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Introduction:
Life can change in a moment. One divine encounter can redirect destiny. On the road to Damascus, Saul—persecutor of the church—had a face-to-face encounter with the risen Christ. This encounter would change him forever, and the impact still echoes in the Church today.
1. Saul’s Mission Before the Encounter
Acts 9:1-2 (NKJV):
“Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters… so that if he found any who were of the Way… he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”
- Saul was zealous, but sincerely wrong.
- Passion without revelation leads to destruction.
- Many walk their own “Damascus road,” convinced they are right, yet far from God’s truth.
Application: Ask God to reveal any area where zeal is leading you without knowledge or compassion.
2. The Divine Interruption
Acts 9:3-4 (NKJV):
“As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying… ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’”
- Encounters with God often come suddenly.
- When God interrupts, it’s to realign and redirect.
- Jesus identifies with His Body—the Church.
Application: Be open to God’s interruptions; they are invitations to transformation.
Matthew 25:40: “…inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
3. The Awakening of Identity and Purpose
Acts 9:5-6 (NKJV):
“And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting… Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’”
- Saul’s first question was, ‘Who are You, Lord?’
- Knowing Jesus is the beginning of true purpose.
- Jesus didn’t just stop Saul—He commissioned him.
Application: Every divine encounter carries a divine assignment.
Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you…”
4. The Process of Transformation
Acts 9:8-9 (NKJV):
“Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one… And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.”
- Transformation is not instant; it involves humbling, reflection, and waiting.
- Blindness symbolizes the breaking of self-reliance.
- Saul fasted—denying the flesh to prepare for a new life.
Application: Don’t rush the process of spiritual change. God is working in the waiting.
2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away…”
5. God Uses People to Complete the Encounter
Acts 9:10-12 (NKJV):
“Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias…”
- God often completes divine encounters through obedient servants.
- Ananias overcame fear to minister to Saul.
- Your obedience can help unlock someone’s destiny.
Application: Be ready to be someone’s “Ananias”—a vessel of healing and activation.
Romans 10:14: “How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”
6. Saul Becomes Paul – The Witness to the World
Acts 9:18-20 (NKJV):
“Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales… and he arose and was baptized… Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues…”
- Once Saul’s eyes opened, so did his calling.
- Baptism signified new life. Preaching followed transformation.
- He became Paul: apostle to the Gentiles.
Application: Your past does not disqualify you. Grace transforms persecutors into preachers.
Galatians 1:15-16: “But when it pleased God… to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles…”
Conclusion:
The road to Damascus is the road of grace. It’s where God meets the lost, the broken, and the proud—and turns them into His instruments of glory.
Call to Action:
- Have you had your “Damascus” encounter?
- Are you resisting the Lord’s call or walking in surrendered obedience?
- Like Paul, God has a great assignment for your life. Say “yes” to His purpose today.
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may we never be too proud or too blind to see You. Interrupt our lives with Your light. Transform our hearts with Your truth. And send us with Your message to the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Knowing Christ is indeed the definition of true purpose
Affirmative Sir