Todays selected reading is found in the first New Testament epistle of the apostle Paul unto Timothy. More specifically todays passage is found in the first chapter of this New Testament book. “Pau, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Timothy 1:1-2).

 

            “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine. Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do, now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and o faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, and for the untold and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mother, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust,. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; who was before a blasphemers, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:3-17).

 

            “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: of whom is Hymenasus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme” (1 Timothy 1:18-20).

 

            When you come to the first chapter of the first epistle written unto Timothy you will find the first of four epistles that were written by the apostle Paul unto individuals rather than churches. Upon reading the words which are found in the New Testament you will discover that the apostle Paul wrote thirteen epistles which included epistles written unto individuals as well as epistles which were written unto churches. Of those thirteen epistles four of them contained two churches which received two epistles apiece—namely the Corinthian and Thessalonian church. There are five other epistles which were written unto various churches within both Asia and Europe during those days with an epistle being written unto the saints which were at Ephesus, an epistle written unto the saints which were at Rome, an epistle written unto the saints which were at Philippi, an epistle written unto the saints which were at Colossae and an epistle written unto the churches which were in Galatia. The remaining four epistles were epistles which were written unto specific individuals with Timothy receiving two epistles written by the hand of the apostle Paul. The other two epistles written unto individuals were the epistle written unto Philemon and the epistle written unto Titus. Of the thirteen epistles written by the apostle Paul we find the church which was at Thessalonica receiving two epistles, the church which was at Corinth receiving two epistles and Timothy himself receiving two epistles.

 

            As you come to the final four epistles written by the apostle Paul you will find these epistles are such which have been considered “The Pastoral Epistles”—or epistles which were written to give pastoral counsel and encouragement unto certain ministers which were present during those days. What we find when reading the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto Timothy is that he would indeed begin the epistle in a similar manner to what he had done in all his other epistles. The apostle Paul began this epistle by stating his name and then describing himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour and the Lord Jesus Christ our hope. This is nothing new or unusual within the writings of the apostle Paul for in each of the epistles written by his hand we find him providing his name at the very beginning of the epistle so as to introduce himself as the author of the epistles. There was absolutely no mistaking who authored and who wrote these epistles for it would be the apostle Paul who would provide his customary greeting at the very beginning of each one of them. Not only this but in most of the epistles written by the apostle Paul he would open up with a description of the call of God which was upon His life. What makes this particular epistle quite unique when you take the time to think about it is when you consider how the apostle Paul didn’t merely refer to himself as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ by the call of God but he referred to himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ “by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ our hope.” We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for there is something incredibly unique and powerful stepping into that which God has appointed for our lives—not only based on the call which is upon our lives but also based on the commandment which was given unto and spoken over us. The apostle Paul was indeed an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the commandment of God the Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ who is our hope.

 

            I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this epistle and I am brought face to face with the incredibly awesome and wonderful truth surrounding the call of God upon our own lives—and not only the call of God upon our lives but also the commandment which God has spoken over our lives. There is something truly unique and powerful about the call which God has placed upon our lives—and not only the call which God has placed upon our lives but also the commandment which God has spoken over our lives. The apostle Paul recognized that he was an apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the commandment of the living God, however, he also recognized that he was an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ according to the call which was upon his life. Moreover if you read the epistle written unto the churches which were in Galatia you will find the apostle Paul taking this a step further and emphatically declaring that he was an apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ—not according to the will of man, nor of the desire of man but of the eternal and divine plan and purpose of the living God. This is something worth thinking about and considering for there is no man or woman on this earth who can indeed call us to that which has been appointed unto us by the one true and living God. There is absolutely no man alive and present upon the earth today who can call us to that which has been ordained and appointed by the one true and living God. It is only the Lord Jesus Christ who can indeed call us unto the work which has been ordained and appointed for us and there is not a single man who has any authority over the call which is upon our lives. How absolutely wonderful it truly is to think about this particular truth and how it is the living and eternal God who alone calls us to walk before and serve Him in humility, in obedience and faithfulness.

 

           

Before delving into the words which are found within this epistle I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention first and foremost to the words which are found in the New Testament book of Acts. In the ninth chapter, in the twenty-second chapter and in the twenty-sixth chapter we find the description of the call of God which was upon the life of the apostle Paul. In the ninth chapter of this New Testament book we find the beloved physician Luke describing the conversion of the apostle Paul on the road to Damascus as he was traveling with letters signed by the chief priests in Jerusalem to hail any of those whom he found who were followers of the way and bring them back to prison. Of course know and understand that it I was while the apostle Paul was journeying along the wrong to Damascus with at least two others that a bright light shone round about and before him and he was thrown from his horse to the ground. The apostle Paul would hear his name spoken by this one who appeared unto him—Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” The apostle Paul would ask the one who had just spoken to and addressed him who he was to which the voice declared that He was Jesus of Nazareth whom he persecuted. The Lord Jesus then instructed the apostle Paul to arise from that place and enter into the city where it would be told him what he ought to do. Within the rest of the ninth chapter we find the description of the apostle Paul being led to Damascus, the apostle Paul in the house of Judas at the street called Straight and a disciple named Ananias coming unto the apostle Paul laying his hands on him that he might receive his sight, that he might receive the Holy Spirit and that he might be baptized and call upon the name of the Lord. Consider if you will the following words which are found in these passages of Scripture beginning with the ninth chapter of this New Testament book:

 

“Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogue of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? And he said, Who are you Lord? Then the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads. So he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what do you want me to do? Then the Lord said to him, arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do? And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank” (Acts 9:1-9).

 

“Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a. Vision, Ananias. And he said, Here I am Lord. So the Lord said to him, Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man. Named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might received his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name. Built the Lord said to him, Go, for he is a chosen vessel of min to bear my name before the Gentiles, ,inks, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake. And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and saying his hands on him he said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus” (Acts 9:10-19).

 

 

“Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now. And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Then he said: I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law and was zealous toward God you all are today. I persecuted this Way to the death, bind and delivering into prisoners both men and women, as also the high priest bears my witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished. Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? So I answered, Who are you, Lord? And He said to me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting. And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. So I said, What shall I do, Lord? And he Lord said to me, Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do. And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus. Then a certain Ananias, a devour man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there, came to me; and he stood and said to me, brother Saul, receive your sight. And at that same hour I looked up at him. Then he said, The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know his will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of his mouth. For you will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance and saw Him saying to me, Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning me. So I said, Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on you. And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him. Then he said to me, Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles” (Acs 22:1-21).

 

“Then Agrippa said to Paul, You are permitted to speak for yourself. So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently. My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own. Nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I sat and and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Why should it thought incredible by that God raises the dead? Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every Sy nay hogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. . While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads. So I said, Who are you, Lord. And he said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them fro darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:1-18).

 

It is absolutely necessary we recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in these passages of Scripture for within them we come face to face with the conversion of the apostle Paul—a conversion which began on the road to Damascus but which would continue during those three days he was present in the midst of the city praying and fasting and culminating in Ananias coming unto him and laying his hands upon him that he might receive his sight, that he might be baptized, that he might receive the Holy Spirit and that he might call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What we must needs recognize concerning the words which are found in the ninth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts is that there were indeed two individuals who were used in the conversation of the apostle Paul during his time in the midst of the city of Damascus. One of the individuals who was instrumental in the conversion of the apostle Paul is one whose name you rarely—if ever—hear of. There is one mentioned in the ninth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts named Judas in whose house Saul of Tarsus was after he had been led by the men who were with him into the midst of the city. Scripture is unclear how this man came to encounter Saul of Tarsus or even if he knew who he was. Scripture provides no background concerning this man and doesn’t even speak of the fact of whether or not he was a disciple. Scripture makes absolutely no mention of this Judas and whether or not this Judas was one who knew who Saul of Tarsus was and despite knowing who he was saw him in a place of need and opened his home unto him. What’s more is Scripture doesn’t even reveal whether or not this Judas had a wife or even a family living with him in that house. How absolutely incredible it is to read the words which are found in the New Testament book of Acts and see how this Judas was used of the Lord Jesus Christ by simply opening his house unto one who was in need.

 

I sit here today thinking about the words which are found in this passage of scripture and I can’t help but think about this “unsung” hero mentioned in the New Testament book of Acts who we know nothing about save his name. We know that Judas lived at a street called Straight and that Saul of Tarsus was found at his house praying and waiting for the next steps that would be revealed unto him. There is something to be said about this man named Judas who perhaps knew who Saul of Tarsus was and yet still decided to open his home unto him for at least three days while he was without sight. Oh I can’t help but wonder what went through the heart and mind of this man named Judas when he encountered and came across Saul of Tarsus being led by two men being blind and without sight. Was Judas moved with compassion toward Saul of Tarsus when he saw him in the city and felt compelled to open his home unto him? What’s more is Scripture reveals how Saul of Tarsus remained in Damascus after his conversion preaching the word and gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and how he argued and contended that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. Is it possible that the apostle Paul continued to remain and abide at the house of Judas at the street called Straight even after he had received his sight, even after He received the Spirit and even after he had been baptized? Scripture reveals how Saul of Tarsus remained and abode in the midst of Damascus even after his conversion and preached the word and gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ until the Jews in that city desired to kill and put him to death. Oh how absolutely incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about it for I am convinced this man named Judas played just as much of an important role in the conversion of the apostle Paul as did Ananias.

 

The more I think about this the more I am brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth that there are many who choose to focus on those who hear the voice of the Lord Jesus and those who focus on the ones who lay their hands on others that they might receive and experience the work of the living God within their lives. The truth of the matter, however, is that when I read the words found in this passage of Scripture I am brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding this man whose name we know is Judas, whose house we know was at the street called Straight and who opened his house unto this man named Saul of Tarsus. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for there is and there must be something said about those who are willing to open their homes unto those who are in need. While it was indeed true that Ananias came and laid his hands upon Saul of Tarsus that he might received his sight and might receive the Holy Spirit, and while it was indeed true that Ananias might have even baptized Saul in water there is something to be said about this man named Judas who opened his home unto him. There is something to be said about those who might never lay their hands on others, who might never baptize others but who might simply open their houses, their homes and even their hearts unto those who are in need. What’s more is we never know the eternal and spiritual significance of opening our houses, our hearts and our homes unto one who is in need and how that can and will be used by the eternal plan and purpose of the living God. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for we as the saints of God and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ might never be one who lays our hands on others or who even baptizes others but what we do does indeed and does in fact matter in eternity.

 

I have to admit there is something absolutely marvelous and wonderful about this man named Judas who did nothing more than open his home unto this Saul of Tarsus in an incredibly weakened and vulnerable place. OH there is indeed a part of me that can’t help but wonder what it was like when Judas came upon this man named Saul of Tarsus in the midst of the city. Is it possible that Judas encountered Saul there in the midst of the city of Damascus and saw that he was blind and might have even asked him what had happened? Is it possible that Judas was given insight and knowledge into the experience which Saul of Tarsus had on the road to Damascus and felt in that moment he needed to offer assistance unto him? Is it possible that during and within that moment Judas recognized the importance and spiritual significance of what was before him and knew that he needed to act on behalf of this particular individual? What we must needs realize and recognize is that although Judas didn’t lay his hands on the apostle Paul, although the Lord Jesus (to our knowledge) didn’t appear unto Judas, and although Judas might not have baptized Saul of Tarsus in water he was still used in an incredible and mighty way within his life. All Judas did was make himself available in a moment in need and open his heart and his home unto this one who had not only seen a vision but also who had encountered the risen and exalted Jesus Christ who was seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. With this being said I can’t help but wonder if when Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father in heaven the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God was preparing to appear unto Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus? Is it possible that Jesus was standing at the right hand of the Father because He knew he would appear unto a man named Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus that he might indeed be an apostle unto the Gentiles teaching and preaching the word and gospel unto both Jews and Greeks?

 

I am sitting here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding this man named Judas who was instrumental in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. What makes this absolutely incredible is that according to Scripture the only thing he did was open his house and home unto Saul of Tarsus. Scripture reveals nothing more about Judas other than the fact that he lived at the street called Straight and that Saul of Tarsus was present in the midst of the house praying and fasting. OH I can’t help but wonder what it was like in the house of Judas during those three days as Saul of Tarsus could not only see but also would not take meat or bread to eat. What was it like during those three days and what were the conversations like between Judas and this Saul of Tarsus? Is it possible that although Saul of Tarsus could not see during those three days he and Judas had wonderful and powerful conversations there in that house? Is it possible that during those three days within the house of Judas during those three days these two men might have had some incredible times of conversation and perhaps even times of prayer? Scripture is indeed silent concerning this Judas and concerning those three days Saul of Tarsus was present in his house, however, there is a part of me that can’t help but wonder if this Saul of Tarsus and this Judas engaged in wonderful times of fellowship, wonderful times of prayer and wonderful times of exchange between the two of them?

 

I absolutely love the words which are found within the New Testament book of Acts for they bring us face to face with these two men who were mightily used by the Lord Jesus Christ to assist in the conversion of the apostle Paul. Ananias was indeed that one whom the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to and instructed to go unto the house of Judas at the street called Straight and inquire of one named Saul of Tarsus. It was revealed unto Ananias that this Saul of Tarsus was praying and had seen in a vision his coming in and laying hands on him that he might receive his sight. What we must needs understand is that Judas played just as much a vital and critical role in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus as did Ananias for it was Judas who opened his house and home unto this man who was clearly in need. There is a part of me that can’t help but wonder if this Judas not only encouraged but also prayed for and with Saul of Tarsus during those three days in which he was in his house blind and without sight. I can’t help but wonder if this Judas was indeed one who engaged in powerful times of fellowship and community with Saul of Tarsus as he would pray for and with him? Oh I fully recognize and recognize that you might feel as though I am spending too much time on this Judas whose house was on the street called Straight, however, I am absolutely convinced this Saul of Tarsus needed that which Judas had to offer him in order for his conversion to be possible. It might very well be that Judas felt as though he didn’t have anything to offer unto this Saul of Tarsus, however, that which he did have was all that was needed. This Judas simply opened his home unto Saul of Tarsus that he might have a place to stay and that he might have a place to rest while he was waiting for further instruction from the Lord. Perhaps the single greatest question we must needs ask ourselves is whether or not we are indeed those men and women who are willing to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and not only open our hearts but also our homes to those who are in desperate need within their lives?

 

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF SIMPLY OPENING YOUR HOME TO ANOTHER! NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF OPENING YOUR HEART TO ANOTHER IN NEED! There is something incredibly unique about this Judas for this man felt compelled to one his heart and his home unto this Saul of Tarsus. Oh I wonder if this Judas had heard stories and rumors about Saul of Tarsus and how even in spite of the rumors he heard he was still willing to open his home unto him. Pause for a moment and consider how absolutely wonderful it is to think about this man named Judas who might very well have heard about this Saul of Tarsus and what he had done in Jerusalem and yet still opened his heart and his home unto him. What we must needs recognize and understand is that before Judas ever opened his home unto Saul of Tarsus he first opened his heart unto him. This Judas was filled with compassion and affection toward this Saul of Tarsus—even if he had indeed heard the stories and rumors of what had happened in Jerusalem and what he had come unto Damascus to do. Pause for a moment and think about the tremendous courage Judas must have had if he had indeed heard the stories and rumors of Saul of Tarsus and what he had done and what he had come to do. How absolutely incredible it is that even if this man had indeed heard the stories and the accounts of Saul of Tarsus he still chose to move and operate in courage and boldness in opening his home unto him. There is something to be said about those who might never lay their hands on another, who might never baptize another in water, who might not do those things which seem to get all the attention and yet what they do and what they can do is just as important. I am convinced that it was Judas who helped position Saul of Tarsus to be in the placed ordained and appointed for him for that moment when Ananias would show up and lay his hands on him that he might receive his sight, might receive the Spirit and might be baptized in water calling on the name of the Lord. There is not a doubt in my mind that Judas was mightily used of the living and eternal God  to offer a place of shelter, rest and refuse for Saul of Tarsus after he had entered into the city blind and in a helpless, vulnerable and weakened state. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the sixth chapter of the second epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Corinth:

 

“O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open. Do not be inequality yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore, Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters says the LORD Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:11-18).

 

 

ARE YOU AVAILABLE? HAVE YOU MADE YOURSELF AVAILABLE? WILL YOU MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE? I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but ask whether or not we are making ourselves available before and unto the living and eternal God. Are we as the saints of God and as those who profess to be disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ truly available before and unto Him? Are we available unto the living and eternal God for anything and everything He has for us? Are our hearts indeed opened unto others and are our hearts filled with compassion and affection toward others? There is something we must needs recognize when reading the words which are found in the ninth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts for it speaks tremendous volumes about whether or not we as the saints of God have indeed made ourselves available in any circumstance. What’s more is the question must needs be asked whether or not we can and will make ourselves available even unto those who might have a bad reputation and a bad rap among those around us? One of the greatest questions is whether or not we are willing to be obedient unto the living and eternal God regardless of what that means and looks like. When the Lord Jesus Christ appeared unto Ananias and instructed him to go to the street called Straight and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul of Tarsus he attempted to remind Jesus of the reputation this man Saul of Tarsus had in Jerusalem and even in Damascus. Ananias had indeed heard of what Saul had done in Jerusalem and what he had come to Damascus to do and I am sure he had reservations within his heart and mind concerning him. Scripture doesn’t necessarily reveal Ananias seemingly balking at the command and instruction given him by the Lord Jesus, however, he definitely sought to remind the Lord Jesus of those things which he had heard concerning him.

 

If there is one thing I must needs acknowledge when reading the ninth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts—as well as the words which are found in the twenty-second and twenty-sixth chapter of this book—it’s how crucial and vital a role both Judas and Ananias played in the life and conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Judas made himself available unto the living and eternal God and unto Saul of Tarsus himself by simply opening his heart and his home to him. Ananias would make himself available unto Saul of Tarsus. Perhaps one of the greatest questions we must needs ask ourselves is whether or not we are indeed and are in fact those who open themselves up, who open their hearts and who make themselves available to the living and eternal God regardless of what it requires, asks and demands of us. I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it brings us face to face with the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth surrounding two men who made themselves available unto this one who would become the apostle of Christ unto the Gentiles. These two men would each play their own unique role in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus and both men engaged in something that would play a crucial and vital role in the life of that one who was called and chosen by the eternal and living God.

 

I find myself reading the words found in this passage of Scripture and being brought face to face with whether or not we are indeed men and women who are willing to open our hearts unto others—even if what the Lord has asked us to do might in fact scare us. Are we as the saints of God willing, able and even ready to open our hearts unto the divine will and plan of the living God regardless of whether or not it scares us half to death? Are we as the saints of God and as the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ those who are willing to open our hearts—and not only open our hearts but also enlarge our hearts—that they might be filled with the compassion of the Lord for others? Are we willing to open our hearts and our homes unto others who are in desperate need? Are we willing to open our hearts and our homes to those who are in a weakened and vulnerable position? Perhaps you don’t have a house or home that you can open up to someone else but you do have the ability to offer unto them what you do have. When the apostles Peter and John were preparing to enter into the Temple after the day of Pentecost they came across a man who was sitting at the gate called Beautiful asking for alms. The apostle Peter and John didn’t have what the man was asking for, however, what they did have and what they did offer to him was something which he had not asked for and certainly did not expect. They didn’t have any money to give to him, however, what they offered him was healing in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pause for a moment and consider how absolutely wonderful this truly is for there are times when we might not have the money to give unto others, we might have a house or home to offer unto others, and we might not have that which they’re asking for, however, what we do have we are indeed able to offer unto others. Oh would it shock and surprise you to think about and consider the fact that you might not have what others are asking and have asked for and yet you do have what they need?

 

There is something truly captivating about what we find in the third chapter of the New Testament book of Acts for although the apostles Peter and John didn’t have what this man was asking for and perhaps even what this man thought and felt he needed they had something much better. I am absolutely gripped and captivated with the words present in this passage of Scripture for this man was at the gate called Beautiful asking for alms and begging of all those who would enter into the Temple and yet when the apostles Peter and John came to him they offered him something far greater and far better than any alms he would receive. The apostle Peter emphatically declared that he did not have silver or gold but what he did have he offered him freely. The apostle Peter would emphatically declare unto this man that what he did have he offered unto him before commanding him in the name of Jesus of Nazareth to rise up and walk and be healed. This is something we must acknowledge and recognize when reading the words which are found in the ninth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts for although Ananias and Judas might not have felt like they had much to offer Saul of Tarsus they offered him what they had and even what they were commanded and instructed of the Lord to offer. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the facts that Judas offered and opened his home unto Saul while Ananias was faithful and obedient unto the Lord Jesus Christ who appeared unto him and instructed him to go and inquire of a man named Saul of Tarsus who was in the house of a man named Judas at the street called Straight. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely wonderful it truly is for it brings us face to face with the absolutely awesome truth surrounding making ourselves available and offering unto another that which we do have. The question we must needs ask ourselves is not only whether or not we are available unto the living and eternal God but whether or not we are indeed willing to offer that which we have unto others that the divine will; and work of the living God might be fulfilled, accomplished and manifested.

 

I am absolutely and incredibly amazed at the words which are found in the ninth, twenty-second and twenty-sixth chapter of the New Testament book of Acts for within it we are brought face to face with the truth surrounding two men who made themselves available unto another. I sit here today and read the words found in these passages of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the understanding that these two men—Ananias and Judas—were men who simply made themselves available unto Saul. As has previously been mentioned it is unclear whether or not Judas received any instruction, word(s) or command(s) from the Lord, however, we must acknowledge that he simply made himself available unto this man who was in need upon entering into the city of Damascus. There is a part of me that can’t help but wonder what it was like during those three days in which Saul of Tarsus abode and dwelt in the house of Judas—this even thought we know he committed himself to praying and fasting. Saul had seen a vision of a man named Ananias coming unto him and laying his hands on him that he might receive his sight, might receive the Holy Spirit and might receive further instruction(s) as to what he was to do during those days. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it is truly amazing to read how this man named Judas made himself available unto Saul of Tarsus upon his entering into the city and allowed him to dwell and abide with him in his own home. There is something to be said about those who are willing to open their hearts and their homes to others who are in desperate need—especially those who are in a humble(d), weakened and vulnerable place. Judas was one whose heart was enlarged and opened unto Saul and as a direct result of this he opened his home unto him that he might find rest, peace and shelter in that place.

 

I sit here today and I can’t help but wonder if Saul ever remained in communication with Judas and Ananias even after he had departed from the midst of the city of Damascus. There is a part of me that can’t help but wonder what those days and times were like after Saul received his sight, after Saul received the Spirit and after Saul was baptized and called upon the name of the Lord. We know that Saul preached that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God in Damascus, however, there is a part of me that wonders if he continued in fellowship with Ananias and Judas during those days. Is it possible that Saul of Tarsus continued abiding and dwelling with Judas at his house as he would grow in might and strength in the Lord Jesus? Is it possible that Saul of Tarsus continued to abide with Judas and with the disciples and brethren who were present there? Scripture reveals how there was an initial confusion present among those in Damascus—particularly among those who believed for they had heard reports and rumors of the havoc he had wrought in Jerusalem and what he had come to Damascus to do. This is something which warrants strong consideration when we come to the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto Timothy who was his spiritual son in the faith. It was the apostle Paul who would write unto Timothy how he thanked Christ Jesus their Lord who enabled him—because He counted him faithful—putting him in the ministry. The apostle Paul acknowledged that he was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor and an insolent man but who obtained mercy because he did it ignorantly in unbelief. The apostle Paul would go on to write and declare how it was a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom he himself was chief. Furthermore the apostle went on to declare that it was for this reason he obtained mercy that in him first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

 

When you read the words which are found in the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto Timothy his spiritual son in the faith for he sought to demonstrate the tremendous grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ which was exercised toward him. The apostle Paul recognized the tremendous gift of grace and mercy which was bestowed unto and upon him and recognized that he had found forgiveness in the person and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Despite the fact that he was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor and an insolent man the Lord Jesus saw fit to ransom and redeem Him and call him unto Himself that he might be appointed as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ unto the Gentiles. There is something truly captivating about the words we find here for they are in direct alignment with that which we find in the New Testament book of Acts concerning the account of the apostle Paul’s conversion in the city of Damascus. The Lord Jesus Christ had indeed appeared unto him on the road to Damascus and declared that He was Jesus whom He was persecuting and it would be in the city of Damascus where the apostle Paul would not only pray and fast but would ultimately experience fellowship, community and the love of Christ. Judas would indeed open his home unto him, Ananias would come and lay hands on him that he might receive his sight and receive the Holy Spirit and the disciples and brethren in that place would engage themselves in fellowship together with him so long as he was present in the midst of that city. The disciples and brethren which were present in the midst of that city undoubtedly embraced Saul of Tarsus recognizing him as a brother and would have engaged themselves in fellowship and community together with him. Scripture is unclear how long Saul of Tarsus remained in Damascus before he would ultimately be sent forth from that place by the brethren, however, we can be sure that there was a great amount of fellowship and community which took place in that city.

 

If you continue reading the words which are found in the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto Timothy you will find him writing unto Timothy and referring to him as “a true son in the faith.”  This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the importance of spiritual sons and spiritual daughters in the midst of the church and body of Christ. We know there are indeed those sons and daughters who are biological and who are indeed flesh of one’s flesh and blood of one’s blood, however, there are other sons who are sons in the Spirit. There are other daughters who are daughters in the Spirit and who have in fact been taken under the care and watch of spiritual men and women which are present in the body of Christ. I absolutely love that which is written within this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the importance of spiritual sons and spiritual daughters in the midst of the body of Christ. Moreover there is a great need for men and women in the body of Christ to step forth and serve as spiritual mothers and spiritual fathers unto those who are indeed sons and daughters in the faith within the body of Christ. There are sons and daughters in the midst of the body of Christ who do in fact and do indeed need to be such who recognize the importance of submitting themselves unto men as fathers and unto women as mothers. The apostle Paul wrote unto Timothy and addressed him as a true son in the faith and undoubtedly the apostle Paul was indeed one who cared deeply and intimately for Timothy as a father would a son. Scripture does not describe the relationship Timothy had with his own biological father and mentions nothing about him other than the fact that he was a Greek. What’s more is that when you read the second epistle written by the apostle Paul unto Timothy you will find him speaking of the faith that was in the heart of his mother and within his grandmother but absolutely no mention is made of his father whatsoever.

 

I sit here today thinking about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the truth surrounding the apostle Paul recognizing the need for a father figure in the life of Timothy. With this being said I find it necessary to say that I do not believe for one minute the apostle Paul sought to replace or take the place of Timothy’s biological father. What I am, however, referencing and speaking of is the apostle Paul recognizing the need for Timothy to have a male figure within his life who can teach and train him as a son and even as a disciple of the Lord Jesus. Scripture makes it very clear that Timothy was one who was a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ and who was well spoken of by the brethren and disciples in Lystra, Derbe and Iconium. This is something we dare not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding this young disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ who did indeed and did in fact worship and serve the one true and living God and who was heavily influenced by both his mother and his grandmother. The apostle Paul admonished Timothy within this epistle as a true son in the faith but also a partner, fellow worker and even a fellow solder of the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul was indeed one who viewed Timothy as a spiritual son in the faith and earnestly and eagerly desired that he would be one who walked before and in the sight and presence of the living God in all faithfulness, in all obedience, in all humility and in all honor before the living and eternal God.

 

As you read the words found in this epistle you will find the apostle Paul describing the tremendous trust, confidence and faith he had in him to carry out and fulfill the call of God which was upon his life. Within the epistles written by the apostle Paul you will find him writing and speaking of Timothy and his being one who was trustworthy and faithful to carry out the work of the ministry. There were specific times within the epistles and writings of the apostle Paul when he would speak of Timothy and of his sincerity in the faith as one who could be trusted with the work of the ministry and the work of the gospel. Within this first chapter we are brought face to face with the tremendous truth surrounding Timothy and being one who was counted faithful and as one who was counted trustworthy by the apostle Paul in the matters of the kingdom. We read the words found within these epistles and we see just how vital and integral Timothy was to the work of the ministry of the kingdom and how valuable he was to the churches. The apostle Paul entrusted Timothy to remain at Ephesus while he went into Macedonia that he might charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible reality of Timothy being entrusted to be a watchman on the wall who would see when the enemy was advancing and even when wolves in sheep’s clothing would enter in among them. When speaking unto the elders of the Ephesian church upon his departure for Jerusalem the apostle Paul declared unto him that after his departure savage wolves would enter in among them not sparing the flock. Moreover the apostle Paul also declared how there would even be some from among their own number who would seek to draw and entice men and women away from the truth that is found in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

I read the words which are found in the first and second epistle written by the apostle Paul unto Timothy and I can’t help but find within them—not only a warning of the dangerous times which were ahead but also the need to guard the hearts and of the saints of God. The apostle Paul entrusted Timothy to be one who would shepherd, guard and watch over the flock that he might protect them from the wolves that would seek to ensnare and destroy them. Much like David who was a shepherd and not only struck down and killed the lion but also the bear that the flock might not be destroyed and scattered so also would Timothy be one who would faithfully watch over the flock. Not only this but Timothy would be entrusted by the apostle Paul to teach sound doctrine unto those in Ephesus that they might know and understand the truth that was found in the gospel. The apostle Paul would see the faces of the Ephesian church any more, however, what we find is that he would entrust Timothy with the charge and the task of faithfully teaching them the truth of the gospel and of the kingdom that they might walk in a manner that is fully pleasing and acceptable in the sight of the living God. Within the first chapter of this epistle the apostle Paul would write how the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience and from sincere faith from which some had strayed, had turned aside to idols talk, and desiring to be teachers of the law they understand neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.

 

As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words the apostle Paul presented within these two epistles written unto Timothy. It is indeed true the apostle Paul admonished and encouraged him to faithfully oversee the flock of the living God and to guard their hearts and minds diligently. The apostle Paul instructed Timothy to faithfully guard and look out for the saints which were in Ephesus that he might help keep them from being deceived and from turning aside to those things which do nothing but promote discord, dissent, division, strife, chaos and contention. The apostle Paul wrote unto Timothy instructing him to faithfully charge men and women who were present there in Ephesus that they teach no other doctrine nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for within this epistle we find the apostle Paul clearly emphasizing the tremendous importance of the word of God—and not only the word of God but also sound doctrine and biblical teaching. Here within this epistle we are indeed brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the need for Timothy to be a son of Issachar who understood the times and understood what the spiritual body of Christ ought to do. The apostle Paul wrote unto and encouraged Timothy to be one who would diligently and faithfully guard, shepherd, and watch over their hearts, their souls and their minds that they might not be deceived and might not turn aside to that which will do nothing more than create confusion, strife, contention, division and schisms within the body of Christ. What’s more is that when you read the words which are found in this epistle you can and will be brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth regarding the apostle Paul and the admonition given unto Timothy that he might be a faithful minister and steward of the word of God and of the doctrine of Christ.

 

With all of this being said I find it absolutely necessary and imperative to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in both the fourth chapter of this first epistle written unto Timothy as well as the third chapter of the second epistle written unto Timothy. As if it weren’t enough for the apostle Paul to admonish Timothy to strengthen and encourage this congregation with its members concerning the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ he also sought to warn him concerning the days which were ahead—days of tremendous darkness and deception. It is with this in mind I find it absolutely necessary to emphasize to you who might be reading the words found in this passage of Scripture that there is a great need to recognize and understand that we are indeed preparing to enter into dark and dangerous days which are ahead of us. Whether we want to accept or believe it we are indeed entering into days of tremendous deception and seduction and there is a great need for us to be on guard and to guard our hearts and our minds from the false doctrines, false teaching and false gospels that are being purported within this generation. The apostle Paul wrote unto the churches which were in Galatia concerning their turning aside to a false gospel which wasn’t a gospel at all as well as writing unto the Corinthian congregation concerning the danger of a false gospel, a false Jesus and even another spirit whom they had not received. There is a great need for us as the saints of God and as the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ to be those who have a wise and discerning spirit and a ear that is able to discern that which is false and that which is deceptive within this generation. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this when reading the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto Timothy for within this epistle he not only instructed him concerning that which was present during those days but also warned him of those days which were ahead. The apostle Paul was incredibly concerned about the rampant deception and seduction that would and could be present within the hearts and minds of the saints of God at Ephesus and even Jesus Himself would instruct the apostle John to write a letter unto this church. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the third chapter of the second epistle written by Paul unto Timothy, the words which are found in the fourth chapter of the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto Timothy and the words which are found in the second chapter of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ:

 

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach” (1 Timothy 4:1-11).

 

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come; for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Joanne’s and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was” (2 Timothy 3:1-9).

 

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands: I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them lairs; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for my name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this giants you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place—unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans which I also hate. He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To whim who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God” (Revelation 2:1-7).