CONVERSION OF A GOOD WOMAN, Act 16:11-15

Two weeks ago, we studied how God went out of His way to invite a good man to enjoy the salvation that is in Christ. Today, we see God offering salvation to a good woman, Lydia

I.     WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT LYDIA?

        A.    A Business Woman of Thyatira.

        B.    A woman who worshipped; she worshipped God

        C.    What did Lydia look like? Neither Paul nor Luke tell us.

        D.    In society, woman are ignored or abused. God seeks their soul (Matthew 28:18-19; John 4; 20; Luke 7:36-50; John 8:1-11).

II.    LYDIA’S CONVERSION

        A.    “we spake...Lydia...heard us...” (vss 13-14; 1Cor. 1:21; Act 16:10).

        B.    Give heed to the things that were spoken. She was a sinner in need of a Savior. Compare Matt. 6:1;1Tim. 4:1; Heb. 2:1.

        C.    She was baptized (vs 15; Acts 2; 10:47-48; chap. 8; Gal. 1:6-9; Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16).

        D.    Assisted Paul at Philippi, means more than just a hospitable woman, Act 16:15, 18, 40).

III.   THE LORD OPENED HER HEART? (Vs 14)

        A.    Heart? When Luke through inspiration recorded that Lydia's heart/intellect was "opened," he simply meant that she had come to a comprehension/acceptance of Paul's message

        B.    Don Fortner falsely asserts, “Lydia did not open her own heart.... Paul did not do it. The Lord himself must open the heart to receive ... eternal life. Christ alone ... alone can open the door....” If so, whose fault is it if a man’s heart is not opened? God’s! God forbid!

        C.    “Lydia ... heard....” It is possible to open or affect someone’s heart through words Pro 12:25; Jo 16:6; Luke 24:32, 27; 1Cor. 1:21). Words do have power (Heb. 4:12).

CONCLUSION: For the moment, think as the majority of the world thinks. If God will hold out His hand to a woman, He will hold out the offer of salvation to all (Rev 3:20). God does hold out His offer of forgiveness to men and women everywhere (Matt. 28).