Discussion Questions
Prayer Points
Applications
- Listening to the Spirit (Acts 16:6-10)
The sermon highlights Paul’s approach of “going until the Spirit stops us” rather than waiting for explicit direction. How can we cultivate a lifestyle of actively pursuing God’s mission while remaining sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance? Share a time when you sensed God redirecting your plans. - People Need Help (Acts 16:9-10)
The Macedonian man’s plea, “Come over and help us,” reflects a spiritual need for the gospel. Who in your community or sphere of influence might be crying out for this kind of help, even if they don’t express it explicitly? How can you respond to their need with the gospel? - Lydia’s Seeking Heart (Acts 16:14)
Lydia’s story shows God rewarding her sincere seeking by opening her heart to the gospel. How does her example encourage you to pursue God faithfully, even when answers don’t come immediately? What practices help you seek God wholeheartedly? - Lydia’s Response (Acts 16:15)
Lydia not only believed but also led her household to faith, was baptized, and showed hospitality. What does her holistic response to the gospel teach us about how faith should impact our actions and relationships? How can you imitate her example in your own context? - Paul’s Persistence (Acts 16:6-15)
Despite closed doors in Asia and Bithynia, Paul pressed on, and God opened a door in Philippi. How does Paul’s persistence encourage you in moments when sharing the gospel feels fruitless? What practical steps can you take to keep sharing the gospel despite setbacks?
Prayer Points
- Sensitivity to the Spirit: Pray for discernment to hear and obey the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our daily lives and mission, trusting God to redirect us when needed.
- Hearts Open to the Gospel: Ask God to open the hearts of those in our communities who are seeking Him, like Lydia, and to use us to share the gospel with them.
- Courage in Evangelism: Pray for boldness and perseverance to share the gospel, even when we face rejection or closed doors, trusting God for opportunities like Philippi.
- Wholehearted Seeking: Ask God to deepen our desire to seek Him through prayer, Scripture, and worship, believing His promise to reward those who draw near.
- Impact on Our Spheres: Pray for the grace to lead those in our households, workplaces, or communities to faith, following Lydia’s example of influence and hospitality.
Applications
- Go and Listen: Take a practical step this week to share the gospel (e.g., invite a neighbor to coffee or share your testimony) while praying for the Spirit’s guidance to confirm or redirect your efforts.
- Seek God Daily: Commit to a daily practice of seeking God (e.g., reading Scripture, praying, or journaling) to grow in familiarity with His voice, as the sermon compares to knowing a loved one’s voice.
- Lead Others: Identify one person in your sphere of influence (family, friend, coworker) and intentionally pray for or engage them with the gospel, modeling Lydia’s leadership in her household.
- Show Hospitality: Follow Lydia’s example by extending hospitality to someone this week—perhaps inviting a fellow believer or a gospel preacher to share a meal or conversation.
- Persevere in Evangelism: Reflect on a recent “closed door” in your efforts to share faith. Instead of giving up, pray for and pursue one new opportunity to share the gospel this week, trusting God to open hearts.