November 29, 2020

Bound by God

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Acts 20:22-26, Acts 21:1-14
Service Type:

Introduction

  • Looking at chapter 20-21
  • Paul has a huge drive in his life - a mini mission
    • He has to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost
    • The disciples plead with him not to go
    • He is compelled in the Holy Spirit
  • Paul's great motivation was to serve Christ - no matter the consequence
    • What is our motivation?
    • What are our goals?
    • We must be careful that our goals do not overtake the goal of serving Jesus Christ
  • Overview:
    • Bound by God to fulfill a short-term mission
    • Bound to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ
    • Bound to the people of God

Bound by God to fulfill a short-term mission

  • Paul wanted to go to Jerusalem
    • He had already fulfilled a Nazarite vow
    • cf Acts 18:21, 19:21
    • He was on a journey to Rome, but had to stop at Jerusalem on the way
    • Acts 18:20
  • Why?
    • Paul has been collecting gifts to distribute to the poor believers in Jerusalem
    • Paul wanted to tell them what God had done amongst the Gentiles
  • What do we make of Acts 21:4
    • Consider the actions of the prophet Agabus
    • Perhaps it was a test?
    • Paul is absolutely convinced that this is the will of God - Acts 21:4
  • Application:
    • Paul is sold out to do the will of God
    • He was following the Lord Jesus who had set His face to the cross
      • Even though Peter opposed this
    • Sometimes people might try to deter us from doing the will of God
    • We must take up our cross and follow Him
    • Maybe a short-term goal or burden given to us by the Holy Spirit
    • Fulfill what God has called us to do

Bound to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ

  • Acts 20:24-26
    • He wanted to finish his ministry
    • He knew his race would involve suffering - but wanted to complete the race
  • God had called Paul to preach the Gospel to the nations
    • Personal testimony - e.g. King Agrippa
    • Public preaching of the Gospel message - explanation
  • Application:
    • Do we love the gospel?
      • Example of Billy Graham
    • Have we gone cold?
      • We must ask God to revive our love for Him
    • Are we bound to the gospel

Bound to the people of God

  • Paul was bound to the Church (the people of God)
    • Acts 20:37
  • He lived the gospel and loved people
    • The people couldn't help but love Paul, as he loved them
  • He stopped at the houses of God's people
    • Acts 21:5, 8, 16
  • He found great joy with God's people
  • He wants the people to be unified
    • Acts 21:20-24
    • He was happy to obey Jewish customs for the sake of unity
    • Galatians make the gospel message clear
  • Application:
    • We might need to do things that are not to our taste - for the sake of the unity of the gospel

Closing Remarks

  • Do we know the Lord Jesus?
  • Have we repented of our sin?
  • He will save if we call upon Him
  • Take up your cross and follow Him