PASTOR JOHN DAVIS
DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
THE STORY OF AN UNSUNG HERO
Acts 9:10-20
I. GOD
“In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, ‘Ananias!’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he answered. The Lord told him, ‘Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.’ ‘Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” (Acts 9:10-14)
A. The appearance of Jesus to Ananias
B. The argument by Ananias to Jesus
QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
- Is God preparing you to live out His plan for your life?
- Are you arguing with God about His plan for your life?
- Are you willing for God to speak His plan into your life?
2. GOD
“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:15, 16)
QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
Are you in God’s school of suffering?
Are you discovering Jesus to meet your needs in your time of trial?
Has your trial become your opportunity to know Christ like never before?
3. GOD
“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:17-20)
QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
- Have you responded to the invitation of Jesus to become His follower?
- Have you been baptized in water, declaring yourself to be a follower of Jesus Christ?
- Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit?
- Have you found your place in your church family?
- Have you shared your personal testimony with someone else needing Christ?
APPLICATION:
1. God’s plan for your life may be filled with many surprises. Has God asked you to make a major change in your life?
2. God’s surprises are your opportunity for faith. Is God taking you out of your comfort zone?
3. As you step out in faith, God will reveal His power in your life. Is God stretching you emotionally, physically, or spiritually?
4. Obedience to God will open the door to the possibilities of God. Is God opening your heart to experience more of the Holy Spirit? Obedience will lead you into relationship with other people.