Acts 9:15-16

1. Do you enjoy shopping? I have to admit, I don't. I find my energy runs out after about 20 minutes. However, my wife and daughters love it. They can shop for three hours straight and not lose any energy. But if I ask them to go hiking or play sports, they're tired after 30 minutes! It's interesting how we all have different preferences. When you need to buy something, what do you look for? Do you focus on its design, or how well the color matches what you already own? Or do you focus on its function and how useful it will be. Many of us might be drawn to a specific design. But for most people, the price is the most important factor. Personally, I always look for the clearance rack first! I'm talking about shopping, but this illustrates a larger point: our entire life is made up of choices. We have to choose when to wake up, what to eat, what to do with our day, and how to complete our tasks. And when we make these decisions, we usually follow our own desires. We try to choose what we believe is the best thing for us. However, the Bible shows us a very different way of choosing. When God chooses a person—His "vessel"—His priorities are not like ours. Today, we will look at this story to learn how we can follow God's way and fulfill the mission He has for us. Let us read Acts 9:15-16.

Acts 9:15–16 ESV

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.”

2. This is a summary of Acts 9:1-19. The story we are looking at today from Acts 9 is about a man named Saul. (We may know him better by his later name, Paul, one of apostles later that)

2-1 At the beginning of this chapter, Saul is not just a "bad" man; he is the number one enemy of the church. The Bible says he was "breathing out murderous threats" against Christians. He was on his way to the city of Damascus with official permission to find any believers, arrest them, and drag them back to Jerusalem. From a human perspective, if you were choosing someone to be on your team, Saul would be the last person on the list. He was the competition. He was the enemy. But on the road to Damascus, something happened.

• A blinding light from heaven flashed around him.

• He fell to the ground and heard the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"

• This powerful encounter left Saul completely blind. His companions had to lead him by the hand into the city. For three days, he was blind, and he didn't eat or drink anything.

2-2 While Saul was in this helpless condition, God spoke to a disciple in that same city. His name was Ananias. God gave him a simple, but terrifying, instruction: "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and find a man named Saul. Place your hands on him so he can see." Now, imagine you are Ananias. This is like being asked to go into the lion's den. Ananias was afraid, and he even argued with God, saying, "Lord, I've heard all about this man! I know all the harm he has done to your people. He is here right now with authority to arrest us!" Ananias was looking at Saul's reputation. He was looking at Saul's past actions and his design. But this is where we see God's very different way of choosing. God's response to Ananias is our key passage for today.

3. In today's passage, I want to focus on how God wants us to see His work and follow His way. We will look at two main points. The first is "God's Choice: Looking Beyond Our 'Condition'," and the second is "The Message for the Church: Focus on Vision, Not Appearance." Let's look at the first part. Acts 9:15-16 clearly shows that God doesn't choose people based on our standards, qualifications, or whether we feel "ready." God breaks all boundaries. Take Saul (who became Paul). He was "breathing out threats and murder" against the believers (Acts 9:1). By any human standard, he was the least qualified person for God's work. He was, after all, an active persecutor.

Acts 9:1–2 NASB 2020

Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them in shackles to Jerusalem.

3-1 By any human standard, he was the least qualified person for God's work. He was, after all, an active persecutor. Yet, what does God tell Ananias in our key passage? He doesn't say, "Wait for Saul to prove himself." He doesn't say, "Let's see if he really repents first." No, God says plainly, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine." Think about that for a moment. Ananias saw a murderer; God saw a "chosen instrument." Ananias saw an enemy; God saw a "vessel" to carry His name. This is the heart of our first point: "God's Choice: Looking Beyond Our 'Condition'." God doesn't choose based on Saul's resume or his past actions. He doesn't look at Saul's "design" as a persecutor. He looks past all of that, straight to His divine purpose.

3-2 He doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Saul didn't apply for the job; he was powerfully stopped and then appointed by the sovereign hand of God. This challenges our very human way of thinking, doesn't it? We look at someone's past, their flaws, their failures, and often dismiss them. We might say, "They're too broken," or "They've done too much wrong," or even "They're not spiritual enough." But God works in a completely different way. He saw in Saul not just his current destructive path, but the potential for deep change and purpose. He saw beyond the hatred and violence to a man who, once redirected, would pour that same passionate energy into telling people about the Gospel. God’s choice isn't about who we are in our brokenness, but whose we can become through His power.

3-3 And what was this purpose? God tells Ananias directly: Saul is chosen "to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel." This was a mission for the entire world! From persecutor to international evangelist – what an amazing change of direction! This wasn't something Saul earned or deserved; it was a gift of grace and a job given by God. But God doesn't sugarcoat the path ahead. He concludes by saying, "For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." God knew the cost. He wasn't promising an easy road, but a purposeful one. He didn't promise comfort; He promised impact, even if it came with great suffering. This tells us that God's choice often involves a call to sacrifice, but it’s always for a greater purpose – to bring glory to His name. So, as we think about God's choice of Saul, what does it mean for us? Perhaps you look at your own life and feel completely unqualified for anything significant. Maybe you're burdened by your past mistakes, your current weaknesses, or what you see as a lack of talent or spiritual depth. Maybe you think, "God couldn't possibly use someone like me." But today, God is reminding us that He looks beyond the "condition" we think we're in. He looks beyond our human limits, our reputations, and even our past failures. He sees potential, purpose, and a person He can change and use for His glory. He is not looking for perfect people; He is looking for available people. He chooses us not because of who we are, but because of who He is, and what He can do through us.

1 Corinthians 1:27–29 NLT

Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

3-4 Whenever I read about Saul's conversion, I am reminded of when I first met Jesus. I was not interested in being a pastor. In fact, I didn't even like pastors because of their behavior and attitudes. From what I could see, they always seemed focused on their own fame and wealth, as I've shared before. But when I met Jesus and accepted Him as my Savior, He started to change my thinking and my life. I was not a "good" person. But just like with Saul, Jesus started teaching me how to live my life according to His will and plan. And then, I became a pastor. As Paul confessed, God didn't choose me because I was a "smart guy." Rather, it was because I was one of the least that God wanted to use me for His name's sake. I was not the best at English among my friends, but God brought me here. One of my friends who is very good at English is still in Korea, and he envies me.

3-5 When I was studying in Toronto, I didn't understand why God chose me to study in English instead of my friend. But now I understand that God doesn't need "smart" people. Instead, God finds a person according to His will and plan, and then He shapes that person for His purpose, just like He did with Saul. That is why our conversion is not our own decision or will. It is completely God's providence and sovereignty. This leads us to our second point: "The Message for the Church: Focus on Vision, Not Appearance." Ananias was focused on Saul's scary reputation. God was focused on His divine plan for Saul's life and ministry.

4. When we look at Ananias, we see a man who was, for good reason, hesitant. He was focused on Saul’s reputation, his past actions, and the danger he represented. From a human perspective, Ananias had every reason to be afraid. Saul was a known persecutor of Christians, someone who had caused so much suffering. But God’s response to Ananias was clear: “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine.” This brings us to an important lesson for the church today: we must focus on God’s vision, not on what we see on the outside.

4-1 God’s Vision Sees Potential, Not Just the Present. Ananias saw Saul as a threat, but God saw him as a vessel for His glory. This is a reminder that God’s vision is far greater than ours. He doesn’t just see who we are right now; He sees who we can become through His power. Saul’s transformation into Paul is one of the most powerful examples of this truth. Think about it: Saul was the least likely candidate to become a missionary to the Gentiles. He was a Pharisee, stuck deep in Jewish traditions, and he actively fought against the message of Jesus. Yet, God chose him to carry the Gospel to the nations. Why? Because God’s vision is not limited by human logic or qualifications.

1 Corinthians 1:27–29 NIV

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.

4-2 This means that God often works through the people we least expect. He uses the weak, the broken, and the overlooked to get His work done. Why? So that His power and glory are made clear, and no one can boast in their own strength. Ananias had to trust God’s plan, even when it didn’t make sense to him. He had to step out in faith and obey God’s command to go to Saul. This wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. As a church, we are often tempted to judge people based on their past, their appearance, or what we think they are qualified for. But God calls us to look beyond these things and trust His vision. He calls us to see people not as they are, but as they can be through His grace. How often do we write people off because of their mistakes or their background? How often do we assume that someone is “too far gone” for God to use? Saul’s story challenges us to let go of these ways of thinking. It reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s life-changing power.

4-3 Just as God called Ananias to help Saul, He calls us to be carriers of grace in the lives of others. This means stepping out of our comfort zones, reaching out to those who are hurting, and sharing the love of Christ with those who need it most. It also means being willing to see potential in people, even when it’s not easy to see. Remember, Saul didn’t look like a “chosen instrument” when Ananias first met him. He looked like a blind, broken man with a violent past. But God had a plan for him, and Ananias played a crucial role in that plan by obeying God’s call.

Galatians 1:1 ESV

Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—

Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

So, what about us? Are we willing to trust God’s vision, even when it doesn’t match our own? Are we willing to step out in faith and help those who seem unlikely or unworthy by human standards?

5. As we think about Saul’s story, we are reminded that God’s call is not just for a special few. Each of us, like Saul, has been chosen by God for a purpose. We may not be called to preach to kings or travel to distant nations, but we are all called to carry His name in our daily lives.

5-1. Recognize Your Calling: we may feel unqualified or unworthy, but remember: God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Just as He changed Saul into Paul, He can change you into a person who shows His glory. Take a moment to ask ourself: What is God calling me to do? Who is He calling me to reach? It might be a neighbor, a coworker, or even a family member. Whoever it is, trust that God will give you what you need for the task. God told Ananias that Saul would suffer for the sake of His name. This reminds us that following God’s call often comes with challenges and sacrifices. But as Paul himself later wrote, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain”

Philippians 1:21 MSG

Alive, I’m Christ’s messenger; dead, I’m his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can’t lose.

5-2 Are we willing to accept the cost of following Jesus? Are we willing to step out in faith, even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult? Finally, let us remember that we are called to be carriers of God’s grace, just as Ananias was to Saul. This means showing love, compassion, and forgiveness to those around us. It means being willing to see potential in people, even when it’s not easy to see. Saul’s story is a powerful reminder of God’s grace and His total control. It shows us that no one is beyond His reach and that He can use anyone to get His work done. As we leave here today, let us commit to trusting God’s vision, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. Let us be willing to step out in faith, just as Ananias did, and let us remember that we are all chosen instruments, called to carry His name to the world.

5-3. Be a Light to Others: Ananias's obedience, even though he was afraid, was so important for Saul's journey. He was called to be a light in Saul's darkness—both physical and spiritual. His willingness to see past Saul's scary reputation allowed God's life-changing work to move forward.

Matthew 5:13–14 ESV

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.  “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

In the same way, we are called to be carriers of God’s grace in the lives of others. This means actively showing love, compassion, and forgiveness to those around us, especially to those who society, or even the church, might think are "unworthy" or "unlikely." It requires us to look for potential in people, even when their current situation or past actions make it hard. Remember, Saul didn’t look like a "chosen instrument" when Ananias first met him in that house on Straight Street. He was a blind, broken man with a violent past. Yet, God had an amazing plan for him, and Ananias's act of faith played a key part in that plan, simply by obeying God’s call. Just as God met and called Saul in an unexpected way, God continues to meet and change people inside and outside the church today. No one is beyond the saving reach of Jesus, no matter how bad or hostile they might seem. Our role as the church is to share God's vision, which sees beyond the surface, and to offer His grace to everyone. This means creating a church community where all can feel the life-changing power of God's love, helping them to become who God created them to be. So, what about us? Are we willing to trust God’s vision, even when it doesn’t match our own understanding or comfort zones? Are we willing to step out in faith and help those who seem unlikely or unworthy by human standards? Are we ready to be the "Ananias" in someone's life, helping God's plan of change?

6. Conclusion: Saul’s story is a powerful reminder of God’s amazing grace and His complete control. It shows us that no one is beyond His reach, and that He can use anyone, no matter their past or current situation, to get His divine work done. As we leave this place today, let's decide to trust God’s vision, even when it challenges what we think we know. Let us be willing to step out in faith, just as Ananias did. And let us remember that each of us is a "chosen instrument," called to carry His name and show His love to a world that desperately needs both. May our lives be living proof of the truth that God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Podcast: https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/2a3fe16c-6f49-4801-8685-0a97c4389bb2?artifactId=2dd625aa-02e7-4178-aa73-92414fbaa9f2

Video Overview: https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/2a3fe16c-6f49-4801-8685-0a97c4389bb2?artifactId=87b032e5-f77b-415b-b4cf-9a584e801ed5

Short-Answer Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each, based on the provided source material.

1. How does the text contrast God's method of choosing a person with common human methods?

2. Describe Saul's character and actions at the beginning of Acts chapter 9, before his conversion.

3. What was Ananias's initial reaction to God's command to find Saul, and what was the reason for his fear?

4. According to the key passage (Acts 9:15-16), what was the specific mission God had chosen for Saul?

5. Explain the main point of "God's Choice: Looking Beyond Our 'Condition'."

6. What does the phrase "He doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called" mean in the context of Saul's story?

7. Besides a great purpose, what else did God tell Ananias that Saul would experience for the sake of His name?

8. How does the speaker's personal testimony about becoming a pastor illustrate the main themes of the lesson?

9. What is the central message for the church derived from the interaction between God and Ananias?

10. What role does the text say Ananias played in Saul's journey, and how are believers today called to a similar role?

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Answer Key

1. The text contrasts human choice, which often focuses on external factors like design, price, or qualifications, with God's choice. God's priorities are different; He looks past our "condition" and straight to His divine purpose for a person.

2. At the beginning of Acts 9, Saul was the "number one enemy of the church." He was described as "breathing out murderous threats" against Christians and was on his way to Damascus with official authority to arrest believers and bring them to Jerusalem.

3. Ananias was afraid and hesitant, even arguing with God about the instruction. His fear was based on Saul's reputation as a violent persecutor who had done great harm to God's people and had the authority to arrest believers in Damascus.

4. God's specific mission for Saul was "to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel." This was an international mission to take the Gospel to the entire world.

5. The point of "God's Choice: Looking Beyond Our 'Condition'" is that God does not choose people based on their resume, past actions, or human qualifications. He looks beyond our flaws, failures, and reputations, seeing potential and purpose that humans may overlook, as He did with Saul the persecutor.

6. This phrase means that God does not select people who are already perfect or deemed worthy by worldly standards. Instead, He sovereignly chooses and appoints individuals according to His plan and then shapes, changes, and equips them for the task He has given them.

7. God told Ananias, "For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." This indicates that God's purposeful path for Saul would not be easy and would involve great suffering and sacrifice.

8. The speaker's testimony illustrates the themes by showing how God chose him despite his initial dislike for pastors and his feeling of being unqualified, particularly in his English skills. Just as with Saul, God chose him not because he was "smart" or ready, but because it was God's plan to shape and use him.

9. The central message for the church is to "Focus on Vision, Not Appearance." The church is called to adopt God's perspective, which sees the potential in people rather than judging them by their past, their reputation, or their present brokenness.

10. Ananias played the crucial role of being a "carrier of God's grace" and a light in Saul's darkness by obeying God despite his fear. Believers today are similarly called to step out of their comfort zones, show love and compassion, and see potential in others, thereby helping God's plan of change move forward in their lives.