What Changed? Series

“What Changed?”

Acts 9:17-22

I often say, “If there has been no change, then there was no change.”

Which means when Christ enters into the life of a new believer then their life will make some changes.

Yet if there is only a prayer that could be called, “fire insurance” with no repentance, there will be no change, no evidence of Christ in their lives.

I. When Christ Is Lord There Is Obedience

Acts 9:17 “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.”

It is not always easy to walk by faith.

Ananias was obedient even when he was unsure as to the outcome.

What will be your answer when God directs your path into the unknown?

“Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul….”

II. When Christ Is Accepted There Is Clarity

Acts 9:18 “And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”

Notice the timely action. “And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith…”

Saul was at the mercy of his host and the one who came to visit him.

When his eyes were opened he arose and was baptized.

III. When Christ Is Received There Is Fellowship

Acts 9:19 “And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

And when he had received meat - trophe (trof-ay’ ) this is our English work trophy.- food, nourishment.

I know that this can mean all kinds of food for nourishment; but I have never seen a stuffed cabbage mounted on the wall…

Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

We live in a world of instant, but we see through other scriptures that this was not complete in a day or even a week but 3 years.

Certain days:- How long is not known.

It was long enough, however, to preach the gospel.

It might have been for some months, as he did not go to Jerusalem for three years from that time.

He remained at Damascus, and then went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus, and then went to Jerusalem.

Galatians 1:17-18 “Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.”

This visit to Arabia Luke has omitted, but there is no contradiction.

A simple thought: Quit expecting instant results in your life.

Walking with the Lord is a marathon not a sprint.

IV. When Christ Is Obeyed There Is A Testimony

Acts 9:20 “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.”

Most towns by this time had a gathering place for the Jewish community and Saul was certainly aware of the need to stay in fellowship but also speak the truths he has since learned.

Imagine Saul now spending days perhaps weeks or months sharing with anyone that would listen to his testimony how he met Jesus face to face.

When was the last time you shared your testimony?

V. When Christ Is Spoken There Is Amazement

Acts 9:21 “But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?”

Amazed - to throw out of position, to throw into wonderment, to be out of one’s mind, besides one’s self

In other words; they had a hard time believing what was being said.

Such is the truth of a changed life; when you are new in Christ, many will look with doubt and just say; “I bet this won’t last.”

A simple bit of advice: Walk with Christ and let your walking do you’re talking.

VI. When Christ Is Preached There Is Resistance

Acts 9:22 “But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.”

Confounded - to disturb the mind of one, or bewilder

This should not be understood as confused; because they heard and saw Saul but did not want to believe what had taken place in the life of this one man.

Mark my words: Many will say they are happy for your decision but most will not understand the real change from within also changed your “want to’s.”