We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or be used for a sermon group discussion.

Sermon Title: DISCERNING GOD”S WILL

Scripture References: ACTS 21:1-36

Summary:

Our scripture, today, brings the subject of discerning God’s will to the surface. And this subject can be a big deal for all of us. The church was struggling with the decision of whether Paul should go to Jerusalem but Paul wasn’t. In fairness to the church, let’s not forget that this is the same place where Jesus was arrested and crucified and where Stephen was stoned to death. The climate there was hostile and warnings came from the Holy Spirit three times from three different parties that hard times were ahead for Paul, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t supposed to go. Paul knew God wanted him there and no fear of suffering or death would stop him. The Spirit of God gave Paul a warning so he could brace himself and know what to expect. In the end, the Spirit was right and the prophecy was true. Let’s read and see what we can learn…

Notes:

V. 1-16 Prophetic warnings

V. 4 Through the Spirit the believers at Tyre urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

“Through the Spirit” they urge him not to go there. Their inspired warnings seem to be the opposite of the earlier guidance of the Holy Spirit (20:22-23). The best way to interpret this is that the Spirit revealed to these prophets Paul’s imminent suffering in Jerusalem, and they of their own accord urge him not to go. It is the prophets, not the Spirit, who tell the apostle not to press on to the city that kills prophets (Luke 13:34). In spite of the warnings, Paul recognizes a higher constraint to proceed. His decision to go to Jerusalem was made under the Spirit’s guidance, and now the Spirit continues to impel him forward toward that dangerous city…Paul has counted the cost.” -FLBC, pg. 648
In view of the phrase, “through the Spirit,” was Paul wrong in pursuing his course to Jerusalem? He was not violating God’s will for several reasons: (1) Acts 20:22 and 21:14 imply it was God’s will for Paul to continue on to Jerusalem (cf. 19:21). (2) The comfort given by God (23:11) implies Paul had not stubbornly refused the Lord’s will. (3) In 23:1 Paul declared he had lived in all good conscience to that day. Most likely, then, the words “through the Spirit” (21:4) mean they knew through the Spirit that Paul would suffer in Jerusalem (cf. 20:23); therefore, concerned for his safety, they tried to dissuade him. Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 415). Victor Books.

V. 8-9

Philip the evangelist and his four unmarried daughters, who were also prophets, have been living in Ceasera for 20 years.

V. 10-14 Agabus and the people’s plea

Prophets often symbolized their predictions (cf. 1 Kings 11:29–31; Isa. 20:2–4; Jer. 13:1–7; Ezek. 4). The fact that Paul would be imprisoned was known by several including Paul himself (Acts 20:23).
12–14. After the people heard that prophecy, they pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem (cf. v. 4). Even Luke joined in the plea, as indicated by the use of we here. But the apostle would not be dissuaded. Though Luke did not say so, apparently one reason this trip to Jerusalem was important to Paul was that he was taking an offering to the Jerusalem believers (cf. 24:17; Rom. 15:25–27; 1 Cor. 16:1–4; 2 Cor. 8:13–14; 9:12–13; Gal. 2:10). Paul wanted to make this presentation of money in order to fortify one of his basic doctrines, the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ (Eph. 2:11–22; 3:6). Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 415). Victor Books.

V. 17-26 Paul Arrives in Jerusalem

When he arrives in Jerusalem he meets with James and the other elders to report all that God has done.
Paul receives a message that many Jews have believed but they have heard rumors that Paul is discouraging Jewish believers from practicing their customs such as circumcision.

It was true Paul taught Gentiles that it was religiously inconsequential whether they circumcised their sons or not and he did not teach them Jewish customs. However, he never taught Jews … not to circumcise their sons or to disregard Jewish customs. Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 416). Victor Books.

James and the elders guided Paul and his co-workers to go through the Nazarite vow to show they still respect their Jewish roots.

Many of the Jewish believers observed their traditions as a duty; Paul does not share their convictions. The sacrificial death of Christ not only made temple sacrifices and purification rites unnecessary, but exposed their real meaning. But according to the principle of 1 Corinthians 9:20, Paul was prepared to live under the law in order to win unconverted Jews to the gospel. -FLBC, pg. 651 On this occasion he goes through the Nazarite vow to quell the controversy.
This did not conflict with Paul’s teaching that Jews and Gentiles cannot be brought under the Law to be saved. This was a matter of Jewish custom, not of salvation or of sanctification. -Toussaint, S. D. (1985).Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 416–417). Victor Books.

V. 27-36 Paul arrested

This opposition to Paul came not from believers but from unbelieving Jews from the province of Asia…This is the sixth time a crowd was incited because of Paul’s ministry (14:19; 16:19–22; 17:5–8, 13; 19:25–34). Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 416–417). Victor Books.
This group of Jews fabricates a story that Paul brought Trophimus, a Gentile into the Temple (the court of the Jews, rather than keeping him in the court for the Gentiles). Such an act in Jewish eyes would have defiled their holy place…
The city erupts, they seize Paul and attempt to kill him. But just then the commander of the Roman troops comes and has Paul arrested, bound with two chains, wrists and feet. This would be the beginning of Paul’s journey to Rome, this was the will of God.
Agabus’ prophetic word was right. What all the prophets agreed on, including Paul himself, was suffering lay ahead and this comes true too. Paul does not die in Jerusalem like Jesus, but further suffering lies ahead for Paul.

Application: How to Discern God’s Will

Today, we could be seeking God’s will, direction, and confirmation for a variety of reasons:

Who to date and marry?
What job should I take? Or do I stay or do I look for a new one?
Should I buy a house or stick with rent?
What career path should I take? Should I go to college, which one?

The answer to these decisions will not be given word for word in the Bible, but there is Biblical advice on what type of person we should date and marry, for instance, someone who also fears and serves the Lord. We can discern that our job is ethical and won’t ask me to do something wrong or my career will take care of the needs of my family without having to live at the office. We can discern that the Bible doesn’t hold a position on owning or renting a home so you decide which one best fits your needs.

Calvary has had to seek the Lord’s will on many decisions over the years. Should we start a Christian school? Should we start a benevolence ministry for our church and community? Should we build a new sanctuary? Should we sell property? Should we elect a 35-year-old pastor to lead the church? All of these decisions were considered seriously, Biblically, and prayerfully to the Lord. Thankfully, we said yes to all of them.

Commands in God’s Word are easy. Should we love God? Should we love one another? Should we go make disciples by sharing Jesus and inviting unbelievers to believe in Jesus? Yes. Should we murder? Should we steal? Should we have false idols? No. You get the point.

6 Key principles to discerning God’s will for Christians

Christians follow God’s will over their own

Paul had already decided his life was not his own, it belonged to God.
We’ve surrendered the helm, and the wheel, and God gets to lead us
If this isn’t your posture then you have to surrender this first before anything else.

We care about living in God’s will

Paul cared about doing God’s will more than anything else.
This is a sign that you respect and fear the Lord to want to follow His plan for your life and not the other way around

We discern God’s will with God’s Word

The word of God is a lamp unto our feet and light unto our path.
God’s Word is the lens and perspective through which we view and decide on everything. The Word is the revealed will of God so we certainly seek what it guides us to do before we use our human wisdom and knowledge.
The NT never records an incident in which the legitimate gift of prophecy was used to give personal guidance to individuals in matters that could be decided by the principles already revealed in God's written Word. Decisions related to moral issues, buying or selling, marriage, home, and family must be made by applying and obeying the principles of God's Word and not on the basis of a "prophecy" (i.e., something someone tells you when they claim to speak for God). Sometimes God will use such a message to confirm the direction he gives in his Word or to encourage, comfort (1 Cor 14:3), and guide a person in his or her God-given mission

We discern God’s will with the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit spoke to Paul first about going to Jerusalem
God confirmed the trials ahead through two other parties. Prophetic words from the Holy Spirit through prophets are helpful but the Spirit will always direct in accordance with the Word.
If prophecy from Christians is your go-to source for guidance you’re making a mistake.
Get with God, read His Word, pray, wait, and listen for what you need to hear not what you want to hear.
Beware of the “what if’s.” What if this happens or what if that happens? Okay, what if none of that happens, and what if you miss out on what God wants to do?

We discern God’s will with Godly Counsel

We need fellow brothers and sisters, ministers, and mentors who will listen, pray, and help us discern God’s will.
Beware of counsel that encourages you to take the easy path. Matthew 16:21-26 We carry crosses and are willing to lose our lives for Christ. God’s will isn’t usually the easy way forward. It usually requires faith in the face of uncertainty. Trust in the unknown outcome. Discomfort in the unfamiliar.
Amy Charmichael’s prayer that I pray.
Difficulty on the journey certainly doesn’t mean you’re alone or God doesn’t love you.

We choose what will bring honor and glory to God

Verse 14 says, When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
If it’s pleasing to God you can have peace in your heart.
Peace doesn't mean everything has to go well either. Things can go bad but you have peace in the middle as you trust God to work it all out.

Discussion:

What did God use in this sermon to speak to your heart or situation?
What part of the scripture stuck out to you and why?
What can we learn about Paul’s decision to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit even though he was being urged by the prophets not to go to Jerusalem?
Have you received God’s will, direction, and confirmation for any reason? How were you able to confirm it was God?
Have you ever been given direction or confirmation that you are still unsure if it is God’s will for you? What did you do next?
How can we pray for you or someone in your life, today?

The most important decision you will ever make!

If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!

We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.

Pray Together

We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!

Ryan Coon

DISCERNING GOD’S WILL