Spiritual Sensitivity

[Acts 16:6-7]

‘If you do not sharpen a dull blade, it will require more effort’ (Prov. 10:10).  Similarly, for Christians, who are the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Eph. 6:17), if their minds are not sharpened, they will have to rely on human strength, not the power of the Spirit, in their spiritual lives.  As a result, they become spiritually insensitive and unable to discern the Lord's will, leading to confusion.  On the other hand, Christians whose minds are sharpened by the Word of God possess spiritual sensitivity and discernment.  They are responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and can distinguish which doors the Spirit closes and which doors He opens.  Therefore, they boldly proclaim the gospel in obedience to the guidance of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

In today's passage, Acts 16:6-7, Paul, Silas, and Timothy demonstrated this sensitivity.  When the Spirit prevented them from speaking in Asia, they obeyed.  When they attempted to go to Bithynia but were not permitted by the Spirit, they obeyed.  In other words, Paul and his companions were obedient to the leading of the Spirit.  They did not enter the closed door when the Spirit closed it.  Eventually, they passed through Mysia and went down to Troas (v. 8).  While staying there, Paul had a vision at night (v. 9).  In the vision, a man from Macedonia pleaded with Paul to come and help them.  Acknowledging this vision as God's call to go and preach the gospel to the people of Macedonia, Paul and his companions immediately tried to go to Macedonia (v. 10).  In essence, they acknowledged that the Spirit had opened the door to Macedonia and exerted effort to enter through that door.  Reflecting on the phrase "concluding" in verse 10, it can be understood as making a joint decision based on prayer and the reasoning derived from God-given intellect.  The believers, having spiritual discernment, discussed and concluded that God's will was for them to go to Macedonia. Calvin's perspective emphasizes that through the vision, Paul and his companions were fully persuaded of the Lord's will.  Thus, the ability to reach such a conclusion is not possible without a sharp mind, a mind sharpened by the Word of God.  The reason I think this way is that only those who pray centered on the Holy Spirit and God's Word can surrender their own will and seek God's will (Mt. 26:39).  In other words, those who are led by the Holy Spirit and God's Word in prayer are the ones who, through a transformed heart (Rom. 12:2), exhibit a humble attitude to obey God's will.  Ultimately, when we pray to God guided by His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can discern His will in spiritual sensitivity and obediently submit to it.

As Christians, we need to be spiritually sensitive.  Therefore, we must have spiritual discernment and obediently follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  When the Holy Spirit closes a door, we should cease our efforts to enter through that door and instead obey the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Additionally, we need to hold onto God's Word and pray to Him.  At that moment, the Holy Spirit will open another door for us.  We must discern God's will in spiritual sensitivity, using the wisdom He has given us, and enter through the door He opens.  In doing so, the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, will empower us to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, bringing about the work of salvation.

In summary, Christians with spiritual sensitivity, discernment, and a mind sharpened by the Word of God can discern the closed and open doors guided by the Spirit.  When the Spirit leads them to close one door, they should not strive to enter it.  Instead, they trust that the Spirit will open another door and prayerfully strive to find a new mission field.  At such times, obedience to the Spirit's leading is crucial.  When the Spirit says, "Stop," believers should respond with a willing "Yes" and obey.  To achieve this, believers need spiritual sensitivity, being aware of the Spirit's leading.  The spiritual brake pedal should be well-utilized when the Spirit says, "Stop."  Christians must be attentive to discern when to halt instead of rushing forward without considering the need to pause.  Ultimately, believers need spiritual sensitivity to distinguish between the closed and open doors, and when directed by the Spirit, they must yield and obey.  Spiritual discernment is essential to recognize the leading of the Spirit.  Prayerful dependence on the Spirit and aligning priorities with God's priorities are crucial for effective Christian living and mission.  May believers continue to pray and seek the Lord's will, staying sensitive to the Spirit's guidance in all endeavors.

Seeking spiritual sensitivity,

James Kim

(Praying to discern God's will and obediently submitting to it)