Saul: God’s Chosen Vessel
Northwest Bible Church - Jan. 27, 2019 - Book of Acts - Alan Conner
Acts 9:10-20
Saul: God’s Chosen Vessel
Intro
Definition of Election - God, before the foundation of the world, chose certain individuals from among the fallen members of Adam’s race to be the objects of His undeserved saving grace. His choice was not based upon any foreseen act or response on the part of those chosen, but was based solely on His own good pleasure and sovereign will.
A. GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS TO ANANIAS (Acts 9:10-14).
1. The vision introductions (Acts 9:11-12).
2. Ananias’s hesitation (Acts 9:13-14).
B. GOD’S PLAN FOR SAUL (Acts 9:15-16).
1. Chosen to be saved (Acts 9:15).
a. Paul’s state of mind.
b. God’s selective grace.
c. Paul’s testimony about his conversion.
God’s grace while in the womb.
Gal. 1:15; Jer. 1:5
God’s grace before time.
2Tim. 1:9; Eph. 1:4; Rev. 13:8
God’s sovereign unconditional choice.
Matt. 22:14; John 6:37, 39, 44; John 15:16-19; 17:6; Acts 13:48; 16:14; Jer. 24:7
Rom. 8:29; 9:10-18; 11:5-7; 12:3; Heb. 12:2; 2Th. 2:13; 1Tim. 1:13-14; 2Tim. 2:10
2. Objections.
What about evangelism?
Not fair! Not just!
Universal passages of “world” or “all men”
It makes God show partiality.
3. Practical issues.
There is no sinner so bad that God cannot save.
So how do you know if you are among God’s elect?
Election guarantees our glorification.
Election should produce humility, gratitude, love and holy service.
Conclusion