How did it impact your perspective and direction?

In what ways have you found yourself affirming beliefs or actions that were contrary to God's will? How did you realign?

Reflect on Saul's transformation. How can you discern between your direction and God's direction in your daily life?

Prayer:

Take a moment to confess and acknowledge any misdirection in your beliefs, actions, or aspirations.

Pray for God's guidance and redirection where needed. Ask for clarity in discerning His will and the courage to follow it.

Express gratitude for God's mercy and redemption, similar to how Saul thanked God for mercy despite his past actions.