Counting the Cost: Paul's Journey and Discipleship
Summary
### Summary
In Acts 21, we witness Paul's journey to Jerusalem, where he faces significant challenges and misunderstandings. Upon arriving, Paul is warmly received by the disciples and stays with Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple. The next day, Paul meets with James and the elders of the Jerusalem church, where he recounts the miraculous works God has done among the Gentiles through his ministry. While the elders glorify God for these works, they also express concern about rumors that Paul is teaching Jews to forsake the Mosaic Law. To address this, they suggest Paul take a Nazarite vow to publicly demonstrate his adherence to Jewish customs.
Paul complies with their request, showing his willingness to maintain unity and peace within the church. However, Jews from Asia, who recognize Paul, stir up the crowd by falsely accusing him of defiling the temple by bringing Gentiles into it. This leads to a violent uproar, and Paul is seized and beaten by the mob. The Roman authorities intervene, arresting Paul and binding him in chains, fulfilling the prophecy of Agabus.
The passage highlights the cost of following Christ, as Paul willingly faces persecution and imprisonment. It challenges us to consider whether we have counted the cost of discipleship and if we find Jesus worth the sacrifices required. The sermon concludes with a call to reflect on our daily actions and integrity, emphasizing that even small acts of faithfulness build a strong foundation in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Unity and Peace: Paul’s willingness to take the Nazarite vow, despite knowing he didn’t need to, demonstrates his commitment to maintaining unity and peace within the church. This act of humility and submission shows that sometimes, for the greater good, we must be willing to go beyond our personal convictions to support and strengthen the community of believers. [12:21]
2. Facing False Accusations with Grace: Paul’s experience of being falsely accused and beaten by the mob teaches us the importance of facing false accusations with grace and steadfastness. Despite the lies and assumptions made about him, Paul remains focused on his mission and trusts in God’s plan. This encourages us to stay true to our faith even when misunderstood or maligned. [19:18]
3. The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus comes with a cost, as illustrated by Paul’s willingness to face imprisonment and persecution. This challenges us to reflect on whether we have truly counted the cost of discipleship and if we are prepared to make sacrifices for our faith. It’s a call to evaluate our commitment and willingness to endure hardships for the sake of Christ. [29:02]
4. Integrity in Small Things: The sermon emphasizes the importance of integrity in our daily lives, even in seemingly small matters. Our actions, whether big or small, reflect our character and faith in Christ. Being faithful in little things builds a strong foundation for greater responsibilities and demonstrates our commitment to living righteously. [36:15]
5. Is He Worth It?: The ultimate question posed is whether Jesus is worth the cost of discipleship. This personal reflection challenges us to consider if we value our relationship with Christ above all else, including our comfort, relationships, and material possessions. It’s a call to prioritize our faith and live in a way that honors God, regardless of the sacrifices required. [31:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - Paul's Arrival in Jerusalem
[02:32] - False Accusations and Uproar
[03:44] - Breaking Down the Passage
[04:55] - Paul's Reception and Report
[06:11] - Meeting with the Jerusalem Elders
[07:27] - Detailed Account of Paul's Ministry
[08:37] - The Elders' Concerns
[09:46] - The Problem and Simple Solution
[11:08] - Paul's Compliance
[12:21] - Jews from Asia Stir Up Trouble
[13:36] - The Nazarite Vow
[14:50] - Paul's Purification
[16:11] - The Uproar and Arrest
[17:45] - Lies and Assumptions
[19:18] - Charges Against Paul
[20:28] - Importance of the Temple
[21:55] - Defiling the Temple
[23:22] - The City's Reaction
[24:43] - Roman Intervention
[26:04] - Prophecy Fulfilled
[27:18] - Counting the Cost
[29:02] - The Cost of Following Christ
[30:21] - Is He Worth It?
[31:53] - Personal Reflection
[33:28] - Integrity in Small Things
[34:46] - Building a Strong Foundation
[36:15] - Faithfulness in Little Things
[37:28] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 21:15-36
- Luke 14:27-28
- Matthew 5:11-12
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Paul take to demonstrate his commitment to Jewish customs and maintain unity within the church? ([13:36])
2. How did the Jews from Asia react when they saw Paul in the temple, and what accusations did they make against him? ([17:45])
3. What was the response of the Roman authorities when they intervened in the uproar caused by the false accusations against Paul? ([24:43])
4. How did Paul’s actions fulfill the prophecy of Agabus? ([26:04])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Paul agree to take the Nazarite vow, even though he knew he didn’t need to? What does this say about his priorities and character? ([13:36])
2. How can Paul's response to false accusations serve as a model for Christians today when they face misunderstandings or lies? ([19:18])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the cost of discipleship, and how does this concept challenge modern believers? ([29:02])
4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of integrity in small matters, and why is this significant for building a strong foundation in Christ? ([36:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Paul took a Nazarite vow to maintain unity within the church. Are there areas in your life where you need to prioritize unity over personal convictions? How can you take steps to foster peace and unity in your community? ([13:36])
2. Reflect on a time when you faced false accusations or misunderstandings. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Paul’s example to improve your response in the future? ([19:18])
3. The sermon challenges us to count the cost of discipleship. Have you considered what sacrifices you might need to make to follow Christ more closely? What specific steps can you take to prepare for these sacrifices? ([29:02])
4. Integrity in small things is crucial for building a strong foundation in Christ. Identify one small area in your life where you can improve your integrity. What practical steps will you take this week to be more faithful in this area? ([36:15])
5. The sermon asks if Jesus is worth the cost of discipleship. Reflect on your personal relationship with Christ. Are there areas where you struggle to see Him as worth the cost? How can you deepen your commitment to Him? ([31:53])
6. Think about a specific situation where you might need to make a sacrifice for your faith, such as a job decision or a relationship. How can you prepare yourself spiritually and practically to make the right choice when the time comes? ([30:21])
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of daily faithfulness. What is one daily habit you can start or improve to strengthen your walk with Christ? How will you hold yourself accountable to this new habit? ([36:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Unity and Peace in the Church
Paul’s willingness to take the Nazarite vow, despite knowing he didn’t need to, demonstrates his commitment to maintaining unity and peace within the church. This act of humility and submission shows that sometimes, for the greater good, we must be willing to go beyond our personal convictions to support and strengthen the community of believers. Paul’s actions remind us that unity in the body of Christ often requires personal sacrifice and a heart willing to serve others above oneself.
In Acts 21, Paul arrives in Jerusalem and is warmly received by the disciples. However, rumors circulate that he is teaching Jews to forsake the Mosaic Law. To address these concerns, the Jerusalem elders suggest that Paul take a Nazarite vow to publicly demonstrate his adherence to Jewish customs. Paul complies, showing his dedication to unity and peace within the church. This act of humility and submission is a powerful example of how we can prioritize the greater good of the community over our personal convictions. [12:21]
Ephesians 4:3-4 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you can prioritize unity and peace in your community or church. What personal sacrifice can you make to support and strengthen the body of believers?
Day 2: Facing False Accusations with Grace
Paul’s experience of being falsely accused and beaten by the mob teaches us the importance of facing false accusations with grace and steadfastness. Despite the lies and assumptions made about him, Paul remains focused on his mission and trusts in God’s plan. This encourages us to stay true to our faith even when misunderstood or maligned.
In Acts 21, Jews from Asia falsely accuse Paul of defiling the temple by bringing Gentiles into it, leading to a violent uproar. Paul is seized and beaten by the mob, but he does not retaliate or lose focus on his mission. Instead, he trusts in God’s plan and remains steadfast in his faith. This teaches us the importance of responding to false accusations with grace and maintaining our focus on God’s purpose for our lives. [19:18]
1 Peter 2:23 (ESV): "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were falsely accused or misunderstood. How can you respond with grace and steadfastness, trusting in God’s plan for your life?
Day 3: The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus comes with a cost, as illustrated by Paul’s willingness to face imprisonment and persecution. This challenges us to reflect on whether we have truly counted the cost of discipleship and if we are prepared to make sacrifices for our faith. It’s a call to evaluate our commitment and willingness to endure hardships for the sake of Christ.
Paul’s journey to Jerusalem and subsequent arrest highlight the cost of discipleship. Despite knowing the challenges and dangers he would face, Paul remains committed to his mission and willing to endure persecution for the sake of Christ. This challenges us to consider whether we have truly counted the cost of following Jesus and if we are prepared to make sacrifices for our faith. It’s a call to evaluate our commitment and willingness to endure hardships for the sake of Christ. [29:02]
Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"
Reflection: Reflect on your commitment to following Jesus. Are you prepared to make sacrifices and endure hardships for your faith? What steps can you take to strengthen your commitment to Christ?
Day 4: Integrity in Small Things
The sermon emphasizes the importance of integrity in our daily lives, even in seemingly small matters. Our actions, whether big or small, reflect our character and faith in Christ. Being faithful in little things builds a strong foundation for greater responsibilities and demonstrates our commitment to living righteously.
Paul’s willingness to take the Nazarite vow and his adherence to Jewish customs, despite knowing he didn’t need to, demonstrate his integrity and commitment to living righteously. This teaches us the importance of integrity in our daily lives, even in seemingly small matters. Our actions, whether big or small, reflect our character and faith in Christ. Being faithful in little things builds a strong foundation for greater responsibilities and demonstrates our commitment to living righteously. [36:15]
Luke 16:10 (ESV): "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Reflection: Think about the small actions and decisions you make daily. How can you demonstrate integrity and faithfulness in these seemingly small matters? What steps can you take to build a strong foundation for greater responsibilities?
Day 5: Is He Worth It?
The ultimate question posed is whether Jesus is worth the cost of discipleship. This personal reflection challenges us to consider if we value our relationship with Christ above all else, including our comfort, relationships, and material possessions. It’s a call to prioritize our faith and live in a way that honors God, regardless of the sacrifices required.
Paul’s willingness to face imprisonment and persecution for the sake of Christ challenges us to consider whether we truly value our relationship with Jesus above all else. This personal reflection calls us to prioritize our faith and live in a way that honors God, regardless of the sacrifices required. It’s a reminder that following Jesus comes with a cost, but the reward of a deep and meaningful relationship with Him is worth it. [31:53]
Matthew 13:44 (ESV): "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. Do you value it above all else, including your comfort, relationships, and material possessions? What steps can you take to prioritize your faith and live in a way that honors God, regardless of the sacrifices required?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Following Jesus Christ is going to cost you, period. Regardless if you're Paul thousands of years ago, or you're a Christian here in the States today, following Jesus is going to cost you one way or the other. Honestly, if it doesn't cost you, you're probably not really following Jesus. Sounds a bit harsh, I know. But following Jesus is going to cost you." [28:40] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Have you counted the cost? Have you counted the cost of what it's going to cost you to follow Christ? And I think for us, I'll be honest with you, I think culturally for us, that's difficult to ponder. Because we don't really have to pay it. I mean, we're not worried about persecution for the most part. You know, we have protections from the government. We have freedoms from the government. They protect us to be able to gather, and they don't interfere, and all those things." [29:02] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is a reason when Jesus was talking to his followers, he said, you must take up your cross daily and follow me. Now, when you're telling this to a bunch of Jews occupied by the Romans who really like to use the cross, that had a heck of a lot more meaning to them than it probably does to us, even though we know what the cross is." [29:40] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Is he worth the cost? Now, I'm not asking, is he worthy? Because he is worthy. That's decided. That is a universal fact that Jesus Christ is worthy of anything it would cost to follow him. This is a personal question for you. In your life, is he worth the cost? That's a decision we all have to make ourselves." [30:50] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus is alive. Hell is real. The harvest is vast. The workers are few. The Church, do we feel that? Do we know that hell is real? Do we know that people that we know are going to go to hell because they don't know who Jesus Christ is? And is he worth the risk of telling them about who Jesus is and it might make them mad? I think it is. I think someone's eternal destination is worth it." [31:53] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul knew what following Jesus was going to cost him. He knew that it would cost him his life. And he followed anyway. What about you? Have you counted the cost? Have you counted the cost of what it's going to cost you to follow Christ?" [28:40] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I think this passage, there's some very, vague-ness in there that we don't, you know, we don't know the stone cold facts about everything in here. We don't know who all was there at the temple that day. We don't know who all the people were. And we're going to get into that a little bit. Like I said, we're just going to go through here and see what Paul has going on." [03:44] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul just agrees to it, and he does it. Which should fix the problem, right? Paul's going to go, and he's going to take this Nazarite vow. He's going to present himself to the priests. He's going to prove that he's not forsaking the law of Moses, that he's not telling people not to have their children circumcised. He hasn't went apostate, basically, is what they're saying." [16:11] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So here we have Paul coming to Jerusalem, knowing what was going to happen. This was not a surprise, right? I mean, he was told this by the Spirit. He said, constrained by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, and the Spirit had told him that persecution and imprisonment awaited him. Other believers told him, as we talked about last week, through the Spirit, not to go to Jerusalem because of what was going to happen." [27:18] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So is he worth it? Is he worth those little mundane things that really in the greater scheme of things don't add up? Which sounds like a stupid question, but I want you to just think for a minute how often we compromise on stupid, mundane things that don't really matter." [36:15] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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