Acts 21 Lesson

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

Does adversityaffect our decision-making process? 

Do we make the same decisions that we would normally make when under duress?

What about our faith?

Are we guided by the same Christian values that we hold to in good times when our world gets turned upside down?

God does not want us to be fair-weather Christians who obey Him only when it is convenient, or things are going well for us. 

He would rather that we run hot or cold than be indifferent about our faith. 

Consider the following scripture:

• “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” - Revelation 3:15-16.

PAUL WILLINGLY SUFFERED FOR HIS FAITH

In Acts Chapter 21, we see the Apostle Paul’s life getting increasingly more difficult and dangerous.

As he approached Jerusalem, his friends and brethren warned him twice of the dangers that awaited him. 

The first warning came from a prophet named Agabus. 

• “As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” – Acts 21:10-11.

The second warning came from the other disciples and locals who begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem.  

Their pleading was well-intentioned, but it was in direct conflict with what Paul knew God had called him to do. 

And to Paul’s credit, he stuck to God’s plan, regardless of the consequences. 

So should we!

After receiving multiple warnings to stay clear of Jerusalem, a determined Paul replied:

• “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”  And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, “The will of the Lord be done!” – Acts 21:13-14.

SUFFERING FOR THE LORD 

All of us are going to suffer during our time on Earth. 

That is the way that God planned things.

He allows suffering for four reasons:

1. To teach us,
2. To disciplineus,
3. To shape us (into the people that He created us to be),
4. To remind us of just how dependent we are on God.

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT SUFFERING

The Bible talks a lot about suffering. 

For today’s lesson we have highlighted the following two verses:

1. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” - 2 Timothy 3:12,
2. “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” - Luke 9:23.

PAUL’S SUFFERING

Paul suffered greatly while serving the Lord. 

And yet, he remained faithful to the Lord, no matter how difficult things got.

And because he kept the faith, and did not deviate from God's plan for him, his reward in Heaven will be great. 

Likewise, if we remain faithful in good times and in bad, we too will be rewarded with eternal life in Heaven. 

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he wrote:

• “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.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

While serving the Lord, Paul endured:

1. Lies,
2. Beatings,
3. Imprisonment,
4. And twice being stoned nearly to death.  

Through it all, Paul remained committed to following God’s plan. 

Can we say the same?  

Are we willing to suffer for Jesus?  

Are we committed to following Jesus, even during the most difficult times of our lives?

CONCLUSION

God gives us free will to decide for ourselves whether we are going to live life by His rules or do things our way.  

If we follow His plan, He will bless us spiritually.

If we ignore it, we will become lost, isolated, and eventually perish.  

The Apostle Paul understood the risks that were involved in going to Jerusalem and he went anyway. 

He knew the price that he was going to pay, and he was willing to pay it. 

What about us? 

Can we say the same? 

Being a Christian involves sacrifice. 

Jesus’ life was not easy.

Neither were the Apostles.

And if we follow Jesus faithfully until the end, we will also be tested.

How we respond when things get difficult will determine where we spend eternity.

We will end today’s lesson with three scriptures. 

These three scriptures highlight the importance of following God’s plan and the sacrifices that we must be prepared to make along the way.

1. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11,
2. “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect to do good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” - Hebrews 13:15-16,
3. “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:1-2.