Does God Have a Plan, and How Does He Work Out His Plan?
Sermon Notes
1. How does the Spirit lead (taking care to make disciples all the while [21.1-14])?
The Spirit reveals the things of God – even hard things (v. 4, 8).
We may resist and differ with what the Spirit reveals – it would only seem natural (v. 12).
Difficulties will reveal the depth of our commitment to Christ (v. 13).
God’s will unfolds through our lives – let’s stay committed (v. 13).
2. The transition from Jerusalem to Rome (21.15 – 26.32)? Following three epic journeys, everything changes. This is critically important (6 chapters – 200 verses) – Note transition from Jews to Gentiles (Acts 1.8).
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1.8).
Stott’s intro
a. The first 12 days (from Jerusalem to Caesarea)
• Paul takes a vow: freedom is not a slave to its own freedom. If I must exercise my freedom to prove that I am truly free, I am not free. Paul lives a conciliatory life – he cares for the unity of the church.
• A riot ensues in the temple
• Paul taken prisoner in Jerusalem
Five Trials
• Paul speaks to the people (22.1ff - the first of five defenses)
• Paul defends himself before the Council (23.1ff)
His testimony:
Pre-conversion
Conversion
Post-conversion
• A conspiracy to kill Paul
b. Paul sent to Caesarea (two years in prison - 21.27-26.32)
• Before Felix and Drusilla (24.1ff)
• Before Festus (25.1ff)
• Before King Herod Agrippa (26.1ff)
Four general observations in all the trials
1. Accusations are groundless
2. Innocent of offenses against the law
3. Members are conscientious citizens
4. The only stumbling block is the cross
Note the deliberate parallels of Paul’s trials to the trial of Jesus.
Jewish Opposition
Roman justice
Paul’s testimony – telling your story – telling the Gospel
Waiting … in jail for two years for what is next – Rome
Application
1. God has a plan – it takes place through people as they are witnesses of Christ and are filled with the Spirit (Acts 1.8).
ENGAGE our world with Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. God has a plan – it unfolds through governing officials.
3. God has a plan – it unfolds through Spirit-led initiatives.
4. God has a plan – it unfolds through difficulties and hardships.
5. God has a plan – it unfolds through proclamation of the Gospel and discipleship.
6. God has a plan – it unfolds through churches and people whose lives have been transformed by the power of Jesus Christ.