June 25, 2023 · Acts 16:6–10

Stop And Go With The Spirit

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. And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. And so they passed Mysia and they went down to Troas.

“And I love what he did, because one of the things he wanted to point out is that you have to use the Holy Spirit in decision-making. He gave four questions, and I think those four are really important. We've been talking about the Holy Spirit guiding us. I didn't want to leave you with just — be guided by the Holy Spirit. Here are some ways to be guided by the Holy Spirit. First: Holy Spirit, is this wrong for me to do? Whenever you're making a decision, ask — is this wrong for me to do? Let the Holy Spirit speak to you, because sometimes it might be wrong, and he may say: no, you shouldn't be doing this. Second, and this one is ultra important: Holy Spirit, what does the Bible teach me about this issue? What is the Bible saying about this? The Holy Spirit will never contradict the Bible. The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible. We're led by the Spirit and we're grounded in Scripture, and those two go together. This is the place where we get weary and go wrong — people will say the Holy Spirit told them anything. Third: Holy Spirit, by doing this, might I cause someone weaker to copy me and do something that is sinful for them? You might be free to do this, but it's better for you not to do it if you're going to lead someone else into sin. You have a friend who struggles with alcohol, and you say, I'm going to go minister in the pubs — is this going to be a problem for him? Fourth: Holy Spirit, by doing this, might I damage my reputation and my witness to Jesus in my community? Even if this is something I'm free to do — am I going to hurt something along the way?”