Sovereign Circumstances (part 5)

All of us have a story of how we came to Christ. We have a story of how He lovingly and carefully brought us to the point of conversion and then exactly how that conversion took place.

We have also all been called by God to a specific task. As we share that with others we have opportunity to proclaim the gospel.

Also part of our story is our citizenship. God uses the country of our citizenship for His purpose and glory.

Last week we began examining God’s purpose in our status.

Teacher, student, parent, child, sibling, employee, employer, Christian. And the list could go on. All of these names are a form of status. The status we have is not an accident! God has a reason plan and purpose for it.

This is something we learn when we examine the life of a young woman in Bible times.

Today we look at tension and temperament.

This young woman was an orphan, raised by her uncle.

Her uncle was a hero who had never been recognized.

Because of her beauty, she was put into the kings harem.

All these things might make us think that God had abandoned her!

I am of course talking about Esther. Though placed in a horrible situation, her status was used by God to preserve the nation of Israel.

Because of who she was and where she was placed, Esther was able to thwart the plan of Hamon.

Her story gives us a fabulous verse about the sovereignty of God. (S).

Esther 4:14 NKJV

14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

All of us have status that is sovereignly used by God as we serve Him.

There are four components of status that God will use.

So far in discussing status we have looked at God’s use of our testimony and our theology.

Today we look at tension and temperament.

The four components are: Testimony, Theology, Tension, Temperament.

Our goal this morning is to understand how God uses status.

Our understanding makes us better tools for God to use.

1. God Will Use Your Testimony vv. 30-5

a. Act on truth vv. 30-3

b. Admit wrong vv. 4-5

2. God Will Use Your Theology vv. 6-10

a. Be certain v. 6

b. Don’t compromise vv. 7-9

c. Accept consequences v. 10

3. God Will Use Your Tension vv. 11-15

Paul is in a tense situation.

Arrested, Accused, Abused. He stood before the Sanhedrin and ended up having to be removed by the soldiers for his protection.

There will be tension in our lives.

When there is tension we have a decision to make. Will we turn outward and look for gospel opportunities, or will we turn inward and miss them.

For God to use our tension, mental preparation is required.

Paul’s example teaches us three areas of preparation.

Area #1…

a. Be ready to witness v. 11

READ v. 11

This is awesome! The Lord appears to him and tells Paul exactly what will take place. What comfort and security is here!

God is faithful in providing encouragement right when we need it.

Where do you think Paul is when this takes place?

Jail. Probably in a cell.

What is the first thing Jesus says to Paul?

“Be of good cheer.” This is better translated “take courage.”

Good cheer – θαρσέω (tharseō) have courage; be courageous. To have or be marked by confidence or assurance.

Good cheer – θαρσέω (tharseō)

Can God really expect us to be courageous in that kind of a situation?

Must = it is necessary.

Can God really expect us to be of good cheer in that kind of a situation?

Yes! How? Because He is with us and He has a plan and purpose!

I am going to make an assumption. I think it is a warranted assumption. Paul is commanded to take courage because he is going to need it.

Take courage Paul, why?

Must = it is necessary.

I believe Paul is unhappy because he was unable to share the gospel with the Sanhedrin.

Now, that is an opinion. But I think it is there in the text.

When Paul is in a crowd and he doesn’t get to share the gospel, he is upset.

Most of us are relieved.

Look at what Christ tells Paul.

Paul proclaimed Christ in Jerusalem. This word translated “for” would be better translated “about.” Paul declared to everyone who Jesus is and what He has done.

He did that all through Jerusalem. Now he is told that he must do the same in Rome.

This word “must” has the idea of being “necessary.” God is telling Paul that Just as he spoke about Christ in Jerusalem, it is necessary for him to do the same in Rome.

Must = it is necessary.

Basically, Paul is being told to preach Christ at every opportunity.

Question: Do we need Christ to appear and tell us to witness? No.

Do we need Christ to appear and tell us to witness?

Why not? He has already told us!

No. He has already told us!

I bring this up to highlight again that Christ appearing to us and giving us direction in this way is not normative.

The normal way for us to get direction is through Scripture.

From Scripture, we know He is always with us, we know we will be persecuted and that we are to proclaim His name in any situation where there is opportunity.

Be ready to witness. Even in places hostile to the gospel.

Both of these cities have reasons to be against the message Paul proclaims.

Jerusalem - Seat of Judaism.

Rome - Seat of Emperor worship.

Why does Paul need courage? Consider how things have gone with him proclaiming Christ in Jerusalem. Accusation, Arrest, Abuse.

Now he is told he will go to Rome.

Regardless of circumstances, be ready to proclaim Christ.

There is a famous verse about being ready to give an answer. We need to see that verse in its proper context.

Turn to (p. 1393).

(p. 1393)

1 Peter 3:13–17 NKJV

13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

The point of this passage is that some people will persecute you for following Christ! When they do, don’t be afraid or troubled. Instead, be dedicated to God and ready to defend your faith. Couple this defense with proper living, and people will be shamed by their treatment of you. It is better to suffer in God’s will than to suffer for sin.

This is exactly the situation Paul is facing. He is being persecuted, but he always has a defense ready.

He knows the Word and He knows His conversion story. He is always ready to proclaim Christ.

We too must be ready to proclaim Him, no mater where we are or what we are doing.

Preparation area #1. Be ready to witness.

Area #2…

b. Be ready to endure vv. 12-13

READ v. 12

This is extreme. Accusation, Arrest, Abuse, now Assassination.

This appears to be a reaction to what took place in the Sanhedrin. It is the very next day.

In the chamber where the Sanhedrin met, there was room for observers.

This is how badly they want to silence Paul!

This is the kind of treatment we are to expect.

This is why tells us not to consider persecution strange!

Consider what Jesus said to His disciples. (S).

John 15:20 NKJV

20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

Did they persecute our master? Yes!

Because they persecuted Christ, we have no right to expect any special treatment!

They are plotting to kill Paul.

READ v. 13

More than 40 people made this death pact.

Maybe they thought there would be safety in numbers?

The point I want to make in these two verses is that we must endure!

There will be false accusations, they may be arrest, there may be abuse, there may even be assassins out to kill us; God is still in control!

This group of people who are planning the death of Paul come before the religious leaders of Israel.

What do we do? We endure.

These are the men who are supposed to be most committed to the law and to the Lord!

What is the 6th commandment? You shall not kill.

As Paul was coming to the end of his life, this is what he wrote to Timothy. (S).

These spiritual leaders should have cast this group out!

2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV

3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

They should have arrested them!

Instead, these leaders join in the plot.

READ v. 15

Under the pretense of gaining more accurate information, they will lead Paul to his death.

This word “hardship” could also be translated “affliction.”

We are soldiers for Christ. We endure affliction!

This is one of the tensions in our lives. We live with the constant awareness that we could face persecution at any moment.

Faith is what makes us able to endure.

We know that Paul was ready to endure because he said he was ready to be bound in 21:13.

This is our preparation. We are ready to witness and ready to endure.

Area #3…

c. Be ready to die vv. 14-15

READ v. 14

This group of people who are planning the death of Paul come before the religious leaders of Israel.

These are the men who are supposed to be most committed to the law and to the Lord!

What is the 6th commandment? (S).

Exodus 20:13 NKJV

13 “You shall not murder.

You shall not kill.

These spiritual leaders should have cast this group out!

They should have arrested them!

Instead, these leaders join in the plot.

READ v. 15

Under the pretense of gaining more accurate information, they will lead Paul to his death.

They are prepared to execute Paul before he even get’s close to standing before the Sanhedrin again.

They want Paul destroyed.

Throughout history there has been a mistaken belief. Here is the belief.

Elimination of the servant of God will silence the message of God.

Here is the truth.

God’s message will not be silenced!

We mentioned the verse already, but turn back to .

Acts 21:13 NKJV

13 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.”

Paul was ready to die! Why? Because he understood something very important.

We learn what that is in (S).

Philippians 1:20–21 NKJV

20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Our desire is for Christ to be glorified whether through our life or through our death.

We must understand that to live is Christ and to die is gain!

Death is not something to be feared. Death is a defeated foe! Death is our promotion to glory! It is gain.

Knowing death is defeated makes us able to face it.

These are some of the tensions that are in our lives. God uses them for His purpose and glory as we witness, endure, and face death for Christ.

There is a fourth and final component of our status that God will use.

Component #4…

4. God Will Use Your Temperament vv. 16-22

All of us are blessed to have in our lives certain agreeable people who are easy to get along with.

All of us also have a few people in our lives that are not easy to get along with.

Which do we prefer?

One of the most amazing transformations I have seen is when someone hard to get along with comes to Christ and He changes them.

I believe that we, as Christians, are called to have the kind of temperament, the kind of personality, that attracts people to Christ.

Though Paul could be tough and unbending when necessary, the impression I get of him was of a guy who was generally easy to get along with.

This passage reveals three goals we need to have in order for God to use our temperament.

Goal #1…

vv. 16-22 – Paul’s nephew overhears and the plan is revealed.

a. Retain relationships vv. 16

READ v. 16

This is the first time we hear anything about Paul’s family other than to know that his dad is a Pharisee and a Roman citizen.

This leads me to believe that Paul had done everything in his power to preserve the relationship he had with his family.

Paul’s nephew overheard this plot.

How? We don’t know. Where? We don’t know.

What we do know is that he went directly to Paul when he heard about it.

Apparently Paul was on good enough terms with some of his family that they didn’t want to see him die.

This poses an interesting question. How did Paul preserve this relationship?

I would suggest that it was his attitude toward them.

When you are a believer and those in your family are not, your temperament, or attitude, becomes vital.

How we treat them can close or open doors.

How are we doing at retaining family relationships?

How can we retain relationships with unbelievers who are related to us?

Turn to (p. 1306).

(p. 1306)

Romans 12:17–21 NKJV

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Has anyone else noticed that we tend to treat family with less respect than others?

Repay no one evil for evil. As much as we are able, live peaceably with all men. Don’t seek vengeance. Instead, care for your enemies. Overcome evil by doing good.

This is how we retain family relationships. We live intentionally. We do all we can, short of compromise, to preserve them.

Preserving relationships requires self-sacrifice.

Don’t burn bridges. Maintain family relationships.

This is what I believe Paul has done. This is how he has kept a relationship with his family.

This is the kind of temperament God uses. The kind that retains relationships. That’s our first goal.

Goal #2…

b. Respect authority vv. 17-19

READ v. 17

“Take” is an imperative.

This presents us with an interesting question.

“Take” is an imperative.

How does a prisoner get to the place that they are able to command a centurion and have them obey?

I would submit that Paul treated his jailers with respect.

Done correctly, this helps to build trust.

That's what we see in these verses.

Only with trust would this man even listen to Paul.

Paul’s attitude, his temperament, has opened this door.

How we treat others matters!

READ v. 18

“So he took him.” Just like that, the centurion takes Paul’s nephew to the tribune, the commander.

I love the name he uses, “Paul the prisoner.”

Think about the risk this soldier is taking. He is bringing an unknown boy to his commander at the request of a prisoner. Furthermore, he doesn’t even know what the message is!

Think of the courage this young boy displays. First, courage in bringing the plot to Paul. Now courage in going with a soldier to speak to his commander.

Are we this bold and courageous?

Think of the risk Paul is taking, entrusting his nephew to these men.

Are we willing to take risks for Christ?

We have this mistaken idea that safety means avoiding risk. That is wrong! Safety is found in the will of God!

All of these things require trust!

This trust has to be built over time.

Paul’s character has displayed that he is worthy of trust.

He has respected the authority of these soldiers.

READ v. 19

Wow! This is how much good-will Paul has earned.

The tribune, leader of these soldiers, is willing to take the young man aside and hear him out.

Treat others with respect. Especially those in authority.

Jesus taught this lesson in (S).

Matthew 7:12 NKJV

12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Treat others how you want to be treated.

Paul’s attitude, even in prison, has paved the way for this deliverance!

If we are going to have a temperament that God can use, we strive for three goals. #1 - Retain relationships. #2 - Respect authority.

Goal #3…

c. Reap trust vv. 20-22

When we work to preserve relationships and we respect authority, there is a harvest of trust.

We have already observed this, now we see it more fully.

READ v. 20

Paul’s nephew lays out the plot.

There seems to be no question as to the credibility of the young man’s story.

This tells us that the religious leaders of the Jews were already fairly corrupt.

READ v. 21

Everything is ready. All the conspirators are waiting for now is the commanders agreement to send Paul.

It is almost frightening how close Paul came to death.

Had his nephew not overheard, this plot would have succeeded.

What a coincidence, right? Of course not!

Once again we see the sovereign hand of God!

This young man did not overhear this plot by accident! It was no mere coincidence that brought him to Paul. The fact that the commander listened to him was not due to his position or status.

This is a God thing from start to finish!

READ v. 22

The wording here is significant.

The tribune “let the young man depart.”

Let depart – ἀπολύω (apolyō) set free; release; let go. To dismiss, to end one’s encounter with somebody by causing or permitting the person to leave.

Let depart – ἀπολύω (apolyō)

The tribune could have held the young man there. Instead, he allows him to depart.

There is no real reason for the story to be believed.

The tribune could easily have said, “this is Paul’s relative, he’s just trying to get him out of trouble,” and dismissed the whole thing.

He doesn’t do that.

Why not?

Because Paul had been respectful. That respect has now reaped a harvest of trust.

After commanding the young man to keep this all secret, he let’s him go.

The commander doesn’t want to tip off the conspirators.

The only conclusion I can come to is that Paul’s attitude towards, and treatment of, these men has led to this result.

There is no earthly reason for this commander to believe the story of someone sent to him by a prisoner!

And that’s just it, isn’t it? There is no earthly reason. This is the sovereign hand of God.

Why? To fulfill verse 11.

Remember, this verse is the hinge point of the end of Acts.

God has a mission for Paul

Paul is going to preach Christ in Rome.

The Jewish leaders need to get upset. The Sanhedrin needed to want Paul dead. This group of people needed to make their death pact.

God was sovereignly overseeing all of this to accomplish His purpose.

Paul needed to preach Christ in Rome.

To accomplish this goal, God uses Paul’s attitude.

His respect opens the door to trust.

Trust is dependent on our treatment of others.

God will use your temperament.

How do we treat people?

Conclusion

God uses the tensions in our lives to make us who we need to be!

Tension provides gospel opportunities. Will we take advantage of them?

God uses our temperament. How we treat others is a powerful tool for the gospel!

Do we treat others how we want to be treated? With respect and kindness?

God has a reason, plan, and purpose for everything in your life.

He has a purpose for our suffering.

He has a purpose for our story.

He has a purpose for our status.

Over the past 5 messages in Acts we have seen Biblical evidence that this is true.

God worked through Paul’s accusation, arrest, abuse, and attempted assassination all while providing gospel opportunities that ultimately lead to Rome.

We have seen this.

Today we have a choice before us. The choice answers this question.

Do I believe that God is sovereignly orchestrating my life?

Put another way.

Do I believe God has a reason, plan, and purpose for all things?

Now here’s the hard part.

Will I still believe that when the suffering comes?

Will I still trust God’s sovereignty when my story takes a turn into difficulty?

When my status is negative, will I fall into the loving arms of my sovereign God?

The eternal, almighty, sovereign Lord of the universe has called you by His grace.

He has a plan for your life.

As His plan unfolds be on the lookout for gospel opportunities.

Trust Him through joy and trial, trust Him through difficulty and victory.

Trust the sovereignty of God in the circumstances of life.

“Rejoice In The Lord”

Acts 23:11–22 NKJV

11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” 12 And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. 14 They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” 16 So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.” 19 Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. 21 But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.” 22 So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”