"THE BOOK OF ACTS" The Macedonian Call (16:6-10) INTRODUCTION 1. With Timothy accompanying Paul and Silas, they... a. Delivered decrees determined by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem - Ac 16:1-5 b. Journeyed through Phrygia and the region of Galatia - Ac 16:6 c. Were not alone; the Holy Spirit was very much with them - Ac 16:6-7 2. The Holy Spirit's guidance in this case was unique... a. Though it was very much in evidence in Paul's journeys - cf. Ac 13:2,4 b. It should not be considered typical as to how God directs His people [If so, how does God guide His people today? How can we ascertain God's will for us in our own lives? Before I suggest how God directs us today, let's first review...] I. GOD'S GUIDANCE OF PAUL AND HIS COMPANIONS A. FORBIDDEN TO PREACH IN ASIA... 1. By the Holy Spirit - Ac 16:6 2. Paul later spent 2 plus years at Ephesus - Ac 19:1-10 3. Perhaps the Spirit forbid them at this time, knowing that they would later have the opportunity to serve for some time in Asia (SW Turkey) B. NOT PERMITTED TO GO INTO BITHYNIA... 1. By the Spirit of Jesus - Ac 16:7; cf. Ro 8:9-10 2. Peter later wrote to Christians in Bithynia - 1Pe 1:1-2 3. Perhaps the Spirit did not permit them at this time, knowing that others would minister the area of Bithynia (NW Turkey) C. ARRIVAL AT TROAS... 1. Bypassing Mysia (NW Turkey), they arrived at Troas (the coast of Mysia) - Ac 16:8 2. Paul has a vision of a man of Macedonia ("Come over to Macedonia and help us.") - Ac 16:9 3. Conclusion (dream) and inclusion (Luke) - Ac 16:10 a. Concluding that the Lord was calling them to preach the gospel in Macedonia b. Including the author (Luke) who now uses the personal pronouns "we" and "us" [And so the Spirit directly led Paul in doing God's will on this journey. But what about us today? How we can be sure that we live and act in harmony with God's will for us? Here are thoughts to consider...] II. UNDERSTANDING GOD'S GUIDANCE TODAY A. THERE IS GOD'S PROCLAIMED WILL... 1. God has made His will known in many respects - e.g., 1Th 5:18; 1Pe 2:15 2. This He has done through revelation a. By sending inspired prophets in the past - He 1:1 b. By sending His own Son - He 1:2 c. By having the Spirit guide the apostles - Jn 16:12-13; e.g., 1Co 14:36-37 3. It is this proclaimed will of God that we must do to be saved - cf. Mt 7:21 -- That which is essential to know, God has revealed through Scripture - 2Ti 3:16-17 B. THERE IS GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL WILL... 1. God acts providentially in our lives - cf. Ro 1:10; 15:32 2. For such reason we are to pray regarding our plans - Jm 4:13-15 3. Our requests are answered as it may suit God's will - 1Jn 5:14 -- We may not have certainty as to what is God's providential will for us C. THERE IS GOD'S PERMISSIVE WILL... 1. God allows things to happen that are not necessarily according to His desired will 2. He permits people to sin and even hurt other people a. He is not pleased, and will one day render judgment - Ac 17:30-31 b. He is able to fulfill His own will, despite such rebellion - cf. Isa 10:5-7 3. God permits people to do things that are indifferent to Him a. There are some matters of indifference to God - e.g., Ro 14:5-6 b. Likewise, some decisions we make might not really matter to God -- Thus not all choices please God, nor are they necessarily required by God [With these thoughts in mind, here are some suggestions for...] III. SEEKING GOD'S GUIDANCE TODAY A. FOCUS ON THE PROCLAIMED WILL OF GOD... 1. I.e., study diligently to learn what God has revealed a. If you don't embrace and practice the revealed will of God... b. ...what difference does it make to seek areas of God's will unknown to you? 2. The value of focusing on the proclaimed will of God a. We will not be ignorant of what is essential for us to know and do b. We can avoid choices that are clearly contrary to God's will B. SEEK ADVICE FROM OTHERS... 1. Discuss your alternatives with older, mature Christians - Pr 11:14; 12:15 2. Consult the wisdom found in the Bible (especially Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon) C. ASK GOD FOR WISDOM... 1. Pray diligently for the ability to discern wisely - Jm 1:5-8 2. Wisdom is that spiritual insight that enables you to evaluate situations clearly, and helps utilize what options and abilities you have 3. Use such wisdom to eliminate what appears less acceptable D. COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD... 1. Whatever you do, do it for the Lord's sake - cf. Ps 37:5-6,23-26 2. Make your plans subject to God's will, both proclaimed and providential - Jm 4:15 a. Give God permission to close the door on your choice if that is His will b. If He closes the door on your choice, look for alternatives E. OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER... 1. God is not like a train; he is able to run on more than one track 2. A choice may not be between good and bad, but between good and better 3. God can use us in many different ways 4. If need not choose right away, wait; that will give you time to grow and gain wisdom 5. Whatever your hands finds to do in your existing circumstances, do it with all your might CONCLUSION 1. Our goal should be to "stand perfect and complete in all the will of God"... - cf. Co 4:12 a. Especially as it pertains to the proclaimed will of God b. Even as much as possible in the providential and permissive will of God 2. Epaphras' desire for his brethren serves as a good example; as does that of our Lord... a. Who taught us to pray, "Your will be done on earth as it in heaven" - Mt 6:10 b. Who Himself prayed, "Not as I will, but as You will..." - Mt 26:39-42 Are you seeking to "find a way in the will of God" as it pertains to the plans in your life...?Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2013
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