Bible Reading
Acts 9:10-19 “Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he said, 'Here I am, Lord.' And the Lord said to him, 'Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.' But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.' But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.' So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.”
[02:32]Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
[20:06]Ephesians 4:11-16 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
[26:09]Observation questions
- In Acts 9:10–19, what does Ananias know about Saul before visiting him, and what does Jesus reveal about Saul’s future? [08:42]
- What two parts of Saul’s calling appear together in Acts 9:15–16? How do they give a fuller picture of the assignment Jesus gives him? [13:10]
- When Ananias enters the house, what actions and words make his acceptance of Saul tangible? [24:09]
- In Ephesians 4:11–16, what are leaders meant to prepare God’s people to do, and what happens as each member contributes? [26:09]
Interpretation questions
- Ananias obeys Jesus without knowing the lasting impact of his visit. What does his response suggest about the difference between trusting Jesus and needing certainty about an outcome? [09:18]
- Why does Saul’s calling include both proclaiming Christ and suffering for him? How does this challenge the idea that greater visibility means a better or easier role? [14:22]
- How does Ephesians 2:10 give hope to a believer who thinks past failures have made meaningful service impossible? What is the difference between God redeeming a failure and calling that failure good? [20:43]
- Why does Saul still need another believer and the Holy Spirit after such an extraordinary encounter with Jesus? What does this reveal about the limits of personal experience and natural ability? [24:44]
Application questions
- Jesus deserves more than a place squeezed into an already full schedule. Where do you notice yourself fitting obedience around convenience? What might surrender look like in that area this week? [07:20]
- Is there a step of obedience you have been delaying because you cannot see how it will turn out? What would help you take a faithful next step without needing to know the whole outcome? [09:33]
- When are you most tempted to compare your contribution with someone else’s? How might remembering the unseen cost of their role help you value the role God has given you? [14:31]
- Without sharing anything you would rather keep private, has shame ever made you feel that God could not use you? What might help you receive his forgiveness and become open to serving others through your experience? [21:00]
- Who has helped you experience acceptance in the church through a simple word or action? Is there someone you could help feel welcomed and included this week? [24:17]
- Which ordinary opportunity to serve—caring for children, welcoming people, praying with someone, or helping behind the scenes—might fit your gifts and current season? As you consider a next step, who could support you, and how could you depend on the Holy Spirit rather than only your own ability? [31:32]
