August 5, 2018

Flannelgraph Faith: God can use anyone, anywhere
August 5, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Many of us feel we have a great idea, only to face obstacles at some point while trying to carry it out. We may consider them as challenges that must be overcome, or we may find they are a complete roadblock, and have to modify our original idea. Does a memory jog for anyone?

Paul and Silas set their focus to travel from the area of Galatia, where Timothy had joined them, to go west into Asia, planting churches as they traveled. The Holy Spirit stopped their journey, only to eventually give Paul a vision. This study continues the modern-day flannel-graph series, giving visual images that tell of Paul’s missionary experiences.

 

Discuss:

God can use anyone!

         The Macedonian Call

  • Read Acts 16:6-10. Does someone have a Bible map, showing Paul’s location in Galatia, and where he and his associates planned to take the gospel into Asia? Who joined them in this endeavor?
  • What was the reason for Paul’s vision? Where was Macedonia in relation to their present position? What would they have to do to get to Macedonia?
  • How long did Paul, Silas, Luke and Timothy hesitate?

 

The gospel taken west

  • Read verses 11-13. What was Paul’s usual routine on arriving in a city? Why would he seek out the synagogue? Without a synagogue in the colony, why would they meet at the river?
  • Read verses 14-15. Whom did the men meet there? What are some qualities you see in Lydia’s character? Was she already saved? Why or why not?
  • What did God do? When were she and her household baptized? What is significant about Lydia for present-day believers, as well as her own town?

   God can use anyone anywhere!

      Paul and Silas in prison

  • Read verses 16-19. Did everything go smoothly as Paul & Silas preached in Philippi? Why not?
  • What was the result of casting the demonic spirit out of the girl?
  • Read verses 20-24. What sufferings did Paul and Silas endure? How were they secured in prison?
  • What do you think you would do if you were in a like situation undeservedly?

      Salvation comes to the jailer

  • Read verses 25-26. Although Paul and Silas had every right to be angry about their circumstances, what did they choose to do? Were they suffering? Why?
  • What happened to the stocks securing them to the ground? Were all prisoners freed?
  • Read verse 27-30. What did the jailer do when he woke? Was he aware Paul and Silas had been having a worship service? How do you think he knew that Paul and Silas were the instruments through which he was not going to be killed? Why did he beg to know how to be “saved” and that that was his need?
  • Read verses 31-34. What was the result of their being thrown into prison?

 

 The mission trip ends well

  • Read verses 35-40. Did Paul let the magistrates off easily? Why?
  • After they were released from prison, what did they do?
  • Their work in Macedonia now included a church in Lydia’s house and a church plant in the home of the jailer. Was their job there finished? Why?
  • Has God called you (anyone) to a certain task (anywhere)? Are you being obedient? How?

 

 

Close:

As we read Acts 16, it is hard not to wonder how often we—as individuals—seek to carry out a personal plan, only to run into roadblocks. It is often extremely hard to determine if the challenge was put there by Satan to keep us from doing a particular work, or from the Holy Spirt, who might have an alternate plan. Usually we try to climb over the obstacles, feeling our plan was good. We learn from this scripture that a roadblock should be bathed in prayer before proceeding.

Paul and Silas tried going to several different cities before Paul had the vision to go to Macedonia. Is it possible that God is giving you signs to show that He desires you to do a certain work, and you are missing them? Listening carefully to the Spirit’s call is a must. Look for unusual responses to things that would seem out of place, be watchful for open doors, and be careful to be prayed up at all times. If you desire to do the work of the ministry, prepare your heart ahead of time, studying, praying, and ministering, so that, when the call comes, you are ready to say “Send me!”

Above all, be willing to go where He asks you. Don’t back off and assume you are to go somewhere else and think that God has misunderstood. He knows exactly where He wants you and will tell you so, leading you all the way. Worship, Listen, and Be Willing—the three steps to answering God’s call for your life!

Key Verse: Acts 16:31: So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (NKJV)

 

Focal Passage: Acts 16.