JOY EXPECTED: OBEDIENCE

Philippians 1:1–2 NKJV

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Main Idea: God gives joy in the midst of obedience.

Key Question: What area do you need to increase obedience?

1. We have a foundation for our obedience. (Acts 16:6-10)

Acts 16:6–10 NKJV

Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Luke 24:49 NKJV

“Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

Ephesians 5:8 NKJV

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Nudge of a very familiar friend

2. We have a faith to share in obedience. (Acts 16:11-34)

3 Types of Lost Experiences:

I. Friend/God-fearer/”Attender”

Acts 16:11–12 NKJV

Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days.

Acts 16:14 NKJV

Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.

II. Enemy/deep in sin

Acts 16:16 NKJV

Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling.

III. Indifferent to the gospel

Acts 16:30–32 NKJV

And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.

Luke 19:10 NKJV

for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Guy from NAMB wanted to “help” me.

3. We have a fortitude to obedience. (Acts 16:35-40)

Acts 16:40 NKJV

So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

William Carey - 700 converts - 41 years - Father of Modern Missions

4. We have a freedom to celebrate in our obedience. (Phil. 1:1-2)

Philippians 1:1–2 NKJV

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace in Paul - Acts 9

Grace in Timothy - Acts 16

Obedience — Unity - Great Victory! REVITALIZATION!!!