Often Christians desire to do something "big" for God. In Acts 24, Paul has an opportunity to share the gospel with the Governor! He explains that the gospel has completely reshaped his thinking. He says he makes it his "aim to please" Jesus. This gospel-shaped living opens the door to testify. The reality is that we prepare ourselves to do "big things" for God by living for Jesus in the details.
Words are powerful. They can result in hurt, division, even war. We've all felt the pain of gossip, slander, and threats. Christians face hate from the world through words. Sinful words in response only add to the problem! But in Acts 23, after Paul's words added to his mess, the Lord Jesus stood by and encouraged him. Though the hateful, threatening words of others attack, words of Jesus prevail.
During suffering, it's easy to turn inward. We think that giving attention to these things will help us feel better. Instead, Jesus gives us a greater purpose. Even our suffering can be leveraged as an opportunity to testify of salvation in Jesus and we find satisfaction and joy in Him. We see this example in Paul's life. Just after taking a beating, Paul takes the opportunity to share the gospel.
People can be so frustrating! They often get in the way of our plans and goals. Problems arise because we have the wrong focus, but other times it happens as we try to do what’s right. Paul faces frustrating scenarios in Acts 21, but he walks through it graciously with his devotion to Christ and the gospel. The gospel frees us to serve others, and the gospel prepares us to suffer with joy!
What is God's will for my life? Often in wrestling with this question, we get distracted from the things we know are God's will for us: to love Him, to love one another, to make disciples, and so forth. We are easily distracted. Paul faces the temptation to avoid God's will because it involves suffering. In the end, he and the other disciples say, "The will of the Lord be done" whatever the cost.
Have you ever felt like you were floating without direction? This happens easily in life during transition. In Acts 20, Paul prepares the Ephesian elders for a transition. He’s leaving not to return, but he encourages them that God has fully prepared them to thrive with His Word and His Spirit. This helps us to remember our purpose and the resources God has given us to stay focused on our purpose.
Why are Sunday mornings so hard?! No matter how hard you try you can't be there on time. During the sermon, all you can think about is the stuff you didn't complete Saturday and still need to do this afternoon or you're trying to stay awake. Is it worth it? Acts 20:1-16 reminds us that Sunday gatherings are worth it. We see a huge priority the early church put on gathering and hearing the Word!