Kicking Against the Pricks

Kicking Against the Pricks

Background from the NT: Acts 9:1-9

The Setup (vs 1-2)

Saul was obsessed with destroying Christians (See also Acts 7:55 - 8:3)

Saul's trip from Jerusalem to Damascus was not an easy day trip. He was going out of his way to persecute believers

Question: in what ways did we work against God before our conversion? Looking back on it now, it's obvious to us. Why didn't we see it then? How does that affect our approach when witnessing to other non-believers?

The Moment of Truth (vs 3-5)

He was near Damascus -- he was within reach of those he came to persecute. (makes you wonder if someone in Damascus was praying for deliverance)

Jesus made a dramatic appearance before Saul -- lights & sound -- but is that how He usually works?

Saul asks the two most important questions of his life

Who are you, Lord? (How does Jesus answer?)

What wilt thou have me to do? (How does Jesus answer?)

The two most important questions of our time:

Who is Jesus?

What does He want us to do?

The Rest of the Story (vs 6-9)

Saul's response

He falls to the earth -- he's probably face down eating dust

He's trembling & astonished

He's obedient

He's no longer proud & strong, he has to be led by the hand

God's response

He gave him simple instructions

He only told him what he needed to know

He created a state of dependency in Saul, and arranged for his provision

Our response (read verse 20)