Tim Conway emphasizes the necessity of unconditional surrender to God's will, illustrated through Paul's testimony of complete submission and trust in the Lord.
This sermon delves into the powerful transformation and surrender experienced by the Apostle Paul when he encountered the heavenly vision. It emphasizes the shift from disobedience to complete submission to God's will, acknowledging the desperate need for divine guidance and mercy. The narrative highlights the profound realization of sinfulness, leading to a total surrender and acceptance of God's mercy and grace.
Full Transcript
When the Apostle Paul recounts his testimony to King Agrippa, he says this, he says, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. You know what has happened to him? He wasn't disobedient. He wasn't setting forth his own will.
You know what happens to him? He's so lost at this point. He's so desperate. His only concern is to do what the Lord wants him to do.
I was not disobedient. And if in conversion, that's what happens. We suddenly take a submissive posture.
Lord, what do you want me to do? And what does He want us to do? Isn't it amazing? I mean, that voice comes to us. And He could just knock us into oblivion because of our sins. And He says to us, this is what I want you to do.
I want you to trust Me. Paul, trust Me. That's what He says to us.
And He says, I was not disobedient. I mean, suddenly we come face to face with the enormity of our sin. We see the hopeless state, the helpless state.
Lord, tell me what You want. Lord, Your will. What do You want me to do? You recognize He spared me thus far.
And you come face to face. I remember, brethren, when it first hit home. I deserve hell.
I was not thinking about the rest of my family or my co-workers. I deserved hell. And it wasn't until that point where God came and all the fight was gone.
And I saw myself so lost. Just help me, Lord. Help me.
There's surrender. No more terms. No more bargaining with Him.
Your negotiating days are over. You recognize You deserve to be blasted. You deserve the deepest, darkest, fiery parts of hell.
You recognize that. You recognize Your lostness. Your hopelessness.
Your helplessness. Lord, whatever You want, just have mercy on me. And oh, there's hope, is there not? His name gets called and God just doesn't strike Him down dead.
There's that hope. He spared me. He spared me.
No more bargaining. Unconditional surrender. He's not disobedient to this heavenly vision.
This excerpt was taken from the full sermon, The Conversion of Paul, which Tim preached in 2015.
Sermon Outline
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I. Paul's Testimony of Obedience
- Paul was not disobedient to the heavenly vision
- He surrendered his own will to God's will
- His desperation led to submission
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II. Recognition of Sin and Helplessness
- Facing the enormity of sin
- Acknowledging deserving of hell
- Realizing hopelessness and helplessness
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III. The Moment of Unconditional Surrender
- No more bargaining with God
- Complete submission to God's mercy
- Hope found in God's sparing grace
Key Quotes
“I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.” — Tim Conway
“No more bargaining. Unconditional surrender.” — Tim Conway
“You recognize You deserve to be blasted. You deserve the deepest, darkest, fiery parts of hell.” — Tim Conway
Application Points
- Submit fully to God's will without trying to negotiate or bargain.
- Acknowledge your sinfulness honestly to experience true repentance.
- Trust in God's mercy and hope even when feeling lost or helpless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does unconditional surrender mean in this sermon?
It means completely yielding to God's will without bargaining or conditions, recognizing one's own sinfulness and need for mercy.
How does Paul's example relate to believers today?
Paul's submission serves as a model for trusting God fully and obeying His call despite personal desperation or hopelessness.
Why is recognizing sin important in surrendering to God?
Acknowledging sin reveals our need for God's mercy and breaks down self-reliance, opening the way for true submission.
Is there hope after surrendering unconditionally?
Yes, the sermon highlights that God's mercy spares us and offers hope even when we feel most lost.
