Disciples Of Christ-Future Disciples Of Christ

Future Disciples Of Christ

Summary: Examining the lives of future disciples of Christ.

Series: Disciples Of Christ

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9
Date: 13, March 2016

Scripture Reading

Let us rise to our feet and together read  Acts 9:1-9

9 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. May the sweet Holy Spirit add His manifold blessings to our text this morning... in our hearing. Amen! You may be seated in God's Presence.

INTRODUCTION

Today we will conclude our series on “Disciples Of Christ” - Over the past 6 weeks we have seen False… Fearful… Fallen… Faithful And Fruitful Disciples of Christ. 

Each disciple (or follower) of Christ that we have considered thus far has been individuals who lived here on earth and followed Christ before His ascension. Today we will consider the conversion of the Apostle Paul. This event happened well after Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father. Jesus had a desire for His followers to be fruitful and to make more disciples. 

He commissioned His followers to do just that – Matthew 28:19. "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 

For those of you who are “disciples” of Christ, you did not wake up one day and think “I am going to be born again today”. But before the foundation of the world, God knew you and God had a plan for your life.

You may be here and you have not yet met the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Little do you know that He knows you and He may very well call your name today. This was the case for Saul of Tarsus. He was opposed to everything associated with Jesus. Saul spent his life fighting against the church during its infancy. Then one day as he was living his own life, striving for his own religious goals Jesus came to him and called his name! 

Acts Chapters 9, 22 and 26 all record the account of Paul's conversion. (Chapters 22 and 26 were personal testimonies of Paul.) The year is approximately A.D. 34, about four years after the Day of Pentecost. The newborn Church was undergoing persecution, and unconverted Paul was the man leading the crusade against the new Christian faith.

Though you are not saved now, you very well may be a “Future Disciple Of Christ” Let’s look to Paul’s conversion and consider that very thought… “Future Disciples Of Christ” - There are some similarities in Saul’s story and the lives of many unbelievers today. 

Notice:

I. Future Disciples May Be Rebellious - V. 1a 

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, 

Paul secured written permission from the council in Jerusalem to travel to distant cities. He was authorized to bind as criminals and bring back for trial anyone who trusted in the name of Jesus. From Damascus he was going to haul believers 140 miles to Jerusalem for trial. It is obvious that Paul had no peace in his heart. Anyone who is “breathing out threatenings and slaughter” has no peace. He was a very rough character, even binding the women and dragging them to prison too.

Saul was not a friendly character before his conversion. Consider his own testimony of his past - Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

He was not just a silent objector, he was an intense persecutor of Christ and the Church. We read where he held the coats as the Deacon Steven was stoned to death. He had no concern for the things of Christ. In fact, he was opposed to them. There are many today, in fact you may be one today that could care less about the things of Christ. 

After his conversion he called himself “the chiefest of sinners” and “less than the least of all saints.” He had no false humility when he said this of himself. Here is what Scripture says of Paul before his conversion:

• Acts 8:3 - “made havoc of the church.”

• Galatians 1:13 - “beyond measure persecuted the Church of God and wasted it.”

• 1 Timothy 1:13 - “a blasphemer, a persecutor, and injurious.”

• Acts 22:19 - “beat in every synagogue them that believed.” (500 synagogues in Jerusalem alone).

• Acts 9:13 - did “much evil ... to thy saints at Jerusalem.”

• Acts 22:4 - “persecuted this way unto the death, delivering into prison men and women.”

• Acts 26:9-10 - did “many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.”

• Acts 26:10 - “many of the saints [he] shut up in prison.”

• Acts 26:10 - “when they were put to death, I gave my [vote] against them.”

• Acts 26:11 - “I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme.”

• Acts 26:11 - “being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.”

You have heard all of the religious speak. You have been taught by family and witnessed to by friends. In fact, you may even believe these things and you just don’t care! 

• You are “living in the moment” 
• You are living for yourself
• You have heard the Word and rejected it
• You have been convicted of your sins and you refuse to repent
• You may have plans to make things right one day
• You just aren't ready yet. 

That is a dangerous life to live, for you are not promised tomorrow. I have some encouragement, you may not know it yet, but Jesus may call your name before you leave this place today! You may say “not me! I don’t believe this fantasy world that you are preaching about” Paul would have said the same thing before he walked down Damascus road. 

I have seen men who at one time didn't even believe in God surrender to Christ. I have seen some who were the worst that society had to offer, be humbled at the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I have seen people who thought they had been saved for decades come to know Jesus. Great things can happen when Jesus calls your name! 

Pay attention my “rebellious friend” You just may be a “Future Disciple Of Christ". As we mover further I would like to submit to you that:

I. Future Disciples May Be Rebellious - V.1a 

II. Future Disciples Might Be Religious - V.1b 

went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 

This is the same man who said he was “blameless” concerning the law, yet there was murder in his heart. In his own strength he observed every sabbath and attended every feast day. Paradoxically, legalists are the greatest breakers of the law because they violate the most important law— the law of love. This circumcised Pharisee of Pharisees was very uncircumcised in his heart and soul. Saul was not your “stereotypical sinner”, he was actually a very religious man. Listen to his personal testimony of his life before Christ 

Philippians 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

• Saul was a Jew, born in Tarsus
• Trained and educated in Jerusalem under Gamaliel
• Trained in the Jewish laws and customs
• Saul was very zealous to honor God in everything he did
• This man was not a hoodlum, he was an extremely religious Jew. 
• Still, that was not enough… 
• He needed a savior. 

You may have a similar upbringing. 

• You may have been in church you whole life
• You have received quality religious training
• You attend church faithfully 
• You give a tithe 
• You serve in some capacity
• You read you bible and pray faithfully
• You may possess all of these attributes, But like Saul there is something missing! 
• You don’t lack religion, YOU LACK SALVATION

Remember the very beginning of this series, We considered the life of Judas Iscariot. He was a man who knew the truth, he observed the rituals. Judas was named among the other disciples, yet he was a FALSE DISCIPLE! 

You may be here and you too are a FALSE DISCIPLE, you very well may be a FUTURE DISCIPLE! 

Jesus may call your name today! I praise God that Jesus is still calling disciples today. There is an encouraging fact concerning “Future Disciples” 

Notice: 

I. Future Disciples May Be Rebellious - V.1a 

II. Future Disciples Might Be Religious - V.1b 

III. Future Disciples Can Be Reached - V.3 

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Saul did not seek Jesus. He was not looking for a church. He was not overcome with guilt concerning his sins. He was doing what he felt was right. He set out for Damascus with the intention of bringing Christians bound back to Jerusalem. As he traveled he encountered the very Jesus that he was persecuting. 

Jesus did not say to Paul, “Why are you persecuting my people?” but “why are you persecuting Me?” The Church is intricately part of Him, bone of His bones and flesh of His flesh. Therefore, anything that injures His body, injures Him. We are called “the apple of His eye.” This expression is found five times in Scripture (Deut. 32:10, Psa.17:8, Prov. 7:2, Lam. 2:18, Zech. 2:8). “He that toucheth you touched the apple of his eye.” The eye is the most sensitive part of the body. It is very precious and protected. Anything that harms God's children harms God. This is the reason Christ said to Paul, “Why are you doing this to me?” 

Paul was sincere in his actions against the Church for he believed he was defending the faith of the fathers. Sincerity is not enough. He was sincerely wrong and he was destroying the work of the Lord because of it. His mind needed to be changed and his conscience needed to be reeducated and renewed. He had tried to serve God but not according to right knowledge (Rom.10:1-3).

• You may have plans for your life! 
• You may be working toward personal goals 
• You may be reaching toward some religious goal. 
• You may be attempting to “work your way into heaven’ 
• You may even be convinced that you are truly saved. 

Whatever your situation, you are not without hope. Jesus can and will come to you just as he appeared to Saul here on Damascus Road. 

We addressed the fact last week that God uses us as vessels to reach out to lost man. But let us never think that the power to save is ours. We cannot save anyone. If you have the opportunity to lead someone to Christ it is simply because Jesus has already been dealing with, or he is currently dealing with them! John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him

There is a blessing in the fact that God desires more and more disciples come into the fold. The Father is “not willing that any should perish but that all come to repentance"

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Future Disciples can be reached and when they are, we see that: 

I. Future Disciples May Be Rebellious - V.1 a. 

II. Future Disciples Might Be Religious - V.1 b. 

III. Future Disciples Can Be Reached - V.3.

IV. Future Disciples Will Be Redeemed - V.5. 

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

This bold and zealous Jew who had wreaked so much havoc on the early church was humbled at the sight of Jesus. He didn't realize exactly what was happening. He was confused and asked “Who are you, Lord?” Jesus made it clear who he was! 

The first question involves our relationship with God—“Who are you, Lord?” Our knowledge of God must be ongoing. It must expand and grow after our new birth. Twenty-eight years later, Paul continued to cry out, “That I might know him” (Phil. 3:10). He wanted the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. Thus, we must never think that we know it all (1 Cor. 8:2). 

Saul asked for direction? “And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. “

The second question concerns our call or mission in life—“What do you want me to do?” Our knowledge of His plan for our lives must also grow and have a further unfolding. God will not show us more about His plan for our lives until we have first paid attention to what He has already shown us.

Paul asked, “What wilt thou have me to do?” Christ could have explained more to Paul, but did not. Instead, he told him: “Go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” The Lord had prepared a human instrument in the city (Ananias) who would give Paul further instructions. 

At this point Saul didn't have all of the answers, but he was humble and obedient! Saul arose and was led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. The Lord sent Ananias to Saul. 

Ananias laid his hands on him and said, “Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” The scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 

Ananias ministered to Paul in four ways:

• He laid his hands on him and healed him of his blindness. Scales fell from his eyes.
• He gave him prophetic direction, revealing his call to the Gentiles, kings, and Israel.
• He baptized him in water.

• He laid his hands upon him to be filled with the Holy Ghost.

As I mentioned, At this point Saul did not fully grasp what was happening but he surrendered to the Christ that he persecuted. 

Invitation And The Final Challenge

Right from the beginning, God wanted Paul to know that he had to be able to hear from God through other people. We are inter-dependent upon one another to hear from God. No one person will ever have the whole picture. We must always remember that we are only part of a body, and only part of the answer. We are not the answer, but part of the answer to the world's needs.

You may not have all the answers. You may be extremely confused as to what is happening to you right now. But you do know that something is happening! Maybe this is your Damascus Road! Jesus may be calling your name today! I encourage you to follow Saul’s example. 

HUMBLE YOURSELF AND SURRENDER TO JESUS TODAY! 

On January 2, 2000, a noose was placed around the neck of seventeen-year-old young man. He killed a man Tehran on December 13 after a quarrel. The gallows were standing and a large crowd was assembled for the execution. With hands cuffed and tears streaming down his ashen face, the teenager waited for the final signal to end his short life. To his utter surprise, the victim’s father, exercised his privilege under Iran’s Islamic legal system and granted the boy forgiveness. Just seconds before being hanged, he was extended grace rather than justice. The killer’s mother collapsed under the strain and cried out, “I will never forget as long as I live how he gave me my son’s life back.” After receiving clemency, the man was ushered away from the gallows in an ambulance that was waiting to take his body to the morgue. 

State-run television ran footage of the teenager repeatedly thanking the father whose son he killed. Like this young man from Iran, we are all guilty of sin and worthy of spiritual execution. 

But God has “commended His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)

The account of Paul's conversion on the Damascus road is not just a nice Bible story in history. What happened that day affected you and me... it affected the destiny of the world. God was laying His hand upon a special man, and God was going to give this man special secrets to tell us that would affect our eternity. This is the reason these Scriptures are so important, and also fascinating.

This loving God is seeking Future Disciples today! Are You the one...? Then