Paul's Journey: Perseverance in God's Calling
Summary
### Summary
Today, we conclude our series "Build Your Church" by reflecting on the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. This journey wasn't a leisurely trip but a mission filled with uncertainty, trials, and divine purpose. Much like a challenging hike my family and I undertook, Paul's journey was fraught with obstacles, yet he remained steadfast in his calling. From his initial commissioning in Acts 13, where the Holy Spirit set him apart for a special work, to his unwavering determination to reach Rome despite numerous warnings and prophecies of suffering, Paul's story is a testament to his "whatever it takes" attitude.
Paul's journey was marked by significant events, including his powerful ministry in Ephesus, his compelling need to go to Rome, and the prophetic warnings he received along the way. Despite these warnings, Paul was resolute, willing to face imprisonment and even death for the sake of the gospel. His journey to Jerusalem was met with hostility, mirroring Jesus' own path to suffering. Yet, Paul’s multi-ethnic background uniquely positioned him to minister to both Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling his mission to spread the gospel.
In Rome, Paul continued his ministry under house arrest, writing letters that would become foundational texts of the New Testament. His unwavering commitment, even in chains, led to the spread of the gospel to new audiences, including kings and military leaders. Paul's story teaches us the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in our own journeys, no matter the obstacles we face.
### Key Takeaways
1. Unwavering Commitment to God's Calling: Paul's journey to Rome exemplifies an unwavering commitment to God's calling, even in the face of suffering and uncertainty. His determination to fulfill his mission, despite numerous warnings and obstacles, challenges us to remain steadfast in our own callings, trusting that God will guide us through every trial. [19:02]
2. The Power of a "Whatever It Takes" Attitude: Paul's willingness to endure imprisonment and even death for the sake of the gospel highlights the power of a "whatever it takes" attitude. This mindset, when applied to our own lives, can lead to extraordinary outcomes in our spiritual journeys and in the lives of those we touch. [21:05]
3. God's Unexpected Ways: Paul's journey shows that God often works in unexpected ways, using unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His purposes. This encourages us to remain open to God's leading, even when it takes us down paths we wouldn't have chosen for ourselves. [35:02]
4. The Importance of Multi-Ethnic Ministry: Paul's ability to minister to both Jews and Gentiles, due to his unique background, underscores the importance of embracing and leveraging our diverse identities in ministry. This multi-ethnic approach can help us reach a broader audience with the gospel. [25:52]
5. Faithfulness in Adversity: Even in chains, Paul continued to boldly proclaim the gospel, writing letters that would become key texts of the New Testament. His faithfulness in adversity serves as a powerful reminder that our circumstances do not limit God's ability to use us for His glory. [39:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[16:01] - Introduction: A Journey
[17:20] - Paul's Commissioning
[19:02] - Compelled to Go to Rome
[20:03] - Prophetic Warnings
[21:05] - Paul's Determination
[23:14] - Personal Reflection: Whatever It Takes
[24:13] - Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
[25:35] - Addressing the Crowd
[27:09] - Before the Sanhedrin
[27:53] - Divine Encouragement
[29:44] - Conspiracy Against Paul
[31:09] - Waiting in Prison
[32:42] - Appeal to Caesar
[33:28] - Testimony Before Kings
[34:26] - Journey to Rome
[35:02] - Unexpected Ways
[36:15] - Shipwreck on Malta
[37:21] - Arrival in Rome
[38:13] - Ministry Under House Arrest
[39:06] - Writing the New Testament
[40:10] - Ongoing Mission
[42:14] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 13:2-3 - "One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.' So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way."
2. Acts 19:21 - "Afterward Paul felt compelled by the Spirit to go over to Macedonia and Achaia before going to Jerusalem. 'After that,' he said, 'I must go on to Rome!'"
3. Acts 23:11 - "That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, 'Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What was the initial calling and commissioning of Paul and Barnabas as described in Acts 13:2-3?
2. How did Paul express his determination to go to Rome in Acts 19:21, and what does this reveal about his sense of mission?
3. In Acts 23:11, what encouragement did the Lord give to Paul, and how did it relate to his journey to Rome?
4. What were some of the prophetic warnings Paul received about his journey to Jerusalem and Rome? ([20:03])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Paul's unwavering commitment to his calling, despite the warnings and obstacles, teach us about perseverance in our own spiritual journeys? ([21:05])
2. How does Paul's "whatever it takes" attitude challenge our own approach to fulfilling God's mission in our lives? ([21:29])
3. In what ways did Paul's multi-ethnic background uniquely position him to minister to both Jews and Gentiles, and how can we apply this principle in our own ministries? ([25:52])
4. How does Paul's faithfulness in adversity, even while under house arrest, inspire us to remain faithful in our own challenging circumstances? ([39:06])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a strong sense of calling from God. How did you respond, and what obstacles did you face? How can Paul's example encourage you to remain steadfast? ([19:02])
2. Think about an area in your life where you need to adopt a "whatever it takes" attitude for the sake of the gospel. What practical steps can you take to develop this mindset? ([21:05])
3. Have you ever experienced God working in unexpected ways in your life? Share an example and discuss how you can remain open to God's leading, even when it takes you down unfamiliar paths. ([35:02])
4. How can you leverage your unique background and experiences to minister to a diverse group of people? Identify one specific action you can take this week to reach out to someone different from you. ([25:52])
5. In what ways can you remain faithful to God's calling, even in the face of adversity? Share a current challenge you are facing and how you can trust God to use you for His glory despite it. ([39:06])
6. How can you cultivate a habit of sharing Jesus in your everyday interactions, much like Paul did? Identify one person you can share the gospel with this week and plan how you will approach the conversation. ([33:28])
7. Reflect on the importance of community in Paul's journey. How can your small group support each other in remaining committed to God's calling? Share one way you can encourage a group member this week. ([37:21])
Devotional
Day 1: Unwavering Commitment to God's Calling
Paul's journey to Rome exemplifies an unwavering commitment to God's calling, even in the face of suffering and uncertainty. From his initial commissioning in Acts 13, where the Holy Spirit set him apart for a special work, to his determination to reach Rome despite numerous warnings and prophecies of suffering, Paul's story is a testament to his "whatever it takes" attitude. His journey was marked by significant events, including his powerful ministry in Ephesus and his compelling need to go to Rome. Despite these warnings, Paul was resolute, willing to face imprisonment and even death for the sake of the gospel. His journey to Jerusalem was met with hostility, mirroring Jesus' own path to suffering. Yet, Paul’s multi-ethnic background uniquely positioned him to minister to both Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling his mission to spread the gospel.
Paul's unwavering commitment challenges us to remain steadfast in our own callings, trusting that God will guide us through every trial. Just as Paul faced numerous obstacles but remained focused on his mission, we too can find strength and purpose in our own journeys by staying committed to God's calling. This commitment requires faith, perseverance, and a deep trust in God's plan for our lives. [19:02]
Acts 20:22-24 (ESV): "And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith, despite uncertainty or potential challenges? How can you commit to this calling today?
Day 2: The Power of a "Whatever It Takes" Attitude
Paul's willingness to endure imprisonment and even death for the sake of the gospel highlights the power of a "whatever it takes" attitude. This mindset, when applied to our own lives, can lead to extraordinary outcomes in our spiritual journeys and in the lives of those we touch. Paul's determination to fulfill his mission, despite numerous warnings and obstacles, challenges us to adopt a similar attitude in our own walk with God. His story is a powerful reminder that true commitment to God's work often requires sacrifice and perseverance.
This "whatever it takes" attitude is not about reckless abandon but about a deep-seated commitment to God's purposes, trusting that He will provide the strength and resources needed to overcome any obstacle. By embracing this mindset, we can experience the fullness of God's plan for our lives and make a significant impact on those around us. [21:05]
2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you adopt a "whatever it takes" attitude to persevere and trust in God's plan for you?
Day 3: God's Unexpected Ways
Paul's journey shows that God often works in unexpected ways, using unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His purposes. This encourages us to remain open to God's leading, even when it takes us down paths we wouldn't have chosen for ourselves. Paul's ability to minister to both Jews and Gentiles, due to his unique background, underscores the importance of embracing and leveraging our diverse identities in ministry. His story reminds us that God's plans are often beyond our understanding, and He can use any situation for His glory.
By staying open to God's unexpected ways, we can experience His guidance and provision in new and profound ways. This requires a willingness to trust in God's sovereignty and to embrace the opportunities He places before us, even when they seem challenging or unfamiliar. [35:02]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when God led you in an unexpected direction. How did you see His hand at work in that situation, and how can you remain open to His leading in your current circumstances?
Day 4: The Importance of Multi-Ethnic Ministry
Paul's ability to minister to both Jews and Gentiles, due to his unique background, underscores the importance of embracing and leveraging our diverse identities in ministry. This multi-ethnic approach can help us reach a broader audience with the gospel. Paul's story highlights the value of diversity in the body of Christ and the power of using our unique backgrounds and experiences to connect with others and share the message of Jesus.
Embracing a multi-ethnic approach in ministry requires a willingness to understand and appreciate different cultures and perspectives. It involves building relationships across cultural boundaries and recognizing the richness that diversity brings to our faith communities. By doing so, we can more effectively share the gospel and demonstrate the inclusive love of Christ. [25:52]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you embrace and leverage your unique background and experiences to connect with others and share the gospel? What steps can you take to build relationships across cultural boundaries in your community?
Day 5: Faithfulness in Adversity
Even in chains, Paul continued to boldly proclaim the gospel, writing letters that would become key texts of the New Testament. His faithfulness in adversity serves as a powerful reminder that our circumstances do not limit God's ability to use us for His glory. Paul's story encourages us to remain faithful to God's calling, even when we face challenges and hardships. His unwavering commitment to the gospel, despite being under house arrest, led to the spread of the gospel to new audiences, including kings and military leaders.
Faithfulness in adversity requires a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a commitment to His purposes, regardless of our circumstances. It involves staying focused on God's calling and finding ways to serve Him, even when we face obstacles. By doing so, we can experience God's power and provision in our lives and make a lasting impact on those around us. [39:06]
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge or hardship you are facing. How can you remain faithful to God's calling in this situation, and what steps can you take to continue serving Him despite the obstacles?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Paul is so sure of his calling. He is so confident in what the Lord has called him to do that he is willing to do whatever it takes. Whatever it takes. He's willing to give up whatever it takes to suffer whatever it takes. He knows that he has suffering and jail lying ahead and Paul has this attitude of I am willing to do whatever it takes and I feel like we all have this attitude inside of us somewhere too. It's just a matter of how we apply it." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul tells them take courage none of you will lose your lives even though the ship will go down for last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and he said don't be afraid Paul for you will surely stand trial before Caesar what's more God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you so take courage for I believe God it will be just as he said." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Because if we had that same whatever it takes attitude to share Jesus in every place that he puts us whether it's an expected place or an unexpected place if we had that same shared Jesus attitude in all of the places that God puts us how many more people would receive the gospel and how many more people would be healed I think we would need more than three services I'm just saying." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul relays his entire testimony telling about how he used to try to kill the Christians and now he has become one of them telling them about Jesus who they insist is dead but Paul insists is alive and he's sharing the whole gospel and he concludes King Agrippa do you believe the prophets I know you do and King Agrippa interrupts him and he says do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian so quickly and Paul replies whether quickly or not I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am except for these chains." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God often works in unexpected ways right we've learned that this whole series how God has built his church using unexpected people in unexpected ways through unexpected circumstances to build his church who knew that Paul's two year imprisonment would lead to him being able to address the kings the military and the rulers." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul is in this dark place he's been beaten again he's in prison again and he doesn't know what the future is going to hold again but the Lord shows up for him to confirm his calling on his life and has God ever done this for you? Have you ever been on your journey on your path and God just shows up in some in some way using some person or some circumstance to confirm that you are doing exactly what he has called you to do and I don't know what that looked like for you but for me it looked like the gift of a crockpot." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul is speaking to the Jews here and he tells them his story. He just tells them his testimony. What God has done for him. He tells them how God has called him and they initially listen to Paul but when Paul starts telling them that he's also called to the Gentiles they start wanting to kill him again. And Paul is then taken back into the prison by the Roman officials who then are going to beat him to find out what he has done wrong to get him to confess his supposed crimes. But Paul says no you can't whip me. I am a Roman citizen by birth and I deserve a fair trial." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul is now in Rome and he gathers up the Jews there to explain to them what is going on now in every other city that Paul had visited as a free man he would go first to the synagogue and preach the good news of Jesus being the Messiah to the Jews this is the Messiah that you have been waiting for but things are a little different he's under guard he's under house arrest and so he has to get the Jews to agree to come to him so there was a time set and they agreed to do this and on that day a large number of people came to Paul's lodging he explains and testifies about the kingdom of God and he tried to persuade them about Jesus from the scriptures using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets he spoke to them from morning until evening some were persuaded by the things he said but others did not believe." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul wrote four of the books of the New Testament while he was under house arrest in Rome and then the very last verses in Acts tell us for the next two years Paul lived in Rome at his own expense he welcomed all who visited him boldly proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ and he was and no one tried to stop him that's it that's the end of the book of Acts now when we first started this Matt told us that on one hand we had Luke and on the other hand we have Acts and now I just I want a third hand that tells us what happened when Paul went to Caesar what happened during those whole two years how did God use the people that Paul spoke to to continue to build his church and we're not given any of that and we're not even given like a conclusion like Luke doesn't end this book well and I think it's because this book of God building his church doesn't end that God is still using unexpected people in unexpected ways through unexpected circumstances to build his church." (-246 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Paul another Paul that some of you might have known Paul Ray lived out this same mission for Jesus whatever it takes Lord recently called him home but Paul while he was alive would mow his neighbor's lawn and he would serve in the background and he would pray for people and he would show up for people whenever they needed him he loved God and loved people and shared Jesus all the time every time we went to House of Omelets or Perkins or had breakfast he would always be sharing the gospel of Jesus everywhere we went in fact Paul was diagnosed with cancer and one day he had had a scan and he was calling my husband to tell him the results of the scan and my husband's on the phone with him for 20 minutes and I'm just sitting there kind of like waiting to hear like what's the news and Paul is telling Edson all about how he got to share Jesus with these people at this place where he went to go get the scan and how he had gotten to walk through all these verses and Romans to tell them about who Jesus is and the hope of heaven and how he really got to share that gospel with them and my husband's getting a little impatient and he says Paul we've been on the phone now for 20 minutes and I still don't know the results of your scan and Paul says oh yeah it's bad it's really bad and I'm gonna die but I got to share Jesus with all of these people." (85 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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