How to Live Out God’s Plan

Text: Acts 25–26 (CSB)

INTRODUCTION — WHEN GOD’S PLAN FEELS STUCK

Most of us think God’s plan feels like this: • Clear direction • Steady progress • Obvious results

But Acts 25–26 shows something different: • Delays • False accusations • Political games • Forgotten faithfulness

Paul is innocent, obedient, and faithful—yet stuck in prison for over two years.

Big Question: How do you live out God’s plan when it feels like nothing is happening?

John MacArthur: “God’s plan often advances in ways that feel like setbacks to us.”

POINT 1 — LEARN TO FORGIVE

God’s Plan Advances Even When Others Refuse to Let Go

Acts 24:27–25:12

A. Time Passed, But Hatred Remained (24:27–25:2)

Two years have gone by. Felix is gone. Festus arrives. But the accusations are exactly the same.

Historical Insight: • Caesarea Maritima — Roman headquarters on the Mediterranean • Jewish leaders traveled 60+ miles repeatedly to accuse Paul • Their hatred outlived the governor

Some people rehearse old offenses like they happened yesterday.

B. The Destruction of Unforgiveness

The Jews are still plotting murder (25:3).

Unforgiveness: • Consumes energy • Distorts judgment • Keeps wounds alive

Spurgeon: “Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting your enemy to die.”

Life Application

• Who are you still carrying from your past? • What bitterness is slowing your obedience today? Ephesians 4:31–32 “Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

C. Don’t Panic When People Lie About You (25:11)

Paul calmly appeals to Caesar.

He doesn’t: • Defend himself emotionally • Attack his accusers • Manipulate the system

He trusts God’s sovereignty. rest in truth, not in vindication.” Romans 12:19 “Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Practical Steps

Release the need to be understood

Let truth stand on its own

Trust God to handle your reputation

POINT 2 — BE A PRISONER, NOT A POMPOUS KING

God’s Plan Values Faithfulness Over Fame

Acts 25:23–27

A. Agrippa’s Life Looked Impressive—But Was Rotten

King Agrippa II and Bernice enter with “great pomp.”

Historical Insight: • Bernice was Agrippa’s sister—widely known for incest • The Herodian family was morally corrupt and politically ambitious • Outward power, inward decay

Martin Lloyd-Jones: “The tragedy of the world is that it confuses display with substance.”

B. Paul Looked Weak—but Was Spiritually Strong

Paul likely appeared: • Short • Bald • Bow-legged • Scarred from beatings

(According to early church tradition)

Yet Paul had something Agrippa never did: peace with God.

C. Better to Be a Prisoner for God Than Praised by Men

Paul is chained—but free. Agrippa is crowned—but captive to sin. • Galatians 1:10 “For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” • Philippians 1:12–13 “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ.” — chains advance the gospel

Life Application

• Don’t confuse success with significance • Don’t trade faithfulness for applause • God’s plan often looks unimpressive on the outside

POINT 3 — BE READY TO SPEAK

God’s Plan Advances Through Testimony

Acts 26

A. Speak for Yourself (26:1)

Paul doesn’t rely on lawyers—he relies on testimony.

Skip Heitzig: “You are the world’s leading expert on what Jesus has done in your life.”

B. Admit Who You Were (26:4–11)

Paul owns his past.-“I thought it was necessary to do many things in opposition…”

He calls his sin what it was—even when it felt justified.

Life Application

• Don’t edit your past—redeem it • Honesty makes testimony powerful

C. Share Your Story Clearly (26:12–23)

Paul’s testimony includes:

Who I was

What happened

Who I am now

Key Theology: • Conversion is divine intervention • Salvation is grace, not self-improvement

D. Be Kind to Those Who Think You’re Crazy (26:24)

Festus: “You’re out of your mind!”

Paul responds calmly and respectfully.

Secondary Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15 “but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”

E. Plead With Unbelievers to Come to Christ (26:25–32)

Paul doesn’t argue—he appeals.

“I wish… that all who hear me might become as I am…”

Except for the chains.

Lloyd-Jones: “The Christian is never content until others know Christ.”

Life Application

• Speak with conviction, not aggression • Aim for hearts, not arguments • Let love shape your witness

CONCLUSION — GOD’S PLAN IS WORKING EVEN WHEN YOU FEEL STUCK

Paul: • Was imprisoned but obedient • Was slandered but forgiving • Was ignored but faithful • Was chained but unstoppable

God’s plan moved Paul from: • Prison → Palace • Trial → Testimony • Chains → Caesar

Final Truth: You don’t live out God’s plan by controlling outcomes— you live it out by faithful obedience today.

Final Applications

Release unforgiveness

Value faithfulness over recognition

Be ready to speak when God opens a door

Trust that delays are not denials

Spurgeon: “God is too wise to be mistaken and too good to be unkind.”

So live faithfully— even when the plan doesn’t look impressive yet.