"Pandemic" - Acts 9:1-19

  • Series: "Pandemic" - The Gospel Unleashed
  • by: Chris Mayfield 03/21/10

Acts 9:1-19 "The Damascus Road"

We know nothing of Ananias except what Luke tells us here. He was instrumental in getting Saul (later known as Paul) on his way to changing the world in Jesus’ name, but only after putting up an objection—which most of us probably would have done in his situation.

For us, this would be like having God send us to minister to Osama bin Laden—a man who has successfully and happily murdered thousands of Americans and the last we heard is still on that mission. Just like Osama, Saul was a murderer. Now the one true God wants us to show love to him? I think we might offer up more than one excuse and quite a few objections.

Thankfully for us all, Ananias was faithful and obedient although he had no idea just what kind of domino effect his actions towards Saul would have. But what if we could all get to the point of obeying God not because we see the value in it for us but simply because we are his chosen instruments?

 

Engage the Text

1. At this point, the word “Christians” had not yet been coined. Why did they refer to Christ’s followers as those “who belonged to the Way?”

2. Saulʼs intent was to persecute Christians. Who does this passage say he was really persecuting? Explain.

3. What kind of risk was Ananias taking in obeying the Lord?

4. Why would God specifically choose to use a man like Saul, a persecutor of Christ himself, to carry His message to the Gentiles, risking the confusion of the saints?

5. What does it say about God's character that He goes to such great lengths to reach unworthy people?

From Thought to Action

1. Are you praying for, and asking that God would change the heart of a Saul-like person? Do you believe that God still has the ability today to change someone who has a hopelessly dark and wicked heart? How is that belief being played out in your life?

2. If there was anyone who could have made an argument that his sins were too great to be forgiven, it was Saul. Jesus completely debunked this notion by powerfully transforming Saul into the greatest missionary in Scripture not named Jesus. Do you struggle with accepting Godʼs forgiveness? Are you more or less worthy of God's grace than Saul?

3. Describe a time when you have been deeply convicted about your sin. How did you feel? How did you respond? What effect did or does it have on you?

4. How does God use suffering to sanctify us? Share personal examples.

 

 

Acts 9:1-19 The Damascus Road

We know nothing of Ananias except what Luke tells us here. He was instrumental in getting Saul (later known as Paul) on his way to changing the world in Jesus’ name, but only after putting up an objection—which most of us probably would have done in his situation.

For us, this would be like having God send us to minister to Osama bin Laden—a man who has successfully and happily murdered thousands of Americans and the last we heard is still on that mission. Just like Osama, Saul was a murderer. Now the one true God wants us to show love to him? I think we might offer up more than one excuse and quite a few objections.

Thankfully for us all, Ananias was faithful and obedient although he had no idea just what kind of domino effect his actions towards Saul would have. But what if we could all get to the point of obeying God not because we see the value in it for us but simply because we are his chosen instruments?

Engage the Text

  1. At this point, the word “Christians” had not yet been coined. Why did they refer to Christ’s followers as those “who belonged to the Way?”
  2. Saulʼs intent was to persecute Christians. Who does this passage say he was really persecuting? Explain.
  3. What kind of risk was Ananias taking in obeying the Lord?
  4. Why would God specifically choose to use a man like Saul, a persecutor of Christ himself, to carry His message to the Gentiles, risking the confusion of the saints?
  5. What does it say about God's character that He goes to such great lengths to reach unworthy people?

From Thought to Action

  1. Are you praying for, and asking that God would change the heart of a Saul-like person? Do you believe that God still has the ability today to change someone who has a hopelessly dark and wicked heart? How is that belief being played out in your life?
  2. If there was anyone who could have made an argument that his sins were too great to be forgiven, it was Saul. Jesus completely debunked this notion by powerfully transforming Saul into the greatest missionary in Scripture not named Jesus. Do you struggle with accepting Godʼs forgiveness? Are you more or less worthy of God's grace than Saul?
  3. Describe a time when you have been deeply convicted about your sin. How did you feel? How did you respond? What effect did or does it have on you?
  4. How does God use suffering to sanctify us? Share personal examples.

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