God's Sovereignty and Gospel Success
Acts 21-22
Digging Deeper
As Paul continued his journey, believers prophesied that he would endure great suffering if he continued to Jerusalem. They begged Paul not to go, but Paul was determined to go and shared that he was willing to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus. He was confident in God's sovereignty.After he arrived in Jerusalem, Paul gave James and the elders an account of everything he had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry. Concerns were expressed that Paul's teaching was causing friction among the Jews in Jerusalem because they feared that Paul was teaching contrary to the law of Moses. Paul agreed to go through a purification ritual, proving he was observant of Jewish law. Once again, some Jews from the province of Asia incited a mob against Paul and caused a riot. The Roman regiment was called out, and Paul was arrested.
Paul stood firm on his faith in the Lord Jesus. He did not compromise his mission or the work that God had given him to do. Paul was called to preach the Gospel message that everyone must come to God just as they are — whether they are a Jew, Gentile, rich, poor, slave or free — through Jesus Christ.
As Acts 21-22 unfolds, we can identify with Paul. We don't know how our circumstances will work out to accomplish God's will. We know we are called to trust in God and believe He has a plan for us and our lives as we serve Him. Just like Paul, God will take us out of our comfort zone and may set us in a direction we might not have chosen. The goal is to remain constant and stay the course. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 states, “"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing."
WHAT NOT TO MISS
Main Point:
Gospel Success is rooted in God's Sovereignty.
Gospel Success = The fruit of faithfulness—in having our confidence (who we are), calling (what we do), and Christian living (how we live)—rooted in Christ that brings about God's faithfulness to produce fruit.
Gospel Success = faithfulness to the Gospel.
- The message is that the Cosmic King, Jesus Christ, has come to Earth and, through His death and resurrection, is making all things new.
God's Sovereignty = God's omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience characteristics that direct, guide and oversee events in history and work over, in and through people to bring about His redemptive purposes in the world. (Job 42:2, Daniel 4:35, Ephesians 1:11)
There are three ways we should trust and live out of God's Sovereignty, which will lead us to experience Gospel Success.
1. We should trust that God is Sovereign over our past.
What was so special about Paul's past background?
Paul had access throughout the Roman Empire as a Roman citizen.
Paul was aware of Greco-Roman customs. He also spoke the Greek language.
Paul was well-versed in Judaism and had been a Pharisee.
Paul had been a persecutor and a murderer — a reminder of God's grace in his life.
God was Sovereign over Paul's background and used Paul's experience for His glory, His mission and the world's good.
Paul's past made him suitable as a catalyst for spreading the good news of Jesus to both Jews and Gentiles.
Principles we learn from this:
Your background will give you access to the people God wants you to reach.
Your experiences are entrances to the doors God will open.
God will use your PAST for His PURPOSES.
2. We should trust that God is Sovereign in the present.
Paul is on his way to Jerusalem and knows that bad things await him.
All along the way, believers/Christians in these places plead with and beg Paul not to return to Jerusalem.
Why were they all telling Paul not to go?
They didn't want to see anything bad happen to Paul.
They saw all the good that Paul's life and ministry were doing and didn't want it to stop.
They thought the church was much better off with Paul alive, not dead.
Why is Paul not dissuaded? Why does Paul persist in going to Jerusalem?
Paul firmly believed that the Holy Spirit was leading him to Jerusalem.
There is a difference in how to interpret and perceive the PRESENT.
Some look at only the circumstances and situation and weigh in with THEIR decision.
Some listen to the Spirit's leading and guiding and let the Spirit weigh in with HIS decision.
You cannot look to your surroundings to make a decision. You have to listen to the Spirit to make a decision.
Principle:
When we avoid the risks the Spirit wants us to take, we rob God of the work He wants to do.
When we avoid the costs the Spirit wants us to take, we miss the deposits God wants to make.
The present step is part of the future's journey. Trusting that God is Sovereign in the present requires being in tune with the Spirit.
How do you move in sync with the Spirit?
You move with a life of devotion, prayer, listening and dependency.
3. We should trust that God is Sovereign over and in our Salvation, Calling and thus our Future.
Paul trusted in God's sovereignty in three ways regarding his salvation, calling and future.
1) Paul never got over his testimony. (Identity)
God saved Paul not because of who he was, but because of God's grace.
Paul boasted and gloried in God's grace, not his own goodness.
Paul boasted in the reality that God chose him, but he didn't choose God.
After salvation, Paul sees his resume as garbage, given the surpassing worth of knowing the resurrected Jesus.
Paul's testimony reminded him of God's trustworthiness. If you can trust God with your eternal salvation, you can trust Him in every situation.
2) Paul understood what Jesus had saved and called him to do. (Purpose)
Paul's testimony was part of his “apologetic"—his defense. “You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard." (v15)
Witnesses, like Paul, are very useful for Kingdom work.
• They can share what they have seen and heard.
• They have a credible life that matches up with the testimony they share.
3) Paul knew his future was secure in the resurrected Christ. (Future)
Paul remained cool, calm and collected. He did not fret.
Paul could face danger knowing that Jesus had him covered. If Jesus were raised from the dead, then if he were in Jesus, he would be raised with Jesus.
If, right now, things may not seem so secure, your future is secure in Jesus. God has you covered, whether in this life or in the life to come.
A Big Principle for the Christian Life:
When you know who you are, what you are called to do and where you are ultimately going, none of that will ever change because it is anchored in God's Sovereignty. You'll have the clarity, confidence, conviction and courage in life that will make you an unstoppable force for God's glory and His mission in the world.
And that is how Gospel Success is rooted in God's Sovereignty! This explains Paul's Gospel Success—why he was so faithful to the Gospel and why God was faithful to produce fruit that continues even today.
LIFE APPLICATION
As Paul was traveling toward Jerusalem, many believers shared hospitality with him. They provided a place for Paul to stay and cared for him physically and spiritually. This week, show hospitality and generosity to someone who needs your assistance and care. Pray for ways to provide for physical needs and encourage another believer in a special way in their spiritual walk with God.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Describe a favorite city you have visited and share why you enjoyed it.
What was a common theme as Paul traveled toward Jerusalem?
How did Paul know he was to continue to Jerusalem even when other believers counseled him not to go?
What occurred when Paul met with James and the elders of the Jerusalem church?
How did Paul defend himself when the Jews and Romans accused him?
How should we, as believers, rely on God's sovereignty when things do not seem to work out?
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE PASSAGES
Day 1: Hospitality-1 Peter 4:8-9; Luke 14:12-14; Romans 12:13-20
Day 2: Prophesy-Joel 2:28; 2 Peter 1:21; Amos 3:7
Day 3: Accountability-Romans 14:12; Hebrews 13;16-17; Ephesians 5:21
Day 4: Persecution-Isaiah 41:10; 2 Timothy 3:12; Matthew 11:28
Day 5: Sharing the Gospel-Psalm 27:1; Galatians 6:14; Romans 10:14-15
PRAYER
Lord, as I progress on my life journey, I pray that, like Paul, I will be faithful to endure suffering and persecution as I share the Gospel and rely on God's sovereignty. When things are difficult, let me trust in You and let me be a witness for You. May I be found faithful and finish all that You have for me to do as I accomplish Your purposes. When the going gets tough, please provide other believers who can encourage me. But in everything, let me give thanks for the wonderful gift of salvation that you have given me and others through King Jesus. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)
