ACTS 13: THE SPIRIT WHO CALLS ALSO GOES

 

The Holy Spirit is the One who calls us, sets us apart, sends us, empowers us, and stays with us to accomplish His work.

"So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia..." — Acts 13:4

I. The Holy Spirit Calls and Sets Us Apart

Acts 13:2–3

"Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Before Paul and Barnabas ever began their mission, God had already chosen them. It was not their own ambition, nor the church's idea. The Holy Spirit called them and set them apart for God's purpose.

Likewise, our calling begins with God. Before we serve Him, He first calls us to Himself and prepares us for His work.

• John 15:16 – "You did not choose Me, but I chose you..."
• Ephesians 2:10 – We are created for the good works God prepared for us.

God has a purpose for your life. The question is not "Has God called me?" but "Am I responding to His call?"

II. The Holy Spirit Sends and Walks with Us

Acts 13:4

"So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit..."

The Holy Spirit did not simply send Paul and Barnabas and leave them alone. Throughout their journey, He guided, strengthened, and empowered them.

Their mission was not easy. They encountered:

• Opposition (Acts 13:8)
• Rejection (Acts 13:45)
• Persecution (Acts 13:50)

Yet they continued because the Spirit who sent them was the same Spirit who remained with them.

• John 14:16–17 – The Holy Spirit will be with you forever.
• Isaiah 41:10 – "Do not fear, for I am with you."

God never sends us somewhere His presence cannot sustain us.

III. The Holy Spirit Empowers us and Gives us Victory

Acts 13:9–12

Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly confronted Elymas.

His victory did not come from intelligence or human ability but from the power of the Holy Spirit.

Throughout Acts 13, Paul continually chose obedience over comfort:

• He preached despite rejection.
• He remained faithful despite persecution.
• He continued God's mission despite opposition.

The journey was difficult, but God's presence made them victorious.

• Zechariah 4:6 – "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit."
• Galatians 5:16 – Walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

The Holy Spirit empowers us not only to begin God's work but also to remain faithful until the end.

 

Stay in Step with the Holy Spirit

Acts 13:52

"And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."

Paul and Barnabas did not finish their mission by their own strength. The same Holy Spirit who: called, set them apart, sent them, and empowered them also remained with them throughout their journey. Even after facing rejection and persecution, they continued to be filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

The same is true for us. The Holy Spirit who has called us, set us apart, and sent us also walks with us. No matter how difficult the journey becomes, He never abandons those He sends.

Let the light of the Holy Spirit Shines brightly

47 For so the Lord has commanded us:

‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,

That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’

 

The light we shine is not our own goodness—it is the life of Christ through the Holy Spirit living in us.

God desires that our light shine brightly so that others may come to know Him and receive salvation.

However, we can dim that light through:

• Disobedience
• Delayed obedience
• Compromise
• Following the desires of the flesh instead of the Spirit

But Jesus reminds us;

• Ephesians 5:8 – "Live as children of light."
• Philippians 2:15 – "Shine among them like stars in the sky."

 

LET US REFLECT:

1. Am I partnering with the Holy Spirit daily, or am I relying on my own strength?
2. Is there an area where I have delayed obeying God's voice?
3. Is my light shining brightly, or has disobedience dimmed it?
4. Who can experience the light of Christ through my life this week?

 

PRAYER:

Holy Spirit, thank You for calling me, setting me apart, sending me, and never leaving me. Teach me to stay close to You each day. Give me a heart that obeys immediately and willingly. Remove every area of compromise and help me shine the light of Christ so that many will come to know Jesus. May my life always reflect Your presence and bring glory to the Father. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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PAS MATET - JCRC HANOI