Acts 9:3-19(NKJV)
As [Saul] journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4.Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5. And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6. So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7. And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11. So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 13. Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15. But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 17. And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18. Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. 19. So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.
INTRODUCTION:
You begin your journey to knowing God’s will for you life when you …
I. RECOGNIZE THAT GOD DOES INDEED HAVE A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE v.15
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
Application: Whether saved or unsaved, God has a plan for your life.
Isaiah 45:5 (NLT) I am the LORD; there is no other God. I have prepared you, even though you do not know me,
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Application: When you are a Christian God expects you to find and follow His plan for your life.
Romans 8:14 (NKJV) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
In order to discover God’s will for your life …
II. YOU MUST LISTEN FOR AND RESPOND TO THE VOICE OF GOD v.10
Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
Psalm 32:8 (NKJV) I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
John 16:13 (NKJV) However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
In order to define God’s will you must …
III. APPROACH GOD’S CALL WITH A WILLING AND RECEPTIVE HEART v.6
So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
In order to learn of God’s will …
IV. YOU MUST STUDY THE WORD OF GOD
Application: God will never call you to do anything that is contrary to His written Word.
Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
In order to discover God’s will you must …
V. PURPOSELY SEEK TO KNOW GOD’S WILL AND PRAY FOR HIS DIRECTION v.11
11So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.
James 1:5 (NKJV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Once God begins to reveal His will to you, you must then …
VI. MEDITATE UPON THE CALL GOD HAS GIVEN YOU v.9
And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Romans 8:5,6 (NKJV) For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Once you know what God wants you to do, discipline yourself to …
VII. KEEP PACE WITH GOD’S TIMING v.11,12
So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”
Application: For three days God was preparing Saul for Ananias’ visit. Ananias could not approach Saul until God told him too otherwise he would have stepped into danger
1 Corinthians 7:17a (NKJV) But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk.
Galatians 5:25 (NKJV) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
VIII. BE ASSURED THAT THOSE WHOM GOD HAS CALLED – THOSE HE WILL ALSO CAUSE TO BE SUCCESSFUL v.17,18
And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18. Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
Isaiah 41:9-10 (NLT) I have called you back from the ends of the earth so you can serve me. For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. 10. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
CONCLUSION: To what is God calling you? Are you willing to follow Him?
