Become As I Am

Text: Acts 25:13 – 26:32

Groundhog Day

A private home in Woodstock, Illinois was used for exteriors of the Cherry Street Inn, the fictional location in which Phil awakens every morning in the film. On February 1, cynical television weatherman Phil Connors reassures his Pittsburgh viewers that an approaching blizzard will miss Western Pennsylvania. Alongside his new producer Rita Hanson and cameraman Larry, Phil travels to Punxsutawney for his annual coverage of the Groundhog Day festivities. He make1s no secret of his contempt for the assignment, the small town, and the "hicks" who live there, asserting that he will soon be leaving his stati2on for a new job.3

On February 2, Phil awakens in the Cherry Street Inn to Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe" playing on the clock radio. He gives a half-hearted report on the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil and the festivities. Contrary to his prediction, the blizzard strikes th4e area, preventing all travel out of Punxsutawney, and although he desperately searches for a way to leave, he is forced to spend the night i5n the town.67891011

The next morning, Phil wakes once more to "I Got You Babe" and the same DJ banter on the radio in his room at t12he Cherry Street Inn. Phil experiences the previous day's events repeating exactly and believes he is experiencing déjà vu. He again unsuccessfully attempts to leave the town and reti13res to bed. When he awakes, it is again February 2. Phil gradually realizes that he is trapped in a time loop of which no one else14 is aware. He confides his situation to Rita, who directs him to a neurologist, who in turn directs him to a psychologist; neither can explain his exp15eriences. Phil gets drunk with locals Gus and Ralph and then leads police on a high-speed car chase before being arrested and imprisoned; the next morning, Phil awakens16 in the Cherry Street17 Inn once again.

Realizing that there are no consequences for his actions, Phil begins to spend loops indulging in binge eating, one-night stands, robbery, and other dangerous activities, using his increasing knowledge of the day's events and the town's residents to manipulate circumstances to his advantage. Eventually, he focuses on seducing the sweet-natured Rita, using the loops to learn more about and manipulate her. No matter what steps he takes, Rit18a rebuffs his advan19ces, particularly when Phil tells her he loves her; Rita asserts that he does not even know her.20212223242526

Phil gradually becomes depressed and desperate f27or a way to escape the loop. He commits suicide in a variety of ways, even kidnapping Punxsutawney Phil and driving them both off a cl28iff. Each time, he reawakens on February 2 to "I Got You Babe". He eventually tries to explain his situation to Rita again, using his detail29ed knowledge of the day to accurately predict events. Convinced, Rita spends the rest of that day's loop with Phil; she encourages him to think of the30 loops as a blessing instead of a curse. As they lie on the bed together at night, Phil realizes that his feelings for Rita have become sincere. He wake31s alone on February 2. Phil decides to use his knowledge of the loop to change himself and others: he saves people from deadly accidents and misfortunes and learns to play the piano32, sculpt ice, and speak French. Regardless of his 33positive actions, however, he is haunted by his inability to prevent a homeless old man from dying of natural causes.3435

During one iteration of the loop, Phil reports on the Groundhog Day festivities with such eloquence that other news crews stop working to listen to his sp36eech, amazing Rita. Phil continues his day helping the people of Punxsutawney. That night, Rita witnesses Phil's expert piano-pla37ying as the adoring townsfolk regale her with stories of his good deeds earlier that day. Impressed by his apparent overnight transformation, Rita successfully bids for him at 38a charity bachelor auction. Phil39 carves an ice sculpture in Rita's image and tells her that no matter what happens, even if he is trapped in the loop40 forever, he is finally happy because he loves her. They share a kiss and retire to Phil's roo41m. Phil wakes the next morning to "I Got You Babe", but finds Rita is still in bed with him and the radio banter has changed; it is now February 3. He tells Rita he wants to live in Punxsutawney with her.

Seems a lot like the life of the Apostle Paul and his story. He repeats the same events again and again and yet he doesn't feel chained to the day as a prisoner—he uses the understanding and faith in the promises of God to proclaim the freedom in Christ!

I. Introduction: The "Punxsutawney" Trap

The Hook: Phil Connors (Groundhog Day) is stuck in a loop of his own making.

The Futility: He tries pleasure, theft, and even ending it all, but wakes up to the same song every morning.

The Lesson: You can’t change your destination until you change your nature.

The Comparison: Paul has been in a legal "time loop." Trial after trial (Felix, Festus, now Agrippa). To the world, he is stuck. But Paul knows that while the venue repeats, the Victory is already won.

The Core Truth: Although he is in chains, he is free!

Use your chains in this life to proclaim the freedom in Christ!

II. The Historical Backdrop: Who is Agrippa II? (Acts 25:13-27)

The Lineage of the "Loop": Agrippa II was the last of the Herods. His family was stuck in a loop of power and opposition to God:

Great-grandfather (Herod the Great): Tried to kill infant Jesus.

Great-uncle (Antipas): Beheaded John the Baptist.

Father (Agrippa I): Executed the Apostle James (Acts 12).

The Modern Agrippa: He was an expert in Jewish customs but a puppet of Rome. He lived in a scandalous relationship with his sister, Bernice (who is sitting right next to him).

The Historical Scandal (Josephus):

Josephus explicitly records the rumors of incest that "chained" Agrippa II and Bernice in public shame. After her second husband died, Josephus writes:

"But the report was, that she [Bernice] had a criminal conversation with her brother [Agrippa]." > — Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, 20.7.3

Bernice even tried to marry King Polemon of Cilicia to squash the rumors, but she quickly left him and returned to her brother. They were "free" royalty, but trapped in a loop of immorality and public disgrace.

The Irony: Festus (the Roman Governor) is "perplexed" (25:20). He has a prisoner he can’t explain to a King who is "free" but morally enslaved.

Festus seeks Agrippa's help (25:13-22).

Festus presents Paul to Agrippa and the assembly (25:23-27).

III. Paul Before Agrippa (Acts 26:1-32)

1. Proclaiming the freedom in Christ - is presenting the power of Christ!

Proclaiming the Gospel is presenting the power of Christ!

A Masterful Defense (vv. 1-3): Paul doesn't attack; he appeals. He honors the King's knowledge of Jewish law.

Paul's generous remark to Agrippa (26:1-3)

Application: Address unbelievers respectfully (26:1-3).

The Religious Loop (vv. 4-11): Paul describes his old life. He was the "ultimate" Pharisee. He was "looping" through religious rituals and violence, thinking he was serving God while actually fighting Him.

Paul's thoroughly Jewish upbringing (26:4-8; cf. 22:3)

Paul's persecution of Christians (26:9-11; cf. 22:4-5)

Paul's conversion (26:12-15; cf. 22:6-11)

The Interruption (vv. 12-15): "It is hard for you to kick against the goads."

The "Goad" Principle: A goad was a sharpened stick used to keep oxen in line. The more the ox kicked back, the more it hurt. Paul tells Agrippa: Your resistance to God is what makes your life painful.

Application: Aim to exalt Jesus, not self (26:12-15).

Paul's commission (26:16-18; cf. 22:17-21)

The Commission (vv. 16-18): Christ doesn't just stop the loop; He gives a new mission: to open eyes and turn people from the power of Satan to the power of God.

Application: Share the need for and the benefits of the gospel with all types of people (26:16-18).

2. Proclaiming the Freedom in Christ - Brings transformation in life.

Paul's witness for Christ (26:19-23)

The Mechanics of Transformation (Acts 26:19-23)

Metanoia: The Mind-Shift: Phil Connors didn't escape the loop by trying harder; he escaped by becoming a different person. Repentance is not "trying to be good." It is a 180-degree change of mind.

"They should repent" (metanoia): A fundamental shift in perspective—turning away from a life centered on self or sin and recognizing a need for God.

"Turn to God": This is the act of faith and surrender. It implies a change in allegiance.

"Do works worthy of repentance": This is the "proof" or the visible result. The Fruit, Not the Root.

Application:

Stick to the message of the resurrection and the call to repentance based on Scripture (26:19-23).

Rely on the help that comes from God (26:22).

3. Proclaiming the Freedom in Christ - Is meant to bring others to Freedom in this life!

"I go out to preach with two propositions in mind. First, everyone ought to give his life to Christ. Second, whether or not anyone gives Him his life, I will give Him mine."

— Jonathan Edwards

Paul's evangelistic appeal to Agrippa (26:24-32)

The Reaction (v. 24): Festus shouts, "You are out of your mind!" The Gospel is foolishness to the world.

The "Almost" King (v. 28): Agrippa is "almost persuaded." Agrippa is the tragic figure. He has the knowledge (v. 3), but stays in his loop of status and sin with Bernice.

The Paradox (v. 29): Paul’s final word: "Become as I am—except for these chains."

Internal vs. External: Paul is physically a prisoner, but spiritually liberated.

The Burden he rejects: He doesn’t wish his suffering on others, but he desperately wants them to have the spiritual freedom that makes those chains feel insignificant.

Understanding "Freedom in Christ"

Freedom from the Power of Sin (John 8:36): Christ breaks the cycle of our mistakes.

Freedom from Legalism (Galatians 5:1): Not burdened by a yoke of slavery to "rules."

Freedom of Access to God (2 Corinthians 3:17): Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Comparison: Paul vs. Agrippa

| Feature | King Agrippa (The "Free" Man) | Paul (The "Prisoner") |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Physical Status | Royal robes, sits on a throne. | Iron chains, stands as defendant. |

| Spiritual Status | Bound by political pressure, pride, and sin. | Set free from guilt, fear of death, and shame. |

| Inner State | Confused and "almost" persuaded. | Certain, joyful, and full of peace. |

IV. Conclusion: Break the Loop

Some of you may not want to express your faith because you feel like you will be taking away someone's freedom. You haven’t yet come to understand the freedom. You think this Church thing is like Groundhog's Day—the same thing over and over again without escape.

The Lie: We think we need "better circumstances" to be happy.

The Truth: Paul was more free in a dungeon than Agrippa was in a palace.

The Final Word: Phil Connors woke up on February 3rd because he finally learned to love. Paul lived in a "perpetual" February 3rd because he was loved by Christ. Don't be "almost persuaded." Break the loop today.

Application:

Make specific application boldly (26:24-28).

Be prepared for rejection and ridicule (26:24).

Pray for the people you're evangelizing (26:29).

Would you like me to help you draft the final prayer or call to action to close the sermon?