Busy, Blocked and Blessed
Acts 16:1-15
Today we begin a brief sermon series which will take us with Paul on his last mission before going to Rome under arrest. Acts 16:1-15 provides the account of a busy successful start, blocking of Paul’s plan and blessed opportunities of a new vision from God.
Busy encouraging, and instructing belivers 16:1-5
New mission partner: Timothy was commended and commissioned to the team. Next Paul’s planned mission was to encourage and strengthen existing believers.New information, believers made stronger and New believers every day.
Blocked by God in carrying out Paul’s plan. 16:6-10
Original Plan of Paul was to preach, strengthen and inform the believers in churches evangelized in his earlier mission trips blocked. Opening new opportunities. The churches established on the earlier mission trips were strong and growing. Paul’s plan was worth, but God had a different plan. Blocking by God was a complete with the Trinity in unison speaking to Paul. A new vision. Opening for a new missionary team member: Luke a physician.
Blessed opportunities and a new vision. Acts 16:11-15
Philippi city famous for gold and silver mines a Roman colony. Problem no meeting place for Jews. Place of prayer: Women were present. Power of the Word: Lydia a worshipper of God the Lord opened her heart. A slave girl demon controlled redeemed. Jailed and songs of faith. Trust in God. A shaken jailer about to kill himself until Paul remained in jail. His entire is family believed. A new church was born because Paul listened.
Here are some personal questions. Are you busy doing God’s work? Are your plans confirmed by God? Will you listen to God and are you willing to change your plans if God leads in a different?