Grateful, Open Hearts

Gratitude in the Leading of the Spirit

Bible Passage: Acts 16:9–15, John 14:23–29

Summary: The Holy Spirit leads believers into new opportunities and provides peace and assurance in Christ. Highlighting the responsiveness to God's call and the enduring peace given by Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

Application: Understanding the guidance of the Holy Spirit helps Christians navigate life's uncertainties with gratitude and faith. It encourages them to be open to divine appointments and reassures them of God’s continual presence, giving them strength in their struggles.

Teaching: Believers are called to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit in their lives, leading them to share the gospel and make decisions grounded in Christ's peace. It emphasizes the importance of gratitude for spiritual guidance and empowerment.

Point to Christ: In the broader context of the Bible, Jesus is the ultimate embodiment of God's presence; His sending of the Holy Spirit ensures believers that they are never alone. The Holy Spirit not only guides but also comforts, leading to an experiential relationship with Christ.

Big Idea: As we receive the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we are called to act with gratitude, trusting in Christ’s peace to guide our responses and actions in the world.

1. Following the Macedonian Vision

Acts 16:9-10

Paul received a vision in the night, directing him to go to Macedonia.

Emphasizing a timely reliance on the Spirit's guidance.

When God leads us, it opens new paths and opportunities.

It is listening and responding important for us to always by listening as the Spirit prompts us, even when the direction isn't immediately clear or easy.

Encourage gratitude for divine direction and to act boldly on God's call.

2. Sailing to New Horizons

Acts 16:11-12

Paul and his companions immediately set sail for Macedonia.

This is faith put to action.

Like their journey to Macedonia, the Spirit's leading can call us to new people and places, new languages, new cultures, and new understandings.

If we allow ourselves reflect on how the Spirit might be prompting us today, we may be led somewhere new.

When the Spirit leads us to unexpected appointments, so that we can be part of his divine mission of redemption, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity.

None of this happens naturally, it requires prompt courage and swift action when called.

3. Converting Hearts in Philippi

Acts 16:13-15

When Paul and his companions arrived, they found no synagogue but a place of prayer outside of the city, near a river.

They met many Gentile “worshippers of God,” including Lydia, a dyer of expensive purple cloth and known heard the Gospel message.

Maybe, Lydia and the others had prayed for someone to come and bring them the abundant peace of God despite not being Jews.

Imagine if the Apostles never arrived, what might have happened?

In this case, Lydia and her whole household were baptised as believers in Christ.

Taking Spirit-led action leads to transformed lives.

Lydia's household baptism signifies that God’s plans are more expansive than ours.

We can live with gratitude for being instruments in God’s hands, knowing that the Spirit's guidance can impact lives in ways beyond our understanding.

To do that, we need to condition the eyes and ears of our hearts to recognize moments of divine appointment.

4. Peace with the Paraclete

John 14:23-29

Jesus promised his disciples peace as the culmination of the Spirit’s work.

We can have peace in knowing that we are cooperating in God’s plan of salvation for the world.

We can have gratitude for the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit not only directs but also comforts, offering peace that transcends circumstances & understanding.

Let’s rest in that peace, trusting in Jesus’ promise that we are never alone, regardless of the trials of life, and grounding us in a deeper relationship with Christ.

When we live with grateful and open hearts, there is no telling what God might be able to do through us.