Turning Point in Paul’s Life Galatians 1:10-17)

Young Man Stood and Watched Christians being stoned He was in agreement Could he be useful to the Lord? Thought he was right (Acts 23:1) Clear conscience (Acts 26:9)

His Past Life Former manner of life – Excelled in Judaism (2 Corinthians 11:21) – Persecutor (Acts 8:1; 9:1, 2; 22:19) – Gave it up (Philippians 3:4-7) – Trained and educated (Acts 22:3)

His Past Life Profited in Jewish life – Exceedingly jealous (Galatians 1:14) – Valued ancestral traditions

His Past Life Willing to listen – Met Him on the road (Acts 26:19) – Answered God’s call (Galatians 1:15-17)

Change In His Life Born free from sin – “Alive” (Romans 7:9) – Not born in sin (Matthew 18:6) – Sin by violating God’s laws (1 John 3:4)

Change In His Life Died at some point – Violated the law (Romans 7:9) – Educated (Acts 22:3) – Dead in sin, lost, displeasing to God, and seeking to destroy God’s people

Change In His Life Zealous but wrong – Can be zealous but not right (Romans 10:1, 2) – Heaven is too great a place to miss by being partially right

Change In His Life Turning point on the road – Convinced he had been wrong (Acts 26:19) – Became committed to doing right (Acts 9:6; James 1:25) – Did what he was told (Acts 22:16)

Change In His Life What about us? – Imitate him – Even if we suffer

What Was The Turning Point? One is convinced of His deity – Essential (John 8:24) – Ample evidence (John 20:30, 31)

What Was The Turning Point? One is committed to God – What Paul did (Acts 2:27; 9:6) – Listen and do what must be done (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38)

What Was The Turning Point? Continue faithfully to the end – Receive a crown (2 Timothy 4:6-8) – Continue in the Word (James 1:25) – Can know when we are saved (Romans 6:16-18)

What Was The Turning Point? Not ashamed of what others say – Paul acted immediately – Never looked back (Luke 17:32)

Conclusion Not enough to just be religious Must be right Act before it is too late