"Fruit Comes Where the Spirit Leads" - Acts 16:6–10 - Derek Murphy (Guest Speaker)

Fruit Comes Where the Spirit Leads

Acts 16:6–10
Derek Murphy

August 31, 2025

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about?” —Judges 6:13 NIV“6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” —Acts 16:6-10 NIV

Key Points from vv 6-10: 

Keep Moving: Paul was on the move, and God leads people in motion.

Wait When Needed: God sometimes blocks our plans—patience is part of obedience.

Release Control: True obedience means surrendering personal agendas.

Be Flexible: God may redirect our steps—be willing to shift your plan.

Step Immediately: When God calls, act without delay: “we got ready at once…”

Big Insight: Obedience doesn’t require a detailed plan, just a clear next step.

3 UNLIKELY CONVERSIONS

a. Lydia – The Seeker (vv. 11–15)

b. Slave Girl – The Oppressed (vv. 16–18)

c. The Jailer – The Skeptic (vv. 25–34)

6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. —1 Corinthians 3:6-8 NIV“3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 1:3–6 NIV