SINCERE BUT MISTAKEN

ACTS 26:11-20

Acts 26:9–20 (ESV): 9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.

’  Hi, Dear Child of The Mighty God of The Universe. Welcome to The Stable Sanctuary. We hereby bring to you one of the most intriguing and exciting experiences recorded in The Holy Bible. This is the story of Saint Paul (formerly called Saul when he used to persecute the early Christian church). Check verses 11 and 12 . This shows that Saul, the man, had great zeal for God.

He was a man of great zeal for the Jewish religion and could defend religious beliefs and customs; even if it meant killing those who believed in something else. At this time, Christianity was considered as a strange denomination. Yes. This man was sincere but mistaken. Oftentimes we too can be very sincere but quite mistaken in matters concerning our Faith. We need to seek God’s guidance in all that we do so as not to displease Christ Jesus; Our Lord and Saviour .

 A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER

Saul, the man, greatly feared because he had authority and commission from the chief priest had gone wild against believers in Christ. Now check verse 13. Here is one of the most dramatic conversions the world has ever known. The glory of Jesus Christ appeared at midday. God’s power was so strong that Paul and all his associates fell to the ground.

Great is God’s power. No one can oppose Him and succeed. Yes, check Acts 9:3-9 for the entire episode. The Glory of God made him blind. You and I need to exercise care as we serve a Mighty Living God. He is awesome in power. Great indeed. The incident was a real personal encounter with Christ Jesus. As we serve God, humility is always paramount.

 A DIVINE PURPOSE

Now, back to our main text, check verse 14-18 . Here, Jesus Christ is speaking to Paul with great love and compassion. We find a blessed assurance from Christ; telling Paul what he has to do. A Divine purpose for Paul’s life is unveiled by Christ, the Lord. An assurance of divine presence in the life of Paul is provided and now he is well set to do and accomplish God’s will for his life. Marvelous . Five issues are outlined in verse 18.

You and I are to do the same for the glory of God. Hence , politely note that without Christ, man is blind, enslaved, impure , immoral, poverty -stricken and unholy. Sight, liberty, forgiveness, true wealth and holiness are received on the principle of faith in Christ Jesus alone.

STAY OBEDIENT

  In verse 19, Paul states,” Where upon O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the Heavenly vision” Here, he clearly indicates that he has faithfully carried out the great assignment which the Lord of glory commissioned him to do. Very wonderful. You and I need to faithfully obey and carry out our God-given assignments. His blessing is for us all the way. Generational blessings shall follow….and continue to flow like a river . The good things of God last forever. Remember, the Holy Bible states clearly that obedience is better than sacrifice [1samuel 15:22].

CONCLUSION

One can be very sincere but mistaken in matters that concern faith. This can displease God . Where one is sincere but mistaken, Christ Jesus comes to one’s rescue and deliverance. He died for all people. Everywhere. You and I have been created for a Divine purpose: To Carry out God’s good pleasure during our lifetime. God’s assignment is accessed through knowledge of His Word: Jesus Christ. Kindly, stay obedient to the Heavenly Vision which Jesus Christ shall manifest and reveal to you. Yes, you can . Stay blessed always; in Christ Jesus who