Sermon 2 Notes and questions from Paul's sermon

First Century Acts for Twenty First Century Disciples

Sermon Two (Holy Trinity and Christchurch) – Lydia’s Conversion (Acts 16v6-15)

Summary of Sermon:

·         The unlikely (impossible?) encounter between Paul and Lydia.

·         Controversy in the early Church about conversion of non-Jews could have prevented it.

·         Paul’s desire to stay in Asia Minor on his missionary journey could have prevented it.

·         But the Holy Spirit had other ‘ideas’ and Paul followed the calling across the sea to another continent – Europe and to the Roman colony of Philippi.

·         Lydia defied the culture of her time. She was a successful, independent businesswoman. And she was a ‘European’ gentile as well.

·         God’s grace can break down such barriers of race, background and geography to enable such an encounter to happen.

·         Lydia was also someone seeking a spiritual dimension to her life. She joined faithful Jews at their meeting place by the riverside as part of this search.

·         The impossible meeting became possible through the work of the Holy Spirit.

·         But Lydia did not just need to hear the words of Paul, she also needed to know that they were the Truth.

·         ‘The Lord opened her heart’ and she knew the Truth of his words – an ‘incarnational moment’ when Lydia’s humanly longing is met by God’s grace. Is this so with all conversion experiences?

·         Lydia then responds with ‘risky’ hospitality that leads to her home become the Christian centre of Philippi (and Lydia its leader???)

·         Lydia the ‘typical’ potential convert with a restless Spirit of longing leading her to the ‘riverside’. As Christians are we prepared to follow the Spirit to meet her there?

Questions for Reflection or Discussion

1.       The Holy Spirit twice prevented Paul and his companions from following their intended missionary journey. Is the Holy Spirit trying to prevent our church from doing things in a certain (possibly well-worn and trusted) way? What might it be and how might we know?

2.       Lydia was materially successful but searching for a spiritual fulfilment. She was probably someone outside of any faith tradition. Do you know of any Lydia’s within your community or friends? What has the church got to say to them and how might it say it?

3.       Paul encountered Lydia not in a ‘church’ or synagogue building or even the home of a ‘believer’ but by the riverside. Where might be the ‘riverside’ places for our church?

4.       Lydia’s response to conversion was risking her status, business or worse by extending hospitality in her own home to potential ‘undesirables’. Is risk taking part of our calling? If so, are you or your church prepared to take risks and what might those risks be?