Being Spirit led

Scripture 

Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man” ), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas ), and Saul. One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way. So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus. (NLT)

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. 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.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. (NIV)

Observation

1. The church in Antioch had plural prophets and teachers in it.

2. Worship, fasting, and prayer were key elements of the church.

3. The Holy Spirit spoke

The knew it was God speaking and knew exactly what they were suppose to do

4. The Holy Spirit sent

The prophecy was not directional but timing.  Paul was called on the road to Damascus.  The Holy Spirit instructed them to set them apart for the work he had called them.  The Holy Spirit did the calling and the sending.

5. The church and Paul and Barnabas obeyed

There was a partnership between the church and Paul & Barnabas

6. They experienced God as they obeyed.

Application

1. The gifts of the spirit and the gifts of Jesus are for the church today.

We need both the church leadership and the gifts to be in operation.

2. Prayer, fasting, and worship are vital to church health and success

Spend time abiding.

3. The Holy Spirit is orchestrating the advancement of the church

It was not corporate planning but spirit led

4. I have to respond to the Holy Spirit in obedience.

Prayer

May the church today function as the church in the book of Acts.

May I spend extravagant time with Jesus in worship, prayer, and fasting.

May I respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit in obedience

Impart into me the faith and courage I need to obey