Acts
How are we to understand the relationship between God’s purposes and our actions? If God has purposed to accomplish something, what role do we have to play?
In Joshua 6, the Lord brings the people of Israel to the city of Jericho. This is the first major battle as they begin to take possession of the Promised Land. In verse 2 we read:
“And the LORD said to Joshua, ‘See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor’” (Joshua 6:2, ESV).
Now, how do Joshua and the people respond? Do they lapse into inaction? Do they breathe a sigh of relief and say, “I’m glad God is going to fight this battle—I certainly didn’t want to face Jericho”? Not at all. Instead, they trust the purposes of God by obeying His command to take the city. God’s purposes enliven our actions. The soldiers of Israel do not rest from obedience because of God’s promises; rather, they rest on God’s promises as they obey His command.
In our passage for this coming Sunday, God reveals His purposes for Paul. In Acts 23:11 we read:
“The following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome’” (ESV).
The Lord promises that Paul will testify in Rome, but this does not make Paul passive. Instead, Paul acts with purpose precisely because he knows that God has a purpose for his life. He will be imprisoned, questioned, and even targeted for assassination. Yet in each circumstance, he does not sit back and wait for deliverance. Rather, he trusts in the Lord’s promise and therefore acts with courage and intentionality. And what we will see is that each of us are called to trust in God’s promises not to replace our obedience but to empower it.
To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Acts 22:22-23:22, Genesis 50:20, Matthew 10:16, Romans 13:1-4, Philippians 2:12-13 and this article on God’s Sovereignty.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Our God, Our Help,” the Acclamation of Praise, “When I Survey,” and the Hymn of Response “Be Thou My Vision.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Acts 22:22-23:22
Title: Trusting God’s Purposes
Outline:
- Trusting God’s Purposes Means Seeking Justice (22:22-29)
- Trusting God’s Purposes Means Applying Wisdom (22:29-23:11)
- Trusting God’s Purposes Means Acting Courageously (23:12-22)