June 22, 2014
Morning Service

Acts 9:1-19

 

In our study of the book of Acts we have seen:

1.       The Lord taken up into heaven.

2.      The 120 in the upper room filled miraculously with the Holy Ghost.

3.      Peter’s first sermon, where 3000 became believers of the message.

4.      Peter’s second sermon where another 5000 were added by God to the church Jesus said He would build.

5.      After Peter’s third sermon, the disciples are described as being in the multitudes now.

6.      We saw the choosing of the first deacons, and their qualifications.

7.      Then we saw in chapter seven the martyrdom of Stephen.  The first to die for his faith. 

8.     We saw the first mention of a young man named Saul of Tarsus.

9.      Upon the death of Stephen, the church, being under persecution, scattered.  Philip one of the first deacons went down into Samaria preaching Christ to them.  The first revival outside of Jerusalem.  God granting him the ability to perform miracles.

10.   We learned that through the laying on of the Apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given.

 

This morning we are ready for chapter nine, and we meet again this man called Saul.

 

Act 9:1-19  And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,  (2)  And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 

·         Now this man called Saul is a very devout Pharisee.  He really thinks he is doing God a service by getting rid of these followers of Christ.

·         He is the one who started this persecution that led to the revival in Syria.

·         This Damascus is the chief city in Syria.  Just think of all the chaos, and heartache they are having in that country right now.  AND THINK OF THE JOY, AND PEACE THEY COULD HAVE HAD, HAD THEY STAYED WITH THE LORD’S TEACHING.  WHERE THERE IS KILLING, AND TURMOIL, THERE COULD’VE BEEN LOVE, AND JOY, AND PEACE.

(3)  And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:  (4)  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?  (5)  And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 

·         When Saul ask “Who art thou Lord”, he knew was talking to divinity.  He probably expected an answer like, “I am Jehovah”, or “I am and angel of Jehovah”, but he hears, “I am Jesus who you are persecuting.”

·         Then Jesus tells him “It is hard for you to fight against these good people, I know it is bothering your conscience.”  

(6)  And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?

·         Right question.

·         This is quite an experience for Saul, and by asking this question it shows me that Saul loves God, but has been going in the wrong direction.  He wants to please God, and thought that he was, but now will be heading in a new direction.

·         THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THE WORLD TODAY  THAT LOVE GOD, AND THEY ARE GOOD PEOPLE, BUT ARE NOT HEADING IN THE RIGHT  DIRECTION.

They think  they can please God by just doing good deeds, and keeping to themselves, and not associating with the church.  YOU CANNOT BE SAVED WITHOUT BEING IN THE BODY OF CHRIST, WHICH IS HIS CHURCH.  All the graces of God are found in the Church of Jesus Christ.  WE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM.  WE ARE PERFECTED IN HIM, AND WE GET INTO HIM BY BEING BAPTIZED INTO HIM.   Gal. 3:27

 

So the question was “Lord what will you have me do.”   The answer:

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.  (7)  And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.  (8)  And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.  (9)  And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 

·         Saul was the type of person that didn’t want to be told what to do.  He was a proud Pharisee, and thought himself to be among God’s chosen people.  But he goes, and he will never forget this experience.  He is now blind, and very humble, being led by the hand of his fellow persecutors.

·         And if you have had a similar experience, you will never forget it also.  You also will want to tell others of your conversion, and how you came to be a disciple of Christ.

Now notice how God works on both ends of a situation:

(10)  And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.  (11)  And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,  (12)  And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.  (13)  Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:  (14)  And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.  (15)  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:  (16)  For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 

·         This is a classic example of hearing from God in a vision, or a dream.  Many people say that they have had this kind of an experience.  If these are true, then they will turn out right, and if not they won’t.

·         You will never have a dream, or vision contrary to the Word of God.  God has given us all things that pertain to life and Godliness, and they are contained within the pages of our Holy Bible.

·         He does not want you, and I mislead by false preachers, and teachers.  The Bible is our roadmap, and is Thus saith the Lord.  Study your Bible, know what is says, and teaches.

·         Ananias is afraid of Saul, and what he what might do to him.

·         And the Lord tells him of Saul’s destiny, and not to be afraid.  HE IS A CHOSEN VESSEL UNTO ME.

(17)  And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.  (18)  And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.  (19)  And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

·         Good things happen when both ends of a situation obeys God.

·         Ananias at this point is an Apostle, one that has been sent.  Remember in chapter eight we learned that through the laying on of the hands of an Apostle, the Holy Ghost was given.

·         Ananias lays his hands on Saul, and he receives his sight.  This is where Saul received the Holy Ghost, before the waters of baptism, but it is this Spirit that leads him into the waters of baptism.  ICor. 12:13.

At the beginning, the Holy Ghost fell on the believers, in chapter two, Peter’s first sermon, he told them to repent, and be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost.  In chapter eight, at Philip’s revival in Samaria, the people had been baptized, but they had not received the Holy Ghost yet.  The Apostle’s Peter, and John came and laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.  And now we see Saul of Tarsus receive the Holy before baptism, by the laying on of the hands of an Apostle.

Lord God Almighty, help us to willingly seek, and ask for more of Your Holy Spirit.