Annanias July 7, 2024

Acts 9:10-19  nkjv                                            

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. 19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.❓When it comes to sharing your faith, what makes it difficult for you?❓

💥  He who is faithful in little is faithful in much. Luke 16:10) He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

⭐   All God asked Annanias to do was to go to someone and simply lay his hands on him and pray. 

• He didn’t ask him to heal him ( That’s what God would do)
• He didn’t ask him to convert him. ( That’s what God was going to do )
• He didn’t tell him to call Saul to ministry. 
• He didn’t ask Annanias to debate with him.

💥   He simply asked him to pray for him! v12) 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

As a result, we know the vital part Saul had in spreading the Gospel of Christ and Christianity throughout the whole world. 

• It’s the labor, work, preaching and writing of Paul (Saul) that God still uses to train, grow and lead His disciples today!

💥  Saul's conversion was a BIG DEAL and Annanias was a part of everything Saul did and accomplished for God during his lifetime.   

• And all Annanias had to do was simply go to Saul (Paul) and pray for him.

⭐    I don’t know what would have happened if he didn’t go, but the fact is he obeyed, and look at what happened.

⭐   Close look at the person God used.

A.     He was reluctant.  Afraid? Timid?  Unsure. Doubtful v13)  13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.

B.     He was afraid of Saul. v13)

C.     He was afraid of what might happen if he did so.v14) 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”   

D.     All he could do was go and pray.  (His part) What good was that? We know what happened, but all he was supposed to do was pray!  ( Us today, “just pray”)

⭐   As a result: v18)  18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.   

1.   Paul was healed ( Received his sight)   

2.   Filled with the Holy Spirit   

3.   Became a disciple of Christ. ( was  baptized)   

4.   Accepted into the brotherhood of believers. v19) 19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

What does this teach?

I.    We must let God use us!  ( If all we can do is go and pray for people)19)  Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus,

•  The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few! Matthew 9:37) Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

     This is a call for everyone to get involved with working the harvest for God.

II.   Pray! v12)  12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 

• We don’t have to see the results of prayers. It is enough for us to know God uses them.

Luke 18:1) And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.          

III.   Be led by God. v17) he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

• Listen to God.  >  

IV.   Don’t judge the people God wants to use! v13-14    13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 

• We can refuse to pray for the people God wants to save
• Let people stay blind that God wants to heal
• Condemn the people God wants to change and use for His glory
• We can let people die who God wants to give life to

God still converts His Sauls of today!Nicky CruzC S LewisStephen BaldwinKirk CameronAlice CooperBob DylanGeorge ForemanPhil Robertson

At one time, most of these people seemed most unlikely to be used by God, much less become believers.