“The Providence Of God”
Acts 15:30-35
We spend so much time believing in “coincidence” that we take away the very will and direction from God.
I, for one, decided that there is no real coincidence for the child of the living God; but rather we have His mighty hand directing our lives even if it remains unseen.
We join Paul and his band of merry men as they return to Antioch.
The news would be a time of celebration because it built on the foundation of simple faith alone.
I. The Providence Of Presentation
Acts 15:30-31 “So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: 31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.”
Epistle - to send one a message, command, to write a letter
You may already know this word but we do not change what is given
Rejoiced - to rejoice exceedingly, to be well, thrive, in salutations, hail!
To feel or express great joy or happiness
Consolation - exhortation, admonition, encouragement, comfort
Which when they had read,.... That is, when the brethren of the church at Antioch had read the letter delivered to them.
Just imagine the delivering company just sitting and watching as the church in Antioch read this letter.
They rejoiced for the consolation, or "exhortation"
No yoke placed on their shoulders, just the Gospel message receive and accepted.
I am thinking of a song:
Thank God I Am Free
Song by Carroll Roberson
1.
For a long time I travelled
Down a long lonely road;
My heart was so heavy in sin I sank low.
Then I heard about Jesus,
What a wonderful hour;
I'm so glad that I found out:
He could bring me out,
Through His saving power.
(Refrain)
Thank God I am free, free, free
From this world of sin.
I've been washed in the blood of Jesus,
I've been born again.
Hallelujah, I'm saved, saved, saved
By His wonderful grace.
I'm so glad that I found out,
He could bring me out,
And show me the way.
2.
Like a bird out of prison
That has taken its flight;
Like a blind man that God
Gave back his sight.
Like a poor wretched beggar
That's found fortune and fame,
I'm so glad that I found out
He could bring me out
Thro' His holy name.
II. The Providence Of Preaching
Acts 15:32 “And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.”
We met Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas in our previous text.
Life is about to change for them as they step out, in faith, to serve the Lord.
Prophets - In the O/T a “Prophet” would declare “thus saith The Lord.”
In the N/T a Prophet would proclaim that the prophecies of the O/T were fulfilled in one person who was God made in flesh and died for our sins, just as it was told.
They were also called to (Preach).
They were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak, having power to instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke, convict, and stimulate, their hearers.
Exhorted - parakaleo (par-ak-al-eh’-o) to call to one’s side, to encourage, strengthen
A great call upon their lives to preach God’s Word and help believers grow.
Confirmed - to establish besides, strengthen more, to render more firm,
Just a thought???? Isn’t that what we are called to do even today?
III. The Providence Of Peace
Acts 15:33 “And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.”
And after they had tarried there a space,.... How long is not certain; some believe that a year had passed; it is probable enough, they might stay there so long, till things were thoroughly settled, which were thrown into great disorder and confusion, by the false message.
They were let go in peace; - they were dismissed, and went away with the leave and consent of the church.
Do you see it?
The authority of a New Testament Church is not regulated by another church, but rather it is the sole responsibility of each church to govern themselves.
IV. The Providence Of Patience
Acts 15:34 “Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.”
Though Silas had freedom and blessing to go, but for some reason or another he changed his mind, and thought fit to continue at Antioch some time longer.
The design of Providence does not always come with a clear path but rather taking time to “be still” and consider that the Holy Spirit is planning something unknown to Silas at the time.
V. The Providence Of Preparation
Acts 15:35 “Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.”
A preacher friend of mine once said to me after I asked him what was he going to do next; “I’m going to do what I know to do, until I know what to do.”
Teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also - This is not a chore, nor is teaching or preaching a punishment, but rather a time to wait on the Lord
Three (3) times that little phrase is said:
Psalms 27:14 “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
Psalms 37:34 “Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.”
Proverbs 20:22 “Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.”
You do not have to wait for salvation to come, because that is a gift freely given, but as we grow in the Lord there may come times that God remains silent and we must learn to wait on the LORD.
Do you know Jesus as Saviour?
Are you willing to trust Him as LORD?
