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Past Ponderings

Sunday, January 19, 2020

PONDERING... What If You Know You’re Right? (Acts 21)

What If You Know You’re Right? (AM Sermon Notes)
GIST: Love people while you stay faithful to the truth.
SCRIPTURE: Acts 21
We’ve come to a homeward stretch here in Acts. It seems like the narratives in these last few chapters are a bit longer. Because of that, wherever possible, I’m going to try and keep them together. That will mean covering longer passages, but I’ll do my best to still be conscientious of your time ☺️. 
This morning we’re going to try and walk through all of chapter 21 together. We’re still at the point where Paul is returning from his third missionary journey and heading to Rome. He’s heading there being “constrained by the Spirit”, knowing that this is what God desires of him, and understanding that “imprisonments and afflictions” are waiting for him there (Acts 20:22-23). In fact, today we’re going to see that start as he finally arrives in Jerusalem. Nonetheless, before he gets there, he has a few more stops to make ☺️. 
As I studied this passage, there were several points that really stuck out to me. At first, honestly, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to connect them together in a way that would make sense in the context of a sermon. However, I noticed there was a theme in how Luke puts these accounts together. Paul has heard from God. He knows what he’s supposed to be doing. However, in the three accounts I want to walk through this morning, he has to face misunderstanding. So as our guiding question this morning, I want us to think about this: What if you know you’re right? How do you react? Do you just rub it in people’s faces or crumble under their pressure? Here’s our gist: Love people while you stay faithful to the truth. Let’s pray and dive in.
The first scenario we come to brings this question to mind. → 

I. WHAT IF WELL-MEANING FRIENDS WANT WHAT’S NICE OVER WHAT’S NECESSARY? (1-16)
Let’s walk through these first 16 verses. I want to point out a few things as we do. Notice specifically how Paul interacts with the people he’s with and also their reactions to what they see the Spirit making abundantly clear. “1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.” They seek out the disciples. Why? Because they want to be around them. Hold that thought. And when they’re with them, what keeps coming up? “Paul, don’t go to Jerusalem!” Keep that in mind, too. 
Let’s keep going. “5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.” Notice the intimacy here. There is an unmistakable connection between these people. They clearly care about each other. 
“7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.” This is actually hugely significant. Do you remember Philip? He was one of the original seven servants chosen to help with the distribution of food in Jerusalem during the early days of the Church after Pentecost. He left when the persecution arose after the death of his fellow servant, Stephen. This led to him spreading the gospel all over the place, maybe most memorably with the Ethiopian eunuch. But remember, who was leading the charge that resulted in his friend’s death and his own persecution? Paul. Now, they’ve both been changed by the same Jesus and a relationship that wouldn’t have made any sense otherwise has a firm foundation! This is incredible...so is Philip’s homelife. Look at this. “9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.” Talk about God’s hand on a home! And we’re about to see a prophecy here, but it’s not from any of these. It’s actually from the guy who had prophesied a famine earlier in this text (like several chapters ago...Acts 11:28). 
Now, pay attention to what he says, how these friends react, and then how Paul responds.“10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'" 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, "Let the will of the Lord be done."” 15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.”
In dramatic fashion, Paul is told he will be bound if he goes to Jerusalem, and his friends panic. They don’t want to see this happen. Now the passage is very clear though. They were telling him not to go because of what the Holy Spirit had revealed to them. So the obvious question to ask here is→ 
Was Paul In The Wrong? Was he just being stubborn? Some have tried to make this case, but it doesn’t seem to fit. Not only did Paul feel like the Holy Spirit was telling him to go to Jerusalem where this would happen, but also after his arrest there, this was confirmed. Look ahead to Acts 23:11, “11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome."” Jesus affirmed Paul’s perspective. All of this was happening to get Paul to Rome, so he could share the gospel there. Not to mention the fact that much of the New Testament ended up being written while he was imprisoned there! 
So why were all these people misled? Simple. They cared about Paul. The Holy Spirit revealed to them that Paul would suffer in Jerusalem, and they took that to mean he should avoid going there...because they loved him. Paul saw the same facts, but knew that was necessary for God to continue using him. 
That all being said, let me make two quick observations about this section, and then we’ll move on. First→ 
Value People. We need to be investing in the lives of others. Look back again at Paul’s traveling here. Everywhere he went, he stopped to be with people. And these weren’t casual meetings. They would end with prayers and tears because their bonds were so close. We need these kinds of Christian relationships. Even the misguided appeals for Paul to stay were a testimony to the love felt between these individuals. In our society, today more than ever, it is so easy to live in isolation. Sure, we can “connect” through technology, but we all know that’s not the same. Don’t miss out on the gift of Godly friendships. Yet, even in those, make sure you→ 
Stay Faithful To The Truth. They loved Paul, but they were misguided in their initial advice here. Well-meaning, but misguided. He loved them too. That’s why their pleading broke his heart. Don’t read this as Paul being a cold character here. Their concern got to him, but he loved them enough to remain faithful to the truth. He pointed them to it, and they were impacted by that...which is why this section ends with them saying: “Let the will of the Lord be done.” We have to be equally faithful to God in our friendships.
Man, it was hard not to stretch that section out. I’ll try harder on this next one ☺️. Question 2→ 

II. WHAT IF UNNECESSARY CUSTOMS ARE TIED TO LIFE? (17-26)
I feel relatively comfortable keeping it brief here because we’ve addressed the topic of traditions several times recently. Nonetheless, we definitely see it coming up here and always need these reminders. In fact, how it comes into play here has bothered a lot of people throughout time, so let’s look at 17-26.
“17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law,” Notice that. There are thousands who believe! Awesome! That’s incredible. Under all the persecution that has been happening in Jerusalem, people are still being saved. So, why are they still zealous for the law? Because they’re still Jewish. To them, Christianity was just the fulfillment of what Judaism was meant to be. And in one regard, they weren’t wrong there. Now, the customs that pointed to what Jesus came and fulfilled were no longer binding, but they were so ingrained into who these people were, they saw them as honoring to God… and really, there was nothing inherently wrong with that. Now, please hear me out because I don’t want to be misunderstood. Forcing them on others or believing that these were necessary for salvation, as we’ve seen before, would be wrong. These early Christians worshiping Jesus in the temple...wasn’t. 
However, because of these deep held convictions, Paul was misunderstood here as well. Let’s keep going. “21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs.” That wasn’t true, but that was the “word on the street”. “22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow; 24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality."” These weren’t requirements for salvation. They were just “let’s keep the peace” guidelines for helping Gentile and Jewish converts grow together. “26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.” And that’s what bothers people. Why? He didn’t have to do that. They were wrong in what they thought, and that wasn’t his fault. Why did he go through with it. Here’s two key principles to keep in mind. First and foremost→ 
NEVER Elevate Customs Above The Cross. Never, ever, ever! Customs and traditions can be wonderful reminders of what God has done for us, but they can never replace the Gospel. If we make what we do more important that what Jesus has done then we are 100% in the wrong. We need to repent...and stop that nonsense. So never elevate customs to gospel-level→ 
But Be Humble Enough To Put Your Witness Above Your Pride. Why does he do this? It’s purposeful evangelism! In fact, look over at 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 to read his explanation in his own words. “19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” The gospel being heard by people was more important than Paul doing or not doing stuff. Now, this doesn’t mean Paul did immoral things to “get through to people”. That’s not what this means at all. It’s the opposite actually. We do whatever we can to be a good witness, even if that means doing stuff we know is unnecessary because we know it will help others understand Jesus’ love. In fact, we were just talking about this with the youth last Sunday morning. It’s just like what Paul said about eating meat sacrificed to idols earlier in 1 Corinthians. Though he knew technically there was nothing sinful about this, if the believers around him were going to be tripped up by him doing it… it wasn’t even remotely worth it! We need to have the same perspective when we serve those around us.
Whew! I hope that made sense. If not, please reach out to me because I realize this is a HUGE topic of discussion. Now, last question→ 

III. WHAT IF YOU’RE PHYSICALLY ASSAULTED AND FALSELY ACCUSED? (27-22:1)
Here we see what the Holy Spirit had warned Paul would happen. And again, it happened because of a misunderstanding. Let’s read this last section. It’s actually 21:27-22:1...because the chapter divisions are strange sometimes ☺️.
“27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place." 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, "Away with him!" 37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, "May I say something to you?" And he said, "Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?" 39 Paul replied, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people." 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying: 1 "Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you."
We’ll pick up there next week, but for now notice the scenario. Paul is persecuted because of things he actually had not done, or at least with those as the pretenses. Rather than take this as a time to fight back or feel sorry for himself, he uses it as an opportunity to→ 
Stay Faithful To Proclaiming The Truth. Persecution presents an opportunity to stand firm or to fall. Contrary to popular belief, persecution does not always result in an explosion of the gospel being spread. That only happens when people see persecution as a chance to stand firm...and do it. Life won’t always be easy, and your reputation might be drug through the mud. In fact, your life might someday be in danger. Will you stand firm on the truth?
Let’s take a few quick→ 

TAKEAWAYS
1. Obvious and easy isn’t always right. Pursue the truth!
2. People are more important than your pride. 
3. Persecution can be an amazing opportunity or a destructive force. Stay faithful to the truth!


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