August 20
Lesson 12 (KJV)
Called to Preach
Devotional Reading: 1 Timothy 4:6–16
Background Scripture: Acts 9:1–31
Acts 9:10–20
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 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.
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.
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.
20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
Photo: Dennis Owusu-Ansah / iStock / Thinkstock
Key Verse
There was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
—Acts 9:10
God’s Urgent Call
Unit 3: Calls in the New Testament
Lessons 10–13
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Describe the interactions of Ananias with God and Saul.
2. Explain the fear Ananias expressed when directed to meet with Saul.
3. Evaluate how much of an “Ananias” he or she is when responding to God’s call and formulate a plan to change shortcomings identified.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
A. Physicist Becomes a Preacher
B. Lesson Background: Saul
C. Lesson Background: Damascus
I. Disturbing Vision (Acts 9:10–16)
A. Saul Waits (vv. 10–12)
Vision, Mirage, or Hindsight?
B. Ananias Fears (vv. 13, 14)
C. The Lord Insists (vv. 15, 16)
II. Dramatic Visit (Acts 9:17–20)
A. Ananias Obeys (v. 17)
B. Saul Sees (vv. 18, 19a)
C. Synagogues Hear (vv. 19b, 20)
The Foundation of Preaching
Conclusion
A. Faith and Obedience in Two Men
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Ananias
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An-uh-nye-us.
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Cornelius
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Cor-neel-yus.
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Damascus
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Duh-mass-kus.
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Eusebius
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You-see-be-us.
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Gentiles
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Jen-tiles.
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Judas
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Joo-dus.
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Messiah
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Meh-sigh-uh.
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Nazareth
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Naz-uh-reth.
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Pentecost
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Pent-ih-kost.
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Tarsus
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Tar-sus.
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What Do You Think?
How can you show appreciation for the behind-the-scenes, nearly anonymous people who have influenced you for Christ?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Sunday school teachers from your early years
■ Someone who showed you unusual kindness
■ Someone who provided wise counsel during a difficult period
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What Do You Think?
What steps can we take to ensure we do not stagnate while in a “time-out” of life?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ During a lengthy recovery from an injury
■ During an unpaid furlough from work
■ While on military deployment
■ While spending much time providing end-of-life care for another
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What Do You Think?
What are some ways to respond to excuses for resisting God?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Concerning the “I don’t have time” excuse
■ Concerning the “I’m not qualified” excuse
■ Concerning the “It’s too dangerous” excuse
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
In what ways have you seen Christians put aside fears and follow the will of God?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ In dealing with a family issue
■ In dealing with an abusive coworker
■ In dealing with a financial crisis
■ In dealing with a crisis in the church
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What Do You Think?
Under what circumstances should physical contact with someone in distress be encouraged or discouraged? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding private, one-to-one counseling sessions
■ In light of cultural expectations or dictates
■ Other
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Visual for Lessons 3 & 12. Point to the last two lines of this hymn as you ask, “What has to happen for us to be aware of the deeds God expects of us?”
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