HEARING THE CRIES THROUGH THE NOISE
We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or be used for a sermon group discussion.
Sermon Title: HEARING THE CRIES THROUGH THE NOISE
Scripture References: ACTS 16:1-15
Summary:
We pick up where Paul and Silas begin a new missionary journey, Paul’s second. He has a new co-worker, Silas. Paul’s journey begins with recruiting an apprentice named Timothy, discerning the leading of the Holy Spirit, and then answering the cry for help in Macedonia, where the team meets Lydia. Let’s learn what we can takeaway…
Notes:
V. 1-5 Paul recruits young Timothy
Timothy was a young disciple, a believer. He was well spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium.
Timothy lived a life that left an impression on others, a life of integrity and useful for the kingdom of God.
This reputation must have grabbed the attention of Paul to invite Timothy to come along. A stark contrast to how Paul approached the John Mark case in Acts 15.
V. 3b At first glance, this decision to circumcise Timothy is a head-scratcher, especially after all the discussion over the need to be or not to be circumcised in Acts 15. But when you consider Paul’s words in 1 Cor. 9:22, “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some…” you understand this decision was strictly strategy for the mission.
Paul knew that it would be difficult for unbelieving Jews to hear and accept Timothy’s testimony being that he was considered Jewish by his mother but yet, still uncircumcised. Paul was trying to avoid encountering unnecessary distractions and arguments with Jews on the trip.
V. 4-5 The wisdom and requirements given in Acts 15:29 are being carried by Paul, Silas, and Timothy. These requirements strengthened the church and continued to grow in maturity and numbers. Yes, if we follow the Word of God and the wisdom therein we will find it not only works but it blesses us and all those around us, abundantly.
Application:
All believers should be growing and demonstrating spiritual readiness and availability for the Lord. In this case, there was more than that. Paul saw ministry potential in Timothy and wanted to mentor him.
What we are known for. What do people think of you and what are you known for? Are we spiritually maturing and available to be called up to serve and help build the kingdom of God? I believe we all have potential if we submit ourselves to God and follow Jesus.
Paul’s decision to circumcise Timothy made me think…what behaviors could we avoid or what reputations should we guard against so our words and testimonies are more likely received? Is there anything in our lives that needs to be cut away or removed that could hinder our testimony and witness to those at home, work, or even online?
To our young generation. Do not fall for that terrible trap and mindset to wait until you are older to get serious about God. This is a trick from the devil. You are valuable now to the kingdom of God and the preparation from this day forward is vitally important to your future with God and the kingdom. Your walk with the Lord matters now and God is ready to pour out His Spirit and grace upon grace to help you be a kingdom builder that will make an eternal impact in many lives.
V. 6-10 A call from Macedonia
Two times, in two locations, the Holy Spirit prevented them from preaching the Word (this is the only place in the New Testament where the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of Jesus). This prevention from reaching the lost is very peculiar; many unsaved people live in this region. We’re not sure why God delays ministry in the Asia region at this time.
How does the Holy Spirit prevent them, we’re not sure. It may have been a prophetic word from Silas after prayer, it may have been travel challenges, or it may have been more dreams. Perhaps, instead of feeling peace, there was an intense conflicted feeling with God in their stomachs.
The vision. Once they settled at the seaport of Troas, during the night, Paul had a vision (Many of Paul’s visions were in the form of dreams). In this vision, a man from Macedonia was pleading and begging Paul for help. Paul took this as the direction and approval from God so they left at once.
Luke joins the missions team (He speaks in first person plural in verse 10).
Application:
How do we know and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading?
We understand that when we say the Holy Spirit is leading it’s God leading too.
This could be very challenging at times because in this case people need the gospel and going to both places is good but both are not Holy Spirit-initiated.
Spirit-initiated ministry is not the same as human-initiated ministry.
If you ever find yourself conflicted, I recommend you set your plan to the side and start all over. It appears that’s what Paul did by hanging out at the seaport. I suggest praying over the opportunity or situation and waiting. I recommend praying with other believers who could get a word of direction or confirmation for you. I recommend reading the Word of God and listening for God to whisper, give peace, or even use a story or scripture verse to give guidance. I don’t think everything has to go through this process. There is the common direction of God’s Word to be obedient to His commands, or to show love and kindness. But to make big decisions for life, for ministry, or decisions that will affect others in your life, there needs to be a pause and waiting in the presence of God. God has a knack for communicating visions, giving divine intel, and directing us through dreams. Who knows, you may receive a vision in prayer, a dream, a message from a fellow believer, that gives you peace and confirmation for the next step.
V. 11-15 Lydia’s conversion in Philippi (a city in Macedonia)
Bring up the map again
Lydia is a God-fearing woman influenced by the few local Jews, but not yet a believer in Jesus Christ. A businesswoman of expensive purpose cloth.
The gospel was preached and God used it and opened her heart (at times people say they are reading the Bible and then their hearts are open).
“The Lord opens her heart” meaning that he removes any misconception that she has that may prevent her from receiving Christ. Another way of putting it is that the gospel comes to her through the Holy Spirit, and in joy, she responds to it. Her conversion is due to God’s action of bringing the gospel to her but in no way denies the responsibility of the hearer to repent and believe on Jesus Christ. Upon the profession of her faith, Lydia and the people who live with her are baptized (Acts 16:15).” FLBC, page 619
Romans 10:13-15 …“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
God’s eye was on Lydia and her household. Lydia was doing well for herself but she still needed Jesus for the salvation of her soul.
Application:
God sees you and knows what you’re going through. If His eye is on the sparrow, His eye is on you. Call on Him and know He is working to send help.
This is why Calvary exists…
We exist to hear the cry for help through the noise of this world
We exist to raise up and mentor the next generation Disciple the “Timothy’s, Tabitha’s, Thomas’s, Tiana’s, etc.”
We exist to do Spirit-initiated work in our state, nation, and around the world.
We exist to answer the calls for help. To reach the Lydia’s and John’s. When people are calling out to God for help He often sends His people to deliver His message, comfort, and direction. Let us not lose sight of this or get sidetracked of our purpose as a church.
Close:
May we be ever-growing and spiritually ready, at all times, to respond and minister to those around us. May our spiritual hearts and ears be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. May we tune our busy lives to the patient, orchestration of God’s sovereign hand. May we have the courage to do new and hard things for the Lord. May we draw grace from the eternal well, Jesus Christ, to show compassion to those who don’t know or live the Truth.
Discussion:
What did God use in this sermon to speak to your heart or situation?
What part of the scripture stuck out to you and why?
What do people think of you and what are you known for? (Are you spiritually maturing and available to be called up to serve and help build the kingdom of God?)
Is there anything in your life that needs to be cut away or removed that could hinder your testimony and witness to those at home, work, or even online?
Are there any “Lydias” or “Johns” in your life that you are feeling called to reach? What is stopping you from answering that call?
What takeaways or points did you find the most important to you during the sermon?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!