SERIES: The Book of Acts

TEXT: Acts 16:1-5

MESSAGE: “More Than A Face In The Crowd”

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Have you ever felt overlooked? Like you were invisible?

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love…” — Psalm 33:18

“When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” — Matthew 14:14-16

TEXT: Acts 16:1-5

“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.” — 2 Timothy 3:10-11

What can we learn today about the power of being more than just a face in the crowd in the life of Timothy? We learn the power of a…(1. Listening Ear 2. Bold Invitation 3. Close Proximity)

      1. Listening Ear (v. 1)

“Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.”

“A person’s name is the greatest connection to their own identity and individuality. Some might say it is the most important word in the world to that person…When someone remembers our name after meeting us, we feel respected and more important…” — Joyce Russell

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” — 2 Timothy 1:5

      2. Bold invitation (v. 3)

“Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.”

• • 1 Timothy 4:12 — “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
  • 2 Timothy 1:7 — “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

“Welcome, Prince,’ said Aslan. ‘Do you feel yourself sufficient to take up the Kingship of Narnia?’

I – I don’t think I do, Sir,’ said Caspian. ‘I am only a kid.’

Good,’ said Aslan. ‘If you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been proof that you were not.” — CS Lewis, Prince Caspian

“This act prevents Timothy from becoming an issue to the Jews to whom he would minister. Even though Paul holds a view of freedom regarding the law, he is sensitive to how it works in mixed community and in the context of the gospel.” — Darrell Bock

         3. Close Proximity (v. 4-5)

“As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.”

“Disciples are not manufactured wholesale. They are produced only one by one, because someone has taken the pains to disciple, to instruct and enlighten, to nurture and train one that is younger.” — Oswald Sanders

TAKEAWAYS: What can we be reminded of today?

• God knows your story 
  • “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” — Psalm 8:3-4
• God opens doors to new opportunities
• God sends providential relationships

“But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.” — Luke 23:18-25