Lydia — A God-Opened Heart. Acts 16:11-15
Acts 16:11–15
God opens hearts to the gospel, and those whose hearts He opens respond with faith, hospitality, generosity, and good works.
God’s Plans May Not Look Like We Expect
Paul and his companions traveled to Macedonia because God had directed them there. They expected to find a Macedonian man, but instead they found Lydia, a woman from Asia who was gathered with other women praying by the river.
Who has God placed around you right now?
Are you willing to minister to the people God sends, even when they aren't who you expected?
Who is “at your river” or “just outside your gate”?
Being Familiar With Christianity Is Not the Same as Knowing Christ
Lydia was already a worshipper of God, but she was not yet a Christian. People can be familiar with church, the Bible, and Christianity without actually having a relationship with God.
Why is it easy to assume someone is a Christian because they seem religious?
How can we lovingly share Christ with people who are already familiar with Christianity?
God Must Open the Heart
Look at Acts 16:14:
“The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.”
God is the One who opens spiritually blind eyes and hearts. We cannot make someone believe through our ability, eloquence, or perfect presentation of the gospel.
What does it mean that God “opened” Lydia's heart?
How does this truth take the pressure off of us when we share our faith?
Why should we pray for God to open people's hearts?
We Are Called to Share — God Is the One Who Saves
Look up 1 Corinthians 2:14, John 6:44, and Ezekiel 36:26
People need God's Spirit to open their hearts and draw them to Himself.
Our job is faithfulness. God's job is transformation.
What fears sometimes keep you from talking about Jesus?
How does knowing that salvation ultimately depends on God's work encourage you?
Who is someone you need to pray for this week?
An Opened Heart Leads to an Open Home
After God opened Lydia's heart, Lydia opened her home to Paul and his companions. Her faith expressed itself through hospitality and generosity.
Her generosity appears to have helped establish the character of the church at Philippi, which became known for its partnership and generosity toward Paul's ministry.
How should our faith affect the way we use our homes, resources, and time?
What does Christian hospitality look like in your life?
Are there ways God might be calling you to be more generous?
God Uses Ordinary Faithfulness
Lydia's influence didn't come through a position of authority or public leadership. The sermon points to her godliness, generosity, hospitality, and good works as powerful influences on the early church.
Do you ever feel like what you do for Christ isn't important?
What “behind-the-scenes” acts of faithfulness can God use?
Where can you be a Lydia in your church, family, or community?