CONVERSION OF LYDIA
Introduction:
1. Acts 16:11-15.
2. The study of human character is very interesting and
profitable.
3. Especially when it is a Bible character.
4. Here is a case of conversion, with emphasis on the
character of Lydia.
5. Note some outstanding traits about her.
BODY:
I. LYDIA WAS AN INDUSTRIOUS WOMAN: "A seller of purple."
1. "Purple" -- cloth made with an expensive dye, imported from
Thyatira. (made of shell-fish, worn by royalty)
2. Today, people need to be industrious.
3. God's people need to be industrious at all times. There is
no place for idleness, slothfulness in the Kingdom of God.
4. Rom. 12:11 -- "in diligence, not slothful, fervent in
spirit...."
5. Eph. 4:23 -- "Let him that stole steal no more, but rather
let him labor, working with his hands....."
6. 1 Tim. 5:8 -- Must provide for our own.
II. LYDIA WAS VERY RELIGIOUS: "One that worshipped God."
1. Under the Law. Ten commandments said worship God.
2. Ps. 99:5 -- "Exalt ye the Lord our God ad worship at his
footstool; for He is holy."
3. Reminds us of Christ -- Matt. 4:10 -- "Thou shalt worship
the Lord, thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve."
4. God demands our worship -- John 4:23, 24. Man must OBEY.
5. Wherever we may be or go we must continue to worship.
6. A sharp contrast between people today and this woman in a
strange town, on business, yet she sought out God's people,
to worship her God.
7. Cf. TODAY: When we are away, do we feel it all right to
miss services????
(a) No one will know, we tell ourselves. Never be missed!!
(b) If we were at home we would go, but here we do not know
anyone, they do not know us, let's miss.
(c) BUT, YOU FORGOT SOMETHING --- GOD KNOWS!!!!!
(d) We should desire to find God's people and worship, even
if it is by the river side.
8. Heb. 12:28-29 -- "...worship to God....our God is a
consuming fire."
9. 1 Pet. 2:5 -- ".....to offer up spiritual sacrifices..."
III. LYDIA WAS OPEN MINDED: "She heard us."
1. A religious woman, worshipping as she thought to be right,
but always ready to learn more.
2. People should be eager to listen and discuss God's Word.
3. No doubt, she did not think herself wrong, but she was open
to instruction.
4. NOTE THE ATTITUDE TODAY: "I am right, you can just hush."
(a) Or, "I don't care if I am wrong, I will never change."
(b) Very few people have an open mind about the scriptures.
(c) How different from the attitude of Lydia.
(d) What would God write of me?? of you???
5. We, in the family of God, need to be careful here.
(a) Surely, I believe I am right. Or else I would change.
(b) But, may we never become closed minded. Be sure that it
is truth that causes us to change.
6. Rom. 10:17 -- Hearing necessary before one can please God.
7. How did the Lord "open Lydia's heart?"
(a) You will note that "hearing came first." God did not
force her to listen, to hear; that was Lydia's choice.
(b) God opened her heart through His Word.
(c) Cf. Pharoah. Three times it is stated, "the Lord
hardened his heart." Does this mean that Jehovah closed
Pharoah's heart?? If so, it makes God responsible.
NO!! God put something before Pharoah that Pharoah
could not accept, and Pharoah closed his heart.
(d) Likewise, God put something before Lydia, by His Word,
that Lydia could not refuse, thus the "Lord opened her
heart."
IV. LYDIA WAS QUICK TO OBEY WHEN TAUGHT: "She was baptized.:
1. As soon as she saw she was not obedient, she obeyed quickly
2. NOTE: The only thing we really know Paul told her was the
necessity of water baptism.
(a) How did she know to be baptized?
(b) Was it important??
(c) I think we can fill in the lesson resented by Paul, the
preacher. No doubt it included information about the
Christ, His life, death and resurrection. We know what
he taught on other occasions, why would it be any
different here?
3. Baptism -- The act that put her into Christ Jesus.
(a) Most likely Paul said -- Rom. 6:3,4; Gal 3:26, 27, etc.
4. People today need to obey as soon as they see and
understand the truth about salvation.
5. She asks no one any question; did not put off her
obedience; there was not a more convenient season.
V. LYDIA WAS HOSPITABLE: "Come into my house...."
1. We, too, need to be friendly and hospitable.
2. The need for compassion and kindness is almost a lost art.
3. Especially when they visit with us.
VI. THE CHURCH NEEDS PEOPLE LIKE LYDIA:
1. Industrious, Worshipful; open-minded, obedient, hospitable.
Conclusion:
1. Could the Lord say this much about you?
2. If you have never obey His commands, why not allow God to
open your heart and mind to the teachings of His Word and
be moved to do what He commands???
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