May 25, 2025

Acts 9:10-19

Friends in Low Places

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” ― General George S. Patton Jr.

“No one can realize the horrors the infantry soldier goes through. You get scared and I mean scared. Don’t let anyone tell you that he wasn’t scared.” -Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds, 422nd Regiment of the 106th Infantry Division “the Golden Lions”.

John 15:13

1. Ananias (vs. 10-12)

A. A Non-Superstar Resume

Acts 22:12-16

B. Disciple

Matthew 28:19-20

C. Engaged and Responsive

1 Samuel 3:4-5

D. Here’s Your Sign

2. The Objections (vs. 13-15)

A. Evil (v. 13)

Romans 12:19-21

B. Saul is a ringleader for persecution (v. 14)

C. Jesus’ Stronger Command (v. 15)

1 John 1:3-4

D. He Must Suffer (v. 16)

2 Corinthians 7:5-6

2 Corinthians 11:23-28

3. Courage that Makes a Friendship and Changes the World (vs. 17-19a)

A. Ananias Touches Saul

B. Brother

John 17:23

“We are to show something to the watching world on the basis of the human relationships we have with other people, not just other Christians.” Francis Schaeffer

”If we do not show beauty in the way we treat each other, then in the eyes of the world and in the eyes of our own children, we are destroying the truth we proclaim.”- Francis Schaeffer

C. The Greatest Gift

John 16:7

D. The Result

- Physical healing

- Baptized- Saul went public with his changed life and faith

- He begins preaching “immediately”

Acts 9:20-22

Reflection:

Is there a challenging person the Holy Spirit has placed on your mind that you need to reach out to or pray for?

What ways have others sacrificed for you to show their love to you?

Follow UP in the Word through the Week…

Monday:

Read: Acts 22:12-16

As Paul relates the details of his conversion, what details about Ananias stand out to you? What details would you like to see active and present in your life?

Tuesday:

Read: Matthew 28:19-20

As you read these verses, reflect on the impact they have had on your own life. How would you explain your life as a disciple and how are you actively being made into a disciple?

Wednesday:

Read: 1 Samuel 3:10

As you read this account of the LORD’s -1interaction with Samuel and you think about how Jesus called out to Ananias in Acts 9, how personal are you with Jesus? Do you live openly enough before Him that you would recognize how He interacts with you?

Thursday:

Read: Romans 12:19-21

What do you find most challenging about this command? How are you challenged by this in your life presently?

Friday:

Read: 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

What are some of the ways Paul suffered? Why did he suffer and how does this challenge your life in Christ?

Saturday:

Read: Acts 9:20-22

How do these verses illustrate the great change in Saul’s life? Think about the impact of Ananias’ obedience and willingness to even approach Saul. Who is the Lord calling you to take that approach to today?