Main Thought
In Acts chapter 21, we are inspired by the apostle Paul’s journey. His example teaches us that following God is both rewarding and challenging. He recognized God's will for his life and demonstrated incredible faith and determination in fulfilling it, even in the face of immense difficulties. This included returning to Jerusalem even when it looked like certain doom. Paul could have easily buckled to fear or rationalized his way out of God's plan, but he chose to trust and obey Him anyway. Paul could’ve reserved his rights. Instead, he relinquished his rights for the sake of others - imitating Christ and His sacrifice for us. As a result, God was glorified and Paul left a lasting mark in history.
Main Passages
10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” - Acts 21:10-14
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:2
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:3-11
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?
Do you feel that you “relinquish your rights” for the sake of serving others? Why or why not?
How can we discern the will of God for our lives and become confident that we’re walking in it?