Reading
Acts 9:1-31
Truth for Today
The Spirit transformed Saul in two fundamental ways. First, He took Saul's natural strengths and refined them. Saul was a gifted natural leader, with strong will power. He was a man of strong convictions, a self-starter, bold, a master at using his time and talents, a motivated individual, and a profoundly gifted thinker and speaker. The Holy Spirit also eliminated undesirable characteristics and replaced them with desirable ones. He replaced Paul's cruel hatred with love; his restless, aggressive spirit with peace; his rough, hard-nosed treatment of people with gentleness; his pride with humility. Only the Spirit of God can so thoroughly sanctify a life.
Reflecting on the Text
1. What natural strengths does God want to strengthen and use in your life? What undesirable qualities do you think the Lord wants to replace? What is necessary on your part for this process of sanctification to proceed?
2. When has God used you to play an "Ananias" role in someone's life? What was that like?
3. Pray faithfully for the people you know (or know of) who are highly antagonistic to the gospel. Watch what God will do!
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