Week 4 - Obedience
This week in summary| Day 1 : Summary | Acts 22 |
| Day 2 : God, the Battle Medic | Acts 23 |
| Day 3 : Satisfied | Acts 24 |
| Day 4 : Blessing | Acts 25-26 |
| Day 5 : Faith with Feet | Acts 27-28 |
Summary
Acts Chapters 22-28
The course is set. Paul is compelled by the Spirit of God to go to Jerusalem and to Rome. He is well aware of the fact that this will mean his arrest but He also knows this trial will give him the opportunity to make a personal invitation to the governor and the king.
In this set of chapters, there is a markedly reduced explicit mention of the Holy Spirit—like pretty much zero until Paul mentions the Spirit as the force behind prophecy. In these chapters, we can reflect more on where we see the activity of the Holy Spirit in ways already revealed and learn to fill in some of the blanks in our own lives. In other words, we now get to wrestle with questions of where the lines blur between something that just simply happens as a course of nature and those things that happen by divine providence. Might we sometimes become so used to seeing His activity that it almost becomes a given that it is He who is at work in our lives? Is that necessarily a good or bad thing? What are the pros and cons of that?
God, the Battle Medic
The Kingdom of God is different than the nations of earth. Our values are different; our approach to life is different. For those who choose to follow the way of Heaven, there is a necessary conflict the pattern of life on earth. Not everyone wants to surrender their will to see God’s will accomplish. To embrace God’s kingdom I must sacrifice mine.
Just like Jesus, the citizens of heaven on earth suffer the tension of God’s growing Kingdom. All who desire to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But our struggle is not against flesh and blood humanity. God seldom removes the source of our pain; But He is always going through it with us so we never have to face suffering alone.
Before Jesus returned to the Father he promised to send the Holy Spirit to lead and guide in His absence. Jesus referred to the Spirit of God as “The Comforter.” In the Spirit of God stands with us in the middle of life shattering conflict and he gives us comfort. Not just comfort, He brings peace leading to joy. It’s a mind blowing paradox that followers of Jesus find joy when their life is torn apart. This joy is not the tense excitement of masochism. It’s the relaxed peace that comes from knowing that God has total control. It’s hard not to smile when you know that God has the winning hand. Be sure to bet on Him.
Satisfied
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.
Those who crave uprightness, who are more excited about God’s agenda for themselves and the world than any other thing.
We all know what it’s like to be really hungry. In fact we have all used phrases like I’m starving to death, which in my case though I have used that phrase it’s never been true. As I think about it I have never missed a meal that I did not elect to miss for one reason or another. The hunger that Jesus is talking about here is for Him. Oh He says righteousness, which simply means to live rightly or to do right things. The question is one of standards, which one do we use ours or His. When I have made choices that have only me in mind things never turn out well, and by no coincidence at all is the opposite true that when I do things the way I know that Jesus teaches it goes well.
But Jesus says that we will be filled. And He’s not just saying a little, but over the top full: filled with His Spirit, we receive blessing after blessing after blessing.
Think about it if we are what we eat and we experience the results of what we eat, it makes sense to only satisfy our hunger with what will last, Jesus’ righteousness.
Blessing Your Neighbors
Pray with your Family - Remember your neighbors by name during mealtime and bedtime prayers.
Prayer Walk - Walk by yourself or with family, roommates, and other neighbors who are believers. Pray over each home by name as you pass and ask God for opportunities with your neighbors.
Ask Open-ended Questions - How long have you lived here? What line of work are you in? What do you do for fun?
Ask Follow-up Questions - How did that test go? Are you feeling better? How was your vacation?
Enjoy a Meal Together - Invite a neighbor (or two) for a BBQ, order in Pizza, or have everyone bring a dessert to share.
Celebrate Special Occasions and Holidays - Bake cupcakes for birthdays. Send a casserole to new parents. Deliver Christmas cookies.
Serve While You’re Outside - Turn lawn chores into opportunities to serve: Mow lawns, water yards, etc.
Serve In Times of Need - Visit when a neighbor passes away or has a baby. Deliver flowers or a gift. Coordinate meals with other neighbors.
Share Commonalities - Hobbies such as golf, book club, bunko night, or a running/fitness group can all bring people together.
Socialize and Make Holidays Special - Enjoy recreational areas. Participate in yard sales and BBQs. Attend holiday parties.
5 People I will bless this week
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Faith with Feet
Based on Acts 22-28 What do you believe God wants you to do?
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What have you learned about God’s heart & values?
How did people follow God’s instructions?
What changes took place to society?
What parts of this story might apply to you?
Why is this story important for someone like you?