Acts 9: Applications
- Jesus and the Church: (9.4) —Saul persecuted the church; Jesus said, “Why are you persecuting Me?”
- Anyone can be saved (9.10-19); Saul even killed Christians.
- A Certain Disciple (9.10)
- Just an ordinary disciple
- He was available and the Lord used him (See 22.12).
- Hurdles: Saul faced a tough road
- The Jews plotted to kill him
- He sneaked out of town in a basket at night
- He was rejected initially by the Christians
- Get up and keep trying
- The Importance of the Church Family
- Newborn creatures require continual attention
- God provided this care through a spiritual family, the church.
- The mortality rate of new Christians is great
- Christians are “born again” (John 3.5), is added to the family…the church (Acts 2.47).
- Paul spoke of the “household of God” which is the church of the living God (1 Tim.3.15)
- Increasing in Strength
- Babes in Christ must grow stronger through studying God’s Word
- 2 Tim.3.15; 2 Tim.2.15; Acts 17.11;
- Babes in Christ must grow stronger through studying God’s Word
- Use What You Have To Do What You Can (9.36-43)
- Some of us, because we cannot do great things for the Lord, do nothing.
- If we cannot be like Peter, we will be nobodies.
- 2 Men came to Peter (9.38)…they were messengers who used their legs and mouth
- They had a disposition to use what they had
- Dorcas:
- She may not have been multi-talented
- She had a needle, thread, some material, and the ability to sew
- She had an attitude of doing what needs to be done without being asked
- Gal.6.10: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…”
- Simon the Tanner:
- Tannic acid used to tan skins affects the people who use it
- His house smelled; tanners had to live at least 50 yards outside the city.
- He offered Peter a place to stay; “he stayed many days with him…”