The Power of a Selfless Assignment | Blueprint Bible Study Ep. 09 (Acts 9:17–22)

Devotional

Day 1: Obedience Unlocks Breakthroughs for Others

When God gives us instructions, our obedience is not just about our own journey—it is often the key that unlocks someone else’s breakthrough. Ananias’ willingness to follow God’s direction, even when it was uncomfortable or unclear, led directly to Saul’s healing and transformation. In the same way, your faithfulness in following God’s voice can be the very thing that brings hope, healing, or direction to someone else. God’s plans are interconnected, and He often uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things in the lives of others. [20:21]

Acts 9:17-18 (NIV)
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.

Reflection: Who in your life might be waiting for a breakthrough that God wants to bring through your obedience today? What step of faith can you take to bless someone else?

Day 2: The Power of Spiritual Impartation

Throughout Scripture, the laying on of hands is a powerful act of commissioning, blessing, and impartation. When Ananias laid hands on Saul, it was more than a physical gesture—it was a spiritual transfer, activating what God had already assigned for Saul’s life. This act connects us to a long tradition of God using His people to affirm, bless, and empower others for their calling. Whether in leadership, service, or encouragement, God often uses the faithful to pass on spiritual strength and affirmation to those He is raising up. [26:51]

Acts 6:6 (NIV)
They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Reflection: Is there someone in your life whom God is calling you to encourage, bless, or affirm in their calling? How can you intentionally impart spiritual encouragement or support to them this week?

Day 3: Faithfulness Matters More Than Visibility

Ananias played a crucial role in Saul’s story, yet after this moment, he fades from the biblical narrative. His faithfulness was not about recognition or the spotlight, but about fulfilling the assignment God gave him. In God’s kingdom, the most important work is often done behind the scenes, and true greatness is measured by faithfulness, not fame. Are you willing to serve where God places you, even if no one else sees or applauds? God honors those who are faithful in the shadows as much as those in the spotlight. [45:38]

Matthew 6:3-4 (NIV)
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Reflection: In what area of your life can you serve faithfully without seeking recognition? How can you embrace being a “divine footnote” for God’s glory?

Day 4: Transformation Through Encounter with Jesus

Saul’s encounter with Jesus and the subsequent ministry of Ananias led to a radical transformation—from persecutor to preacher. When Jesus touches a life, everything changes: old ways are left behind, and a new purpose is embraced. This transformation is not just for our benefit, but so that we can become witnesses to others of God’s power to change lives. No matter your past, God can use you for His glory when you surrender to Him. [51:36]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Reflection: What area of your life needs the transforming touch of Jesus today? How can you open yourself to His change and step into your new purpose?

Day 5: The Gospel Is to Be Accepted and Shared

The journey of faith does not end with personal acceptance of the gospel; it is meant to be shared. Saul’s immediate response after his healing and baptism was to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God. Our faith is made complete as we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, publicly declare our allegiance to Christ, and then share the good news with others. The gospel is a gift to be received and a message to be proclaimed, so that others, too, may experience the freedom and transformation found in Jesus. [51:36]

Mark 16:15 (NIV)
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

Reflection: Who is one person you can share your faith story or the message of Jesus with this week? What step can you take to make the gospel known in your circle?

Sermon Summary

Today, we continued our journey through Acts 9, focusing on the powerful encounter between Ananias and Saul. This passage is a blueprint for how God works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Ananias, a regular disciple, is called by God to go to Saul—a man known for persecuting Christians—and lay hands on him so that he might regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. This act of obedience not only brings about Saul’s physical healing but also marks the beginning of his transformation into Paul, the great apostle.

One of the central truths we explored is that God’s instructions are not just for our benefit, but are often the key to someone else’s breakthrough. Ananias’ willingness to obey, even when it was uncomfortable and risky, became the catalyst for Saul’s new life and ministry. This reminds us that our obedience is often the bridge to another person’s deliverance or calling. We are called to be vessels—sometimes the miracle is not just for us, but flows through us to others.

We also examined the significance of the laying on of hands, tracing its roots from the Old Testament through the ministry of Jesus and into the early church. This act is more than a ritual; it is a spiritual transfer, a commissioning, and a confirmation of God’s work in someone’s life. Ananias’ touch was the moment God activated what He had already purposed for Saul. In our own lives, we must recognize the importance of spiritual community and confirmation—God often uses others to affirm and activate His calling in us.

Another profound lesson is the humility and selflessness of Ananias. After this pivotal moment, he fades from the narrative, reminding us that faithfulness matters more than visibility. Not everyone is called to be the central figure; many are called to be divine footnotes, playing crucial roles behind the scenes. The health and growth of the church depend on those willing to serve without recognition, to be Ananiases who push others forward.

Finally, Saul’s transformation is a testament to the power of the gospel: it must first be accepted, then shared. True change is evidenced by fruit—by a life that moves from opposition to proclamation, from blindness to vision, from self to service. As we reflect on these truths, may we be willing to obey, to serve selflessly, and to share the message of Jesus with boldness and humility.

Key Takeaways

1. Obedience unlocks breakthrough for others Our willingness to follow God’s instructions is often the very thing that opens the door for someone else’s healing, deliverance, or calling. Ananias’ obedience was the bridge to Saul’s transformation. God’s plans are interconnected, and our faithfulness can be the catalyst for another’s destiny. [20:21]
2. Spiritual power is transferred through community The laying on of hands is not just symbolic; it is a means by which God imparts blessing, authority, and confirmation. We are not meant to walk alone—God uses others to activate and affirm His work in us. Spiritual lineage and community matter deeply in the journey of faith. [26:51]
3. Faithfulness matters more than visibility Ananias played a crucial role in Saul’s story, yet he disappears from the spotlight. This teaches us that significance in God’s kingdom is not measured by recognition, but by obedience and faithfulness. Many of the most important kingdom assignments happen in the shadows, not the stage. [42:29]
4. The gospel must be accepted, then shared Saul’s journey shows that transformation begins with personal acceptance of the gospel, but it cannot end there. True faith compels us to go public—through baptism, proclamation, and a life that bears fruit. The message of Jesus is meant to be received and then given away. [51:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:01] - Building Community and Series Recap
[03:19] - Freedom Church ATL Launch Announcement
[05:01] - Invitation to Serve and Join
[06:43] - Introduction to Acts 9 and Hearing God’s Voice
[09:42] - Saul’s Encounter and Ananias’ Obedience
[12:28] - The Power of Speaking God’s Word
[15:05] - The Miracle of Restored Sight
[18:00] - Obedience and Divine Appointments
[20:21] - Obedience Unlocks Breakthrough
[23:32] - The Biblical Roots of Laying on of Hands
[26:51] - The Transforming Touch of Jesus
[28:44] - Ordination and Spiritual Succession
[30:53] - The Importance of Spiritual Lineage
[33:06] - Affirming God’s Call in Others
[35:45] - Confirmation and Fruitfulness
[39:43] - The Role of Ananias: Divine Footnotes
[42:29] - Faithfulness Over Visibility
[45:38] - Serving in the Shadows
[48:32] - Lessons from Family and Selflessness
[51:36] - Accepting and Sharing the Gospel
[54:46] - Final Announcements and Giving
[57:13] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 9:17-22 (NIV) — 17 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.”
18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,
19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.
21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”
22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.

Observation Questions

What specific instructions did God give to Ananias regarding Saul, and how did Ananias respond? ([09:42])
What happened immediately after Ananias laid hands on Saul? What does the text say about Saul’s physical and spiritual condition? ([15:05])
According to the passage, what was the first thing Saul did after regaining his sight and being baptized? ([09:42])
How did the people in Damascus react to Saul’s transformation and preaching? ([09:42])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God chose to use Ananias—a regular disciple—to be the one to lay hands on Saul, instead of someone more prominent? What does this say about how God works through ordinary people? ([06:43])
The sermon described the laying on of hands as a “power transfer” and a spiritual commissioning. Why is it important for spiritual gifts and callings to be affirmed and activated within community, rather than in isolation? ([26:51])
Ananias disappears from the story after this moment. What does his willingness to serve without recognition teach us about faithfulness and significance in God’s kingdom? ([42:29])
Saul’s transformation was dramatic and public. What does this passage suggest about the relationship between personal change and public witness? ([51:36])

Application Questions

The sermon said, “Our obedience unlocks opportunities for other people.” Can you think of a time when your obedience to God’s prompting made a difference in someone else’s life? Is there an area right now where God might be calling you to step out for someone else’s breakthrough? ([20:21])
Ananias had to overcome fear and discomfort to obey God’s instructions. What are some fears or hesitations that might keep you from following God’s direction, especially when it involves helping someone you find difficult or intimidating? ([06:43])
The laying on of hands was described as a way God uses community to confirm and activate His work in us. Who in your life has affirmed or encouraged your calling or spiritual growth? How can you be that person for someone else this week? ([33:06])
The sermon highlighted that “faithfulness matters more than visibility.” Are there ways you can serve in your church or community that may never be recognized publicly? How do you feel about serving in the “shadows” rather than the spotlight? ([42:29])
Ananias was willing to be a “divine footnote”—playing a crucial role without needing recognition. Is there an area of your life where you struggle with wanting credit or attention? How can you practice selfless service this month? ([45:38])
Saul’s transformation led him to immediately share the gospel. After accepting Christ, what are some practical ways you can “go public” with your faith—whether through baptism, sharing your story, or serving others? ([51:36])
The sermon said, “The gospel message is to first be accepted, then shared to others.” Who is one person you feel led to share your faith with, and what is one step you can take this week to start that conversation? ([51:36])

Sermon Clips

God's grace and plans work through ordinary people, regular disciples like you and me. God's word is not solely for us, but it's intended to move through us. The word of the Lord came to Ananias for something he would do to be a blessing to Saul. It was not just for him. The word and direction that God gives leads us to divine intersections. There should be some point on our journey, if God has spoken to us, where the word he gives us intersects with what he's doing in someone else's life, or he intends to do for someone else. [00:08:24] (42 seconds) #GraceInAction

God's instructions, when God gives us what to do, they move us towards moments that he has already arranged. God's instructions move us towards moments that he has already arranged. What's that mean? That simply means when God gives us an instruction and we do what God says do, it puts us in the place where God has already arranged everything so that we can see his power made manifest and his will done through us. [00:18:38] (42 seconds) #DivineInstructions

Your obedience is directly connected and directly linked to somebody else's breakthrough. I want somebody to just write this in the chat. My obedience will deliver someone else. My obedience will deliver someone else. Somebody else will see again because you were obedient. Somebody else will be able to walk into the next chapter of their life because you were obedient. Somebody else will have the faith to move into new territories because you were obedient. Our obedience unlocks opportunities for other people. [00:20:03] (35 seconds) #ObedienceDelivers

``Whenever Jesus touches something, it changes. Whenever Jesus gets in something, it's no longer the same. If we could even push it even a little bit more, bringing some of Paul's theology. Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone and the new has come because whenever Jesus touches something, it's changed. It's transformed. If he lays his hands on it, it's no longer what it was. The power that is at work within him. When it touches us, it transforms us spiritually. [00:26:47] (32 seconds) #DivineFootnote

We are not the same. It is not just something special that happens. No, there's a literal change that happens in us. As the old folk would say, I looked at my hands and they look new. I looked at my feet and they did too. Because whenever we are touched by the Lord, things are different. Somebody write, I thank God for a touch. Jesus touches sick people and they get well. Jesus touches dead folk and they come back to life. [00:27:23] (28 seconds) #FaithfulnessOverFame

When Ananias lays hands on Saul in the spirit realm, the Lord is activating what he already has assigned for Saul through his servant and Ananias. Don't think that you have to be the one to give somebody what God wants them to have. You just may be the vessel through which God activates it. Just as Ananias confirms Saul's calling through the laying on of hands, the church continues this practice to confirm those who God has called. Jesus calls. We affirm what he's already established. [00:35:33] (44 seconds)

One of the dangers is to hear from the Lord, have persons who say they hear from God, but yet they have nothing or no one or no scripture that confirms it was the Lord. One of the litmus tests that you can always look at is when somebody says they're called to do something for the Lord, if there's no fruit, then you have your answer. But God does not call us to do things for him and not produce fruit. And so there should always be some fruit on the tree. [00:38:58] (29 seconds)

Faithfulness matters more than visibility. Faithfulness matters more than visibility. Ananias was not called to have a starring role in this narrative of the kingdom. And we are not, and this is important, and this is, again, piggybacking from last week. We are not always called to have a starring role in the work that God is doing. We are not to be the central figure at all times in the kingdom. And this may help somebody. [00:43:03] (45 seconds)

Movements that seek to put someone, whether it's a political figure, a president or others, or a leader at the center, are not Christian movements, but rather cults. Because the only one at the center of everything for Christians is Jesus Christ is Jesus Christ. And whenever, regardless of what office they may occupy in the church or in the world, if they are always at the center, that's not about Jesus. That's a cult to them. [00:43:48] (35 seconds)

Our faith, write this down to our faith must be more selfless than selfish. Our faith must be more selfless than selfish. This is modeled by Jesus himself. Mark chapter 10, verse 45. He says, even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. We must be selfless in our approach to our faith so that God can use us in any way. When it's not about us, the Lord can use us in any way. [00:50:26] (59 seconds)

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