Advancing in Obedience: Embracing God's Purpose Amidst Challenges
Summary
Today is a day to rejoice and bless the Lord, recognizing that every moment in worship is an opportunity to witness God’s faithfulness and presence among us. As we gather, we celebrate not only the milestones in our church family—like the dedication of babies and the faithful service of leaders—but also the ongoing journey God calls each of us to walk. In this season, as we near the end of our study in Acts, the focus is clear: we are called to keep moving forward in obedience, even when the path is misunderstood or resisted by those around us.
Obedience to God often comes at the cost of applause, comfort, and consensus. Sometimes, the loudest voices in our lives—those of friends and loved ones—are not aligned with God’s direction for us. Acts 21 shows us Paul’s unwavering commitment to his calling, even as those who love him plead for him to avoid danger. The Spirit may reveal the reality of suffering ahead, but our human response is often to protect, rather than to trust God’s process. We must learn to stay in motion, managing the emotions of those who care for us, without allowing their concerns to derail our assignment.
There is a deeper lesson in how we respond to adversity. Paul, after enduring beatings, threats, and slander, chooses not to dwell on his troubles but to testify to God’s faithfulness. Our identity is not found in our crises, but in the evidence of God’s work through us. We are called to let our testimony be louder than our trauma, focusing on what God has done rather than what we have suffered.
Finally, advancing in God’s purpose means putting people over principles. Paul, though falsely accused and fully in the right, chooses to participate in a ritual for the sake of unity and witness. Sometimes, loving people means relinquishing our right to be right, so that others might be drawn to Christ. Just as Jesus “handled the worms” to reach us, we are called to engage with the world in ways that may be uncomfortable, but are necessary for the sake of the gospel. The journey is not always easy, but God’s will is active, progressive, and triumphant, even in the midst of friction and misunderstanding.
Key Takeaways
- Obedience to God May Cost You Comfort and Consensus
Following God’s direction often means moving forward without the approval or understanding of those closest to you. The loudest voices in your life may not always be God’s voice, and sometimes, well-meaning friends can become the greatest source of resistance. True obedience requires the courage to keep moving, even when it means walking alone or being misunderstood. The will of God is not always the path of least resistance, but it is always the path of greatest purpose. [54:51]
- You Cannot Save Others from Their God-Ordained Process
There are moments when our desire to protect those we love can actually hinder the work God wants to do in their lives. Pain and difficulty are often necessary for growth, and trying to shield others from every hardship may rob them of the very experiences that will mature their faith. Like a parent holding a child during a painful but necessary immunization, we must trust that God’s purposes are being worked out through temporary discomfort. Sometimes, the only way to grow is to go through. [58:58]
- Let Your Testimony Be Louder Than Your Trauma
It is easy to become defined by our struggles, rehearsing our wounds and disappointments. Yet, spiritual maturity is found in choosing to focus on what God has done, rather than what we have endured. Paul’s example teaches us to report God’s victories, not just our valleys, and to let gratitude for God’s faithfulness shape our story. When we magnify God’s work over our wounds, we inspire faith in others and remind ourselves of God’s sustaining grace. [01:07:37]
- Put People Over Principles for the Sake of the Gospel
Sometimes, being right is less important than being righteous in our relationships. Paul’s willingness to participate in a ritual he did not need, for the sake of unity and witness, models a humility that values souls over stances. Loving people well may require us to lay down our rights, preferences, or even our pride, so that others might be drawn to Christ. Argumentation is not a spiritual gift; love is. [01:08:32]
- Engage the Culture to Reach the Lost, Even When It’s Uncomfortable
Just as a fisherman handles worms to catch fish, we are called to engage with the world in ways that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable for the sake of the gospel. Jesus Himself entered into our brokenness, taking on the discomfort of humanity to rescue us. We must be willing to “handle the worms”—to invest in what we may not prefer—so that we can bring others into the family of faith. The call is to meet people where they are, so that Christ might draw them in. [01:10:58]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[50:08] - Honoring Pastor Chris and Her Legacy
[52:25] - Introduction to Acts 21: Advancing in Obedience
[54:51] - The Cost of Obedience: Applause, Comfort, and Consensus
[58:58] - Managing Emotions While Staying in Motion
[01:03:00] - The Journey to Jerusalem: Facing Well-Meaning Resistance
[01:05:30] - Testimony Over Trauma: Reporting God’s Faithfulness
[01:07:37] - Social Media and the Power of Testimony
[01:08:32] - People Over Principles: Paul’s Example
[01:09:39] - The Nazarite Vow and Cultural Engagement
[01:10:58] - Handling the Worms: Reaching the Lost
[01:12:30] - Jesus, the Ultimate Example of Engagement
[01:13:28] - Closing and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
---
### Bible Reading
Acts 21:1–25 (ESV)
> 1 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.
> 2 And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.
> 3 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.
> 4 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.
> 5 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
> 6 and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home.
> 7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day.
> 8 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.
> 9 He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied.
> 10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
> 11 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.’”
> 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
> 13 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.”
> 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”
> 15 After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.
> 16 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.
> 17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
> 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
> 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
> 20 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. They are all zealous for the law,
> 21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs.
> 22 What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come.
> 23 Do therefore what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow;
> 24 take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law.
> 25 But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality.”
---
## Observation Questions
1. What did the believers in Tyre and Caesarea urge Paul not to do, and how did Paul respond to their concerns? (Acts 21:4, 12-14; [54:51])
2. When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, what did he choose to report to James and the elders about his ministry? (Acts 21:19; [01:07:37])
3. What was the issue the Jewish believers in Jerusalem had with Paul, and what solution did they propose? (Acts 21:20-24; [01:08:32])
4. According to the sermon, what are the two main types of opposition Paul faced on his journey? ([54:51])
---
## Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul was willing to continue toward Jerusalem even after repeated warnings and pleas from people who loved him? What does this reveal about his understanding of God’s will? ([54:51])
2. The sermon says, “You cannot save people from their process.” How does this idea challenge the way we try to protect those we care about from pain or hardship? ([58:58])
3. Paul chose to focus on what God had done rather than the hardships he endured. What does this teach us about the role of testimony in the life of a believer? ([01:07:37])
4. Why did Paul agree to participate in a ritual he didn’t need, and what does this say about putting people over principles for the sake of unity and witness? ([01:08:32])
---
## Application Questions
1. Can you think of a time when following God’s direction meant you had to move forward without the approval or understanding of people close to you? How did you handle their concerns or resistance? ([54:51])
2. Is there someone in your life right now you are trying to “save” from a difficult process? How might you need to trust God with their journey, even if it means letting them go through something hard? ([58:58])
3. When you talk about your life, do you tend to focus more on your struggles or on what God has done for you? What would it look like to let your testimony be louder than your trauma this week? ([01:07:37])
4. Are there situations where you have insisted on being “right” at the expense of loving someone well? What would it look like to put people over principles in your relationships? ([01:08:32])
5. The sermon used the image of “handling the worms” to reach people who are far from God. What are some “worms” (uncomfortable or unfamiliar things) you might need to handle in order to reach someone for Christ? ([01:10:58])
6. How can you engage with people who are different from you—culturally, socially, or spiritually—without compromising your faith, but still meeting them where they are? ([01:10:58])
7. What is one specific step you can take this week to advance in obedience to God, even if it means being misunderstood or uncomfortable? ([54:51])
---
Devotional
Day 1: Keep Moving Forward in Obedience, Even When Misunderstood
Obedience to God often means moving forward even when those closest to you do not understand or support your journey. Paul’s journey to Jerusalem in Acts 21 is marked by well-meaning friends who, out of love and concern, try to hold him back from what God has called him to do. Yet, Paul remains anchored in his assignment, pressing on despite the emotional pleas and potential dangers ahead. This teaches us that sometimes, the loudest voices in our lives are not God’s voice, and advancing in God’s will may require us to keep moving while managing the emotions of those who care for us. Trust that God’s purpose is greater than temporary pain or misunderstanding, and keep moving forward in faith. [54:51]
Acts 21:1-14 (ESV)
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. 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.”
Reflection: Who in your life is trying to hold you back out of love or concern, and how can you lovingly keep moving forward in obedience to God’s call today?
Day 2: God’s Will Triumphs Over All Opposition
God’s will is active, progressive, and triumphant—even when friction, misunderstanding, or opposition arise from those around us. Paul’s journey was met with both loving resistance from friends and malicious opposition from others, yet God’s purpose continued to advance. This reminds us that the fulfillment of God’s will does not depend on universal agreement or the absence of obstacles. Instead, God’s plans move forward despite the resistance, and our role is to say “yes” to His will, even if it costs us comfort, applause, or consensus. Trust that God is working out something greater, even when the path is difficult or lonely. [58:58]
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Reflection: What is one area where you sense God calling you forward, but you’re hesitating because of opposition or misunderstanding? What would it look like to say “yes” to God’s will today?
Day 3: Testify to God’s Faithfulness, Not Just Your Troubles
When Paul arrived in Jerusalem, he chose to report in detail what God had done among the Gentiles, rather than focusing on the many hardships and crises he had endured. This challenges us to shift our perspective from rehearsing our troubles to testifying about God’s faithfulness and provision. Instead of letting trauma or negativity define your story, let the truth of God’s ongoing work in your life be louder. Celebrate the ways God has blessed, protected, and provided for you, even in the midst of adversity. [01:07:37]
Acts 21:17-19 (ESV)
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.
Reflection: What is one specific way God has shown His faithfulness to you recently, and how can you share that testimony with someone today instead of focusing on your struggles?
Day 4: Love People More Than Your Principles
Paul was falsely accused of disregarding the law, yet he chose to participate in a Jewish ritual to maintain unity and reach others for Christ. He put people over principle, valuing souls above being right. Sometimes, our insistence on being correct can become a barrier to loving others well. True spiritual maturity means being willing to lay down our rights or preferences for the sake of someone else’s journey toward Jesus. Love the soul more than your stance, and remember that argumentation is not a spiritual gift—compassion is. [01:09:39]
Numbers 6:1-5 (ESV)
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord, he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried. All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, not even the seeds or the skins. All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long.”
Reflection: Is there a situation where you’ve insisted on being right at the expense of a relationship? How can you choose to love and reach out to that person today, even if it means letting go of your stance?
Day 5: Engage the Culture to Reach the Lost
Just as a fisherman handles worms to catch fish, we are called to engage with the culture—even with things we may not prefer or understand—in order to reach people for Christ. Jesus Himself entered into our world, taking on humanity to save us. We are called to be conversant with the world around us, willing to step outside our comfort zones and invest in what is unfamiliar or uncomfortable for the sake of bringing others into the family of faith. You can’t fillet a fish in the water; you have to get them in the boat first. Be willing to handle the “worms” so you can rescue others from the sea of sin, just as Jesus did for you. [01:13:28]
1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV)
To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can step out of your comfort zone today to engage with someone who is far from God, so that you might lovingly draw them closer to Christ?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Aug 17, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?