Sermons

Following His Vision (Acts 16:1-13, Philippians 1:1-11)

Gearl Spicer Gearl Spicer, June 6, 2021
Part of the Summer Of Joy - Now More Than Ever series, preached at a Sunday Online service

Acts 16:1–13 (Listen)

16:1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together.

(ESV)

Philippians 1:1–11 (Listen)

1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

(ESV)

Sermon Notes

Summer Of Joy - Now More Than Ever
Following His Vision
Acts 16:1-13, Philippians 1:1-11
6/6/21

Can you identify His vision for your life?

Indicators of vision:
*Revealed by His Spirit
*Clarity of focus
*Positioned for change
*Increased effectiveness in life

A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was
standing and appealing to him, and saying, "Come over to Macedonia
And help us."

I. The call that set in motion a vision from God-Acts 16:1-13
A. Open to God's direction
B. Response was timely
C. Acted with an eternal purpose

*Uncertainty is always answered with obedience!

*We cannot understand complexity and uncertainty but we can face
It with confidence!

II. The commitment that was modeled for the church—Phil. 1:1-11
A. Heartfelt prayers
B. Affirmation of their commitment
C. Confidence in their relationship
D. Grace affirmed their hearts
E. Love abounded in them
F. Anchored it all in anticipation of His return!

Will you seek His vision?
Will you answer the call?

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