Friendship and Devotion
Notes
Transcript
Friendship and Devotion
Friendship and Devotion
Intro
Can I be honest with you?
The older I get, the harder it is to maintain meaningful friendships.
I’m sure it’s the same with some of you if not all of you.
But what if I told you that God desires us to have deep, meaningful, and lasting friendships.
Have you ever thought about that?
God has wired and designed us for friendship.
God has made us for companionship.
God created us to be friends and have friends for our own good.
Consider some biblical examples of deep friendship.
David and Jonathon
Jonathon was King Saul’s son.
And even though Saul hated and sought to kill David, Jonathon stuck by David’s side.
Ruth and Naomi
Ruth was Naomi’s daughter-in-law and even after her husband passed away she stuck by Naomi’s side and loved her deeply.
Unfortunately, as we grow older our lives tend to get in the way and we don’t value friendship as we ought.
But in today’s text we are going to see how important friendships are.
How important they were to Paul.
We will also see how lasting friendships are built.
Also we are going to look at Paul’s devotion to Jesus, but we will get there in a minute.
Before we begin, let’s pray.
36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him,
38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.
1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.
3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo.
4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
5 When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed
6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.
7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day.
8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.
10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”
12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.
16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.
Christian Friendships
Paul finishes up his time with the Ephesian Elders instructing them on how to lead the church in Ephesus.
He bids them farewell b/c Paul is on a mission, what is his mission?
To get to Jerusalem before Pentecost.
So that he can provide the gift from the Gentile churches to the Jerusalem Church.
But the clock is ticking so he has to get moving.
So as he tells the Ephesian Elders goodbye they are upset.
They love Paul.
Remember Paul spent 3 years pouring his life into these people.
He risked life and limb for them.
He rejoiced with them, he wept with them, he trained them, taught them, and loved them.
We spent 3 years in NC while I attended Seminary.
The day we left to go serve in GA there was no shortage of tears.
There was no shortage of pain, but we knew that God had called us to go and serve him.
Levi grew up there. He had deep and meaningful friendships with other children.
Corrie had been ministered to and loved by the community there.
But here’s a difference.
We have an opportunity to connect with those that are far away.
Levi still face times his best friend.
Corrie is in constant contact with her best friend.
I still text some of my good friends.
But these men knew that they would never see Paul again.
Can you imagine the pain that would cause.
This wasn’t a see you later, but a goodbye till we meet again in the presence of God.
They were most upset not because he was leaving, but because they knew they would never see him again this side of heaven.
Goodbyes are hard.
Saying goodbye is hard.
I am reminded of this fact every time my momma comes to visit us.
When we moved from TX to NC.
Momma Cried.
When she would come visit us in NC, GA, or even now when she leaves.
Momma Cries.
Even though she knows that in just a few months, weeks, or in some cases days she’ll be back.
But these believers weren’t going to see their beloved friend anymore.
His mission and time with them was over.
God’s mission wasn’t over, but Paul’s ministry to them was.
Kinda…he would eventually send Timothy to be the lead elder in that church.
He would write a couple of letters to help train Timothy how to lead.
1 and 2 Tim.
Notice how these men reacted when Paul was leaving.
What did they do? How did they react?
What does true friendship look like?
First, they prayed with him.
Did you know that praying with someone is an amazing way to show them that you love them.
We are at our most vulnerable when we are praying.
We bear our heart and soul to God when we pray.
At the same time we encourage and strengthen those we pray for.
They didn’t just say, “Hey, Paul. We’ll be praying for you”…They actually prayed for him and with him
I get it.
It can feel awkward and weird to pray with someone.
Especially b/c we don’t want to sound dumb.
We don’t feel comfortable.
What if I say something wrong?
What if I stumble over my words?
What if I can’t focus?
Can I let you in on a secret?
When you pray with someone, especially if you are praying for them, they aren’t looking for the most polished and pristine prayer?
Prayer doesn’t have to be long with flowery language.
In fact, Jesus spoke against using vain repetition and empty phrases.
God knows your heart. He hears you.
Also, as your pastor, I give you permission to pray short prayers.
Just pray. Pray for and with one another.
They were also affectionate with Paul.
They embraced and kissed Paul.
I can admit that I am an affectionate guy.
Covid has really put a damper on the brotherly affection.
Handshakes are okay, but there is nothing better than a bear hug.
Appropriate human touch and affection shows that you care about that person.
We have been called into a family.
We are a part of God’s family.
So it’s okay to show affection toward one another.
I will put this out there right now…if you ever just need a hug.
I’m here for you.
It’s important that we don’t just say we care about each other, we also have to show it.
1 And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
The Ephesian elders didn’t want to let him go.
In fact, this isn’t the best translation.
It’s not simply that Paul parted from them.
This word in Greek is better translated “tore ourselves away from them.”
There is pain and anguish in saying goodbye.
Especially when we know that we may never see our friend again.
So its okay to show some emotion.
Its okay to hold on a little tighter.
But we also have to know that there are greater things that are happening here.
This is what has been described as a “Gospel Goodbye”
The pain and the heartache are still there b/c we don’t want people to leave, but it is for the good of the Gospel.
Chapter 21 is the beginning of the end for Paul.
If you notice the pronouns have shifted.
This is what is called one of the “we” sections in Acts.
.Acts 16:10-17, Acts 20:5-21:18, Acts 27:1-28:16
In these “we” sections Luke, the author of Acts, is traveling with Paul.
So we get a first hand account of what is happening.
In Chapter 21, what Luke is really driving at is the similarities between Paul’s trip to Jerusalem and Jesus trip to Jerusalem.
Acts (6) Voyage to Jerusalem (21:1–16)
This “journey motif” is strongly reminiscent of Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem in the Synoptic Gospels. The same forebodings marked Jesus’ journey—the same strong resolve on Jesus’ part, the same misgivings on the part of his disciples
Paul is walking in the footsteps of Jesus.
Willingly submitting his life to his savior.
This journey is the reason why Luke gives us all of these ports and travel itinerary.
But there are still some great truths to discover.
When they arrive at Tyre the ship they are travelling on needs to unload its cargo, so they have several days to meet with the believers there.
One thing I want you to note is that Paul didn’t plant this church.
He had no ties to these men and women.
But he knew there was a church in Tyre so he “sought out the disciples.”
Acts 21:4 (ESV)
4 And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
This passage has given pastors and commentators fits.
In fact, the first few times I read it. I was confounded and befuddled.
You may be asking yourself why?
Well let me tell you...
Lets look at some of the previous passages as they relate to Paul.
Acts 19:21 (ESV)
21 Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”
Acts 20:22 (ESV)
22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,
Luke tells us that Paul has resolved in the Spirit and is constrained by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem.
But here Luke tells us that these disciples were through the Spirit telling Paul not to go.
So who’s wrong?
Is Paul misinterpreting what God is saying, are the disciples in Tyre wrong, or is the Holy Spirit talking out both sides of his mouth?
We can immediately exclude the thought that the HS is wrong, confused, or misleading.
So then we have to conclude that either Paul or the disciples are misinterpreting or misapplying what the HS is saying.
Here is where most people agree.
The Holy Spirit reveals to the disciples in Tyre the hardships that await Paul.
They don’t want Paul to have to endure those hardships so they beg Paul to avoid going to Jerusalem.
They want to prohibit Paul from going b/c of their love for Paul.
In Fact, They didn’t just tell him once.
They pleaded with him.
“They were telling” is better translated that “they kept telling”.
Over and over and over again for 7 days they kept telling him to not go to Jerusalem.
But they are wrong in their interpretation or application of what the Spirit revealed to them.
Paul is still resolute in his desire to follow God’s will.
Sometimes the most well intentioned and loving people can be wrong about God’s will for your life.
They may see the dangers up ahead.
They may know the hardships that you are going to face.
They may beg you to change your mind.
But if God has called you to it then don’t let them detract you from it.
However, because God has put these people in your life, it is loving and obedient to listen to them.
Even if you disagree with them.
Seeking the counsel of other Christians in your life is an important step in maturity.
You don’t live on an island. Your life is based around community.
22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
When you have decisions to make in your life, God has put people in your life to help you to make those decisions.
These are believers that may or may not agree with your assessment but it will do you good to listen to them.
This is wisdom in action.
So after spending 7 days in Tyre it was time for Paul and his posse to continue on their journey.
Before they departed there was a gathering on the beach where the disciples, wives, and children gather to pray with Paul and say farewell to him.
Again we see the importance of prayer.
We see the importance of community.
Of care.
These disciples in Tyre didn’t know Paul prior to his showing up there.
Why did they care so much about him?
Why did they plead with him?
Why did they act toward him in a similar way as those Ephesian Elders?
Because they had a genuine love for him.
They saw Paul as their friend.
How is that possible since this is the first time they have met him?
What are friendships built upon?
They are built on and come from commonality.
Your friends have something in common with you and that is one of the reasons you are friends.
These are the same for each friend.
I have friendships that are built on a love for theology and study.
I have friendships that were built on playing video games.
Friendships can be built upon hobbies, proximity, or any other commonality.
Deep friendships are also built on shared circumstances.
I’ve heard that when you’re in the trenches with someone the depth of friendships can be greater than that of a brother.
Friendships can be built on a love for hunting, fishing, family, books, TV Shows, you name it it can be a starting point for friendship.
But you want to know what builds the deepest and most meaningful friendships?
Jesus. A love and devotion for Jesus builds friendships.
Why b/c if we belong to him then we share something that surpasses these foundations of friendship.
We have the Unifying Spirit within us.
They loved Paul not based on knowing him well before his visit, but b/c of the love they shared in Jesus.
The love of Jesus allows for us to be grounded in something greater than our preferences.
Aggie and Longhorn fans can be friends.
People from different ethnic backgrounds
Young and Old.
Educated and uneducated.
Rich and Poor.
Extroverts and introverts.
Democrats and Republicans.
When Jesus is the foundation of our friendships he overcomes all these man-made boundaries.
That’s why these people who never met Paul could have such deep affection for him.
They loved him as Christ loved him.
So we don’t have to look like, talk like, or act like each other to be friends if we love like Jesus loves.
Too often we let the things that don’t matter get in the way of the things that do.
Pause
Paul and his companions make their way to Caesarea.
In Caesarea, they go to Philip’s home.
Do you remember Philip.
He is one of the original 7 deacons in the Jerusalem church. Acts 6
He is the first missionary in Samaria. Acts 8
He also shared his faith with the Ethiopian Eunuch. Acts 8
Some 20+ years have passed since he began to reside in Caesarea.
But his work continues.
He is an evangelist.
He is sharing the good news with the People in Caesarea.
His witness is strong. He has 4 unmarried daughters that are prophesied.
Why is this important it demonstrates the work of the spirit is alive and well in Caesarea.
The gifts of God are being given to those who love and trust in Jesus.
it is also a fulfilment of
28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.
Which Peter preached at Pentecost, where thousands came to see Jesus as King.
This also serves as a reminder the Paul isn’t the only one doing ministry.
That ministry is happening apart from Paul and that it is being fruitful.
You don’t have to have the gifting of Paul to be fruitful in ministry.
You just have to be willing to listen to God and preach the gospel.
While in Caesarea we are reintroduced to Agabus.
In Acts 11, Agabus steps on the scene and prophesies about an impending famine that will come over the whole earth. v. 27-28.
Now he appears to speak a prophecy over Paul.
In the fashion of OT prophets, he gives an visual representation of what is going to happen.
He takes Paul’s belt, a long piece of cloth that would have been wrapped around Paul several times, and binds his hands and feet to demonstrate that this is what will happen if Paul continues on his way to Jerusalem.
Agabus just gives the prophecy, he doesn’t comment on it.
But now all of Paul’s companions were on the same page and urged Paul not to continue.
12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
All of Paul’s friends and companions saw and heard what awaited him in Jerusalem.
They were worried about their friend.
They were worried about the mission.
They were worried that Paul was making a mistake.
But Paul would not be persuaded.
He could not be convinced.
13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
Devotion to Jesus
Paul was not worried about his life.
He was not worried about the things that awaited him.
He was most concerned with obeying and following Jesus.
He was ready to die for the cause of Christ.
He was ready to give up his freedom for Christ.
He was ready to sacrifice it all for Christ.
To live is Christ, To die is Gain.
His very heartbeat was to bring glory to God through obedience.
He knew how much his savior had given.
He was willing to give just as much.
Because the Name of Jesus is greater than the name of Paul.
The name of Jesus is greater than his desires, his freedom, and even his life.
I wish more people who claimed to be followers of Jesus would get this.
That Jesus is better than our situation.
Jesus is better than our earthly desires.
Jesus is better than our own plan for our life.
Simply Jesus is Better.
If we truly love Jesus.
If we are truly devoted to Jesus.
If we truly desire to follow Jesus.
We must be willing to lay down our life for him.
He isn’t going to ask all of his followers to take the sword for him.
He isn’t going to ask all of his followers to physically lay down their life.
He isn’t going to ask all of his followers to be imprisoned for him.
But he does ask all of us to lay down our desires for him.
He does ask all of us to give up something for him.
That may be relationships.
That may be to live more generously.
That may be to quit your job.
That may be to be a missionary.
I can’t guarantee what he will ask you to give up.
But I can guarantee that there is something.
It’s not going to be something that is going to be easy to give up.
If it was easy…then it wouldn’t be a sacrifice.
It may even sound counter intuitive to give up what God asks you to give up.
Just think about it…didn’t it sound counter intuitive for Paul to be imprisoned.
He could have planted more churches.
He could have made more disciples.
He could have done more.
Or at least that's what we would think.
But Paul will eventually get an all expense paid trip to stand before Caesar and proclaim the gospel.
He will get to witness to those who have bound him in chains.
He will get to write letters that continue to bless the church today.
Listen to what he writes.
12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Paul’s sacrifice becomes his witness.
Paul’s devotion is impacting those who would have never heard the Word of God.
Not only that, but Paul’s sacrifice and devotion strengthens and emboldens others.
Finally, Paul and his crew depart from Caesarea and make it to Jerusalem where they meet a new friend.
Mnason hosts these men in his home sight unseen.
Remember those traveling with Paul were gentiles.
They wouldn’t be accepted in most Jewish homes.
But Mnason welcomes them with open arms.
Mnason was an early disciple, probably one converted at pentecost.
He was a Hellenistic Jew probably one of the reasons he would host these non-Jewish people in his home.
So what do we do with this passage?
How can we understand and implement what we see?
First, we are designed for friendship.
If you don’t have deep and personal relationships with other Christian you are missing out on all that the Christian life has to offer.
We were created for relationships.
This is one way that we grow.
One way that we mature.
One way that we are kept in check.
If you don’t have relationships with fellow followers of Christ, then you aren’t living like Jesus.
He had his group of friends.
Paul had his group of friends.
You need a group of friends too.
You need to let yourself need people.
The Christian Life is not the arena for the lone ranger mentality.
Seek out friendships.
Ask God to provide them for you.
If you need a friend or someone to talk to, know that I am here for you.
Don’t only look for friends, but be a good friend.
How do you do that?
Practice hospitality.
Invite people into your home.
Invite people to hang out with you.
Invite people to be around you.
Show them that you love them.
Some people are gifted with the spiritual gift of hospitality.
But all of Christs people are to work at being hospitable.
Show affection to one another.
We all show affection in different ways.
I’m a hugger.
You may be a high-fiver.
Someone else may be a verbal encourager.
But regardless be affectionate toward one another.
This is how we can show each other that we care.
Pray for one another.
Prayer is important in all relationships.
Be the person that one can turn to and know that they will pray for you.
Seek counsel when faced with a problem or decision.
Don’t live on an island.
God has placed people in your life to help make the hard calls.
While we are designed to be in relationship with others we are created to worship Jesus.
When we come to christ be devoted to him.
One preacher put it this way, “Love people, but love Jesus more.”
When Jesus asks you to lay aside willingly do it.
Even when others may think it’s crazy.
Jesus is greater.
Jesus is better.
Do what Jesus wants and he will Satisfy your every longing.
He will grant you grace to endure.
If you don’t know this Jesus that is better.
If you have never given your life over to him.
He wants you to cry out to him.
You are a sinner in need of grace.
You are destined to face the wrath of God unless you turn from your sin and place your faith and trust in Jesus.
And when you do that, he invites you into the most amazing and messy family you can imagine.
He will give you some of the deepest and most meaningful relationships imaginable.
But following Jesus won’t be easy.
He demands that you sacrifice your desires and affections.
He will either give you new ones or reshape the ones you have into those that will glorify him.
He wants you to respond to his calling.
Will you answer him?