The Proper Response to Conviction

Acts 9:1 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.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

The apostle Paul was a man who believed his actions were simply the wishes and desires of God. This was until the Lord met him on the road to Damascus. Paul’s warfare with the Lord was likened to Paul kicking against pricks. Though Paul thought he was doing the right thing, he was, in reality, hurting himself by putting himself at odds with the Lord. Some men in Paul’s position would testify to the Lord concerning their own good when directly confronted by the Lord. Paul, however, responded by submitting himself to the Lord’s conviction and seeking out the necessary means for proper restitution. He did not accuse the Lord or justify himself. Instead, the apostle asked the question, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):Read how Zacchaeus, a disliked tax collector, responded when he met Jesus (Luke 19:1-8). Compare the response of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22). What can you learn from the different responses?

(For everyone)How do you respond when the Lord convicts you of sin? Do you continue to carry out your wicked desires, or do you submit yourself to the conviction and confess that God is right concerning your sin?

(For everyone):What would you be willing to do to make things right between you and the Lord?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask the Lord to help you respond like Paul.

Ask God to give you a greater understanding of conviction.

SONG

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