Ready to Die!

Acts 21:1-14

March 1, 1998

 

I. Walking in the will of God

    Ephesians 5:17

     How do we understand God's will?

 

1. Scripture to obey

    Never a question about this (do not pray to determine; only for grace, etc)

 

2. Holy Spirit giving direction:

 

     a. Impressions

    b. Through circumstances

    c. Through counsel

    d. Through friends

 

Acts 19:21-22:  Paul receiving direction; knew that suffering and opposition awaited him at each stop.

 

3. Reason and use of mind

     Ephesians 5:15-17

 

4. Church and spiritual leadership

    Acts 13:1-3; Acts 15:1-2

 

II. Encouragement in doing God's will

 

1. A clear comprehension of understanding (v. 13)

 

    a. Test by Scripture

   b. Evaluate by sound reason

   c. Give a test of time

 

2. Go forward in obedience (vv. 1-3, 7-8)

 

3. Fellowship, encouragement and love of the brethren (vv. 4-5)

     Quote verse 7; Prayer and exhortation

 

4. Steadfast example of Christ

     Close parallel between Paul and Christ going up to Jerusalem; obvious that Luke drew encouragement:

 

     a. Both headed to Jerusalem, Paul for Pentecost, Jesus for Passover

    b. Spirit warned Paul 3 times; Jesus spoke of His passion 3 times (Luke 9:22; 44:18; 18:31-33)

    c. Paul bound by Roman soldiers; Jesus bound by soldiers

    d. Paul knelt down and prayed (20:36, 21:5); Jesus knelt down and prayed (Luke 22:41)

    e. "Let the Lord's will be done" (21:14); "Let your will be done" (Luke 22:42)

 

5. Persist in the face of obstacles (vv. 4, 10-11)

    Learn from them, as Paul did.

 

III. A posture for doing God's will

 

1. Attentiveness to the Holy Spirit

    Be able to distinguish - Go, Stop, Caution.

 

2. Determine that you will obey the Lord

 

3. Attach no conditions to your obedience

    Be resolute... "ready to die"

 

4. Realize in Whose hands you rest (v. 14)

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