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"Forbidden by the Holy Spirit..."

Text: Acts 16:6

RELATING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT CLOSELY

One of the most personally uplifting lessons to note about the Holy Spirit and His ministry is that those serving the Lord can experience a close personal relationship with Him. We have clear examples recorded in the Book of Acts. The following texts help us to understand this perspective.

1. The Holy Spirit’s calling

“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said,
‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul
for the work to which I have called them.’
Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them,
they sent them away.”
Acts 13:2-3

a) A clear and distinct word came from the Holy Spirit.

b) The leaders of the church confirmed His leading

i) Through praying.

ii) Through fasting.

c) There was total compliance on the part of the Church. They sent out Barnabas and Saul.

d) Thus began the first Missionary enterprise of the Church.

2. The Holy Spirit’s forbidding

“Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia,
they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.
After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia,
but the Spirit did not permit them.”
Acts 16:6-7

a) The context is the Second Missionary journey.

b) Paul, Silas and Timothy were the principal partners (Acts 15:40; 16:1-5).

c) They had gone to visit the churches that had been founded earlier.

d) They were then thinking of how they were to extend their ministry.

e) This was where the Holy Spirit stepped in strongly: –

i) They were forbidden to go to Asia Minor.

ii) They were not to go to Bithynia too.

WHAT DOES IT TAKES TO BE SENSITIVE TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

It obviously involves being filled with the Holy Spirit. Two additional thoughts may be suggested: –

1. Maturity of knowledge and faith through an experience-filled life and ministry.

2. A well-sustained strong spiritual walk with the Lord.