Extreme or Expected

Stayed on the Spirit

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 20

22 “And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there,

“Compelled by the spirit” is described as an internal constraint that drives him forward

Paul has chosen to place himself under the Spirit’s authority and other translations even use the phrase “being BOUND by the Spirit”

This carries a sense of obligation and urgency

This binding is not one of constraint, it is simply a need to do so (Wife and her Husband)

How do you develop this dependency on the Spirit?

Just like a relationship that deepens and grows in time and in testing, we grow closer to the God until we are bound to Him

With such a deep love that we can’t imagine anything else

He was willing to do what was needed even in situations that were completely unknown to him.

His service did not rely on whether or not he was comfortable with the circumstance

New territory did not stifle his obedience

What could he encounter there? (List things)

To be bound to and dependent on the Spirit is not optional, it’s vital.

Strength in Struggle

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 20

23 except that in every town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me.

The only thing he DID know was that wherever he was going, there would be imprisonment and suffering waiting for him

It is one thing to follow God when you do not know the outcome, but would you follow him if you knew there would be suffering?

But this was also even more than a physical thing

Another thing that was waiting for him was failure in the eyes of the world

Paul once held a very stable and respected position as a citizen of Rome

Now he has to make tents to earn a little money as he travels from city to city getting thrown in prison

(Illustration)

Sanctification over Self

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 20

24 But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.

He is not saying that he is of no value and has no worth

He’s saying that his life is of no value TO HIMSELF

If he is living for himself, his life is useless

But a life lived for God is worth the creator of the universe laying his life down for

He is able to venture with God into the unknown and even endure suffering because his focus is not on these things, his focus is on his purpose.

He knew where his valued lied and he knew what his purpose was, that is why he was abandoned to the life he was called to live.