The biblical story of Saul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus demonstrates the transformative power of conversion. Before Paul’s encounter with Jesus, he over-identified with his Jewish heritage, his education, and his zealous but misguided religious fervor, positioning himself in opposition to Christ. This reflects a common human tendency to over-identify with certain aspects of life, leading to a distorted sense of self. After meeting Jesus, Saul received a new and true identity.

Put It into Practice: Confront the truth about yourself. Honestly assess your life and recognize areas of sin and brokenness. Confess these to God and seek His forgiveness and transformation.

 

Day 1       Acts 22:1-5; Philippians 3:4-6

Reflect: What aspects of Saul’s identity were most important to him before he met Christ? How did these aspects of his identity lead him to oppose Jesus and His followers?

Apply:   Before you knew Christ, what aspects of your identity were most central to you? Are there areas in your life where you might be over-identifying with something other than Christ?

Pray:     God, like Paul, I story I have to tell of how You met me. Help me to always remember that there is no lasting value and importance in the things that are so esteemed by the world, in comparison with having Jesus as my portion and living for You.

 

Day 2      Acts 9:1-9 Acts 26:12-18

Reflect: What truths did Saul have to confront about himself? About Jesus? What does this teach us about the nature of God’s grace? How does the light of Christ reveal truth in our lives?

Apply: In what ways has your identity changed since coming to know Christ? Are there “goads” or signs in your life that God is using to draw you closer to Him?

Pray:   Jesus, before I was born, You knew me and called me by name to serve You. Everything You have done in my life has prepared me to meet the challenges of this day. Fill me with Your Spirit, that I may faithfully follow You.

 

Day 3     Matthew 16:15–18

Reflect: Why do you think Jesus choose this time to give Peter a new name? Based on this, what is our role in transformation and receiving a new identity? How is our identity and role linked?

Apply: If Jesus were to give you a new name, what do you think it would be and why? What are the repercussions of the current day sinful proclamation, “I will define myself”?

Pray:   Lord, just as You asked Your disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” I pray that I may always have a clear and unwavering answer to that question. Help me to see You as my Savior, my Redeemer, and my Friend and see myself as Your faithful witness.

 

Day 4      John 4:1-30; 39-42

Reflect: Describe the change in identity for the woman at the well after her encounter with Jesus. What had to happen in order for her to be made new and to share her testimony? Apply: How has your new identity in Christ changed your relationships? Choose three words to describe your “old” identity and three for your “new” identity and share that with someone.

Pray: Father, I come thirsty for You and the living water that only You can provide. Do Your work so mightily in my life that I can’t help but share with others what You have done.

 

Day 5       Romans 6:1-18

Reflect: What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? Baptism symbolizes our new story in Christ. How does your life tell the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection? Of His love and grace?

Apply: What words of Paul are speaking to you now? How does being a new creation in Christ redefine your identity? What currently is sin’s place and/or role in your life? Why?

Pray:   Thank you for setting me free from sin that I might become a slave of righteousness. And thank You for identifying with my death so that I may be identified with Your life, my new life in Christ. Draw me into a closer intimacy with You.