Lessons In Courage Part 1 Series

ACTS

Testifying & Tribulations

Dr. Tom Bartlett

September 22, 2019

Acts 21:1-40

OUTLINE

Lessons In Courage

Courage: moving forward in the face of uncertainty

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. And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 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. 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. 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 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home. Acts 21:1-6

Courage: focusing on the prize and not the price

When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 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. He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 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.’ ” When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 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.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. 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. Acts 21:7-16

Courage: a key factor in motivating others

When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. Acts 21:17-20

MANUSCRIPT

Welcome to Steele Creek Church my name is Pastor Tom Bartlett. We began this campus just over a year ago in planning and preparation, and we opened our doors to the community last December.

I’m so grateful to see what’s happening here. Marriages are being helped and restored, families assisted in many ways, people in need physically, emotionally and spiritually are finding what they need and that thrills me.

As we look at the Bible text today, we’re in Acts chapter 21. As you turn there, let me say this; the New Testament and the Bible as a whole can be divided in two ways of instruction. One way is “prescriptive”, this is where the Bible prescribes the remedy with God’s help to the issues of man. The Bible also contains section that would fall into a “descriptive” teaching. In other words, the passage describes to us God interaction, provision and so on.

Much of the Apostle Paul’s writings to the churches he started contain prescriptive passages that tell us how to function and live. In one passage he teaches us that we should live at peace with all people as far as we can. Another place he teaches us that Jesus Christ has removed the stain of sin and that for believers there is no condemnation from God because of God’s gift of eternal life.

In the book of Acts, we have a very descriptive recounting of how God provided for and led the early followers of Christ.

The one thing we can say about these pioneers is that as they testified of the goodness of God, they faced tribulations.

In fact, Paul would later say, that those who wish to live godly in this world will face persecution. (2 Tim 3:12).

Are you up for that? Can you face the ridicule that comes, the opposition? You might think honestly and say, “no I don’t think I can.” I want to tell you, that yes you can by the grace of God.