Devoted: Acts 9:10-19
10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at 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 instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; 19 and he took food and was strengthened.—Acts 9:10–19 (NASB95)
The topic of generosity usually equates to money for most people, but in our lesson today, Lead Teaching Pastor Russell Johnson challenges us to consider a fuller view. As your group unpacks today’s discussion, challenge yourselves to imagine a life lived in readiness to receive every invitation from God to join in with His work. What if each daily encounter with friends and strangers was a divine appointment? Ask yourself: “How might my life change if I was willing to truly be available when God calls on me to accomplish His will?”
Icebreaker – Tell the group about the most generous person you have ever known.
The topic of generosity usually equates to money for most people, but in our lesson today, Lead Teaching Pastor Russell Johnson challenges us to consider a fuller view. As your group unpacks today’s discussion, challenge yourselves to imagine a life lived in readiness to receive every invitation from God to join in with His work. What if each daily encounter with friends and strangers was a divine appointment? Ask yourself: “How might my life change if I was willing to truly be available when God calls on me to accomplish His will?”
Icebreaker – Tell the group about the most generous person you have ever known.
Discussion Questions: Acts 9:10-19
- Have you ever called on a friend for help at a very inconvenient time? What was their reaction?
- In verse 10, Ananias answered the Lord, “Here I am, Lord.” Was he talking about his physical location, as if to wave his hand and say, “Here I am – over here!”? What did Ananias mean?
- We learned in Acts 9 that Saul was infamous for cruelly mistreating Christians. What was Ananias’ reaction to the Lord’s instructions to help him?
- Are some people easier to help than others? In what ways is this true?
- Read Ephesians 2:10. Question – In Acts 9:11-12, the Lord told Ananias that He had already told Saul that Ananias was coming. What does this and Ephesians 2:10 teach us about God’s will for our lives? In what ways might He call on us to do things He has already counted on us to accomplish?
- In today’s lesson, Russell Johnson described generosity as “A way we come open-handed to the table.” What do you think it means to be open to God’s calling? Do you think it might occasionally disrupt your day? How so?
- In today’s lesson, Russell John quoted a passage by Baylor professor Rodney Stark from his book > The Rise of Christianity.
“To cities filled with the homeless and impoverished, Christianity offered charity and hope. To cities filled with newcomers and strangers, Christianity offered an immediate basis for attachments. To cities filled with orphans and widows, Christianity provided a new and expanded sense of family. To cities torn by violent ethnic strife, Christianity offered a new basis for social solidarity. And to cities faced with epidemics, fires, and earthquakes, Christianity offered effective nursing services.”—Dr. Stark
A person can be generous with their time, talent, and treasure. What are some of the ways your group can live generously in each of these areas? Explore various ideas about making generosity a significant attribute of your group’s character.
Posted in Sermon Notes