Series: Action [#33]
OBSTACLE COURSE
Acts 16:1-5
Introduction:
Something that is popular among many younger people is obstacle courses. You are physically challenged by getting past obstacles. For many, the obstacle is too much, and they quit. Often, our lives are like an obstacle course. What is it that tends to hold you back from maturing as a Christian? What is it that tends to hurt your testimony and effective evangelism? What are the obstacles in your life? Let me encourage you. God is working in your life to give you victory over your obstacles.
In our text, Paul and Silas were traveling back to the new Churches that Paul and Barnabas had started. They were going to these Churches to encourage and strengthen the new believers. Let’s look at the obstacles that they faced and what they did to have victory.
Acts 16:1a
Is one of your obstacles…
1. Fear of past pains?
Do you remember what happened to Paul in Lystra? The people of the city believed that Paul and Barnabas were Hermes and Zeus; and wanted to worship them. Some Jews that were trying to destroy them, followed them to Lystra and they turned the people against them. The people dragged Paul outside of the city and stoned him. They left him for dead, and Paul’s response was to go back.
The text does not say this; but Paul had to be concerned, maybe even fearful of returning to Lystra. He had no idea what would happen; but he also did not know what God was going to do there. Are you being held back by past pains? Your past pains should not keep you from living for Jesus. Just because something did not go well in the past does not mean that you should quit. Do not let your past pains stop your future victories. If God leads you back to a tough place- Trust Him.
Acts 16:1-2
Is one of your obstacles…
2. Family?
While you do not choose your family; they can make it really difficult for you. Timothy’s mother was a Jewish Christian and his father was a Greek. Most scholars believe that Timothy was 16 to 18 years old at this time. Timothy was saved when Paul and Barnabas had gone to Lystra the 1st time. Timothy had been taught Scripture by his mother and grandmother, (probably with protest from his father). Do you have family tugging at both sides of your life? Do not forget that Jesus said you may have to choose between Him and family. I hope you never have to make this choice; but if you do, I hope you make the correct choice.
Acts 16:3-5
Is one of your obstacles…
3. Yourself?
In order for Timothy to be able to minister to Jewish people, he had to meet their requirements. Paul had Timothy circumcised so that he would be all things to all people. What is it that you need to give up or change in your life in order to be the Child of God that you have been called to be?
Conclusion:
What obstacles are holding you back?
