Bible Study - Redeemed (6) - Redeemed From an Unbelieving Past - Acts 26:9-20 - May 22, 2016

Bible Study – Redeemed (6) – Redeemed From an Unbelieving Past – May 22, 2016

This is lesson six (6) and final lesson in our series entitled “Beauty from 

Ashes: Redeeming Your Broken Moments.”

Our focus scripture is Acts 26:9-20.

JESUS can transform even the most hostile opponent into a faithful believer.

Saul (His Hebrew name), who we also know as Paul (His Roman name), in his life before salvation was on a mission, he thought by GOD, to eradicate the followers of CHRIST. Saul was well trained in the Jewish religion by a very popular Jewish Rabbi Gamaliel.

Acts 5:34-39: (Background regarding Saul’s Jewish Teacher)

34 A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while.

35 He said to them, "Men of Israel, be careful about what you're going to do to these men.

36 Not long ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about 400 men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his partisans were dispersed and came to nothing.

37 After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. That man also perished, and all his partisans were 

scattered.

38 And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown;

39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God." So they were persuaded by him.

Acts 22:3: (Saul gave King Agrippa a little of his background in the introduction. When we give our testimony we should tell a little of our life before we became a Christian. Keep is brief.)

3 He (Saul) continued, "I am a Jewish man, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and educated according to the strict view of our patriarchal law. Being zealous for God, just as all of you are today, 

Saul thought he was doing the work of GOD in annihilating the followers of CHRIST. The followers of CHRIST feared him. When Saul encountered CHRIST on the road to Damascus, Saul’s life was changed forever.   

Christians must not give up hope for the lost.

Rev. Lee Thomas spoke to our church this past Wednesday evening (May 11, 2016). Rev. Thomas has written the books “Praying Effectively for the Lost” and “Living the Exceedingly Victorious Life.” He discussed the importance of praying for the lost. [Rev. Lee Thomas, P.O. Box 1058, Westlake, LA 70669. www.lthomas@pelministries .org.]

Christians are Holy. We are the temple in which the Holy Spirit resides. As Christians, through our faith in JESUS, JESUS imputes to each Christian authority in HIS name. Christians can claim the salvation of each person within their family, friends, employees and all who they place within their circle. That does not mean that they are saved because they are in your circle. Each person must make a personal decision to follow CHRIST but he or she is sanctified or set aside such that the Holy Spirit can work within the life of the person in your circle to receive salvation at some point in his or her life. We can claim their salvation and know that the Holy Spirit will work within their lives to the fullest extent possible to bring about salvation. The decision will be his or hers to make but he or she will make it before they die. We may die before the person within our circle dies but our prayers will continue to work in his or her behalf after we are physically dead and in Heaven.

Saul’s desire was to obediently serve GOD but he was working in the flesh. GOD knew Saul’s earnest desire was to serve HIM but he was working against GOD’S will and purpose because of ignorance to the truth. Once CHRIST came into Saul’s life he saw truth and his entire focus changed in an instant.

Acts 7:54-60: (Saul was present when Stephen was martyred.)

The First Christian Martyr

54 When they heard these things, they were enraged in their hearts and gnashed their teeth at him.

55 But Stephen, filled by the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw God's glory, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said,

56 "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"

57 Then they screamed at the top of their voices, stopped their ears, and rushed together against him.

58 They threw him out of the city and began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 They were stoning Stephen as he called out: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"

60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin!" And saying this, he fell asleep.

The young soldier guarded the clothing of those who stoned Stephen but he also heard Stephen’s testimony and truth. Seeds were planted by GOD into Saul’s heart through Stephen’s witness.

The fact that Saul was converted and became a Christian did not stop the Jews from trying to obliterate CHRIST followers which included Saul. Salvation certainly changed Saul’s life and focus. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Acts 26:1-8: (Background leading to our focus scripture.)

Paul's Defense before Agrippa (Paul was excited to have the opportunity to give his testimony to King Agrippa.)

1 Agrippa said to Paul, "It is permitted for you to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

2 "I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that today I am going to make a defense before you about everything I am accused of by the Jews,

3 especially since you are an expert in all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 "All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem.

5 They had previously known me for quite some time, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.

6 And now I stand on trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

7 [the promise] our 12 tribes hope to attain as they earnestly serve Him night and day. Because of this hope I am being accused by the Jews, O king!

8 Why is it considered incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

What is this hope of which Paul is speaking? GOD raises the dead! JESUS!

Let’s read Acts 26:9-11:

9 In fact, I myself supposed it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarene.

Often many of us work hard at doing religion in our strength only to find that we are empty. We can do religion in our Christian churches and come up empty because we are working in our strength and leaning on our own understanding. Truth is according to our definition and not according to revelation as the result of our personal encounter with CHRIST as revealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

10 This I actually did in Jerusalem, and I locked up many of the saints in prison, since I had received authority for that from the chief priests. When they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.

11 In all the synagogues I often tried to make them blaspheme by punishing them. Being greatly enraged at them, I even pursued them to foreign cities.

Paul was giving his testimony to King Agrippa. We can use this outline to prepare our testimony. Paul gave an overview of his life before CHRIST came into his life. He was a devout Jew. He was a Pharisee. He thought he was obediently serving GOD by destroying those who were followers of JESUS.

Let’s read Acts 26:12-18: (Circumstances leading to salvation.)

Paul's Account of His Conversion and Commission

12 "Under these circumstances I was traveling to Damascus with authority and a commission from the chief priests.

13 At midday, while on the road, O king, I saw a light from heaven brighter than the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me.

14 When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

15 "But I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' "And the Lord replied: 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

16 But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness of things you have seen, and of things in which I will appear to you.

17 I will rescue you from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,

18 to open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'

Paul describes his encounter with JESUS. JESUS commissioned Saul to serve HIM and that HE would be with him in ministry.

Let’s read Acts 26:19-20: (What Paul did after his encounter with JESUS.)

19 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.

Saul hit the road running, so-to-speak in the power of the Holy Spirit.

20 Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.

Saul began preaching in Damascus. The Jews tried to kill him but he escaped through a window and being lowered over the city wall. The Jews had people located at the city gates to cease Saul if he tried to leave the city. Saul studied for three years. He met with the Apostle Peter and James the half-brother of JESUS. He preached the Gospel of JESUS in Jerusalem.

21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple complex and were trying to kill me.

22 Since I have obtained help that comes from God, to this day I stand and testify to both small and great, saying nothing else than what the prophets and Moses said would take place-

23 that the Messiah must suffer, and that as the first to rise from the dead, He would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles."

Let’s read Acts 26:24-32: (The invitation to receive JESUS as Savior. When giving your testimony an invitation to accept CHRIST as Savior should always be given either by you or those responsible for the gathering.)

Not Quite Persuaded

24 As he was making his defense this way, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, "You're out of your mind, Paul! Too much study is driving you mad!"

25 But Paul replied, "I'm not out of my mind, most excellent Festus. On the contrary, I'm speaking words of truth and good judgment.

26 For the king knows about these matters. It is to him I am actually speaking boldly. For I'm not convinced that any of these things escapes his notice, since this was not done in a corner!

27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe."

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?"

29 "I wish before God," replied Paul, "that whether easily or with difficulty, not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am-except for these chains."

30 So the king, the governor, Bernice, and those sitting with them got up,

31 and when they had left they talked with each other and said, "This man is doing nothing that deserves death or chains."

32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar."

GOD’S plan was for Paul to give witness to Caesar but along the path to Caesar he was to give his testimony to other leaders, which he had. This was GOD’S plan for Paul. Paul knew the truth and was bold in sharing the truth of JESUS as GOD gave him the opportunity.

Are you excited about being a Christian? Do you want to share CHRIST with those with whom you come into contact each day? We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world may we all be eager to share CHRIST as HE gives us opportunity. Your testimony is one of the most powerful evidences of the presence of JESUS in your life. People can argue the Bible but your testimony is your personal encounter with JESUS on your road of life. Write it out and be prepared to share it as GOD provides the opportunity. Have a two minute 

version and a 15-20 minute version. Blessings!!!