God at Work on His Plan pt 3.

Introduction

Scripture

Father God, we thank You for Who You are. A great Big God who sees each and every one of us here and cares deeply about us. We ask this day, as we are continuing in this time of worship to You, reading Your Word and hearing Your Word, that You refine us with it. Mold us, make us, shape us, rearrange us so that we can more like You, and more made into the image of Christ. Help us be a people who love You and love others so much, that we are moved into action by whatever it is You are going to show us about Yourself today and what that means in our lives. Help us do this, because all to often our selfish and sinless flesh war against our will to follow Yours. As we are doing this, and as we are coming into Your Word today, we ask that You take away any distraction that we may have, and make it go as far away as it possible can, because we want to see and we want to know You better. It’s in these things that I ask and in Jesus Christ’s Holy and precious name that I pray, Amen.

Context

In today’s text, we see another part in the series of events that would eventually take Paul to Rome. As you will remember, this started quite a while back, at the end of his previous missionary journey, where both Prophets and the Holy Spirit would reveal to Paul that in Jerusalem he would be bound and handed over to the gentiles. Well, that much is clear, as he has currently been under wrongful arrest, though he had more liberties than most, for over two years. This arrest was first in Jerusalem, then he was taken to Caesarea and put under the protection of Roman Governor, which was at first Felix but now after 2 years is Festus, because of his Roman citizenship.

This is all ture, despite the fact that Paul had previously stood trial before the Governor Felix and the accusing Jews being unable to make a charge against him that had any real proof. Yet, Paul remained in Prison, as Festus hoped to get a bribe from Paul or his friends and it appears that he was at least interested in The Gospel of Jesus, that Paul had shared with him on multiple occasions. It’s important for Paul here (and so he does) and for us to as well, remember that God is always at work in the believer’s life. He always has a plan, and He is always working things out so that He can receive more glory and you can grow closer to Him. Remember, Paul knew his purpose here, as Christ had directly visited him and told him that he would have the opportunity to witness in Rome. So, Paul was able to move in confidence with that. You too, can move in confidence at all times, as God is always working in ways that you cannot see. As he does this, He is working out His plan, and though it may have trouble, trials, and tribulations along the way, still it will work out for God. So, let’s that unfold today and dive deep in where

From the text, I want you to see and remember these truths as God is at work on His plan in your life.

Message

The frist truth to see and remember while God works on His plan in your life is that: Lies will not stand (1-12)

25 Three days after Festus arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 The chief priests and the leaders of the Jews presented their case against Paul to him; and they appealed, 3 asking for a favor against Paul, that Festus summon him to Jerusalem. They were, in fact, preparing an ambush along the road to kill him. 4 Festus, however, answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to go there shortly. 5 “Therefore,” he said, “let those of you who have authority go down with me and accuse him, if he has done anything wrong.”6 When he had spent not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea. The next day, seated at the tribunal, he commanded Paul to be brought in. 7 When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges that they were not able to prove. 8 Then Paul made his defense: “Neither against the Jewish law, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I sinned in any way.”9 But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, replied to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to be tried before me there on these charges?”10 Paul replied, “I am standing at Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as even you yourself know very well. 11 If then I did anything wrong and am deserving of death, I am not trying to escape death; but if there is nothing to what these men accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!”12 Then after Festus conferred with his council, he replied, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go.”

So, even though time had passed, it was clear that the Jews had not forgotten about Paul and still wanted to do great harm to him. As you see, just a few days after the new Roman Governor Festus arrived, the chief priests and elders brought their case against Paul to him. In so, they asked him for a favor, that Paul would be sent to Jerusalem to stand trial in front of them there, as they still wanted to ambush him and kill him. Festus, did not agree to this, and said it was not their custom to hold trials in such a way, but allowed them have a trial in front of him there in Caesarea. So, this is just what they did. As per usual, the Jewish leaders tried to make many accusations and charges against them, but no claim that could be stood on or proven was made. Wanting to do the Jewish leaders a political favor, Festus tried to get Paul to agree to stand trial on these matters in Jerusalem, as not only would get him a future favor, but he also knew that he had no idea what they were talking about on these Jewish matters and he could not offer a good ruling, so he tried to rid himself of the matter. Paul did not agree, as he said that he was now in front of the proper judge he was supposed to be in front of as a Roman citizen (Paul knew what would happen if consented also). So, Festus, if you are not going to rule for me, and if your predecessor couldn’t either, I've been here for so long now, I appeal my case (if you could call it that) to Caesar! To which Festust agreed, if you have appealed to Caesar, then to Caesar you shall go.

It almost goes without saying in any part of your life, lies will not stand. We have all dealt with either ourselves lying or others lying to us. Perhaps there's no place more lied in than (at least in my experience) than an elementary school classroom. You can just imagine it, you watch say a child hit someone or take something, and what do you hear from their mouths every time they are confronted about it? The old faithfully used and not thought out lie, “I didn’t do that, it wasn’t me.” “Oh yeah? Then why that pencil in your hand right now and why did I get to watch you do it if you didn’t?”......... This scene repeats itself 10 or more times every day. You want proof that mankind doesn’t have a sin-nature, that is we are sinners from birth? Just notice how you don’t have to teach children to lie or steal, they will pick up on that one on their own. We all know, this is not ok, this will not stand, to lie in any such way.

It’s clear here from Paul to, that the lies and deceit, though frequent and resolved, did not stand. They didn’t stand in front of wicked and corrupt Roman Governors, and they certainly don’t stand before the Perfect Judge, God. So, here me now. Lying will not stand, it will not succeed, and it will not do you any good. So for starters, don’t be a spreader and sharer of lies and deceit, which is in and of itself wicked and evil. Secondly, and importantly, also remember that God is always working in ways that you cannot see. He is even working in and through the lies that being spread against you in your times of difficulty and trouble. Those lies, they will not stand. So do not fear, do not panic, but instead walk with calmness and confidence because God is always working in ways that you cannot see. Let’s keep going and see that unfurel more,

The next truth to see and remember while God works on His plan in your life is to: Always be sharing Jesus. (13-22)

13 Several days later, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea and paid a courtesy call on Festus. 14 Since they were staying there several days, Festus presented Paul’s case to the king, saying, “There’s a man who was left as a prisoner by Felix. 15 When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews presented their case and asked that he be condemned. 16 I answered them that it is not the Roman custom to give someone up[a] before the accused faces the accusers and has an opportunity for a defense against the charges. 17 So when they had assembled here, I did not delay. The next day I took my seat at the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought in. 18 The accusers stood up but brought no charge against him of the evils I was expecting. 19 Instead they had some disagreements with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, a dead man Paul claimed to be alive. 20 Since I was at a loss in a dispute over such things, I asked him if he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding these matters. 21 But when Paul appealed to be held for trial by the Emperor,[b] I ordered him to be kept in custody until I could send him to Caesar.”22 Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.”“Tomorrow you will hear him,” he replied.

Several days later, King Herod (this is King Herod the 2nd), his grandfather you would have read about in the bible, was also called “Herod the Great,” and as you will remember was responsible for the genocide of boys 2 year and younger when Jesus was born; his father King Herod 1st, was read about previously in Acts chapter 12, and died suddely and grosely because he chose to receive the praise of, “The Voice of a God and not a man.” Thus, calling himself a God was smote. His son, Herod II is who we are speaking about know. This family, was given a sort of lesser rule/kingship within the Roman empire in recognition of services given to the Emperor over history, and had been a valuable source of info, soldiers, resources, and council. So essentially, they were given a small kingdom and the ability to appoint high priests in Jerusalem in exchange for serving the emperor.

This Herod, along with his sister (who’s relationship and closeness seems to be much more) paid a dignitary visit to the new governor Festus, as you would imagine, was happy to see a friend of empire who was knowledgeable in Jewish ways in customs, so he could get a handle on this Paul situation. Notice what happens in this conversation though, the name of Jesus came up. In fact, I bet it happened a lot, all from Paul’s fearless will to share the name of truth of Jesus wherever he could. Here we see, from Paul’s words, Jesus being thought on and considered by kings, rulers, and people in their courts. Paul’s witness of Jesus, had a further reach then even he supposed. After hearing about this, King Herod wanted to hear what Paul had to say, and so governor Felix said Yes! Tomorrow you will hear from him.

We will never know what happened in each heart and mind from these conversations, but one thing is clear here.God is always working in ways that you cannot see. There is no telling how many souls turned to Jesus from Paul’s witness! The same thing is true for you, there is no telling how many people will turn to Jesus by both your large and small words regarding the savior Jesus Christ! You never know where your words, your witness are in a person’s faith journey, but one thing is clear, that God has called you and that other person together when you surrender your will and thoughts to Jesus and make your life about pointing others towards Him! So, believer, be a willing instrument for your Lord, always be sharing Jesus, and know that when you do, God is always working in ways that you cannot see. So, don’t be discouraged when you don’t get the results you want, simply take great joy that you are serving The Kingdom!

Another truth to see and remember while God works on His plan in your life is to remind and ask yourself : Is God’s work apparent in you? . (23-27)

23 So the next day, Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium with the military commanders and prominent men of the city. When Festus gave the command, Paul was brought in. 24 Then Festus said, “King Agrippa and all men present with us, you see this man. The whole Jewish community has appealed to me concerning him, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he should not live any longer. 25 I found that he had not done anything deserving of death, but when he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him. 26 I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore, I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this examination is over, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without indicating the charges against him.”

So, the next day comes, and as promised, Agrippa and Bernice get to hear and see this Paul. They entered the hearing chamber, with great pomp and grandiose, with an audience of the most important people in the area. Festus then gives a dramatic charge to Agrippa. To put it simply he says, “The Jewish community has brought this man Paul before me, and wished that I end his life. I found him not involved in any wrongdoing, this time, he appealed to the emperor, and I have decided to send him. However, I have no charge against this man of which I can write to the Emperor, so Agrippa, I ask that you examine him and see what it is I should write regarding a charge, because it is not usual or reasonable to send a man to the Emperor in an appeal when there is no charge against him.”

It’s clear here to everyone that Paul is innocent and not guilty of anything, however as the justice system demands, processes and events have happened, and now Paul is to be sent to Emperor, your bible may read the word Augustus, which is a title given to the Roman Emperors of this era. The Emperor Augustus at this time, was the infamous Emperor Nero, who though sane at this time, would go on to be the mad-man ruler of Rome, and one of history's worst persecutors and murder of Christians. God was clearly in the hidden (and not so hidden details) here. I don’t know about you, but this scene makes my mind go back to the beginning of Paul’s Chrisitan life. Remember, he was a great persecutor and murder of Christians. However, one day on the road to Damascus, The Lord Jesus revealed himself to Paul, and Paul was blinded, not knowing what was going on, and in desperation he cried out, “Who are you Lord?!” To which he hears the reply, “I am Jesus, in whom you are persecuting.” God the Son made himself apparent to Paul, and it was clear that this required action and response from Him. That is, believe and repent, believe in the Lord Jesus and Repent from your sins.

God is always working in ways that you cannot see. Despite this truth, still by God’s grace you, me, we, are sometimes given clear and precise glimpses into his work, where God’s work is apparent. It is apparent in some many ways, in your salvation, in the person your are witnessing to and sharing your testimony turning toward the Savior Jesus Christ, in our Church's some 136 plus years of ministry, it is most apparent though, when we live out our great commandments and great commission call to: Love God, Love People, and Make disciples; using our fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness,self-control) and our unique gifting in doing so. So, believer are showing the fruit of The Spirit? Are you using your spiritual gifts? Is God’s work apparent in your life? If not? Why? And what are you going to do about? If so, good, keep it, and find a way to use your gifts to honor God even more.

Conclusion

Beloved, God is always working in ways that you cannot see is a truth that logically we know and verbally we say, but let me ask you. Do you really believe it? Do you believe it when the times are good? Do you believe it when the times are bad? Do you believe it when the times are meh? God proves to us it is true time and time again, yet as the Israelites of old, we forget all to often in weeds that is your day to day life. So, remind yourself of it, and walk confidently and bravely in your faith, walk with the confidence of knowing that God is with you, walk as a men among boys or a woman among girls. Do not be afraid of anything the enemy Satan can throw at you, because the Blood of Jesus that covers you is so so so much stronger then the best the deceiver can muster against you. God is always working in ways that you cannot see, so be not just a willing instrument of God’s plan in your life, but be an anxious one instead, eager to see God’s will full field near and far!

With all of that being said, I would be remised if I didn’t share the Gospel (or the Good News) of Jesus Christ with you today, for the benefit of both believer and non-believer in the room. This begins all the way back at the beginning, God created everything, and he created all things good. He gave His most treasured creation (us, mankind) the ability of free will, the ability to choose Him or rebellion. Man was deceived by Satan and desired to be like God and sinned (or rebelled against God). This brought the curse of sin and death into the world and it remains with us to this day; which separates us from God. God though, loved His creation (mankind) so much that He worked through history to redeem all mankind that would turn to Him from sin so that we can experience a full and perfect relationship with Him again. This was through the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the pay for sins. Accepting this free gift from God, makes you new and forgiven. All you have to do accept this free gift by repenting and believing in the Lord Jesus and you will get to experience the good side of God’s justice forever. So, now that you know this, you can no longer plead ignorance. I invite and urge you to respond today non-believer and apply this to every part of your life believers in the audience today.

With that, Let’s conclude. Brothers and Sisters, I love you all. During our last song together, if you need prayer, or want to talk more about Jesus, or have something you want to talk about, I’ll be here, don’t be afraid to come on down. Let’s pray. Father God, we thank You for who You are and what You are doing to us here in this place. May whatever it is that You are doing in each of heart here, continue as we leave go out into the world this week. Change us, mold us, make us, re-arrange us, that we can be both better lovers of You and better showers of You. It’s in these things that I ask and in Jesus Christ’s Holy and precious name that I pray, Amen.