Week #25 — THE CHOSEN INSTRUMENT
Have you ever been totally sure you knew something only to discover later that you were completely wrong? I certainly have. You confidently and passionately argued your position at the time. You would have passed a polygraph. And then, it happens—that moment when the truth becomes clear, and it’s not on your side. These are small-stakes situations when they involve finding your keys or knowing historical dates. But what about larger stakes, even eternal things? If you can remember your conversion to faith in Christ, perhaps it felt a little like that. You just knew you had it all figured out until the Holy Spirit revealed the reality of the Gospel to you, and everything changed.
No matter your path to faith in our Lord, the chances are it wasn’t nearly as dramatic or immediate as that of the Apostle Paul. He wasn’t looking for truth or considering how Jesus might give him a new perspective on life. Saul “knew“ this religious sect was blaspheming God, and he was determined to shut it down. And at that precise moment, the Lord himself appeared and knocked some sense into him, quite literally.
Read Acts 9:1-19A together, and then go through the discussion questions. Our God has much to teach us through the conversion story of Saul and the faithful obedience of Ananias.
In Christ,
Pastor Ken
Week #25 — Questions
- Saul is actively opposing Christ when Jesus confronts him (v1-6), dramatically converting and saving him. What does this teach us about who initiates and accomplishes salvation—God or us?
- Considering the above answer, read Ephesians 2:1-9. If it is clear that God alone saves, start to finish (and it is), why does it feel or seem the other way around?
- How does Saul’s conversion give you confidence in praying for hard-hearted people who seem far from Christ? Share with your group right now the name of someone you should be praying for in this regard.
- If salvation depends on God’s pursuit rather than our initiative, how does that free us from fear and insecurity in sharing our faith, even if we feel like we know very little?
- In v4-5, Jesus accuses Saul of persecuting him, even though he has been persecuting Christ’s followers. What does this reveal about Christ’s union with his people and his ongoing identification with their suffering and ministry?
- Saul is struck blind and led helplessly into Damascus (v8-9). How does this physical humbling reflect the spiritual reality of salvation by grace alone?
- Before Saul understands what is happening, the Lord tells Ananias that Saul is a “chosen instrument” of his (v15). How does this passage demonstrate God’s sovereign purposes unfolding even before human awareness? How might that reality change our approach to things happening in our own lives that we struggle to understand?
- Ananias is understandably afraid, yet he obeys (v13-17). What hard or uncomfortable obedience is God calling you toward right now—and how does Ananias’ example encourage you?
- Ananias could not have foreseen that his obedience would help launch Paul’s ministry. When have you seen God use a simple act of faithfulness in ways far beyond expectations?