December 12, 2020 – I'm Following Jesus

King James Bible Study – “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” – Mark 8:34

Date: Saturday, December 12, 2020
Chapters: Acts 20-22
Message: Listening To The Spirit

Hello My Friend,

I was thinking as I read the last chapters of Romans that it actually ties in with Acts when Paul was eager to go to Rome, but was on his way to Jerusalem first, [Romans 15:22-25 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; 24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. 25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.]

Paul would indeed get to Rome, but not as he had hoped, in fact, he would be imprisoned there for a time, preaching the Gospel, until they took his life. Well, we do have a couple more days before we get to that, but think about it, rarely do our plans go as we expect them to go, and sometimes they are not even reached. Let me tell you, this is not us being lazy or missing out because we did not pray enough or work hard enough to get them, this is about God, and His will for our lives. And believe it or not, when we belong to Christ, it is the Holy Spirit that directs us, even when we do not realize it. Paul was determined to get to Jerusalem by the Day of Pentecost, he actually feared a little bit because he knew the Jews who sought to kill him would be there too.

[Acts 20:17-19,22-25 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.]

[I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem,] Paul convinced himself that it was the Holy Spirit that was directing him to get to Jerusalem, of course, they were all very sad at the news that they would never see him again.

[Acts 20:28-30,32,36-38 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. 37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him, 38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.]

[which is able to build you up,] We may not understand where the Holy Spirit is leading us, or even fear where He is leading us, but we must understand that God is with us and will see us through. The afflictions we face on the way are not to punish us, they are to strengthen and encourage us to keep going in His strength. Well, while Paul though that the Holy Spirit was directing him to go to Jerusalem, his friends were getting another word from the Holy Spirit not to go to Jerusalem. In fact, several people warned him of this.

[Acts 21:2-4,8,11-14 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. 3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. 4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. 8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. 12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. 14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.]

[who said to Paul through the Spirit,] Something incredible happens when we receive Christ as our Saviour, we have the Holy Spirit in us that helps us make the right choices. And while the Holy Spirit is our guide, and will help direct us to making the right choices, sometimes we still have the knack for going against them. Even good intentions can lead to consequences if we make those choices out of God’s will. Nevertheless, God still has a plan and a purpose for each and every one of us, and He will not take us home until it is fulfilled, [Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.]

Paul arrives in Jerusalem, and at first, he was welcomed, but something happened, the saved Jews, who insisted that the Law of Moses still be instituted, urged him to be an example by following the Law concerning purification, and he went along with it.

[Acts 21:26-28,30-31 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. 27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, 28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. 30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. 31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.]

[to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification,] This was ceremonial law. Do you see the error here? Jesus purifies us with His blood the second we receive Him as our Saviour, there is no need to shave heads, circumcise, or walk in the customs of ceremonial law to be reconciled with God. And by the way, there is no need for any animal offerings, Jesus is the one and only offering we need, [Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.]

We may not always make the right choices, but that does not mean God will not make use of them. Now, that Paul is captured, God would use this to His advantage, it would be a perfect time to preach the Gospel. The best way we can tell people about Jesus is to give our own testimony. Paul tells the people how he got saved and how Jesus sent him to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles because he would be sought after by the Jews.

[Acts 22:1,3-4,17-18,22,25,28 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. 3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. 4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. 17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. 22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. 25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? 28 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.]

[But I was free born.] Jesus set us free from bondage to the Law, we are not bound by any laws concerning our salvation apart from accepting Jesus Christ as our Saviour. Amen! Paul truly thought he was to be captured and die in Jerusalem. Sometimes our heart blocks the Holy Spirit from allowing Him to get through to us, it seems so right, and all the signs point that it is from God, but it is not. Then God sends others to show us that we need to listen, but even then we think it must be Satan, and keep moving forward with our plan. Keep in mind that these are acts of the devil, if he can get us away from God’s will by any means, especially when it looks like it is something from God, then he will do it, [2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.]

Today’s Prayer: Jesus, You chose me, I did not choose You, but You chose me, all because the Holy Spirit, even before He came into my soul showed me what would be had I not received You as my Saviour. Although I try to make the right choices, and even remember times where You have warned me not to do something, I still did what I wanted to do. Nevertheless, You did not push me to the side, You used those choices to help me get back in Your will, and I thank You for that. Lord, lead me and guide me, open my ears and heart to Your Spirit in me at all times, and help understand when You are simply trying to tell me that I need to stop what I am persistent in my own will to do because it will hurt me. I know I can do and endure all things through You as I prepare, and finish my course here on earth with joy. I love You Lord and pray this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,

Christina

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