Lydia

Lydia

Acts 16 is but a sampling of the evangelism that took place at Philippi. We have the conversion of 2 households – Philippian jailer & Lydia. Paul and Silas remained there a number of days – and a number of converts resulted. (16:40) 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.

B. 16:1-10 – Travel across Asia Minor, head to Macedonia.

C. Philippi was a “___________ ___________________.”

1. Philippians were proud of their Roman citizenship.

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

1. River 1 mile W of Philippi – Gargites. No synagogue in city.

II. An introduction to Lydia.

A. 16:13 –the only worshippers of God in all of Philippi?

B. 16:14 – Lydia was a “____________________” of God. From Thyatira.

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

1. Purple dye came from shell fish juice.

2. 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. 16:14 - Lydia was _________________ to learn.

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

2. How is our hunger for gospel teaching?

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

B. 16:14 - Not only eager to learn – but ___________ to ______________.

1. How many invitations have you spurned?

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

C. 16:14 – She had an open ___________________.

1. In 16:14-15 we have a simple conversion story.

a) 16:14a – she was _______________.

b) 16b – the Lord _______________ her heart.

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

2. The opening of her heart is testimony to the _________________ of God.

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

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

1. She wanted to give something back.

2. She opened her home. Christians are to practice ___________________.

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

IV. The power of Lydia’s influence:

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

1. Did she use her _______________ to help spread the gospel of Christ?

B. She was in the right place at the right time, with the right heart and right attitude.

1. God is looking for men & women of _________________ in this generation.

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

Conclusion:

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

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



Lydia Acts 16 is but a sampling of the evangelism that took place at Philippi. We have the conversion of 2 households – Philippian jailer & Lydia. Paul and Silas remained there a number of days – and a number of converts resulted. (16:40) 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. B. 16:1-10 – Travel across Asia Minor, head to Macedonia. C. Philippi was a “___________ ___________________.” 1. Philippians were proud of their Roman citizenship. D. 16:13 – went outside the gate to the riverside looking for a place of prayer. 1. River 1 mile W of Philippi – Gargites. No synagogue in city. II. An introduction to Lydia. A. 16:13 –the only worshippers of God in all of Philippi? B. 16:14 – Lydia was a “____________________” of God. From Thyatira. C. 16:14 – a seller of purple fabrics. 1. Purple dye came from shell fish juice. 2. 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. 16:14 - Lydia was _________________ to learn. 1. As Paul/Silas sat down to teach 16:14 says she was listening. 2. How is our hunger for gospel teaching? a) Mt. 5:6 – do we truly hunger & thirst for righteousness? B. 16:14 - Not only eager to learn – but ___________ to ______________. 1. How many invitations have you spurned? 2. 2 Pet 2:20-22 – hell will be worse for former Christian because of ______________________/regret. C. 16:14 – She had an open ___________________. 1. In 16:14-15 we have a simple conversion story. a) 16:14a – she was _______________. b) 16b – the Lord _______________ her heart. c) 16c – She _______________ to the things spoken by Paul. 2. The opening of her heart is testimony to the _________________ of God. 3. One more point on the opening of her heart. A figure of speech… E. 16:15 – Lydia immediately began serving her fellow Christians. 1. She wanted to give something back. 2. She opened her home. Christians are to practice ___________________. a) Rom. 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9 IV. The power of Lydia’s influence: A. A remarkable story – and what a significant part Lydia played. 1. Did she use her _______________ to help spread the gospel of Christ? B. She was in the right place at the right time, with the right heart and right attitude. 1. God is looking for men & women of _________________ in this generation. 2. What can God do with you? You fit in His plan. Do you trust in His _________________________? Conclusion: A. Philippians 1:3-5 – Paul’s reflection on the Philippian congregation. B. Could this have been due to the influence of Lydia?