Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 20, 2022
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 16. This chapter covers the first leg of Paul’s second missionary journey. He begins with a visit to Lystra and follows the leading of the Spirit to Macedonia. During this entire trip, Paul models a valuable decision making strategy — what does Jesus want? Paul is not concerned with his own desires or plans, he wants to magnify Jesus above all else and make decisions that align with God’s will. As we make decisions in our daily life, big and small, Paul’s example is helpful to us.
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Before Timothy accompanies Paul on the mission journey, Paul takes Timothy to be circumcised. It can appear to be contradicting what we learned in chapter 15, through the Jerusalem Council; however, Paul wants to remove every obstacle for people to hear and receive the gospel message. Are you willing to remove the barriers in your life that might keep people from hearing the gospel message? Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to reveal if there are any ways you are more focused on your freedom than the spread of God’s Kingdom.
In chapter 16, we see Paul had desires of where he wanted to go, but the Holy Spirit was the One to lead. We see the Holy Spirit closed doors and gave Paul a vision of where to go. Are you living in a way where you can hear the Holy Spirit speak? Are there any doors He has closed where you are trying to still go through them? Will you spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit, what does Jesus want? God promises to take us by the hand and lead us. Holy Spirit, please open our eyes to what You are doing and how You want us to join You in Your work.
As you make big and small decisions, are you willing to ask, “would this magnify Jesus?” Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to align your desires with His. May we magnify Jesus and minimize ourselves.
Do you steward your time, money, and words for the glory of God? Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to reveal ways you can be a good steward of what God has given you.
Paul and Silas were beaten and arrested for casting the demon out of the young girl. Their response in prison was to sing and pray. Would that be your response? Or would your reaction be more frustrated about not getting the results you anticipated as you do the work of Jesus? We see the prisoners listening to their songs and prayers, and the jailer's response was, "what must I do to be saved?" Does the world hear you complain or praise? Would the unbelievers around you ask, "what must I do to be saved?"
As we close out this week's devotion and reflection, spend time in prayer asking, "What does Jesus want?". Then, be still and listen. In making your decisions this week, will you ask this question and commit to obedience to God's lead?