In Step with the Spirit

Sermon Notes

[Galatians 5:25 NIV] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

It is possible to TUNE OUT the promptings of the Spirit.

[Acts 16:6-8] Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. 7 Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. 8 So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas.

Sometimes the Holy Spirit BLOCKS our direction.

[Acts 16:9-12] That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" 10 So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there. 11 We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis. 12 From there we reached Philippi, a major city of that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. And we stayed there several days.

We need to allow the Spirit to INTERRUPT us.

[Acts 16:13-15] On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there. 14 One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. 15 She was baptized along with other members of her household, and she asked us to be her guests. "If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my home." And she urged us until we agreed.

We need to ACT on God's direction not just ACCEPT it.

[Acts 16:40] When Paul and Silas left the prison, they returned to the home of Lydia. There they met with the believers and encouraged them once more. Then they left town.

Sometimes the Spirit doesn’t give you the whole MAP, just the next STEP.

[Galatians 6:4-5] Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

We can LEARN from others, but we are not to COMPARE ourselves to others.

[John 10:27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

If we’re not walking with God DAILY we won't recognize His VOICE.

[Proverbs 19:21] You can make many plans, but the LORD's purpose will prevail.

The goal is not to follow OUR plans, but to follow His PLAN.

[Philippians 4:6-7] Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

God’s will and path is always accompanied by His PEACE.

If the situation is beyond YOUR control, it’s in GOD'S control.