Choosing God's Will (even through suffering), with the Support of Christian Fellowship
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Dear Congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, How do you determine the will of God in the specifics of how He wants you to serve Him, decisions in your relationships, and family, your work or what you feel is your calling and duty in the church. What do you do when doors seems to shut, when road blocks and suffering are in the way. Is that from God or Satan? Many make these decisions based on path of least resistance and what gives them happiness - “Oh, that’s God’s path.” How do you include others in your decisions? Is it just an individual thing, discern Holy Spirit’s movement, don’t seek others input - as if gift of the Spirit is a direct pipeline to every decision in life. What is the place of Christian fellowship in you discerning and carrying out the will of God, even if involves suffering. What place does God’s Word have in hearing the Spirit? Let me illustrate this with recent events of John Allen Chau vs. Jim Elliot. Even though suffering in both - one is tragic and a waste - the other in community truly bore fruit. Whole community of MAF - his wife, his children, reached that tribe. Well this is is exactly the conundrum Paul found himself in, and the one which all Christian face in seeking to serve the LORD. The book of Acts is about the ongoing work of Risen and Ascended Jesus, does that work, by the Holy Spirit, through you and I the Church. And this morning let’d see how we are to make decisions in carrying out our portion of that work!
Key Truth: Spirit-filled people, listen to Spirit-filled Prophesy, and make responsible Spirit-Pleasing decisions in faith!
John Allen Chau vs. Jim Elliot.
John Allen Chau vs. Jim Elliot.
Let’s first get the facts of the context straight. 3rd Missionary journey, unique because strengthening of existing churches - Ephesus - 3 years, then back around to Corinth; It was here that Paul receive this prompting by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem to deliver the collection for the Jewish believers going through famine, but also as thank you, and a statement of the unity of Jew and Gentile believers.
Let’s first get the facts of the context straight. 3rd Missionary journey, unique because strengthening of existing churches - Ephesus - 3 years, then back around to Corinth; It was here that Paul receive this prompting by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem to deliver the collection for the Jewish believers going through famine, but also as thank you, and a statement of the unity of Jew and Gentile believers.
Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”
Seems to have it as special revelation, that being Apostle to the Gentiles, won’t die in Jerusalem but get to Rome! At Corinth now another epistle - writes to them
that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
Remember taking with him representatives who will carry that offering, but he knows that only 5 years from that Jerusalem council - no longer require Jewish ceremonial law, not just Gentile becoming Jews - but fulfillment of all that is Christianity. He feels called by God, no matter the danger from Jews against him, nor Jewish Christians starting false teaching - and he is asking for prayer. He knows He is called to go, but that calling doesn’t mean God will clear path so no difficulty in going. We are not to judge by our circumstances what the will of God is, though providence will come in to play. So remember when about to Corinth get to Jerusalem by Passover - plot of the Jews sailing on same boat undiscovered, so he decided to go over land, and try to make for feast of Pentecost, fifty days later.
Well, he gets around Aegean Sea, no time to stop in Ephesus and the ship stops, here at Miletus - beach party with the Ephesian elders. And do you remember why they are so sad to let him go? He says, I know I am not going to see any of you again
Now he’s come around
And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,
This could be you or me, we know by God’s special revelation we are called to some duty, we then by spiritual discernment say this how it applies in my life set out - but we don’t know all the details of how.
Making Spirit-Pleasing Decisions A. Spirit-filled People Receive God’s Special Revelation
But this is precisely where the problem comes in serving the Lord. All though providential, it’s spring time, winter stormy season is done. Sun is shining, favourable NW winds, blowing along most scenic shoreline, cursing through islands to Patara - shipping depot Asia - Egypt. Board bigger ship sail through open seas 400 miles to Palestine. Flying at two days. Still at every step, met with Christians who say, Spirit is giving warning of all sorts of danger. And they take the Holy Spirit warnings, as sign don’t go. Sure in your Christian life experienced this same revelation, but people interpret it different ways. At times it may even seems that the Spirit through these other people giving you opposite messages. Look at first stop at Tyre cargo being loaded:
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.
Impossible the Spirit giving mixed signals. What is certain is a warning and prophesy of danger and hardship in Jersualem. Now this is used by some to say Don’t do it.
But he presses on to capital and main port - Caesarea Maritina. And this time Agabus - the prophet who years before predicted the Famine in Jersualem - he in most dramatic way - says - like OT Prophets with this belt special revelation certain arrest and deliverance into hands of Romans! And look at the response:
When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Now was Paul rash and self-willed and wrong to chose suffering Messiah complex. Or was he right and if so, how can we know , and how does Christ by the Holy Spirit direct us in our service.
The first part of our answer, is: Making Spirit-Pleasing Decisions
The first part of our answer, is:
B) Christian Fellowship (koinonia) is where We Live & Find Guidance
A) Christian Fellowship (koinonia) is where We Live, Serve & Find Guidance
In the last church I served, I asked the question in the last three months - how many times have you sought advice of another Christian in a major decision or event in your life. How many times have you prayed with another for guidance? Low, even with elders. It is striking that though Paul knows Spirit has called, Him, others seeking the Spirit say teh warning means: Don’t go to Jerusalem, just send the regional reps - they can do it - don’t throw your life away need you in these church - send you to more promising fields! Look what they did at Miletus: Before they hug and don’t want to let go, before the tears come. Right there at the docks:
Look what they did at Miletus: Before they hug and don’t want to let go, before the tears come. Right there at the docks:
And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
It is the same thing emphasized on the sandy beach at Tyre: Interesting that we would say church service, bring the kids, special speaker bring the kids. But in the middle of public place, in middle of daily life - do we include whole family, do we include Christin firends with - in prayer?
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
Now Paul had never been to Tyre, church planted from scattered persecution after Stephen 20 years before. But Paul gets to Tyre with his entourage, know the ships cargoe - probably grain from Black Sea area, or wine from Italy France. reloaded - And what does he do: a
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.
Young people some of you are the move, do you seek out Christians - new school, new town. Attend new church, just disappear or seek out, invest in friendship with another disciple of Christ!? Adults you have decisions you face obstacles, trying discern - do you seek out people here - not just passing ships in the night. But they seek them out - real encouragement. Who would you do that with. Here is a lesson in Christian fellowship - not based on blood relationship, familiarity, simlar background, not even based on just time together.
True believers share a bond - in their friendship with Christ - practical sharing gin the Christian life - 3x koinonia used in connection with poorer saints in Jersaelm - point of bringing the collection. But it is also used of the help and guidance Christ works through us to each other: It is a bond that binds Christians to each other to Christ and to God, Sharing and participation not only of the things of earth, but of the glory of heaven! Two people on a boat - notice don’t speak same language but prayer, Bible - Jesus Jesus - that koinonia - is the word in the OT for how God receives his people:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.
Take in bring near - and live together
Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!
That’s the way we are to seek out and receive others in Christ in our lives - same generosity, same forgiveness, and acceptance, and sheer kindness!
And all along the way, these other Christian's they are Helpers/Allies in the Kingdom Work they were sent on. That’s the second meaning of Koinonia - not just fellowship and support, friendship. But the word in GK - mean co-worker, partners in business - Do you know what this means for how you seek out Christians to share Christian life with? It means - can’t come here as a individual in the midst of a bunch of acquaintances and strangers. but a member of a family. As soldier enlisting in a campaign of Christ the King together. Look at how the word was used in this way, in Ephesus, when new young, gifted baby Christian named Apollos came to town one day!
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
This is the context for living the Christian life. Paul uses that same word: take aside, take into your life, home = welcome! , in
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
There is a runaway slave, Onesimus, his former owner Philemon having trouble knowing how to do deal with it. Both Christians .Listen to what Paul writes: Same Word - take into your Christian circle, free and full
So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.
That’s what we are to be doing with other Christians new or long time members, young or old. Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven given diaconal duties, settled 20 years now in - and Paul and the company gets to Caesarea. knows church but look what Philip does:
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.
Big decision to invite someone into your home to share Christian living, even for a brief visit. Big decision to go out for a coffee with someone her to pray to seek guidance, to serve together. Paul parts from them and similar scene - of prayer and urging, and he just met these Christians.
But notice how Paul goes into Jerusalem. This is going to be a big and dangerous controversial step - Gentile Missionary - accused of diluting the faith and suspect by purer Jewish Christians - and look what the disciples from Caesarea do: 2 days travel, they find a dear friend.
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.
Not just anyone but Mnason - one of the first Hellenistic Jews to be converted, gained respect of of whole Church in Jerusalem, and they introduce him to one who would help so much. When is the last time you said to someone on the fringe just met - I think you’d like this friend of mine, Or a family member just lost a job, you have a friend that , went through divorce. The three of you get together. And you are totally alright - if they go on together you fade to background. Do we have friends like that here. Can’t do it with all, aren’t called, on look out for gifts, experience, match - are not to be so busy that don’t have one connector left on your Lego block.
Well if this is the context, in which we can expect Jesus to Guide and Direct and Empower us for Service, what is the Guidance we can Expect to make Godly Decisions?
C) A Process for Responsible Godly Decision-making
C)
C) A Process for Responsible Godly Decision-making
Here we have an example of the process by which Spirit-filled people, listen to Spirit-inspired Prophesy, to Make Responsible Spirit Pleasing Decisions!
In this travel narrative we have Spirit filled people. But the Spirit is not given first of all to predict each decision and event. In life. No, the Spirit communicates to us the Life of Christ, communicate His character into ours. He grants peace and acceptance. He makes us alive to the kingdom, give us an enlightened mind. All of us have that.
But the next ingredient is actual special revelation of Spirit inspired Prophesy. Paul has this in revelations. Agabus, like an OT prophet in enacted parable - very specifically foretells - as an official prophet of the LORD - arrest handed over to Gentiles. Now if that doesn’t happen God’s Word is broken. On our lives no need for ongoing prophesy like this, and God’s special revelation is His all sufficient Word - written down passed down.
But when it comes to actually taking that special revelation and applying it your life, there is another thing that must happen. And this isn’t magic, nor bypassing common sense - it takes time, wisdom, spiritual gift of discernment. Actually what I think the 4 daughters of Philip, not official prophet giving new special revelation. But sons and daughter, old men and women prophesy - skilled in exceptional way at applying this WORD! This was what Paul describes happening in Corinth -Each came with a thanksgiving, revelation, interpretation - call to test what you believe the Spirit is calling us to do by the Word,
God sends a definite warning of what lies in store for Paul if he goes to Jerusalem, and they say Then don’t go. Whether for sake of ministry or get out of suffering. They are trying to discern a decision to be made and they seek that with four councils.
i. The first is God’s Infallible Word; but that has to be applied; some warning mean don’t go, others mean if you go be ready.
ii. Second council - is that of the Holy Spirit - not just light of Scripture, but light in our life, not infallible impression but are to expect peace and conviction with that Word applied…
iii. conscience - with your ear open to God’s Word, and your heart and mind illuminated by the Spirit - must decide which way you really feel -as you read God’s will and the providences of your circumstances, what do I feel called to do, not infallible but necessary. You can tell they did this at Tyre where moved by the Spirit they give their two cents; and in Caesarea where look at it:
When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
And that takes us to the fourth council - which is others! Xn life not a lone-ranger project. Its a group project. And though we have no right to tell others, God told me to tell you that you should do this. We do have a responsibility to seek out the help of each other!
That word urge is continually again and again. Believe have godly model of decision making here. I wonder if you think it is alright to argue? Not bicker - but in passionate way seek to convince each other even when there is difference. When is the last time you continually urged someone of something? Look how intensely they care about the next steps. Paul says I see your concern for me:
What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come.
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.”
That is really quite remarkable Paul is so moved by their advice and concern that he’s like you’re breaking my heart. Paul wasn’t like: I don’t have to listen to you. He was open enough to be persuaded? Are you? And just like they prayed about it and decided to gether as Paul left in Tyre so too hear - Paul putting it all together makes a decision - and look what they do to conclude their decision:
And just like they prayed about it and decided to gether as Paul left in Tyre so too hear - Paul putting it all together makes a decision - and look what they do to conclude their decision:
And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
When else have you heard that prayer? Lips of the Lord Jesus. Take this cup from me, but nevertheless not my will but thine. Special occasion do you kneel with others, and decide? In living rooms, hospitals, on freeways, on the phone. Kneel your spirit - say, God put it all together and this what we’ve discerned, not violating your revealed will choosing in freedom for your sake this path - now bless it, or if not your will change it!
And that brings me to a concluding point about making your decision in Christian fellowship. To see it must take a step back to discern Luke’s point in Paul’s travel narrative to Jerusalem. Just like with Jesus Luke records it exactly 7X that he is going up to Jerusalem. Just like Jesus it is recorded that it will be with hardship: Jesus set his face like flint. Just like Jesus it is with loved ones who don’t get it: Peter said - never , Just like with Jesus he will be bound, and handed over.
Do you see what Luke is doing he saying Paul’s journey to Jersualem, his priestly service to help the saints there, but also at the great feast to wtiness evangelize, his work there to unify Jewish and Gentile Christian in Christ’s church - that’s a path that mirrors the life of Christ Path of service and witness calls all of us to, and there will be suffering and hardship on that road: And that is the last lesson for how we ar to make decisions:
D. Focus on God’s Good Purposes, not on the Circumstances of Suffering!
For a Christian to go out of his way to find suffering, to chose suffering is always wrong. Messiah-complex stubbornly try to be a superstar. But equally wrong to make your decisions to avoid suffering. We don’t make decisions based on the circumstances, but based on God’s call. Jesus says, in this world you will have trouble, but I give you my peace. We are not to make deicioss based on what we think will be most useful to God - we are poor judges of that Oswald Chambers:
God plants His saints in the most useless places. We say, "I should be here because I am so useful." Jesus never estimated His life by the standard of greatest use. God puts His people where they will glorify Him, and we are not capable of judging where that is.
God plants His saints in the most useless places. We say, "I should be here because I am so useful." Jesus never estimated His life by the standard of greatest use. God puts His people where they will glorify Him, and we are not capable of judging where that is.
We live in a culture that the #1 question is “What can I get out of it?” People make decisions to avoid all suffering. Many Xns decide based onthis thinking: God just wants me happy, If I am not happy it’s not His will. So, I’m out of this marriage, or I give up on serving in small ways people don’t notice, Or this sickness means God’s either not in control or doesn’t care, or I’m out of His will!. Of course to choose to suffer shows something wrong with us, But to choose God’s will even if it means suffering - that is what Luke is showing about Paul - heart so captured by God’s will and to share His grace - fulfill his duty come what may!
Congregation - I think you and I are each called where God has planted us to make decision that will honour him, need to make those in Christian fellowship , need to model life of Christ if involve suffering, but its going to take searching Word , searching the Spirit’s nudging in your circumstance,s and then seek ing out others and in prayer deciding. But if we do, we can expect drama in our life - where others are touched by the grace of Jesus! There will be some conflict and suffering, sparks will fly - but so will the love and the peace, and the direction and the healing of Christ!
Have to see if Paul makes the right decisions in everything he does in Jersualem, got these Gentiles, agrees to take a vow, sacrifices. Ignite whole chain of events, but in freedom He makes a godly decision to go, and whatever happens , he knows “Jesus never asks us to do anything without the assurance of His presence.
Decide and serve and in prayer owning these decisions. Paul is going to be in danger of a mob seizing him and putting him to death, as he dares to make this decision for Christ, and at time s you may feel tath denying yourself and bearing the cross to make a godly dicision ni serivce, that whole life fall apart to.
Paul is going to be in danger of a mob seizing him and putting him to death, as he dares to make this decision for Christ, and at time s you may feel tath denying yourself and bearing the cross to make a godly dicision ni serivce, that whole life fall apart to. But it is the law of the harvest, seed must die experience death, gives life to another. Whoever woud keep his life, loose it, but whoever looses his life for my sake and the gospel will find it!
But it is the law of the harvest, seed must die experience death, gives life to another. Whoever woud keep his life, loose it, but whoever looses his life for my sake and the gospel will find it!