Be Committed

Introduction

Before I attended Bible School I went to a military based trade school in Texas (S). If you look closely there you can see me with a beardless chin. Fair warning, it is terrifying.

One of the things this school trained for was disaster relief. To prepare for that we did a 10 week, military style, basic training. During this training there were a variety of activities. Rappelling, search and rescue, basic survival skills, etc. We did a lot of hiking and camping as well. One of the hikes we were required to do was called the endurance hike.

This was a, get as far as you can in 24 hrs, kind of hike. My Unit went 70 miles in 24 hrs. During this hike, one guy broke a leg and two others gave up and quit.

However, the majority of us made the hike. I made it with a serious impairment (Sx2).

I don’t show you this to brag, I show this to illustrate commitment. During that hike, giving up was tempting. Other guys did. The ones who quit got to ride in the trucks. They seemed happy and comfortable.

Three things kept me going.

1 - The encouragement of those around me. 2 - The knowledge that my oldest brother had done this. 3 - The impact my quitting would have on others.

2 - The knowledge that my oldest brother had done this.

3 - The impact my quitting would have on others.

I remained committed. I completed the hike.

Scripture abounds with calls for us to be faithful. For us to be committed to our calling as Christians and finish the tasks to which we have been called.

Of the many examples of commitment we find in the Bible, Paul's tends to stand out.

In the passage we will consider this morning, the commitment of Paul is vividly portrayed.

As we consider Paul’s example our commitment will be challenged.

There are two areas where commitment is necessary for a life without compromise.

Today will we learn the practical side of commitment in these areas.

Area #1. We must be…

1. Committed To The Cause Of Christ vv. 1-14

As we begin this morning, I want to back up and look for a minute at the big picture of Acts.

All of you should have an outline of the book of Acts in your notes. This is my outline of the book and it is what we are following in our study.

The book of Acts is about the spread of the gospel. It is about how the message of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection impact the entire world.

This record of how the early church spread the gospel comes in three segments. The outline for the book is given to us in .

Jerusalem, Judea & Samaria, The world. That’s how the book breaks down.

Jerusalem chs 1-8:3. Judea & Samaria chs 8:4-11:18. The world chs 11:19-28:31.

The church begins to face opposition and persecution in ch. 4. That persecution doesn’t end.

The early church was committed to the mission it was given by Christ! Nothing prevented them from proclaiming the gospel. Not the martyrdom of friends, not imprisonment, exile, or excommunication.

Today we will finish the third missionary journey.

The cause that the early church had was the spread of the gospel. We have that same cause.

Within that larger cause are specific tasks. Paul’s task was to reach the Gentiles. Our task is to reach the communities around us. Then, as we are able, to reach our county, our state, our nation, and our world.

How do we do that?

I see two responsibilities presented in these first 14 verses.

This is what we need to do if we are going to be committed to our cause.

Responsibility #1…

a. Commitment places Christ before leisure vv. 1-6

READ v. 1

Departed from who? Sailed from where?

In ch. 20 Paul met with the Ephesian elders in Miletus (S). Now they are leaving.

This is the route they take (S). Cos, Rhodes, Patara.

They run “a straight course”. There are moving quickly to arrive at their destination. The language here speaks of focus and drive.

They have a goal.

READ v. 2

Phoenicia is a region or county. They set sail for that area.

READ v. 3

They pass Cyprus, where Barnabas was from, and arrive at Tyre (L). In Tyre they unload the cargo.

READ v. 4

In Tyre they find fellow disciples. This prompts them to stay for a full week.

Why? Fellowship.

Let me take you back to our opening illustration. One of the major things that got me through that hike was the fellowship of those with me.

Commitment is strengthened through fellowship.

Paul has a mission. He views this mission with some urgency (20:16), yet takes a time out for fellowship and mutual encouragement.

This tells me that we are never too busy to fellowship.

The end of v. 4 tells us something important.

These people have been told by the Holy Spirit what awaits Paul in Jerusalem. Their conclusion is that he shouldn’t go.

Paul revealed to the Ephesian elders in 20:23 that the Holy Spirit said chains and imprisonment were awaiting him in Jersualem.

We need to be careful with this verse. Luke is not telling us that God told Paul not to go to Jerusalem and he went anyway.

The word “through” could be translated “because of”. As indicated, this would mean they got the information from the Spirit, but the conclusion that he shouldn’t go to Jerusalem was their own.

Paul knows what is in store for him. Now people are telling him not to go!

Paul is committed. He is not dissuaded by their warning.

They travel swiftly and Paul is not dissuaded by their warning.

This isn’t about Paul! It is about the mission he has been given by God!

When God calls us to something, we must be committed.

READ v. 5

At the end of the seven days (v. 4) they board the ship again. But first, something important happens.

All the believers come with them out of the city. Men, women, and children, all gather, kneel down on the shore, and pray.

v. 4 – Told “through the Spirit” to stay out of Jerusalem. What does this mean?

Let me just say something really short about public prayer. Ready? Do it.

Ready? Do it.

As believers in Jesus Christ we are to be seen openly and in public praying.

v. 5 – Knelt on the shore and prayed.

This is not something we should hide. It is not something we should be ashamed of.

At this point deal with public prayer? Mentioned in 20:36 as well though it is not clear if this is public. We are to be seen openly and in public praying.

We are supposed to participate in public prayer.

We are meant to pray in front of others.

What do you think they prayed about? Paul’s impending journey and imprisonment. A safe journey. The spread of the gospel.

All publicly.

READ v. 6

They say good bye, board the ship, and the believers from Tyre return home.

There is something very moving to me about this passage.

There is a mutual love and affection displayed here. It is not one-sided. Paul and Luke take time for fellowship, these believers take time out of their normal day to travel to the docks and pray with them.

Christian fellowship cannot be one-sided. This is something Jess and I have discussed many times.

There is often an expectation for the other person to make the first move.

If we are new somewhere, we expect others to reach out. Now, to be clear, they should. That should be their response. But what if it isn’t? Do we then just neglect fellowship and hospitality? NO! We can reach out just as easily.

Hospitality and fellowship require both parties to be vulnerable.

Both parties must sacrifice. That’s what we see here.

The primary lesson we want to focus on here is the commitment of Paul

We learned in 20:16 that he is trying to make it to Jerusalem by Pentecost. They are traveling swiftly.

Paul is just finishing a tour of the churches he had planted. Some would say this is time for a break, to relax. Paul presses on.

I am not saying there is never any time for a break. I am saying that…

When we are committed to the cause of Christ, even our leisure is strategic.

Never take a break from Christ. Don’t take a break from your walk with Him and from sharing Christ with others.

When we are committed, Christ comes before leisure. What does that mean? It means Christ comes before football, before sports, before fishing, or vacation, or even sleep.

Responsibility #2…

b. Commitment places Christ before freedom vv. 7-14

READ v. 7

They sail a short distance from Tyre to Ptolemais (S).

They pause to spend time with the believers there.

READ v. 8

From Ptolemais they come to Caesarea (S).

We were introduced to Philip back in ch. 6. All we learned about him then was that he had a good reputation and was full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.

We met Philip again in ch. 8 when he is called by God to preach Christ to the Ethiopian eunuch and then to the city of Azotus.

From these encounters, and probably many others, Philip has earned a title. He isn’t just Philip anymore. He is Philip the evangelist.

I love that name!

Names like this always make me question, how am I known? How are you known?

When someone says our names, is the next thought of the things of Christ?

Philip the evangelist opens his home to Paul and those journeying with him.

READ v. 9

Here we have some information just kind of thrown at us without much explanation.

The context seems to suggest that maybe these daughters of Philip’s were also telling people what was awaiting Paul in Jerusalem.

There are two things we need to deal with here.

1 - Women prophets. This is something that, Biblically, shouldn’t be a big deal, but it sometimes people make it a big deal.

There are several places where we learn of women prophets. This was not something unusual in Scripture.

Because it isn’t a novelty, Luke doesn’t comment on it.

2 - Prophets. Two kinds. Which are these?

Foretelling the future or proclaiming the truth. The context seems to indicate that they were both.

The point is that it was not unusual in the early church for women to exercise their spiritual gifts. It shouldn’t be now either.

READ v. 10

Now we meet another prophet, this one is named Agabus.

READ v. 11

Paul revealed in ch. 20 that he was facing chains and tribulation.

Here Agabus provides an illustration of what is coming Paul’s way.

He is very specific. The Jews will bind Paul and deliver him to the Gentiles.

There is an interesting picture here. Who else was bound by Jews and delivered to Romans? Jesus. We are to suffer as our Lord suffered.

This is the point where a decision must be made.

At other points in Acts, this kind of revelation would lead to a change in direction.

But not here. Why not? Paul was being led by the Lord to go to Jerusalem.

This is a personal and individual thing.

If God is leading you to do something, do it. Don’t worry about what others may think or say.

Only if what you are being led to do is not in violation of Scripture.

Paul is going to be arrested, bound, imprisoned, and he will suffer.

READ v. 12

This is a natural normal response. We hear someone is headed for suffering, we want them to avoid it.

The thing to keep in mind is that We don’t know what God is doing!

We don’t know what He is calling them to.

So yes, offer your advice. But bear in mind that God is in control and we cannot and will not understand Him.

We must live constantly with a understanding (S).

Romans 11:33 NKJV

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

They are pleading with Paul. Begging him not to go to Jerusalem. We find his response in v. 13

READ v. 13

Paul first deals with the personal component. He genuinely cared for these people. So when they plead with him to stay, he is moved by their words.

And yet…

Paul is committed.

Ready – ἑτοίμως (hetoimōs) readily. To be ready. To be or become completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use.

Ready – ἑτοίμως (hetoimōs)

Paul is completely prepared to be imprisoned and even to die for Christ.

The phrase “the name of the Lord” refers to all that Christ is and has done.

Paul is willing to die for the gospel. He is following Christ despite certain arrest!

a. Following Christ despite certain arrest vv. 7-14

He has accepted what he is going to face and has found peace in it.

1. Voyage v. 7

2. Visitation v. 8

v. 8 – Philip the evangelist. What a title!

3. Voicing v. 9

v. 9 – Daughters with the gift of prophecy. Very interesting!

ii. Arrest articulated vv. 10-11

vv. 10-11 – Paul will be bound.

I don’t know about you, but I tend to stress out more when I know something hard is coming. When I have time to think about it, I stress more.

1. Arrival v. 10

2. Announcement v. 11

iii. Arrest accepted vv. 12-14

Rather than stressing out, Paul has used this time to prepare himself for what is coming.

1. Plea v. 12

The only answer to this kind of situation is found in v. 14.

READ v. 14

“The will of the Lord be done.”

2. Profession v. 13

They couldn’t persuade Paul, so the placed their trust in the Lord!

This is where our trust must be at all times.

The only way we are going to get through the trials and difficulties of life is through recognition that God is working His will in and through our lives!

He has a plan and purpose.

The things we face are not accidental.

Paul could have chosen to stay in Tyre or Caesarea. Instead he presses on.

He knows the end result will be suffering and imprisonment. He presses on.

Personal freedom. The cause of Christ.

Which one is most important to us?

3. Peace v. 14

Commitment recognizes the necessity of sacrifice.

Paul was willing to give everything to serve the Savior.

What are we willing to give? Are we willing to give?

Commitment places Christ before leisure and before freedom.

Are we committed to the cause of Christ?

Area #2. We must be…

2. Committed To The Communication Of Christ vv. 15-25

Imagine with me that you have a computer and stored in its memory is all the knowledge in the world.

You have a computer with all the knowledge in the world, but you don’t have a screen.

All the knowledge in the world, but no way to communicate it. No way to access it.

The knowledge is useless.

What would you do to be able to communicate the knowledge?

What lengths would we go to in order to access it?

We have the most important information in the universe.

If we do not communicate it, it is useless.

How far are we willing to go in order to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ?

What are we willing to endure?

If we are going to communicate the gospel there are two requirements we find in this passage.

Requirement #1…

a. Commitment respects authority vv. 15-20a

READ v. 15

After spending time with Philip and his family, they finally head to Jerusalem (S).

READ v. 16

Here again we encounter hospitality. Mnason is going to let them stay in his house. This is a fairly big deal because Paul is not the world’s most popular guy as we will see later in the chapter.

“Early” refers to an original disciple. This would be one of the followers of Jesus when He was on this earth.

“Early” refers to an original disciple. This would be one of the followers of Jesus when He was on this earth.

Mnason and others from Caesarea go with Paul and company.

READ v. 17

It seems likely that this is the same group that received them back in ch. 15.

There is joy and happiness at the coming of Paul.

Side note - We don’t see Luke again until 27:1.

READ v. 18

As in ch. 15, they go before James and all the rest of the leaders of the Jerusalem church.

Paul comes back to Jerusalem and submits himself to the authority of the leadership there.

Paul is willing to be accountable.

Commitment to Christ does’t say “I can do it on my own.” Commitment recognizes our frailty and need.

READ v. 19

Paul is reporting the achievements of Christ.

a. Reporting the achievements of Christ vv. 15-20a

I love how this is worded.

Paul greets them, then proceeds to give them a detailed account of his last journey.

Notice who did the work!

God accomplished these things through Paul’s ministry.

This is God’s desire for each of our lives.

God doesn’t want us to do great things for Him. He desires to do great things through us!

Paul declares to them what God had done through Him.

1. Arrival v. 15

2. Companion v. 16

3. Reception v. 17

v. 17 – We don’t see Luke again until 27:1.

What has God done through you and me lately? What report can we give?

ii. Report communicated vv. 18-20a

1. Receivers v. 18

Our lives are all about what God does in us and through us. This is clearly stated in (S).

2. Report v. 19

Philippians 2:13 NKJV

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

God is working in and through us. He has a plan and purpose that He is going to accomplish.

vv. 19-20 – When the brethren in Jerusalem hear what God has been doing, they rejoice!

READ v. 20a

When the brethren in Jerusalem hear what God has been doing, they rejoice!

This should always be our reaction to God’s work.

vv. 19-20 – When the brethren in Jerusalem hear what God has been doing, they rejoice!

There shouldn’t be jealousy or anger, there must only be joy.

Notice the direction of their joy. They glorify God!

3. Reaction v. 20a

From Paul’s presentation to the response of the leaders, it is all about God.

Paul is willing to be accountable.

Every single missionary journey, Paul returns to give a report.

Commitment to Christ does’t say “I can do it on my own.” Commitment recognizes our frailty and need.

He submits to his God-given authority and they all glorify God together.

Being commited to communicating the truth about Christ means that we recognize the need for authority, and the need for help.

We cannot reach the world with the gospel on our own.

We need our brother’s and sisters in the body of Christ.

A community of believers spreads the gospel more effectively.

Paul works with others the majority of the time.

There’s our first requirement. We must respect authority.

Requirement #2…

b. Commitment accepts responsibility vv. 20b-25

READ vv. 20-21

When we preach the true gospel of Jesus Christ, there will always be conflict.

This should not come as a surprise. Scripture revealed this would take place. Look at (S).

1 Peter 2:7–8 NKJV

Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

This word “myriads” has the idea of ten thousand or an indefinite number. Thousands of Jews have believed, yet, being Jewish, they are zealous for the law.

This passage helps us understand what Paul meant when he said that circumcision makes you a debtor to keep the Law. He was keeping the Law as a Jew, but the Gentiles did not need to.

Why was Paul teaching this? Because God only has one requirement for salvation! (S).

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

The information the Jews had received about Paul is half true. He taught that circumcision was not necessary, and that the customs would not make you more acceptable to God. However, he was not teaching all Jews to forsake these things.

(S).

Romans 10:9 NKJV

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Paul teaches the way he does because salvation is a free gift!

The information the Jews had received about Paul is half true. He taught that circumcision was not necessary, and that the customs would not make you more acceptable to God. However, he was not teaching all Jews to forsake these things.

This has been a tactic of Satan from the beginning. He loves half truths. He loves to distort and twist the Word of God.

Don’t be deceived! Don’t fall for his tricks.

This is both how he gets us to fall and how he makes accusations against us.

So what do we do when false accusations are made?

READ v. 22

The assembly, probably the Sanhedrin, is going to hear Paul is there and they will meet.

Paul is encouraged to purify himself demonstrating that he keeps the Law. Paul is going to demonstrate by his actions that the rumors are not true. There are times to address controversy and rumors.

READ vv. 23-24

Paul is encouraged to purify himself demonstrating that he keeps the Law.

Paul is encouraged to purify himself demonstrating that he keeps the Law.

Paul is going to demonstrate by his actions that the rumors are not true.

He will join these other men in their vow and in their purification.

This will all be done so that Paul can refute the accusations of men.

He is demonstrating his personal piety.

Paul teaches us something interesting here.

There are times to address controversy and rumors.

Notice though, Paul is not going to give a speech to the Jews. He’s not going to defend what he has been teaching.

i. Defending God’s requirement vv. 20-21

Paul will demonstrate his obedience to the law through what he does.

ii. Defending personal piety vv. 22-24

This is his defense.

Our best defense against false accusation is a lifestyle that reflects the character of Christ.

READ v. 25

Here the leaders of the Jerusalem church reaffirm the decision reached by the council back in ch. 15.

The gentiles do not need circumcision for salvation.

They do not need to keep the eating and clothing customs of the Jews.

All they need is Jesus.

All they need is some practical sanctification.

These first 25 verses are really all a set up for what is about to happen.

We will find that out next time we are in Acts.

Conclusion

We must be committed to the cause of Christ.

That means that Christ comes before our leisure and before our freedom.

Put another way…

Commitment means that my desires are of secondary importance.

Folks, that is a radical message. Our society loudly declares the autonomy of self.

We live in a culture that tells us to please ourselves.

That mindset is contrary to the Word of God.

We must be committed to the communication of Christ.

That means that we submit to authority and accept responsibility.

Put another way…

Commitment means the task is more important than my comfort.

Someone who finds difficulty in groups doesn’t get off the hook. Someone who faces opposition because of the gospel doesn’t get to be silent.

When I am committed, I preach Christ no matter what.

Three challenges.

Don’t make excuses to escape commitment.

Be willing to face suffering for Christ.

Live so that accusations never stick.

“A Passion For Thee”

Set my heart O dear Father

On Thee and Thee only

Give me a thirst for Thy

Presence divine

Lord keep my focus on loving

Thee wholly

Purge me from earth

Turn my heart after Thine

chorus

A passion for Thee

O Lord set a fire in my soul

And a thirst for my God

Hear Thou my prayer Lord

Thy power impart

Not just to serve but to love

Thee with all of my heart

Father fill with Thy Spirit

And fit me for service

Let love for Christ ev'ry

Motive inspire

Teach me to follow in

Selfless submission

Be thou my joy and

My soul's one desire

Acts

Acts 21:1–25 NKJV

Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home. And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge. And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.”