A Chosen Vessel – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Acts 9:15-17 – “But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go, for I have chosen this man to work for me, so that he may proclaim my name to non-Jews, to kings and to the people of Israel. I myself will show Saul all that he will have to suffer for my sake”.
Introduction to Acts 9:15-17
The text we’ve been reading presents us with a crucial moment in the history of Christianity. Saul, a ruthless persecutor of Christians, has a transforming encounter with Jesus on his way to Damascus. Blind and dazed, he is taken to the city, where he waits in prayer and fasting. God, in his infinite mercy, already has a plan for Saul. He instructs Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, to go and meet the feared persecutor. Ananias, naturally fearful, questions the divine order, remembering Saul’s reputation. But the Lord reassures him, revealing his purposes: “Go, for this is a chosen vessel for me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
This passage shows us God’s sovereignty and his ability to transform lives. Saul, the persecutor, becomes Paul, the apostle, one of the greatest spreaders of the Gospel. God chose him, even with his past of violence against the church, to be a powerful instrument in His hands. The Lord doesn’t look at who we were, but who we can be in Christ.
Just as Saul was a vessel chosen for a specific mission, each of us is also called by God for a unique purpose. He shapes us, enables us and sends us out to fulfill His will. We may have different gifts, talents and abilities, but we are all important in God’s plan.
Saul’s story inspires us to trust God, even in the face of the unknown. Ananias obeyed God’s command, even in fear, and was used by God to restore Saul’s sight and baptize him in the Holy Spirit. In the same way, when we put ourselves at God’s disposal, He uses us in extraordinary ways, beyond our comprehension.
Development
1. The Divine Choice:
- “But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go, for this is my chosen instrument to bear my name before Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15 NAA
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2. The Purpose of Choice:
- “to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15
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3. The Cost of Choice:
- “And I will show you how much you must suffer for my name’s sake.” (Acts 9:16
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Parallel to today:
We live in a time of challenges and uncertainty. Many feel lost and hopeless. But the message of Acts 9:15-17 is timeless and brings us hope. God continues to call ordinary people to do extraordinary things. He chooses us, empowers us and sends us out to make a difference in the world.
Just as Saul was transformed by God’s grace, we too can experience a radical change in our lives. We can leave behind our past of mistakes and sins and become new creatures in Christ.
God invites us to be his chosen vessels, instruments of love, peace and justice in a broken world. He calls us to take his message of hope to every corner of the earth, without distinction of race, social class or religion.
Conclusion of Acts 9:15-17
May Saul’s story inspire us to respond to God’s call with courage and obedience. May we give ourselves completely into His hands, trusting in His plans and purposes for our lives. Even in the face of difficulties, may we persevere in faith, knowing that God is with us and enables us to overcome all obstacles.
Remember: you are a vessel chosen by God! Embrace your calling and make a difference in the world!
Preaching Outline on Acts 9:15-17 – “But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go, for I have chosen this man to work for me, so that he may proclaim my name to non-Jews, to kings and to the people of Israel. I myself will show Saul all that he will have to suffer for my sake”.
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