052106

Godly Women of Devotion
Lydia: Willing Service


Actss 16:11-15 (Monday)
“From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us." (NIV)
1) 1) Philippi was a Roman colony with a very small Jewish community, but no synagogue (there had to be at least 10 “men” to have a synagogue). Yet, Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke (the writer of Acts and of course, the gospel of Luke) “expected” to find a place of prayer! Imagine! Having an expectation that God would provide! Today’s society isn’t much different from that of ancient Rome! Do you have this same expectation that God will provide and/or move in your behalf? Why or why not?
2) Read Acts 15:35-41. What was the initial purpose of this trip?
3) Read Acts 16:6-10. Who was Paul expecting to help in Macedonia?
4) Okay, the mission was to revisit the churches they had established and strengthen them in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ! Along the way, Paul has a dream of a man asking him to preach the gospel in Macedonia. Before this group can reach Macedonia, they stop in Philippi and happen upon a group of women—not the man in the vision! Paul converts a woman, Lydia—baptizing her and believers in her household! He even is persuaded to tarry when she insists upon opening her home to their group! Was Paul ever once out of the will of God? Why or why not?
5) How like us! We get our plans all mapped out and God keeps giving us these U-turns! Have you ever experienced one of God’s U-turns in your life? Were you confused? Did you doubt yourself? Your original calling? God? Please share!
6) Now I’ll ask you—why do you think these men were looking for a place to pray? Oh, we may have the message or calling from God, but we need details—the when, where and hows!
7) Enter Lydia! Lydia was a Gentile who had heard about, believed and worshiped the God of Abraham, but she had not yet heard of the saving grace of Jesus! Before Paul spoke a word to her, how had the Lord already begun to work in her life?
8) Beloved, we dearly long for and pray that our loved ones will to come to know Christ—but, it is impossible for them to do so unless the Lord “opens” their hearts! That should be our prayer! Live the life, speak gently if given the opportunity, but, oh, pray that God will open their hearts!
9) Lydia was most probably a woman of means since she was a dealer of purple cloth. Purple cloth was very costly. It was one of the cloths used in the Tabernacle. It was worn by kings and the very rich. The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus by placing a purple robe around Him—signifying royalty (Diety)!
10) We learned earlier that the Lord must open our hearts, but, it doesn’t end there—that’s His part! Our responsibility is to respond in faith (John 5:24!)
11) What method of conveying the gospel did Paul use that led to Lydia’s acceptance of Christ as Savior? How is this applicable for us today?
12) Lydia was seeking God and she found Him! And, having found Christ, she immediately demonstrated a willingness to share her faith and follow Christ in water baptism! Remember, this was a Roman colony. She was a Roman citizen. Must have been quite the talk! Have you ever dared to be so bold in your faith? If not, what are some of the hindrances that are holding you back?
13) One of the most notable things about Lydia was her insistent hospitality! How willing are you to open your home, your talents, your money, your time, or just yourself—for the comfort and care of another?
Acts 16:40; Philippians 1:-7 (Tuesday)”After Paul and Silas came out of he prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left. Philippians 1:-8 – “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.”
1) “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus!” This is the mark of a true believer—they do not fall away—they move forward with God! Lydia’s home became a frequented place of rest, comfort and fellowship for other believers! What she had, she offered it up to the Lord and His church! You may not think you have much to offer, but if you are selflessly willing—God will use you!
2) Paul speaks of a “partnership in the gospel.” What does he mean by that statement? How dd Lydia fit into that partnership? How do you?
Philippians 1:9-11 (Wednesday)
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God.” (NIV)
1) 1) Even if we are blessed with the gift of hospitality or serving, it may not always be convenient or pleasant (Luke 10:38-42!) Serving can mess up “our” plans! Or, worse, it can cause us to feel like we are being taken advantage of. We are not given any indication that Lydia ever felt this way, but there may have been times when that was exactly the case ! After all, she was a business woman—she had other responsibilities! But, Lydia chose what was “best!” How often do you think we, as Christians, choose our “best” for God? How often do you?
2) What does this passage tell us is the benefit(s) of choosing God’s “best?”
Philippians 1:12-19 (Thursday)
“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” (NIV)
1) Yes, Paul was an apostle, but Paul was also a servant—a servant to Jesus Christ, fulfilling his calling to spread the gospel to the Gentiles! Obviously, where he now finds himself is anything but convenient or pleasant! Yet, rather than being silenced, Paul writes that this bondage has helped to further the gospel! How so?
2) Has someone else’ unjust suffering ever emboldened you to speak out? Share.
3) Why would an unbeliever preach Jesus Christ?
4) How was Paul delivered?
Philippians 1:20-30 (Friday)
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” (NIV)
1) What are some ways Christ is exalted by the life you live?
2) Why does death not bring shame to a Christian or his/her testimony?
3) What did Paul mean when asking whether to choose life or death for himself? Do we have a choice?
4) What were Paul’s reasons for praying to live, even if it meant continued bondage?
5) We do not fight the good fight of faith alone! How does Paul encourage believers to stand? Why?
6) What does Christian unity show the world?
7) If we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, we will also suffer for Him! It’s inescapable! Presently, thank God, as Americans, we do not suffer as intensely as Paul and others of his day! For that matter, we do not suffer as intensely as others in many parts of the world today! Still, we do suffer! What are some of the subtle and/or not so subtle ways we suffer for Christ’s sake?
8) What purpose(s) does suffering have in a believer’s life?