Paul was “compelled by the Spirit” to go to a place where he knew things would be difficult.
*Acts 20:22-24:

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."


What does the Holy Spirit do?
*John 14:26- reminds us of Jesus:

"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."


Why?
*John 15:26- to Testify about Him:

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me."


What does testifying do?
*John 16:13-14- Brings glory to Jesus:

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you."

We get to partner in this work!


Holy Spirit
1. Reminds us of Jesus
2. Holy Spirit Testifies of Jesus
3. Testifying Brings Glory to Jesus
4. We partner in the Holy Spirit’s work


Jesus asked the disciples to go and be his witnesses.
*Acts 1:6-11:

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8


This is asked of his disciples regardless of their giftings! He asks them to spread the word of who He is further…and further.

We have been given the power to witness.

A witness is someone who testifies to what they have seen. We do this through the life we live, and the things we say.

Would this have been uncomfortable? Sometimes!

There would have been some tension for many of the disciples in trying to follow the words of Jesus, knowing that the Holy Spirit may lead them to places they would rather not go.

*Proverbs 3:5-6:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."


It’s difficult to submit your ways to God when what you understand to be the right move/decision differs from what God is leading you to do.

The Spirit will lead you to places that you may not fully understand but we still need to submit.

Where are you being called to witness?

Where are the further and further places of your life?

As you follow the Spirit’s leading you will reach places where you must rely on God to come through for you. You will be stretched.


This is a lifelong journey.


The Road to Life

At first, I saw God as my observer,
my judge,
keeping track of the things I did wrong,
so as to know whether I merited heaven
or hell when I die.
He was out there sort of like a president.
I recognized His picture when I saw it,
but I really didn't know Him.

But later on
when I met Christ,
it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride,
but it was a tandem bike,
and I noticed that Christ
was in the back helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was
that He suggested we change places,
but life has not been the same since.

When I had control,
I knew the way.
It was rather boring,
but predictable . . .
It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead,
He knew delightful long cuts,
up mountains,
and through rocky places
at breakneck speeds,
it was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness,
He said, "Pedal!"

I worried and was anxious
and asked,
"Where are you taking me?"
He laughed and didn't answer,
and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life
and entered into the adventure.
And when I'd say, "I'm scared,"
He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed,
gifts of healing,
acceptance
and joy.
They gave me gifts to take on my journey,
my Lord's and mine.

And we were off again.
He said, "Give the gifts away;
they're extra baggage, too much weight."
So I did,
to the people we met,
and I found that in giving I received,
and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him,
at first,
in control of my life.
I thought He'd wreck it;
but He knows bike secrets,
knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,
knows how to jump to clear high rocks,
knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up
and pedal
in the strangest places,
and I'm beginning to enjoy the view
and the cool breeze on my face
with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,
He just smiles and says . . . "Pedal."

-- author unknown