A Prepared Vessel
God prepares a vessel for a world-wide task through spiritual preparation, using His light and word alone.
G.W. North emphasizes the divine preparation of Saul, later known as Paul, for his mission to spread the Gospel. He highlights that Saul's conversion on the Damascus road was a unique act of God, independent of human influence, showcasing God's sovereign plan from the beginning. North points out that while Saul received initial light and instruction, true regeneration occurred three days later through the Holy Spirit, signifying the importance of spiritual baptism over physical baptism. The location of this event, in a house on Straight Street, carries spiritual significance, illustrating God's meticulous preparation for Paul's world-wide ministry.
Text
It is a precious thought that before God opened the door of faith to the whole wide world of men, He selected and started to prepare a man to send through it. Saul's conversion on the Damascus road was accomplished entirely apart from any human agency. In its elements it is an outstanding example of God's ways from the foundation of the world. As in the beginning of creation it was accomplished by the light and word of the Lord Jesus Christ alone.
Reading the story, it becomes clear that although Paul certainly received light and instruction from above at that point, he did not receive sight and life from above until he was baptised in the Holy Ghost through the ministry of Ananias in the city of Damascus some days later.
Using these words in a strictly literal sense, he was converted on the Damascus road, but was regenerated three days later in the city. This latter, we observe, took place in a house in a street called Straight, which fact cannot be without some kind of spiritual significance. Certainly it is a straightforward enough fact that he was baptised in Spirit well before he was baptised in water. What great preparations God made in the man when fitting him for his world-wide task.
Sermon Outline
- God's Preparation of a Vessel
- The Conversion on the Damascus Road
- The Baptism in the Holy Ghost
- Regeneration through Ananias' ministry
- Spiritual significance of the location
Key Quotes
“As in the beginning of creation it was accomplished by the light and word of the Lord Jesus Christ alone.” — G.W. North
“He was baptised in Spirit well before he was baptised in water.” — G.W. North
Application Points
- We should seek spiritual preparation from God for any task or responsibility.
- God's preparation may involve a process of spiritual growth and development.
- We should be open to receiving light and instruction from above, even if it comes apart from human agency.