Homiletics

 Acts 16:1-40

Content:

1. At Lyshe Paul chooses reputable , young Greek/Jew, Timothy and after circumcising takes him on missionary journey. 1-3
2. Churches encouraged as Jerusalem counsel decision is shared. 4-5
3. Holy Spirit keeps Paul's missionary team from entering Asia at Bithynia. 6-7
4. At Troas, Paul has dream of man in Macedonia beckoning so they immediately head there. 8-10
5. From Troas through Samathrace and Neapolis they reach Philipi in Macedonia 11-12
6. On Sabbath, Paul 's team gathered for prayer At River with many women including Lydia. 13-14
7. Lydia persuades them to come and stay with her. 15
8. Psychic slave girl pesters Paul and team with her knowledge of them as God's Servants until Paul sends spirit out of her. 16-18
9. Perturbed owners of girl drag Paul and Silas to face authorities. 19-21
10. Flogged and beaten Paul and Silas are put under severe jail watch. 22-24
11. While Paul and Silas were praising God , a violent earthquake opens doors. 25-26
12. Paul saves Jailer from ending his life in fear prisoners have left. 27-28
13. Jailer and family are saved as he cares for Paul and Silas wounds. 29-34
14. Magistrate tries to dismiss case but Paul does not allow and uses Roman citizen "card." 35-37
15. Fearful magistrate seek to appease. 38-39
16. Paul and Silas go to Lydia's briefly before leaving the area. 40

Divisions:

1. Paul follows Holy Spirits leading making missionary journey to Macedonia. 1-15
2. Paul's healing of possessed slave girl leads to imprisonment. 16-24
3. Miraculous deliverance from jail results in salvation of jailers family. 25-40

Subject Sentence:

• Paul led by Holy Spirit to Macedonia, experiences persecution and fruit.

Aim: 

1. TCMT to seek to follow the Holy Spirit's leading to serve others trusting in times of affliction as well as fruitfulness.

Applications:

1. Do I see closed doors as God's leading?  Am I listening for the Holy Spirit speaking to my spirit for direction?
2. What is my response when following Holy Spirit leads to affliction? Will I praise him in the midst of it?
3. Am I looking to make the most of every opportunity to share the salvation message?  What difficulty do I need to stay in, trusting that God will use for his glory?