Bump with Barnabas
Read Acts 15:36-41.

1. Why did Paul and Barnabas separate? What might this indicate about their personalities and priorities? Was it all bad? Explain.

No Left Turn, No Right Turn
* Paul and Silas went to Derbe then to Lystra, where Timothy joined them (16:1-3). They traveled from town to town strengthening the churches (16:4-5). Read Acts 16:6-8.

* Apparently, Paul and his companions had planned to go westward into the province of Asia. But the Holy Spirit did not allow it (16:6). Then they wanted to continue north into Bithynia, but "the Spirit of Jesus" would not allow it (16:7).

2. What do we see concerning planning, moving forward, and guidance in Paul's journey? What does this teach us about the Christian's journey in general?


3. We are not sure how the Spirit prevented them from going where they had planned. Maybe he spoke through a prophet. What other ways might God use to prevent Christians from going in a particular direction (both then and now)?

Unexpected Sign
* Read Acts 16:9-12. After a series of divine prohibitions (16:6-7), Paul then received positive guidance. Sometimes clear direction comes only after road blocks and closed doors.

4. Paul received clear guidance through a vision, which was extraordinary. By what other ways may Christians sense God's guidance in their journeys? What should Christians do to receive God's guidance?

Joyful Stop by the River
* Read Acts 16:13-15. Paul and Silas went to the river to find a place of prayer. They found some women and began to speak to them. "One of those listening was a woman named Lydia … The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message" (16:14, NIV).

* Lydia's conversion is the first one specifically mentioned in Paul's second missionary journey. Since leaving Lystra, Paul and his companions had traveled all the way through Galatia and across the Aegean Sea to arrive at a riverside for this "divine appointment."

5. As travelers in the Christian journey, we may have particular ideas of where we want to go and what we want to accomplish. But what is most important? What is "success" in the Christian journey?

6. Everyone's journey has relationship difficulties, unexpected changes in direction, and plans that don't work out. Many people understand that a wise person adjusts to these "bumps and turns" and does his/her best to move forward in life. So how is the "Christian's journey" different?

Big Pothole
* As Paul and his companions continue their journey, they encounter a big pothole. As a result of their ministry, they are severely beaten and thrown into prison (Acts 16:16-24). Is this the end of their journey? No! What happens next? Stay tuned for Lesson Five.

Reflection/Application

† The Christian's journey has a guide. That guide is God. In what ways are you seeking God's guidance? As you continue your journey, are you adjusting and trusting? Are you available and responsive to the "divine appointments" in your life? Review this lesson.

† Who is the guide of your life journey? Is your guide leading you through a life of true purpose, peace, fulfillment and everlasting joy? If not, seek the Good Guide and ask Him to open your heart to respond to the good news of Jesus Christ.