Last week we saw how the Holy Spirit spoke to the church in Antioch to set apart Paul and Silas for the work to which God called them.

This week let’s look at how the Holy Spirit continue to lead them once they set out to do that work.

Acts 16:6-36 (NIV)
⁶ 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.
⁷ When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.
⁸ So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.
⁹ During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."
¹⁰ 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.

How do you think they were kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching in Asia?

How do you think they knew the Spirit of Jesus wouldn’t allow them to enter Bithynia?

How did Paul come up with the conclusion that God called them to preach in Macedonia?

SOW

Sensitive

Obedient

Willing

Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV)
¹² Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
¹³ Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 Paul uses a vivid picture. "Let the peace of God be the decider of all things within your heart."

Literally what he says is, "Let the peace of God be the umpire in your heart."

He uses a verb from the athletic arena; it is the word that is used of the umpire who settled things in any matter of dispute.

 If the peace of Jesus Christ is the umpire in any man's heart, then, when feelings clash and we are pulled in two directions at the same time, the right decision will bring about the peace of Christ in your heart

But, there are often conflicting motivations in our hearts.

These conflicting emotions can bring about “peace” in two different areas

The peace of Christ

And

The peace of the flesh

peace - in the natural man

peace - in the spiritual man

The peace of Christ is lasting and always produces good fruit – God results

Paul and his companions were led by the peace of Christ in their hearts

We will see at the end of the sermon, how powerful the results were

How can we learn to discern – between the two – between the peace of Christ, the true leading of the Spirit, and the strong will of the flesh, which can lead us and deceive us?

You reap what you ----------

SOW

Sensitive, Obedient, willing

Sensitive – means – in tune – we can – sense – God’s leading – and discern – it from other ways in which we are led – particularly – our flesh – or sinful nature.

Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV)
¹⁶ So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
¹⁷ For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Ways to get in tune

Fasting

Prayer

Quiet time

Journaling

Record the ways you believe you are being led

Sometimes, only over time, can you discern between God’s leading and your own desires

James 1:14-16 (NIV)
¹⁴ but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.
¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
¹⁶ Don't be deceived, my dear brothers.

But be willing and obedient – to do God’s will in all things.

This speaks to our motivation, our love and our trust of God

The more we love God – the more we want to obey – we are more motivated to do so

The more we trust God – the more we are willing – to do things that might not be the most comfortable thing to do (peace of the flesh – is usually the most comfortable thing to do)

Romans 12 tells us that this is only accomplished by the renewing of our minds

Romans 12:2 (NIV)
² Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 8:5-14 (NIV)
⁵ Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
⁶ The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;

Isaiah 1:19-20 (NIV)
¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land;
²⁰ but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Love and Trust

Love - motivation to want to

Trust - willingness to do so

Relationship

Then, guided by the Word and by the Spirit

As you learn to walk in the Spirit, God will never ask you to do anything that violates his Word.

however, they may not line up with your pre-conceived notions, especally if they are generated from your own selfish or soulish spirit.

John 6:63 (NIV)
⁶³ The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Hebrews 5:14 (NIV)
¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.