Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love. Paul teaches that true Christian maturity means balancing spiritual freedom with responsibility for others. We are called to walk in liberty, but not at the expense of causing others to stumble. Genuine love guides us to serve one another, adapt for the sake of the weaker, and uphold key convictions, ensuring the church grows strong and united through grace rather than legalism.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Acts 15:36-41, Acts 13:13, Acts 15:38, Galatians 2:11-12, Acts 16:1-5, Numbers 11:16, Numbers 11:26-29, Acts 16:3, 1 Corinthians 9:21-22, Acts 15:28, 1 Corinthians 8:13, Acts 16:5, Galatians 5:1, Galatians 5:13, Acts 16:6-8, Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua 6:1-5, Joshua 10:8-11, Acts 16:16-18,
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Tonight, we are studying chapter 16, but we will begin with chapter 15. I want to outline what we will cover. We will not get through the entire 16th chapter. I will only take you to about verse 20. There are a couple of reasons. The main reason is that I did not finish it. Also, I knew there would be too much to discuss tonight, so I stopped.
My Outline
Misunderstanding at Antioch Acts 15:36-41
Ministry at Derbe and Lystra Acts 16:1-5
Ministry Forbidden in Asia
Paul and Silas Ministry in Macedonia and Philippi
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Introduction to Paul’s Second Missionary Journey
This study will focus on Paul’s second missionary journey, starting in chapter 15, verse 36. We will see God’s sovereign hand as two apostles have a sharp disagreement. We will witness the re-establishment of churches from the first missionary journey. There will be a sense of the Holy Spirit guiding Paul and Silas. We will look at the life of Lydia, whose heart was opened by the Lord. Paul will cast out a spirit from a damsel and be dragged to prison. God will then send an earthquake at midnight that saves Paul, Silas, and also the jailer’s entire family.
Today, we see God doing similar things. He is re-establishing churches and guiding Spirit-led ministries. Many Lydias are opening their hearts and homes to ministry. We are learning more about spiritual warfare and demonic activity. There is an earthquake coming at midnight—the ending of one day and the beginning of another. It is the end of one age and the beginning of another. Lafayette is beginning to shake. Midnight marks a transition.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
We stand at the threshold of God’s time clock. We are entering the Holy of Holies, having left the Tabernacle of Moses and moved to the Tabernacle of David. Yes, we are entering before the Ark of the Lord of the whole earth. It is midnight, and I feel the earth shaking. Lafayette is quivering. Jericho has heard about you.
Misunderstanding at Antioch
Acts 15:36-41
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Contention Among Ministry Leaders
This is something you need to see, even though I wish I did not have to teach it. It saddens me whenever I see ministry leaders in a sharp dispute. Here, two apostles have a significant disagreement, and it hurts to witness such contention. Whenever ministry locks horns like this, it grieves me. However, I trust the sovereign grace of God. He always works things together for good, even in situations like these.
Let’s look at the scripture. Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go and visit our brethren in every city where we preached the word of the Lord. Let’s see how they are doing.” Barnabas wanted to bring John, whose surname was Mark. You might remember that John Mark abandoned the first missionary journey early. We will look at that in a moment. Barnabas insisted on taking John Mark, but Paul disagreed. He thought it was not wise to bring someone who had departed from them and did not continue in the work.
The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas became so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took Mark and went to Cyprus. Paul chose Silas and set out, being recommended by the brethren to the grace of God. Paul traveled through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. This passage is sad for me. Still, I see the honesty of the Holy Ghost. The Bible does not hide or sugarcoat what happened. It is pure gospel. Even apostles can have conflict.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Authority and Leadership Dynamics
Now, let’s talk about authority. When you have two apostles, it raises the question—who is in charge? The Bible teaches authority and submission, but when two apostles work together, it can lead to confusion. Often, the best system is a prophet and a priest working together. Silas was a prophet and partnered with Paul. Much of today’s ministry and church reestablishment happened through prophets and apostles working side by side.
When there is no clear authority—whether it’s two apostles, two prophets, two teachers, or two pastors—people can clash. These disputes are not about doctrine or teachings; they are about ministries and government. That is the difference we need to understand.
The Disagreement Over John Mark
John Mark joined them on the first missionary journey but departed early. Paul did not want to take him again. If you look at verse 38, you see the word “departed.” Now compare that to chapter 13, verse 13, where Mark left. They traveled from the Isle of Cyprus to Perga in Pamphylia, and it was there John Mark “departed.” He deserted the missionary journey, as we learn now. We did not know this until this chapter. Look at verse 13 and you’ll see.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Acts 13:13
13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
Now, when Paul and his company lose from Paphas, they come to Perga and Pamphimelia and John departing. Do you see the word “departed”? It’s a different Greek word that translates the same way into English. And you cannot understand the true meanings of these scriptures if you don’t get into the Greek meanings of these words. That’s why it’s so necessary to understand and have some teaching aids for effective teaching.
They are two entirely different words. This word right here in verse 13 of chapter 13 simply means to go away. It’s number 672 in the Strong’s. It merely means to go away. But the word in chapter 15 means to remove, in effect, to act, to instigate, to revolt. John Mark revolted against Paul in Barnabas. It means to revolt, usually to desist, desert.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Subheading: Paul’s Perspective
Now, if you were Paul, what would you do? Go back to chapter 15.
Acts 15:38
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
That word in verse 38, departed, actually means that John Mark deserted. He deserted the missionary journey. There was even a conspiracy-type thing with it. We don’t learn that to hear. Yet our English words translate the same word, departed. But this is a much stronger word. Now, that’s why Paul didn’t want him. But was Paul wrong? Or was Barnabas wrong? Look at page 105 of your notes. Under misunderstanding at Antioch. I want to paint you a bigger picture, a bigger scope, so you can kind of see more of what’s going on here.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
The Influence of Prejudice
Look at Galatians chapter 2. I’m going to try to hurry through this. It’s in your notes, so if you don’t get it, it’s there for you.
Galatians chapter 2. One day, Peter left Jerusalem and came up to Antioch. And Barnabas and all of the Jews were there, and they just fellowshiped with the Gentiles like they should fellowship with the Gentiles. But then some more Jews came from Jerusalem, and Peter and Barnabas acted very different. And look at verse 11 in Galatians chapter 2.
Galatians 2:11-12
11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
The word “dismulation” means hypocrisy. It comes from the Greek word hoop-ock-ro-is. We use this same word for hypocrisy. Peter acted hypocritically. When no Jews were present, they showed no prejudice. But when the Jews arrived, both revealed their prejudice.
Underlying Issues Behind Conflict
Acts chapter 15 does not mention all these details about the sharp contention. However, I believe there was an underlying issue. Paul hates prejudice. I am convinced this attitude influenced his actions during the disagreement about John Mark. If you look in your notes, you’ll see that Barnabas still carried some prejudice. Paul did not like that, as Galatians chapter 2 makes clear. I am sure it contributed to their dispute. You cannot have prejudice in the kingdom of God. If you do, you will not enter.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
The Sharp Contention
The contention between these two apostles was sharp. That word means incitement to anger or dispute. Vine’s dictionary says it means a sharpening of feeling or action. It denotes irritation and intense disagreement. Many of us have experienced contention so strong that it divides us from others. That is what happened between Paul and Barnabas. Their anger was so intense that it severed their relationship.
In your notes, you find that the phrase “departed asunder” is one Greek word. It means to rend apart or to separate. Its base word means to make space or put distance between people. Paul and Barnabas were so angry that they just needed to put distance between themselves. Here’s what happened when Peter came to Antioch. I, Paul, confronted him because he was at fault. Before some men arrived from James in Jerusalem, Peter would eat with Gentiles. But when those men arrived, he backed away. He separated himself out of fear. He worried about those who believed in circumcision. Other Jews joined him, and even Barnabas got caught up in their dissimulation.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Ministry’s Vulnerability
Paul understood that ministry was dangerous work. He needed people he could trust. He had just been stoned, kicked out of cities, and faced false teachers like sorcerers. In situations like that, you need someone who will stand with you. Paul wanted a ministry team he could depend on completely.
Barnabas, on the other hand, was closely related to John Mark—either his cousin or his uncle. Barnabas saw great potential in John Mark’s life and wanted to give him another chance. Under Barnabas’s guidance, John Mark grew into a strong and faithful minister. Later, Paul even recognized how valuable John Mark had become. In Colossians 4:10, Paul told believers to receive him. In 2 Timothy 4:11, he said John Mark was profitable to his ministry. Paul also called him a fellow laborer in Philemon 24, and Peter referred to Mark as his son in the Lord in 1 Peter 5:13. The one who once failed became an overcomer.
Both Paul and Barnabas had valid reasons for their actions. Their disagreement wasn’t about doctrine—it was about ministry decisions and leadership. The Holy Spirit didn’t show one as right and the other as wrong. Each followed their convictions, and God used both of them for His purpose.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
God’s Sovereignty in Conflict
We can learn something important from that. Ministry people can sometimes have sharp disagreements, but God can still bring good from it. The result of Paul and Barnabas parting ways wasn’t a loss—it doubled the outreach. Instead of one missionary journey, there were now two. This shows that God works all things together for the good of His kingdom.
God is more concerned about the progress of His kingdom than our personal comfort or finances. That’s why Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God.” Even out of conflict and human weakness, God brings forth His purposes. Through sovereignty, He turned the stubbornness of two faithful apostles into a greater work for the Gospel.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Ministry at Derbe and Lystra
Acts 16:1-5
1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Timothy was a disciple who had a good reputation. The brethren spoke well of him. He exemplifies how ministry should be developed—right in the local church. Ministry should be raised up among believers who know your life and walk with you daily. That’s where a person’s real character is revealed.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
When I started feeling the Lord call me into ministry, I was asked for my resume, my education, and all my credentials. But not one of those churches ever called my pastor or the people I worshiped with. They never asked the ones who truly knew me. Those people at my local church had watched me grow for years. They knew my strengths and my weaknesses. If you really want to know about someone’s spirituality, don’t ask them—ask their brethren. That’s what Paul did. He knew Timothy’s reputation and knew he could trust him in ministry.
True Test of Ministry
This is the first test of real ministry. Does the local church give a good report about the person? The brethren see how a person lives, serves, and handles responsibility. Ministry must be proven in the local assembly before a man steps into greater authority. Sadly, today’s church world looks more at resumes and degrees than at character and testimony. They want polished sermons and enticing words, but God looks for a life that reflects His Spirit. A pastor’s real job is to reproduce himself—to raise up leaders who carry his spirit and vision.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Timothy also received prophecies and spiritual gifts. Paul laid his hands on him, just as God has always used leaders to train other leaders. That’s a consistent pattern throughout Scripture. Moses trained Joshua. Elijah trained Elisha. King Saul influenced young David. Jesus trained the apostles, and we saw Peter repeat what Jesus had done when he raised Tabitha from the dead. Paul trained Timothy, and Barnabas, with Peter, trained John and Mark. Ministry produces ministry.
If I were looking for a pastor, I’d choose a church that preaches the message I know is from God. Then I’d ask if that pastor had reproduced his spirit in another minister. That’s the kind of ministry I’d look for—one that’s been proven and multiplied through discipleship, not degrees. The principle is clear: real ministry reproduces itself. It’s the multiplication of the same spirit in others, as shown in Numbers 11, where ministry is passed on and shared through the Spirit of God.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
The Multiplication of Spiritual Influence
Numbers 11:16
16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.
Numbers 11:26-29
26 But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.
27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.
28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD’s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
God told Moses something special in Numbers 11. Moses chose men to help him lead. Two men, Eldad and Medad, stayed in the camp but still received the Spirit and prophesied. Some people were surprised by this. Joshua asked Moses to stop them. But Moses replied, “Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them.” Moses wanted God’s Spirit and understanding to be shared with everyone. That is the reason I work hard—I want to multiply what God has given me.
Let’s look back at Timothy. He was probably converted during Paul’s first missionary journey. Paul traveled from Antioch, got kicked out of Iconium, and was stoned at Lystra. Timothy lived in Lystra and Iconium. He likely saw Paul being stoned. Paul also witnessed Stephen’s stoning before he came to faith. Both experienced suffering and both became great men of God.
Responding to Persecution
How do you respond when you face persecution or unfair criticism? People are always watching—someone may be learning from your life. When Stephen was stoned, he said, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.” Your response to hardship affects others. If you respond with grace, you may encourage future leaders, just like Stephen’s words impacted Paul, and Paul’s example affected Timothy. Your reaction matters. It can leave a lasting, positive mark on those who follow behind you.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Acts 16:3
3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
Paul did something that seems strange in verse 3. He circumcised Timothy. This is hard to understand because we just studied how Paul fought against requiring circumcision in Acts 15. Paul, Peter, and James all agreed that circumcision wasn’t necessary for salvation. But here, Paul takes Timothy and circumcises him anyway. He didn’t do this with everyone—just Timothy. It’s difficult to understand Paul’s thinking sometimes.
The practical reason was for Timothy’s protection. Paul always went to the synagogues first to preach to the Jews. The religious people were Paul’s biggest enemies, not the lost people. The Jews were the ones who stoned him and caused the most trouble. If Timothy walked into a synagogue uncircumcised, they would have attacked him immediately. So Paul had him circumcised so he could safely enter the synagogues and minister.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
But there’s a deeper spiritual principle here. Paul became all things to all men so he could save some. He expected his ministry team to do the same thing. Timothy couldn’t effectively minister to Jews without being circumcised. It’s always the responsibility of the stronger believer to bend toward the weaker one. Paul knew that circumcision meant nothing spiritually—it didn’t save anyone. But he also knew it would open doors for ministry.
Paul wasn’t being inconsistent or wishy-washy. He wanted his ministry to reach all people. Under the Jews, he became like a Jew to win the Jews. This wasn’t about compromising the Gospel—it was about removing barriers so the Gospel could be heard. Paul understood that sometimes we must adjust our approach to reach different people without changing the message itself.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
1 Corinthians 9:21-22
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9 that although he is free from all people, he makes himself a servant to everyone to reach more people. He says, “To the Jews I became as a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law, I became as one under the law.” Paul also says that to those outside the law, he became as one outside the law, and to the weak, he became weak. His goal was to reach as many as possible by relating to them in their own circumstances.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
It is always the responsibility of the stronger person to adapt to the weaker one. That’s why Paul had Timothy circumcised. Timothy, even though he was half-Jewish, would never be accepted by the Jews without circumcision. To minister to them, he had to meet their requirements. Becoming all things to all men is part of reaching and helping people.
When I started ministering, I had to relate to you where you were spiritually. I couldn’t just start with everything I wanted to share. I needed to meet you at your level, help you grow, and then move you forward. That’s how ministry works. We must adapt to the people we serve. Sometimes you need to be a legalist to reach legalists or a liberal to reach liberals. That’s what Paul meant when he said he became all things to all men.
Paul and Timothy delivered decrees from the Jerusalem council. These were the official rulings from the leaders in Jerusalem. While we celebrate liberty and freedom from legalism in Christ, there are still specific requirements for believers. There needs to be a balance between freedom and responsibility. Paul wanted the church to understand both sides—grace and necessary spiritual discipline.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Paul teaches that even when he has freedom in Christ, he chooses to serve others to reach more people. To the Jews, he acted as a Jew. To those under the law, he acted as one under the law, and to those without the law, he adapted to their ways. He says, “I became all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” The stronger believer must bend toward the weaker. This is why Paul circumcised Timothy—so Timothy could minister to Jews who would not accept him otherwise.
You have to meet people where they are spiritually. If I had come in last year and started teaching the way I do now, many of you would have been upset or rejected the message. So I had to start at your level and raise you up bit by bit. That is the principle: adapt, connect, and slowly help others grow.
Paul and Timothy also delivered the decrees from the Jerusalem conference. These instructions were official decisions from the church leaders. While there is liberty in Christ, there are still essential requirements and boundaries. Paul’s message brings balance—last week I emphasized liberty, but this week I want you to see there are necessary things to keep in the Spirit. True freedom in Christ does not mean throwing out every boundary. We need both grace and discipline in the life of the church.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Acts 15:28
28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
The Holy Spirit led the early church leaders to set a few requirements needed for believers. They agreed that these things were essential and not just extra burdens. We can’t just do whatever we want. We must follow the Bible.
The leaders listed four necessary things for believers to keep. One was to abstain from eating meat offered to idols. Paul talks more about this in 1 Corinthians 8. He explains that it’s about your conscience and about caring for the conscience of others. Sometimes you have to bend to consider the weaker brother.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
If something I do, like eating certain foods or wearing certain things, offends another believer, then I will choose not to do it. I should avoid anything that causes my brother or sister to stumble. This principle goes beyond just food—it applies to anything that might trouble another Christian. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 8:13, “If meat makes my brother offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother offend.”
Our freedom ends where it harms the faith of another. The Holy Spirit guided the apostles to require only a few necessary things from believers. It is not about setting heavy burdens. We are not free to do whatever we want; we are called to live by the Bible.
The real test is if you can bend your own freedom for the sake of others. Our actions should always put the spiritual well-being of others first. As Paul wrote, “If meat makes my brother offend, I will eat no flesh, while the world stands, lest I make my brother offend” (1 Corinthians 8:13).
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
1 Corinthians 8:13
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
It is the responsibility of stronger believers to adjust for the sake of weaker ones. Even if we have the freedom to do certain things, we should avoid them if they offend others. I could have taught deeper truths right away, but that would have upset some of you. The point is, there are specific requirements for believers.
The four necessary guidelines are: abstain from blood, which points to respecting what Jesus did; abstain from things strangled, reminding us to take care of our bodies as God’s temple; abstain from fornication, which is clearly wrong; and abstain from eating food offered to idols, as explained earlier. These are the only requirements—there are no extra burdens beyond these things.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
This principle shaped Paul’s actions with Timothy. Paul circumcised Timothy so he could minister in the Jewish community. You have to meet people at their level to effectively help them spiritually.
After setting these guidelines, Paul and his team went back to the churches and delivered the new decrees. This had a tremendous effect. The churches were established in faith—the word “established” means to make something solid and strong. Even with elders in place before, the churches weren’t truly firm. When Jews came and preached ritualism and legalism, it caused confusion and hardship. People couldn’t bear unnecessary religious burdens, and the churches started falling apart. Paul returned, removed those heavy requirements, and reminded them of the four necessary things. That’s what stabilized the churches and made their faith solid again.
Acts 16:5
5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Chapter 16, verse 5 says the churches were established and increased in number daily. This means that when they removed the heavy burdens of legalism, the churches became stronger and grew rapidly. Legalism does not build a healthy, Spirit-filled church. If you put too many demands and religious yokes on people, it will hold them back and hurt the church. The Jews themselves could not carry those burdens.
God has brought us into a place of liberty, but we can’t use that freedom as an excuse to live in the flesh. There must be a balance. When the church focused only on the few necessary things listed—conscience, respecting the blood, caring for the body, avoiding fornication—the believers flourished and the church multiplied.
Today, we need to ask ourselves if we are holding back the work of God by clinging to the law of Moses with unnecessary regulations. The only time an old rule applies is when it might offend a fellow believer. Otherwise, we must walk in the freedom Christ has given us.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
We are called to liberty in Christ. Paul said in Galatians that our heavenly David is Jesus, and His tabernacle is one of freedom, not bondage. The key is to keep that balance—live in liberty, but use it to serve God and each other, not just ourselves. That is how the church will truly grow and shake the city.
Galatians 5:1
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:13
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Let’s look at Galatians 5:13. The Bible teaches that Christ has called us into liberty. We are free because of Jesus. But there is an important balance we must keep. The verse says, “Do not use your liberty as an excuse for the flesh, but serve one another in love.” Love is the key. If you genuinely love people, you won’t do things that offend them or cause them to stumble. Instead, you will help them grow.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
While everything may be lawful, not everything is helpful or wise. That’s where balance comes in. I want you to live free from bondage, but I also want you to have balance in your Christian life. Many in the church run to extremes. They focus on freedom but forget about responsibility, which leads them to offend others, even those who are mature.
Our liberty means nothing if it causes someone else to stumble. Real maturity is found when freedom is balanced with love, care, and respect for others. That’s the kind of life and church God wants to build.
Ministry Forbidden in Asia
Acts 16:6-8
6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
In Acts, Paul and his team traveled through the regions of Phrygia and Galatia. The Holy Spirit actually stopped them from preaching in Asia. That is surprising because Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.” But here, the Holy Spirit forbids it. When they tried going into Bithynia, the Spirit also did not permit them.
The language used is very strong. The word “forbidden” means to restrain, hinder, or cut short. Paul wanted to preach, but the Holy Spirit would cut him off, as He would not allow it. When it says Paul “assayed” to go, it means he tested or examined if he could enter Bithynia. He was discerning, trying to follow the Spirit’s lead. “Suffered them not” means the Spirit did not permit or allow them to move forward.
Different Bible translations confirm this. The Amplified Bible says the Holy Spirit forbade them to proclaim the Word in Asia. The NIV says the Holy Spirit kept them from preaching there.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
You see, just because preaching is good, it doesn’t mean it’s always the right time or place. The Spirit leads and directs. Sometimes, God holds back His servants for a reason. Maybe nobody had come to Lafayette with the message before because the Spirit hadn’t allowed it yet. When God opens the way, He sends His people, but we must always be sensitive to His direction.
Chosen and Prepared for a City
Here is my main point: If you genuinely believe you are hearing the end-time message—the call to grow and become mature in Christ—then this church has been specially chosen by God. You have been set apart to proclaim this message to your city. The Holy Spirit always goes ahead and prepares a city before the Word is preached there. God’s Spirit has been working in this place because you prayed and sought Him. Now, the opportunity is in our hands. God is waiting for us to act.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
There are some essential truths here. First, why hasn’t this city, or others, received a pure Gospel message until now? It is because the Holy Spirit did not permit it before. God alone knows when a city is ready for the Gospel. Every city has a specific place and time in God’s plan. Paul went to test the Spirit in various cities, but only preached when the time was right. Sometimes the Spirit restrained him. God always has a plan for reaching a city.
Remember how Joshua took the cities of Canaan—each city was different and followed God’s specific strategy. God never changes. If He has a plan for Lafayette, then you are a part of that plan. He will use a Joshua-type ministry and work in His unique way, just as in the book of Acts.
How do we know what is possible today? We look to the example in the book of Acts. If they did it, then we can do it too. God is still leading His people to take cities for His kingdom, and Lafayette is no exception. This is your encouragement and your call to action. God’s plan is unfolding now, and you are right in the middle of it.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Divine Strategy: The Example of Joshua
Joshua 5:13-15
13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
15 And the captain of the LORD’s host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.
Joshua 6:1-5
Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.
2 And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.
3 And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
4 And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.
5 And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.
Joshua Encounters the Captain of the Lord’s Host
Joshua was near Jericho when he saw a man standing with a sword drawn. The sword was out, meaning the Lord was ready to take the city. Joshua asked if the man was on their side or the enemy’s side. The man replied, “Neither—I am the captain of the Lord’s army.” Joshua realized he was speaking to a heavenly leader and fell to the ground in worship. He was told to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
God gave Joshua the specific plan to take Jericho. It wasn’t Joshua’s plan or Israel’s plan—it was God’s. The people were instructed to march around the city, blow trumpets, and shout. When they followed God’s instructions, the walls fell flat and they took the city.
God’s plan and strategy were also given when Joshua led the people against Ai. God told him what to do, and Joshua followed the plan exactly. He set up an ambush as God instructed and won the battle.
The lesson is clear: God has a plan for taking cities and winning victories. We must listen to Him, worship, and obey. It’s not about our ideas, but following the Lord’s direction. God is ready to move, but we must be willing to stop running, lay aside our own ways, and follow His leadership.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
God’s Promise to Joshua
Joshua 10:8-11
8 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.
9 Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night.
10 And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.
11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.
In Joshua 10:8, God told Joshua not to be afraid. He promised that none of the enemy would withstand Israel. That kind of promise is for us today. God wants us to trust Him and believe He is working right now. The victory is not far off or just for someone else. The promise is here for us.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
When Israel’s enemies fled, God sent huge hailstones from heaven, killing more of the enemy than Israel did with the sword. It was the Lord who won the battle, not human power. Sometimes God’s plan requires us to march or shout. Other times, He acts directly and brings victory in supernatural ways.
God’s Unchanging Plan
God’s methods may change, but His plan is always the same. In every city and every story in Joshua, the Lord’s plan led to victory. It will be the same for our city. Just like the cities in Joshua heard about the Israelites, people are beginning to notice what God is doing here.
The Spirit prepares the way for the Word. Wherever God moves, He sends His Spirit first, just as in creation, when the Spirit moved on the waters before God spoke. The Spirit moves, then the Word is spoken. That pattern has not changed. God prepares the place, then brings His message. We need to be ready, with our shoes off, listening for the Spirit, so we can follow God’s plan for victory right where we are.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
The Pattern of Spirit and Word in Acts
In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came as a rushing mighty wind into the upper room before Peter ever began to preach. The Spirit moved first. In Acts 8, the Spirit spoke to Philip before he preached to the Ethiopian eunuch. Again, the Spirit came first, then the Word was spoken. In Acts 13, the Holy Spirit instructed to set apart Barnabas and Paul. Only after that did they go out and preach. The typical pattern is clear—the Spirit always comes before the Word.
This principle is at work right now. Our services blend both Spirit and Word. You have spent time praying and seeking God, allowing the Spirit to prepare you. That’s why this city hasn’t experienced a ministry that truly shakes it until now. The Holy Spirit was holding things back. But now, God is moving, and He has chosen you to reach this city. Seeing that can change your whole perspective.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Think about it—why are you hearing this message now, and why is it different from anything you’ve heard before? It’s because the city is finally ready. The Holy Spirit has allowed it. Now, it’s time to act. Sometimes that means circling the city, sometimes shouting, sometimes seeing miracles. But the promise is that the city belongs to God’s people. We need to respond with faith and boldness.
Spiritual Opposition—The Damsel with a Spirit of Divination
Before I finish, let’s look ahead to another lesson in Acts 16. There is a story about a young slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. What I’m about to share may challenge old ways of thinking, but it’s crucial for understanding how God works in new and powerful ways.
Acts 16:16-18
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
In Acts 16:16, the Bible talks about a slave girl who was possessed by a spirit of divination. The word “possessed” comes from the Greek word “echo,” which means to have or to hold. It’s the same word used in Revelation when Jesus holds the seven stars in His hand. Just as Jesus had the stars, this girl had the spirit. The spirit didn’t have her—she had the spirit.
This principle is essential. Many times, people imagine that a spirit or thought controls them. In reality, they hold onto the thought themselves. For example, if someone thinks suicidal thoughts, it’s because they choose to think that way. The thought does not possess them—they possess the thought.
Deliverance through Letting Go
Spirits and thoughts are closely connected. When you struggle with specific thoughts, remember that you have control over them. You are not powerless. Your deliverance does not come from a spirit leaving you, but from you letting go of the spirit.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
The girl’s spirit of divination is called “python,” which means inspiration. Webster’s Dictionary says inspiration is drawing in breath or receiving ideas—sometimes from supernatural sources. The girl had “bright ideas,” but those ideas came from the spirit she held.
Don’t be afraid when you wrestle with complex thoughts. Realize that you are allowing that thought to remain. You have the choice to let go. True freedom comes when you release the thoughts you possess, rather than believing they possess you.
Thoughts as Spirits
Let me explain a little further on this topic. Possession happens when we allow a thought to dominate our minds. If you hold onto a thought—whether good or bad—it becomes your possession. Many people think of spirit possession as always negative. But I want to be possessed by the Holy Spirit. That means my thoughts are focused on God. Any thought you choose to keep can become a possession, whether it’s about death, lust, sickness, or life.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Think about it. If you continually focus on death, people may say you have a suicidal spirit of suicide. But if you focus on life, that’s just as powerful—because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. The enemy tries to fill our minds with thoughts of destruction, but we have the power to choose which thoughts we allow.
If you think about the desires of the flesh, you may struggle. But what if you think about the desires of the Holy Spirit? If your mind is filled with harmful things, it blocks out everything else. On the other hand, if you focus on loving your wife or living a healthy life, those thoughts also become your possession.
Medical studies show that 85% of illnesses are psychosomatic, meaning they begin in the mind. The Greek word “psyche” means mind, and “soma” means body. You can actually affect your physical health through your thinking. If you choose positive thoughts—like health—they become a spirit within you.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Your Choice Determines Possession
It’s your choice. Your mind decides what will take root. If you refuse negative thinking, you can possess thoughts of health, life, and love. That’s the power of choosing your thoughts. Here’s what I’m saying: thoughts are actually spirits. That girl in Acts was young and possessed—not just by an evil spirit, but by a spirit of inspiration, full of new ideas. Spirits are thoughts and ideas. She was a slave both naturally and spiritually.
Possession comes when you let a thought control your mind. It’s not really that deep. You decide what to think. If you constantly dwell on negative thoughts, they will possess you. But you can choose thoughts of love, health, and positive relationships. Your mind creates the reality you live. That’s possession: when a thought takes over and you don’t want to think about anything else.
If you’re in church struggling with bad thoughts, you won’t hear what I’m saying. But if you fill your mind with love and health, your spirit will reflect that. You choose your thoughts, and those thoughts become the spirits that influence your life.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
The Meaning of Spiritual Possession
Here’s what I want you to understand. We are coming into a new level of deliverance, and you must have clarity about it. Don’t be alarmed if someone says you have a certain spirit, because what they’re really talking about is your thought life. The process of deliverance is about casting out and pulling down negative imaginations and thoughts.
Scripture says to pull down wicked imaginations. Sometimes people get fearful when someone wants to pray for a spirit to leave them. But you actually should desire the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of health, and thoughts of love. These are all positive spirits you can possess, or “hold,” just as the Bible’s original language describes.
Every thought you have is from one of three sources: your human spirit, a demonic spirit, or the Spirit of Christ. Thoughts can originate in darkness, in your fleshly desires, or from Christ within you. The girl in Acts had honest supernatural communication, and she gave testimony about Paul and Silas. Demons always recognize actual spiritual authority, just as they recognized Jesus.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Paul exorcised the spirit from her by commanding it to leave in Jesus’ name, and it obeyed. The Book of Acts shows that exorcism is a part of ministry. Jesus said in Mark 16:17 that believers will cast out demons in His name, and Luke 10:17 reminds us that evil spirits are subject to us through His name.
Freedom Through Christ
Don’t be frightened by the idea of spirits or deliverance. What matters is recognizing that all things are subject to Christ, who lives inside you. In some problematic cases, prayer is needed for deeper deliverance, but don’t let fear stop you from letting God work. Thoughts are spirits. In ministry, we will sometimes need to come against certain thoughts or spirits, and I may ask some of you to pray with me. Remember, deliverance and authority all come through Jesus. There is no reason to be afraid—know that with Christ in you, you are equipped for victory.
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
Acts Series Chapter 16 Part 1: How to Balance Liberty & Love
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