Word + Walk: Strong Zeal, Weak Sight
✝️ Sermon Recap: Strong Zeal, Weak Sight
Text: Acts 9:1–19
Big Idea: Zeal without God’s vision blinds us. Jesus opens our eyes so we can count the cost, say yes, and join His mission.
I. ZEAL CAN MAKE YOU BLIND (vv. 1–9)
Saul thought he was defending God, but he was opposing Him.
Sometimes God has to stop us in our tracks so we can truly see.
Your authority, your passion, or your past successes don’t make you right—only God’s mission does.
Reflection: Where is your zeal outpacing God’s vision?
II. GOD CALLS ORDINARY PEOPLE TO EXTRAORDINARY TASKS (vv. 10–15)
Ananias was a regular disciple, but God sent him to the Church’s greatest enemy.
God’s mission often sends us to people we’d rather avoid.
When He calls, trust His preparation on both sides of the conversation.
Reflection: Who is the “Saul” in your life God might be asking you to approach?
III. DISCIPLESHIP BEGINS WITH COSTLY OBEDIENCE (vv. 16–19)
Jesus doesn’t hide the cost—He reveals it upfront.
Transformation means restored vision, united with Christ, and ready for mission.
Grace changes enemies into family and fuels us for service.
Reflection: What cost is obedience asking of you right now?
🙏 Walk It Out: 5-Day Devotional
Day 1 – Blinded to See
📖 Acts 9:1–6; Proverbs 14:12
Zeal without truth can lead to destruction. Let Jesus interrupt you.
Day 2 – God’s Prep Work
📖 Acts 9:10–12; Isaiah 6:8
God prepares both the messenger and the receiver. Will you say “Here I am”?
Day 3 – Facing Your Fears
📖 Acts 9:13–15; Matthew 5:44
Obedience sometimes means loving those who once opposed you.
Day 4 – Counting the Cost
📖 Acts 9:16; Luke 14:27–28
Following Jesus means carrying a cross—are you willing to pay the price?
Day 5 – New Sight, New Mission
📖 Acts 9:17–19; 2 Corinthians 5:17
When Jesus restores you, He sends you. What’s your next step?
🗣️ Adult Bible Class & Family Discussion Questions
Where have you experienced zeal that was out of alignment with God’s vision?
→ Follow-up: How can we better discern when passion is Spirit-led versus self-led?
📖 Proverbs 14:12; John 16:2
Why do you think Jesus personally confronted Saul instead of sending someone else?
→ Follow-up: How does this show the seriousness of opposing His Church?
📖 Acts 9:3–5; Zechariah 2:8
Why is it important to remember that authority or religious approval doesn’t make us right with God?
→ Follow-up: How do we test our mission against His Word?
📖 Acts 9:2; Galatians 1:11–12
Why might God call you to someone who seems dangerous or unworthy?
→ Follow-up: How does the gospel change how we see people?
📖 Acts 9:13–15; Matthew 9:11–13
What fears do we have about obeying God’s assignments?
→ Follow-up: What truths help us obey despite fear?
📖 Joshua 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:7
Why is it important to count the cost of following Jesus before saying “yes”?
→ Follow-up: What are the dangers of skipping this step?
📖 Luke 14:27–28; Matthew 16:24
What does Ananias calling Saul “Brother” teach us about grace and reconciliation?
→ Follow-up: Who in your life needs to hear that they are welcomed in Christ?
📖 Acts 9:17; Ephesians 2:14–16
How does baptism mark a complete transformation in Saul’s story?
→ Follow-up: What does that transformation look like today?
📖 Acts 9:18; Romans 6:4
Why is spiritual renewal often paired with physical restoration in Scripture?
→ Follow-up: How can we care for both body and soul in ministry?
📖 Acts 9:19; 3 John 2
How do we stay mission-ready after God restores us?
→ Follow-up: What habits keep us prepared to serve?
📖 1 Peter 3:15; Colossians 4:6
Who in your life might already be praying for the truth you carry?
→ Follow-up: How will you take the next step toward them this week?
📖 Acts 9:11–12; Romans 10:14–15
What would change in our church if we truly let Jesus set our direction instead of our traditions or personal zeal?
→ Follow-up: How could that impact our city and beyond?
📖 Acts 1:8; Proverbs 3:5–6
🧾 Quick Scripture Reference List
Proverbs 14:12 – The way that seems right but ends in death
John 16:2 – Thinking they serve God while opposing Him
Acts 9:1–2 – Zeal without truth makes enemies of Christ
Acts 9:3–5 – Jesus confronts Saul directly
Zechariah 2:8 – Touching God’s people touches Him
Galatians 1:11–12 – Gospel not from man, but from Christ
Isaiah 6:8 – Here am I; send me
Matthew 5:44 – Love your enemies
Joshua 1:9 – Be strong and courageous
2 Timothy 1:7 – Spirit of power, love, and self-control
Luke 14:27–28 – Count the cost of following Jesus
Matthew 16:24 – Take up your cross
Acts 9:17 – Calling enemies “brother” in Christ
Ephesians 2:14–16 – Christ is our peace
Acts 9:18 – Baptism and transformation
Romans 6:4 – Walk in newness of life
Acts 9:19 – Renewal before mission
3 John 2 – Prosper in body and soul
1 Peter 3:15 – Be ready to give an answer
Colossians 4:6 – Speech seasoned with salt
Acts 9:11–12 – God prepares both sides
Romans 10:14–15 – How will they hear?
Acts 1:8 – Witnesses to the ends of the earth
Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust in the Lord, not your own understanding