WHAT A BLIND MAN SAW

• Introduction
  1. Matthew 13:10-17
     There are many who can see perfectly with their eyes, but are spiritually blind.
  2. 2 Corinthians 5:7
     We must be able to see without sight!
  3. Acts 9:1-18
     While blind, Saul saw some things many fail to see.

1. Conscience Is An Unsafe Guide
   1. Acts 23:1
      His conscience never disturbed him in all that wickedness.
   2. Acts 26:9-11
      According to Paul's thinking, persecuting Christians was the right thing to do.
   3. Proverbs 14:12
      The way that seems right to the man is often a dead end.
2. Religious Zeal Is Insufficient
   1. Philippians 3:3-7; Acts 22:3-4
      The very reason Paul persecuted the church was his enormous zeal.
   2. Romans 10:1-3
      While zeal is commendable, it is unrighteous if it lacks knowledge.
3. Traditionalism Is Dangerous
   1. Galatians 1:13-14
      Another explanation for persecuting the church was that Paul was a traditionalist.
   2. Matthew 15:1-9; Colossians 2:8
      Tradition is often set in opposition to God's will.
   3. 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6
      The only traditions worth following are those left us by the apostles of Christ.
4. The Need For Proper Authority
   1. Acts 9:1-2, 14; 26:10
      As a persecutor of the church, Paul had authority from the religious leaders of his day.
   2. Matthew 21:23-27
      Jesus implied that authority in religion will come from one of two sources, one legitimate - the other not: either from heaven or from men.
   3. Matthew 28:18; Colossians 3:17
      Jesus is the one with all the authority. What we do religiously must be done in His name.
5. Prayer Does Not Save
   1. Acts 9:11, 6, 18; 22:16
      Once in Damascus, Paul spent his time in prayer, but he wasn't yet saved because he hadn't yet been told what he must do which was to be baptized.
   2. John 9:31; Isaiah 59:1-2; Proverbs 15:29
      God ignores the prayers of the wicked.
   3. Matthew 21:22; 1 John 3:22
      The conditions of acceptable prayer include faithfulness and obedience.
6. All Sin Is Forgivable
   1. 1 Timothy 1:15
      If the chief of sinners can be saved, then anyone can be.
   2. Hebrews 7:25
      Salvation is Christ's purpose.
   3. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
      Even the vilest of sinners is not beyond Christ's reach.

• Conclusion
  1. Ephesians 1:18
     Have the eyes of your understanding been enlightened?
  2. Acts 22:16
     Be saved as Paul was saved!