Sermon Notes for 10/20/2013
Guidance from the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6-15)
A. The Holy Spirit changes people's plans
1) How did the Spirit keep Paul and his companions from preaching in Asia? (6-8)
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. (6-8)
2) Confirmed with a vision (9,10)
During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. (9,10)
B. Results of following the Spirit (11-15, Proverbs 16:9)
From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. (11-15)
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
Summary
No matter how capable a person is, his or her plans may need to change according to God's will. God's changes to our plans are easy to discern because he speaks to us in many different ways. Our job is to listen carefully by remaining close to God and focusing on understanding his will. There are times when we make mistakes in trying to hear from God, but these experiences can help us become more discerning in the future. As we listen and do what God asks of us, we will see good results in our lives.
For Discussion
1) How did the Holy Spirit keep Paul and his companions from ministering in Turkey?
2) What was the result of following God's direction?
Guidance from the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6-15)
A. The Holy Spirit changes people's plans
1) How did the Spirit keep Paul and his companions from preaching in Asia? (6-8)
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. (6-8)
2) Confirmed with a vision (9,10)
During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. (9,10)
B. Results of following the Spirit (11-15, Proverbs 16:9)
From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. (11-15)
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
Summary
No matter how capable a person is, his or her plans may need to change according to God's will. God's changes to our plans are easy to discern because he speaks to us in many different ways. Our job is to listen carefully by remaining close to God and focusing on understanding his will. There are times when we make mistakes in trying to hear from God, but these experiences can help us become more discerning in the future. As we listen and do what God asks of us, we will see good results in our lives.
For Discussion
1) How did the Holy Spirit keep Paul and his companions from ministering in Turkey?
2) What was the result of following God's direction?