Lydia

Lydia

A willing heart influences many

2005042

Topic # 2634 (women)

Introduction:

A. Acts 16 is but a sampling of the evangelism that took place at Philippi.

B. We have the conversion of 2 households – Philippian jailer & Lydia.

1. Lydia & her household appear to be the first contacts – but it is clear that Paul/Silas remained there a number of days – and a # of converts resulted.

2. 16:40 – After Paul/Silas release from prison – they go to house of Lydia and encouraged the brethren.

3. There must have been quite a few converts & it is safe to assume much happened in Philippi that we are not told.

I. Paul & Silas were on the 2^nd Missionary Journey

A. Acts 15:36 – decision for 2^nd missionary journey. Barnabas/John Mark – Cyprus. 15:41 – Paul/Silas depart.

1. 16:1-10 – Travel across Asia Minor – and head to Macedonia after Macedonian call.

2. 16:12 – come to Philippi – a leading city in that region.

B. Philippi was a “Roman colony.”

1. It was a military position for the defense of frontiers – for keeping the more hostile provinces in order.

2. Roman “colonies” enjoyed 3 things:

a) self government

b) freedom from paying tribute to Caesar

c) The rights of those who lived in Italy – including Roman dress; language; coinage; and holidays.

3. Philippians were proud of their Roman citizenship. There are several references to this pride in Philippians. (3:20)

4. 16:12 – After arriving – Paul/Silas stay there for several days.

C. 16:13 – went outside the gate to the riverside looking for a place of prayer.

1. River 1 mile W of Philippi – Gargites.

2. No synagogue in city.

a) Had to be at least 10 family heads (Jewish men) in a community to have a synagogue.

b) Where fewer Jews than this lived – they often had mtg place near body of water.

3. Philippi was a “Roman colony.” Probably observed the laws of Rome.

a) Between 48-52 Claudius ordered all Jews out of Rome. Likely Philippi did the same.

b) Reading through Acts 16 – it appears that Philippians had a dislike for Jews.

II. An introduction to Lydia.

A. 16:13 – could it have been these women were the only worshippers of God in all of Philippi?

B. 16:14 – first introduction – she was a “worshipper” of God. From Thyatira.

1. Suggested that she may have been a Gentile widow, or an unmarried woman who was a Jewish proselyte.

2. Thyatira had a # of Jews…

C. 16:14 – a seller of purple fabrics.

1. Suggested that she was a woman of means.

2. 300 miles from home.

3. Purple dye came from shell fish juice. (1 drop of dye obtained from each shellfish.)

a) Clear liquid, but when the dye was exposed to sunlight – it transformed into purple & crimson dye.

b) Purple dye was the most costly known to the ancients.

c) Never applied to cheap goods – only most costly goods were dyed purple.

4. To be arrayed in purple & fine linen was to be rich. Her service would have been in great demand.

III. What can we learn about Lydia?

A. Lydia’s is a story about a woman in the right place, at the right time, with a right heart, and right attitude.

1. God can do amazing things though men/women who are prepared to seek Him; follow Him; and be obedient to His purposes.

2. What can we learn about her?

B. 16:14 - Lydia was eager to learn.

1. As Paul/Silas sat down to teach 16:14 says she was listening.

2. Can’t you see her drinking in what Paul/Silas teaching?

a) She listened; heart touched by gospel teaching.

3. How is our hunger for gospel teaching?

a) During sermon; bible class; how seriously do we approach it?

b) Mt. 5:6 – do we truly hunger & thirst for righteousness?

c) How open is our heart? Prepared to receive what is taught?

C. 16:14 - Not only eager to learn – but quick to respond.

1. How often do we listen to a message – pages of God’s word come alive – and yet we still hold back.

2. How many invitations have you spurned?

3. 2 Pet 2:20-22 – hell will be worse for former Christian because of remorse/regret.

D. 16:14 – She had an open heart.

1. Not some kind of miraculous thing like Calvinists claim.

a) Before her conversion – she was identified as a worshipper - hardly a person incapable of being totally depraved who practiced no good.

b) Many have mistaken notion that God enabled her to listen favorably to gospel.

2. In 16:14-15 we have a simple conversion story. That’s all. That’s it.

a) 16:14a – the first statement about her is that she was listening.

1) She fixed her attention on what taught.

b) 16b – the Lord opened her heart.

1) This was subsequent to her hearing.

c) 16c – She responded to the things spoken by Paul.

1) She believed what he preached.

2) She obeyed what was preached.

3. Result of opening her heart was that she gave practical attention to the duties prescribed for her, having heard already, before her heart was opened.

4. The opening of her heart is testimony to the providence of God.

a) 16:13 – had been going to riverside on Sabbath. A worshipper of God.

b) God worked out a way for her to be exposed to the gospel.

c) 16:6-10 – Macedonian call. Concluded that God wanted them to preach there.

d) 16:11 – a straight course… God’s providence? Only 2 days to reach here?

e) 16:13 – just happened to run into these women?

f) 16:14-15 – women accept the truth – quickly obey – showing how willing they were to walk in the name of the Lord.

g) How did it happen that you exposed to the gospel? God’s providence?

5. One more point on the opening of her heart. A figure of speech…

a) Reading – “the light bulb comes on?”

b) Listening – and “suddenly it all clicks?”

c) What was not clear – is suddenly crystal clear?

d) A pressing need to make things right.

e) Don’t ignore that when you experience that.

E. 16:15 – Lydia immediately began serving her fellow Christians.

1. She wanted to give something back.

a) Knowing Jesus, learning about Him, becoming more like Him, means a desire grows within us to serve as He did.

b) 16:15 – prevailed upon.

c) Not a whimsical offer. Impassioned plea of a woman athirst for God.

2. She opened her home.

a) Enjoyed sharing fellowship w/other Christians.

b) 16:40 – did the congregation in its early stages meet in her home?

c) She practiced hospitality when it was needed.

d) No doubt she played a tremendous role on the church in Philippi.

3. Christians are to practice hospitality.

a) Rom. 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9

b) Should not wait on others to practice hospitality – should do it ourselves.

IV. The power of Lydia’s influence:

A. Imagine the church in Philippi.

1. A cross section of society.

2. Lydia – upper echelon of society. Jailer; and a girl who had a bad history with a demon were just a few of the members inside the congregation.

B. A remarkable story – and what a significant part Lydia played.

1. Because of her financial position – she could have afforded to have the church meet in her place.

2. Her customers of the purple cloth or dye would probably have scoffed at the gospel – but Lydia did not wait to see. She placed Christ first, and business afterward.

3. Endanger her business by housing prisoners after being released? 16:35-40

4. Did she use her resources to help spread the gospel of Christ?

C. This was one woman in the right place, at the right time, with the right heart, and right attitude.

1. Lydia was a woman of influence in her day. God is looking for men & women of influence in this generation.

2. What can God do with you? You fit in His plan. Do you trust in His providence?

Conclusion:

A. Philippians 1:3-5 – Paul’s reflection on the Philippian congregation.

B. Could this have been due to the influence of Lydia?

C. Are you working to build your influence?

D. Have you opened your heart to the gospel? Don’t spurn another invitation!



Lydia *A willing heart influences many* 2005042 Topic # 2634 (women) Introduction: A. Acts 16 is but a sampling of the evangelism that took place at Philippi. B. We have the conversion of 2 households – Philippian jailer & Lydia. 1. Lydia & her household appear to be the first contacts – but it is clear that Paul/Silas remained there a number of days – and a # of converts resulted. 2. 16:40 – After Paul/Silas release from prison – they go to house of Lydia and encouraged the brethren. 3. There must have been quite a few converts & it is safe to assume much happened in Philippi that we are not told. I. Paul & Silas were on the 2^nd Missionary Journey A. Acts 15:36 – decision for 2^nd missionary journey. Barnabas/John Mark – Cyprus. 15:41 – Paul/Silas depart. 1. 16:1-10 – Travel across Asia Minor – and head to Macedonia after Macedonian call. 2. 16:12 – come to Philippi – a leading city in that region. B. Philippi was a “Roman colony.” 1. It was a military position for the defense of frontiers – for keeping the more hostile provinces in order. 2. Roman “colonies” enjoyed 3 things: a) self government b) freedom from paying tribute to Caesar c) The rights of those who lived in Italy – including Roman dress; language; coinage; and holidays. 3. Philippians were proud of their Roman citizenship. There are several references to this pride in Philippians. (3:20) 4. 16:12 – After arriving – Paul/Silas stay there for several days. C. 16:13 – went outside the gate to the riverside looking for a place of prayer. 1. River 1 mile W of Philippi – Gargites. 2. No synagogue in city. a) Had to be at least 10 family heads (Jewish men) in a community to have a synagogue. b) Where fewer Jews than this lived – they often had mtg place near body of water. 3. Philippi was a “Roman colony.” Probably observed the laws of Rome. a) Between 48-52 Claudius ordered all Jews out of Rome. Likely Philippi did the same. b) Reading through Acts 16 – it appears that Philippians had a dislike for Jews. II. An introduction to Lydia. A. 16:13 – could it have been these women were the only worshippers of God in all of Philippi? B. 16:14 – first introduction – she was a “worshipper” of God. From Thyatira. 1. Suggested that she may have been a Gentile widow, or an unmarried woman who was a Jewish proselyte. 2. Thyatira had a # of Jews… C. 16:14 – a seller of purple fabrics. 1. Suggested that she was a woman of means. 2. 300 miles from home. 3. Purple dye came from shell fish juice. (1 drop of dye obtained from each shellfish.) a) Clear liquid, but when the dye was exposed to sunlight – it transformed into purple & crimson dye. b) Purple dye was the most costly known to the ancients. c) Never applied to cheap goods – only most costly goods were dyed purple. 4. To be arrayed in purple & fine linen was to be rich. Her service would have been in great demand. III. What can we learn about Lydia? A. Lydia’s is a story about a woman in the right place, at the right time, with a right heart, and right attitude. 1. God can do amazing things though men/women who are prepared to seek Him; follow Him; and be obedient to His purposes. 2. What can we learn about her? B. 16:14 - Lydia was eager to learn. 1. As Paul/Silas sat down to teach 16:14 says she was listening. 2. Can’t you see her drinking in what Paul/Silas teaching? a) She listened; heart touched by gospel teaching. 3. How is our hunger for gospel teaching? a) During sermon; bible class; how seriously do we approach it? b) Mt. 5:6 – do we truly hunger & thirst for righteousness? c) How open is our heart? Prepared to receive what is taught? C. 16:14 - Not only eager to learn – but quick to respond. 1. How often do we listen to a message – pages of God’s word come alive – and yet we still hold back. 2. How many invitations have you spurned? 3. 2 Pet 2:20-22 – hell will be worse for former Christian because of remorse/regret. D. 16:14 – She had an open heart. 1. Not some kind of miraculous thing like Calvinists claim. a) Before her conversion – she was identified as a worshipper - hardly a person incapable of being totally depraved who practiced no good. b) Many have mistaken notion that God enabled her to listen favorably to gospel. 2. In 16:14-15 we have a simple conversion story. That’s all. That’s it. a) 16:14a – the first statement about her is that she was listening. 1) She fixed her attention on what taught. b) 16b – the Lord opened her heart. 1) This was subsequent to her hearing. c) 16c – She responded to the things spoken by Paul. 1) She believed what he preached. 2) She obeyed what was preached. 3. Result of opening her heart was that she gave practical attention to the duties prescribed for her, having heard already, before her heart was opened. 4. The opening of her heart is testimony to the providence of God. a) 16:13 – had been going to riverside on Sabbath. A worshipper of God. b) God worked out a way for her to be exposed to the gospel. c) 16:6-10 – Macedonian call. Concluded that God wanted them to preach there. d) 16:11 – a straight course… God’s providence? Only 2 days to reach here? e) 16:13 – just happened to run into these women? f) 16:14-15 – women accept the truth – quickly obey – showing how willing they were to walk in the name of the Lord. g) How did it happen that you exposed to the gospel? God’s providence? 5. One more point on the opening of her heart. A figure of speech… a) Reading – “the light bulb comes on?” b) Listening – and “suddenly it all clicks?” c) What was not clear – is suddenly crystal clear? d) A pressing need to make things right. e) Don’t ignore that when you experience that. E. 16:15 – Lydia immediately began serving her fellow Christians. 1. She wanted to give something back. a) Knowing Jesus, learning about Him, becoming more like Him, means a desire grows within us to serve as He did. b) 16:15 – prevailed upon. c) Not a whimsical offer. Impassioned plea of a woman athirst for God. 2. She opened her home. a) Enjoyed sharing fellowship w/other Christians. b) 16:40 – did the congregation in its early stages meet in her home? c) She practiced hospitality when it was needed. d) No doubt she played a tremendous role on the church in Philippi. 3. Christians are to practice hospitality. a) Rom. 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9 b) Should not wait on others to practice hospitality – should do it ourselves. IV. The power of Lydia’s influence: A. Imagine the church in Philippi. 1. A cross section of society. 2. Lydia – upper echelon of society. Jailer; and a girl who had a bad history with a demon were just a few of the members inside the congregation. B. A remarkable story – and what a significant part Lydia played. 1. Because of her financial position – she could have afforded to have the church meet in her place. 2. Her customers of the purple cloth or dye would probably have scoffed at the gospel – but Lydia did not wait to see. She placed Christ first, and business afterward. 3. Endanger her business by housing prisoners after being released? 16:35-40 4. Did she use her resources to help spread the gospel of Christ? C. This was one woman in the right place, at the right time, with the right heart, and right attitude. 1. Lydia was a woman of influence in her day. God is looking for men & women of influence in this generation. 2. What can God do with you? You fit in His plan. Do you trust in His providence? Conclusion: A. Philippians 1:3-5 – Paul’s reflection on the Philippian congregation. B. Could this have been due to the influence of Lydia? C. Are you working to build your influence? D. Have you opened your heart to the gospel? Don’t spurn another invitation!