GOD ACTS! (Chapter 21) - The Holy Spirit Says

Pastor starts with the question: "What are you listening to?"

GIGO - pronounce gay'goh - stands for Garbage In, Garbage Out. We see this warning as we look at chapter 21. It applied then and applies now.

Acts 21:1-9 tells us of Paul's travels to Caesarea where he and his group stay at Philip's house.

Acts 21:10-15 - Agabus comes to Paul, takes Paul's belt and gives Paul a prophetic word quoting the Holy Spirit saying that Paul will be taken prisoner in Jerusalem by Jews and handed over to the Gentiles. Those listening begged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. But Paul would not be dissuaded and heads to Jerusalem.

What are you hearing?

Then and Now:

Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit did not say for Paul not to go, The Holy Spirit was warning Paul of what was to come. We too are to listen to the Holy Spirit and do and go through things that are challenging and difficult knowing God is always with us.  We are to listen to the Spirit of God as He leads and directs us - that is what believers desire. (See 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22) Do we hear the Holy Spirit?

Acts 21:17-21 Paul and his group arrive in Jerusalem. Gossip is being shared among some of the Jews

Gossip - gossip is mistruths, half-truths, and has no value. (See Proverbs 18:17 and Proverbs 26:20)  Do we discern what is gossip? Do we listen to gossip?

Acts 21:22-25  Paul is encouraged to show that the gossip is wrong.

Wisdom - was given for a concrete action Paul could take that would show the rumors and gossip are false. Do we hear wisdom when it is spoken?

Acts 21:26-29  Paul goes to the temple to follow through on the action, but a group of Jews rile things up with not gossip but lies about Paul.