Spirit led

7-21-2014      Acts 21:1-13

S.       1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phoenicia, 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.5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.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.9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.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.

O.      Paul is on his final journey to Jerusalem where he will be arrested and sent to Rome. He visits with followers of the Christian way as he makes this trip. In most places the Spirit reveals the up-coming difficulty for Paul. Paul declares his faith to all.

A.      The Holy Spirit will prepare our heart for the work of Christ. Why do we try to do this work without the leadership of the Holy Spirit? We must rely completely, trust completely and obey completely the Spirit, lest our labor be in vain and our life a waste.

P.       Father; I empty myself before you this day and I surrender my mind, soul and heart to your perfect will. Fill me with your spirit. Reveal your plan for this day and I will obey. Use me Lord to gather souls. Amen.