Women of Courage- Lydia May 2, 2015

We began with a review of where we have been in our study of Lydia.  We looked at how God has used men and women in the past to reach the lost and the price they had to pay.  It was not an easy road;  God never promised an easy path never your best life now.  It is a hard, difficult, but rewarding journey.

 We read and compared Bible versions in reading Phil. 1:1-2:4.  John MacArthur’s notes state that Philippians is an Epistle of Joy! Biblical joy consists of the deep and abiding confidence that all is well regardless of circumstances and difficulty. It is something very different from worldly happiness.  Biblical joy is always related to God and belongs only to those in Christ. It is the permanent possession of every believer – not a whimsical delight that comes and goes as chance offers it opportunity.

A good definition of joy is this: it’s the flag that flies on the castle of the heart when the King is in residence. Only Christians can know true and lasting joy. (then we were entertained by a video of the song “the flag that flies on the castle of the heart…”)

We may not always display our joy. There are times of sadness and trial.  But we go through things differently when we have Christ. It is that that is the joy that keeps us going.  It is a deep and abiding confidence that all is well regardless of circumstance and difficulty.

Philippians 1: 24-28

²⁴ But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

²⁷ Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸ and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.



Paul was so impressed by their joy through trials.  WE represent the “flag of joy” or any other of the fruits of the spirit.  We need to remember God is in control!  We may have moments where we falter, but we don’t stay there.  WE return to our hope.



Romans 8:25

²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (and patience too)

Christian joy is a gift from God to those that believe the Gospel, with more than words!!  Well yeah!



Again Romans 8: 24-25

²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.



Then looking at the beginning of Philippians - To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, Shera brought a definition from the ISBE.



Saints- There are 3 words in the Bible for saints. They have the definition meaning consecration and divine claim, set apart.  We are God’s people.  When God consecrates and claims moral beings for Himself and His service, He demands that they should go on to be fit for and worthy of the relation in which He has placed them.


Every word in the word is the Word of God- Directed and inspired.

Acts 16:14-15

¹⁴ Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. ¹⁵ And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.

WE looked at the describing words about Lydia.  We discussed what they told us about her.  WE also looked at the difference in the definition of worship in this passage and the one in John.  Her knowledge of worship was not as deep as true worship.  She was being called, but until she heard the Gospel message, she then came to know the Lord fully.