LISTEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

SCRIPTURE:

“Now in the church at Antioch, there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:1—3 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

         All believers have a gift to serve the body of Christ.  The church in Antioch had prophets and teachers.  Both of these gifts are from Christ to serve his church.  The prophets and teachers are named here, Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, who grew up with Herod the Tetrarch, and Saul.  I don’t know who the prophets were and who were teachers.  But they were all together for the purpose of Christ.  They were not for their own gifts or function in such a way that their gifting was more important than what the purpose of Christ is. 

         These prophets and teachers were worshipping the Lord and fasting.  While they were all serving the church in Antioch, they were also seeking the Lord for his direction and purpose.  This is an important word for me.  I may be a pastor at New Hope, but I must always be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to do what he wants me to do.  My place as a worshipper is always to be available to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

         Sometimes, the Holy Spirit has an assignment that he wants me to fulfill, and he will call for me to do that, and I must be open to him.  While these prophets and teachers were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said: “Set apart for me, Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them.”

         In the midst of my spiritual activities, I must be sensitive to the VOICE of the Holy Spirit and his direction.  Sometimes, we miss the Holy Spirit speaking because we are so preoccupied with our spiritual activities.  These prophets and teachers heard the Holy Spirit speak.  I learn a few lessons from this text:

• THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES GIFTS TO THE CHURCH: In this case, Prophets and Teachers.
• THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS WHEN WE WORSHIP AND SEEK AFTER HIM.
• THE HOLY SPIRIT CALLS BELIEVERS TO SERVICE IS MADE CLEAR WHAT TO DO.
• THE HOLY SPIRIT CALL MUST BE FULFILL
• THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES DIRECTION

APPLICATION:

         I learn that I must always be sensitive to the leading and the voice of the Holy Spirit in my time of worship and prayers.  I want to learn to fulfill all that he called me to do.  My desire is for the Holy Spirit to speak always into my life and help me to do his will. 

PRAYER:

         Holy Spirit, I pray that you will always speak to me.  Please help me to hear your voice clearly and to obey.  Teach me how to be separated unto you for your purpose and will.  I look to you daily. Amen.