Yesterday we considered Saul's immediate and complete transformation that occurred after his conversion on the Damascus road. But the truth of his transformation was more than just earthly...something supernatural had literally changed the fabric of who Saul was.
Saul, who later became known as Paul, reflected on the significance of this change in 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV...
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Notice 3 things that Saul received at his conversion..
He received...
1. a NEW POSITION.
After his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road and his conversion, Saul was immediately adopted as a son into God family. We see this truth in John 1:12-13
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Saul became a child of God with all the rights and privileges that come with being a part of God's family.
2. a NEW PERSONALITY.
Prior to his conversion, Saul was simply Saul, driven, obsessed, filled with bitterness and rage. However, when he was filled with the Holy Spirit, his entire personality changed. As he surrendered his will to the power of the Holy Spirit, his life began to reflect the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23...
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
People must have been amazed at the radical change in Saul's attitude and demeanor...what a true change it was!!
3. a NEW POTENTIAL.
Before his conversion, Saul was one of the most important men in all of Jerusalem and Israel for that matter. He was a true leader and a visionary for the Jewish faith. Once Jesus won his heart, he humbly became one of the most important men in history. The potential he received when he surrendered to Jesus was limitless!
If you are "in Christ" all these things are true of you as well. Did you know that you have received a new position in God family, a new personality that reflects the Holy Spirit, and a new potential to make a kingdom impact for eternity?
Prior to his conversion, Saul was simply Saul, driven, obsessed, filled with bitterness and rage. However, when he was filled with the Holy Spirit, his entire personality changed. As he surrendered his will to the power of the Holy Spirit, his life began to reflect the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23...
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
People must have been amazed at the radical change in Saul's attitude and demeanor...what a true change it was!!
3. a NEW POTENTIAL.
Before his conversion, Saul was one of the most important men in all of Jerusalem and Israel for that matter. He was a true leader and a visionary for the Jewish faith. Once Jesus won his heart, he humbly became one of the most important men in history. The potential he received when he surrendered to Jesus was limitless!
If you are "in Christ" all these things are true of you as well. Did you know that you have received a new position in God family, a new personality that reflects the Holy Spirit, and a new potential to make a kingdom impact for eternity?
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