- Acts 21:16-40
- true Christian courage comes through true Christian character
- Eric Little’s story: the fight to survive usually drawn out in ultra stressful times, but Eric increased his selflessness and caring of others while in the Japanese POW camp
- primary way of seeing someone’s commitment to Christ is their character not their actions or works
- God sanctifies us to produce character of Christ-likeness
- your character can be the most damaging to the Gospel
- we can respond to issues with humility vs pride; selfishness vs selflessness
- Humble submission to God rather than prideful resistance (16-26)
- v20: gave glory rather than taking it
- Paul never told the Jews to abandon their background, but also never told Gentiles to adopt Jewish traditions
- rumours, lies and slander can cause great disunity in the church
- the more you stand for Christ, the more your character will be attacked
- 1 Tim 3; character qualities is huge for Christian leaders
- Spurgeon, “…woman, if only they knew me like I do…”
- when your character is attacked by others (i.e. accusations), does it stick?
- if it does, that’s a problem BUT it’s a great opportunity to grow
- Nazarite vow; Paul did the vow to put rumours to rest
- Paul humbly submitted to the church leaders
- 1 Cor 9:19-23; love trumps liberties which are morally neutral
- cultural sensitivities without compromising Gospel
- no unnecessary stumbling blocks for the Gospel
- the expression of liberty can sometimes be counter productive to the Gospel
- Humbly suffering not pridefully reacting (22-36)
- As Paul shows humble adherence to the Law, riot ensues over rumour he brought Gentiles into the temple
- Paul was reacting exactly like Jesus, with respect to calmness?
- we want to react, fight back explosively…
- sometimes your character doesn’t matter, because suffering for Christ is inevitable
- greatest problem is being inconvenienced for Christ, instead of suffering
- how will you respond when attacked?
- greatest problem is being inconvenienced for Christ, instead of suffering
- suffering is the crucible which tests the Christian faith and character
- the suffering is what is used to ply you into the person he wants you to be
- 1 Pet 1:6-7
- sometimes it takes significant pain in order to grow for Christ, and God knows what he is doing
- draws impurities through fire, and removed by His grace
- don’t be quick to overlook; making most of trials:
- ask God what He wants to accomplish in you
- seek God for what he wants to accomplish through you
- Richard Wurmbrand, Tortured for Christ; think of your suffering as a platform
- trust God for what he wants to accomplish for you
- if he told us all things immediately, there’d be no need to trust Him
- Humbly speaking rather than pridefully responding (37-40)
- even in this time, Paul wishes to share the Gospel
- so thoughtful and careful with his words and approach
- proper representation of Christ is important
- speak Gospel through love, not anger or in a sinful way
- “imitate me as I imitate Christ”
- Jesus humbly spoke, submitted and suffered, extending mercy to his enemies
- Phil 2:3
- even in this time, Paul wishes to share the Gospel