ACTS 24
"For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the select of the Nazarenes."
"Where God calls you, God can take you."
However, that does not mean there won't be people who try and stop you. In the week's text, Paul stands before Governor Felix awaiting the verdict that holds either freedom or death for his future. Paul is being accused of defiling the temple by bringing in a Gentile man with him to worship. During this time, this was against the law and could result in a death sentence. Remember, during this time the Jews and Gentiles did not worship together because the Gentiles were believed to be less than in the eyes of God. Even though Paul would fight for such a man to worship in the temple, he did not do what they accused him of doing (read Acts 21:27-28). Now Paul, called by God to go to Rome, has to have faith that God will deliver him out of the mess he is in in Jerusalem. At this point in the story, Paul is sitting in the midst of a long list of lies against him, desperately needing the truth to be seen.
Like how the enemy attacked Paul, the enemy still attacks believers today. The lost world, loves to fight, lie, and frame believers in their hope to discredit God's goodness and existence. The enemy through a lost and broken world will create false narratives and try and ruin reputations of those who are faithful ambassadors for Christ. If the truth sets people free, the enemy will work in the midst of lies!
Praise God that He knows the hearts of man and is sovereign over all things!
Even though the mob was after Paul and looking to do whatever it took to kill him, God provided all that Paul would need to be set free. We saw this truth last week as God provided twice as many soldiers to protect Paul as the mob had to kill him. This week, God provided those in power that could see through the lies.
For you and me today, none of us should be surprised when those in the world create lies and try and bring our reputations down. The greatest way to quiet someone's witness is to bring down their character. The enemy knows this and will work through the mob of gossips and backbiters to either draw you into battle or have you retreat into hiding. Starting in the moment Paul got to Jerusalem, the lost world has tried to provoke as well as lie to quiet Paul.
This week's text is a wonderful reminder to stand confident and strong, knowing that God knows the truth and will provide all that you need to have the truth be seen by others in due time. Remember, Paul is going to Rome, all he has to do is remain faithful that God will get him there. In your faithful journey of following Jesus, the mob will try the exact same attempts on you. They will whisper discouraging things behind your back, create lies about your character, and stir up conflict in hopes of quieting your calling.
Do not be surprised by this!
It will not be fun to go through but remain steadfast and faithful that God will provide all that is needed to get to where you are called to go!
Stay faithful church.
However, that does not mean there won't be people who try and stop you. In the week's text, Paul stands before Governor Felix awaiting the verdict that holds either freedom or death for his future. Paul is being accused of defiling the temple by bringing in a Gentile man with him to worship. During this time, this was against the law and could result in a death sentence. Remember, during this time the Jews and Gentiles did not worship together because the Gentiles were believed to be less than in the eyes of God. Even though Paul would fight for such a man to worship in the temple, he did not do what they accused him of doing (read Acts 21:27-28). Now Paul, called by God to go to Rome, has to have faith that God will deliver him out of the mess he is in in Jerusalem. At this point in the story, Paul is sitting in the midst of a long list of lies against him, desperately needing the truth to be seen.
Like how the enemy attacked Paul, the enemy still attacks believers today. The lost world, loves to fight, lie, and frame believers in their hope to discredit God's goodness and existence. The enemy through a lost and broken world will create false narratives and try and ruin reputations of those who are faithful ambassadors for Christ. If the truth sets people free, the enemy will work in the midst of lies!
Praise God that He knows the hearts of man and is sovereign over all things!
Even though the mob was after Paul and looking to do whatever it took to kill him, God provided all that Paul would need to be set free. We saw this truth last week as God provided twice as many soldiers to protect Paul as the mob had to kill him. This week, God provided those in power that could see through the lies.
For you and me today, none of us should be surprised when those in the world create lies and try and bring our reputations down. The greatest way to quiet someone's witness is to bring down their character. The enemy knows this and will work through the mob of gossips and backbiters to either draw you into battle or have you retreat into hiding. Starting in the moment Paul got to Jerusalem, the lost world has tried to provoke as well as lie to quiet Paul.
This week's text is a wonderful reminder to stand confident and strong, knowing that God knows the truth and will provide all that you need to have the truth be seen by others in due time. Remember, Paul is going to Rome, all he has to do is remain faithful that God will get him there. In your faithful journey of following Jesus, the mob will try the exact same attempts on you. They will whisper discouraging things behind your back, create lies about your character, and stir up conflict in hopes of quieting your calling.
Do not be surprised by this!
It will not be fun to go through but remain steadfast and faithful that God will provide all that is needed to get to where you are called to go!
Stay faithful church.
SCRIPTURE TO GO WITH THE MESSAGE
Read Psalms 58 for God's promise to those who come against His people.
Posted in Year One