LGC - Unstoppable Part 34

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Dive Deeper

Unstoppable (Part 34)

Dalton Sim

INTRODUCTION

What happens when well-meaning people start giving you advice on your life decisions which seem to contradict your belief or direction? Under what circumstances do we disagree, despite an overwhelming number of people telling us otherwise, and be able to stand firm with our decision?

In Acts 21:1–6, Paul, Timothy, Luke, and several others leave the port city of Miletus in southwest Turkey and sail to Tyre on the Phoenician coast where they visit with the local Jesus-followers. The Holy Spirit has revealed that when Paul goes to Jerusalem he will be arrested. The Tyrians are so distraught they try to convince Paul to avoid the city and stay safe, but Paul did not heed their warnings and continued on his journey towards Jerusalem. Acts 21:7–16 recounts an even more intense encounter in Caesarea. The prophet Agabus arrives from Judea and confirms Paul’s impending arrest. Friends of Paul tried to keep him from continuing, but he focused on how his arrest would further the spread of the gospel.

The prophecy of Paul’s arrest came to pass. He faced the next 5 years in custody in Caesarea and Rome, but he boldly preached the gospel the entire time (Acts 22-28).

DISCUSSION

In Acts 20:24, Paul states: “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish the course and ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God”. The word “course” in Greek signifies a race, a mission or career from God. The word “ministry” refers to a service; either waiting on others or a ministry in church or running errands for God.

In your daily life, how do you view God’s purpose in relation to your work, whether it be in the office, serving in the church, or even just merely taking care of family or being retired? Share your thoughts with your group.
Was Paul right to go to Jerusalem? (Read Acts 20:13–21:15). Some have argued that Paul ignored divine warnings and went to Jerusalem against the Lord’s will. It’s clear that Paul was deeply aware of the danger he faced. Paul told the Ephesians he did not know what would happen, but that “in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me” (20:23). These two chapters tell of several warnings Paul received.

Why does Luke include (in fact, emphasize) the warnings Paul received in every city and the fact that Paul nevertheless continued on to Jerusalem?
Paul understood that his best friends did not want him to suffer. It was prophesied that in Jerusalem he would suffer. Thus, if your goal is to avoid suffering, you will avoid going to Jerusalem. If your desire for one you love is to escape suffering, then you will counsel accordingly. And this is what Paul’s friends urged him to do. But God often uses suffering in the life of the Christian. Read 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Philippians 3:10.

a. What can you learn from these scriptures on suffering for Christ?

b. Share a painful experience that God used in your life for His glory?
Our text also instructs us regarding the will of God for our lives. When you stop to think about it, our text isn’t just about taking advice; it is about knowing God’s will for our life. Going to Jerusalem was about fulfilling the prophecy revealed to Paul at the time of his salvation. This prophecy revealed the will of God for Paul’s life (Acts 9:15-16). Going to Jerusalem was as important for the life and ministry of Paul as going to Jerusalem was for the life and the ministry of Jesus. It was God’s will for Paul.

How does this text challenge you regarding seeking the will of God in your life? What is the Holy Spirit saying to you?

WHAT Would YOU DO

Before Saul became Paul, he was a man with a single purpose. This did not change after he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. God told Ananias that Paul was God’s chosen vessel, Acts 9:15-16. God also let Ananias know that God will show Paul how much he will suffer for His Name’s sake. Acts 18:9, God told Paul in a vision not to be afraid to speak out. We can surmise here that God probably has assured Paul many times throughout his missionary journeys that enabled him to speak boldly without fear for his own life.

Acts 20 and 21 tell of several warnings Paul received. But Paul said his journey was “compelled by the Spirit” (v22). The warnings simply prepared Paul for what would happen, and strengthened his resolve. As Paul affirmed, “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (21:13).

The evidence of God’s leading in our lives is not that everything we do turns out well. At times God leads us into hardship, just as He led Paul. What we need is Paul’s resolve to do God’s will, whatever that will involve, and the faith to believe with Paul that God’s will is ultimately good.

Would you pray this prayer, “Lord, show me what serving You in this season means to You” and be faithful to do what the Lord has shown you.

MEMORY VERSE

“Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” – Acts 21:13-14 ESV