Lesson 105 - When the Spirit Compels

Acts 18:5

"When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ."

    One of the Spirit's main roles is to compel believers to testify of their faith. Deep inside, every believer knows God is pleased when we open our mouths to share of our faith with others. Not only were commanded by Christ to bring the good news to others, the Spirit compels us to be a witness.

    In Paul's case, he believed his primary role was to testify of Christ to the Gentiles, so it took a clear working of the Spirit to convince him to preach to the Jews at Macedonia. Sometimes, we're just like Paul. We think we know clearly what our role is in the kingdom, but the Spirit has other ideas. In those times, we need the Spirit's compelling touch.

    Of course, the Spirit takes our witness and likewise compels the hearer to understand and come to a point in their lives where they must make a decision for or against Christ. When the Spirit compels, there is a message which cannot be ignored. A crossing point is at hand and the compelling witness of the Spirit demands a response.

    At Macedonia, Paul was opposed by the Jews. In response, the Spirit sends Paul solely to the Jews. Unlike Paul, we may not know why the Spirit compels us in one direction or another. But know this: When the Spirit compels, we give God glory by being obedient.

    As the church of Jesus Christ, we need to be open to the compelling nature of the Spirit and be in prayer that the Spirit will be compelling the world to salvation.

LORD JESUS

Lord, I thank you for the compelling nature of your Spirit, leading believers to share of their faith and leading hearers to respond to your Word. Amen.