Introduction: Don’t you want to be a BLESSING? Can I share with you not only “How” to get BLESSED, but also “How” to be a BLESSING. When our Lord leads you to OBEY Him, there are always BLESSINGS to follow – Spiritual BLESSINGS! Let’s take Ananias for example.
1. Are we known as a DEVOTED follower of Jesus? (Acts 9:10)
“And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias.”
Luke wants us to know that Ananias was a “disciple” of Jesus.
The word “disciple” is μαθητής, (math-ay-tes’), which means a learner, disciple, pupil.
Are you a student of the Word of God? Do you have a teachable spirit? Are you following the FLESH – your way or the SPIRIT – God’s way? What changes need to take place in order for you to become a DEVOTED follower of Jesus?
Will you make them today?
2. Are we DECISIVE when the Spirit of God leads? (Acts 9:10, 11)
“And to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.”
Ananias hears the Word of God with instructions through a “Vision.”
The word “vision” is ὅραμα, (hor’-am-ah) which means a spectacle, vision, that which is seen.
Keep in mind, in those days, while the Holy Spirit had been poured out (Acts 2), the compilation of Scripture had not been fully canonized (put together). Therefore the Lord leading and guiding through “visions” may have been more common than today.
The warning is to be careful when people say “God gave me this vision”! Not to say it is not genuine, but “test the spirits” to see whether they be of God the Holy Spirit or evil spirits. (1John 4:1)
Notice the Spirit of God was specific.
“Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth.”
Paul writes in Romans 8:14,
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
Are we being led by the Holy Spirit?
NOTE: God would NEVER lead His children to sin.
3. Will we have to DEAL with DOUBTS? (Acts 9:12-16)
“Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
Will there be questions or concerns, even doubts, when God leads?
Yes, more than likely. Why? Because often times the work of God does not always MAKE SENSE from a human perspective. It becomes a thing of “TRUST”….”FAITH.” (Heb 11:6)
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
One conclusion from this point is that we must be very cautious and careful how we “judge” people based upon their past. Paul was not a good CHRISTian before his conversion. But Jesus made the difference in his life! Ananias had to trust the Lord and obey.
Having said that, this does not mean we should throw CAUTION to the wind when we are dealing with people because some can be manipulators and deceivers.
Praying, being Spirit-led, is the safeguard.
4. Will we be BLESSED – used by the Lord – by being a BLESSING? (Acts 9:17-19)
“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 comest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.”
Because of his faithful obedience, Ananias was used by the Lord in a MIGHTY way!
Conclusion: Does our Lord want to USE you? Absolutely. Do we need to 1st become USEABLE? Through confession of our sins and restoration of our relationship with Jesus, we will be in POSITION to be BLESSED, and to be a BLESSING! Let’s be a BLESSING!
Will you join me today?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
