Acts19:21-26

Paul very much followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to be compelled by the Spirit? Jesus said He was sending us the Holy Spirit to be, among other things, our Guide through this life. When you travel to a new country, it is best to follow a guide so you can learn your way around.

How does He lead us? The best way I know how to explain it is that the Holy Spirit often speaks to us through our conscience. You may sense Him holding you back if you are headed toward trouble. Sometimes you will know things you didn't know before, almost as though you received an instant download of information in the form of a revelation. At other times, you will feel prompted to do something that, in the natural, you have no desire to do. He speaks to us in many different ways, and as we walk with Him, we begin to recognize His voice and His leading more readily.

Trouble is stirring for Paul in Ephesus—per usual. Demetrius has felt the impact of Paul's teaching in his wallet, and he is not too happy. So many people were coming to the Lord and turning away from their false gods that it was affecting his business. Demetrius was a silversmith who made silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis (also known by her Roman name, Diana). The Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and served as a bustling center of commerce, tourism, and pagan worship. His business was suffering because people were no longer buying his idol shrines.

Hit people in their wallets, and they often become upset. Demetrius had many craftsmen working for him, so this wasn't just affecting his own livelihood, but also the income of those who depended on his business. Calling them all together, he stirred them up against Paul and his companions by implying that Paul's preaching was degrading the Temple of Artemis. In reality, however, his greatest concern wasn't the temple—it was his pocketbook.

This story continues, which we will pick up tomorrow, but it leaves us with an important question: How often are our decisions driven by our pocketbooks? Are the choices we make influenced by the Holy Spirit or by money? Jesus said in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve both God and mammon. Whatever has the greatest influence over our decisions is, in reality, what we are serving.

Following the Holy Spirit may not always make financial sense in the short term, but it will always lead us into God's perfect will. Following money alone may increase our wealth for a season, but it can also lead us away from the One who is our true Provider. Answer honestly which one influences your decisions the most, and you will have a good indication of whether you are following God or mammon.