Scripture
Acts 16:6-10
“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. 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.”
Observation-What does it say?
The Holy Spirit had stopped Paul and his companions from preaching in the regions of Asia. However, Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia begging him for help, and he concluded that God had called them to go to Macedonia to preach the Gospel next.
Understanding-What does it mean?
The Holy Spirit speaks through visions and dreams. That’s one of the outward gifts that he gives believers.
““ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” Acts 2:17 NIV
As a result of Paul being obedient to the Holy Spirit’s leading through his vision, Lydia and members of her whole household were saved and baptized. Also, Paul and Silas became imprisoned, but God used that situation by giving them an opportunity to save the jailer from physical AND spiritual death. This also led to his whole household being saved and baptized! These events would not have occurred unless Paul and his companions followed the Holy Spirit’s lead, which started with them not preaching in the province of Asia and then Paul’s vision from Him.
Life Application
When the Holy Spirit leads, whether through a vision or dream, a prophecy, a tongue, or a conviction of sin that we must turn from because it goes completely against the Word of God and His fruits in Galatians 5, listen and respond. Obey Him.
Throughout the book of Acts so far, I’ve noticed the following theme and work of the Holy Spirit in the early church.
- They were open to Him and the gifts He wanted to give them, both inward and outward gifts.
- They obeyed His leading. If He said stop, they stopped; if He said go, they picked up and went.
- They witnessed people get saved and baptized and the church increase in numbers.
As a church that believes that the gifts of the Spirit are still living and active for today, I pray over us (myself included) that what the early church experienced is what we at DSC would all experience too. I pray that we would see ALL the amazing things the Holy Spirit can accomplish in and through us individually, and as a church body as a result of being open and obedient to Him.
Please join us tomorrow, Wednesday, 1/23, at 7p as Pastor Gary leads us into a time of prayer geared specifically towards being baptized in the Holy Spirit. It’s something we do not want to miss.
Thank You Jesus for leaving us Your Holy Spirit as a means to finish the work of Your Kingdom. May we all be baptized in Him so that His power would flow freely in our church body. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
