Bound by God
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