‘The will of the Lord be done’

Preached at Glen Aros Christian Fellowship on
Sunday 20th July 2008

Let’s collect some thoughts together and see what we find

Let’s look at John 6:22-27

John 6:22 On the following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone--
23 however, other boats came from Tiberius, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks--
24 when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, "Rabbi, when did You come here?"
26 Jesus answered them and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.
27 "Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."

Look at verse 27

"Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."

• Do not labour for the food which perishes
• Labour for the food which endures to everlasting life
• Which the Son of Man will give you
• Because God the Father has set His seal on Him

Turn to Matthew 6:19-24

Mt 6:19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;
20 "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.
23 "But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Look at verses 19-21

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;
20 "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

• Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth
• Where moth and rust destroy
• Where thieves break in and steal
• Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven
• Where neither moth nor rust destroys
• Where thieves do not break in and steal
• For where your treasure is
• There your heart will be also

Turn to John 4:11-15

John 4:11 The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water?
12 "Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?"
13 Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,
14 "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."
15 The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."

Look at verse 14

"but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life."

• Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him
• Will never thirst.
• The water that I shall give him will become
• In him a fountain of water
• Springing up into everlasting life

So what have we gathered?

• Labour for the food which endures to everlasting life

• Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven
• Where neither moth nor rust destroys
• Where thieves do not break in and steal

• The water that I shall give him will become
• In him a fountain of water
• Springing up into everlasting life

Turn John 6:28-29

John 6:28 Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?"
29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He sent."

Look at verse 29

• Jesus answered and said to them
• This is the work of God
• That you believe
• In Him in whom
• He has sent

Here we have it!

Believing in Him, in Jesus, is the work of God
By believing all these things come to you by grace.

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Turn to 2 Kings 17:7-15

2Ki 17:7 For so it was that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and they had feared other gods,
8 and had walked in the statutes of the nations whom the LORD had cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made.
9 Also the children of Israel secretly did against the LORD their God things that were not right, and they built for themselves high places in all their cities, from watchtower to fortified city.
10 They set up for themselves sacred pillars and wooden images on every high hill and under every green tree.
11 There they burned incense on all the high places, like the nations whom the LORD had carried away before them; and they did wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger,
12 for they served idols, of which the LORD had said to them, "You shall not do this thing."
13 Yet the LORD testified against Israel and against Judah, by all of His prophets, every seer, saying, "Turn from your evil ways, and keep My commandments and My statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by My servants the prophets."
14 Nevertheless they would not hear, but stiffened their necks, like the necks of their fathers, who did not believe in the LORD their God.
15 And they rejected His statutes and His covenant that He had made with their fathers, and His testimonies which He had testified against them; they followed idols, became idolaters, and went after the nations who were all around them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them that they should not do like them.

Look at verse 13

13 Yet the LORD testified against Israel and against Judah, by all of His prophets, every seer, saying, "Turn from your evil ways, and keep My commandments and My statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by My servants the prophets."

• The Lord testified against Israel and Judah
• By all His prophets
• By every seer
• Saying
• Turn from your evil ways
• Keep my commandments
• Keep my statutes
• According to all the law which I commanded your fathers
• Which I sent to you by My servants the prophets

The LORD has spoken to Israel, His people, by prophets, telling the people to keep his commandments.

The prophets are simply saying to the people

‘You fathers before you were told the same thing’.

The prophet looks back to what has already been spoken.

No need to update the message of an unchanging God to His people. His message is the same. The prophets simply repeat what has already been said before.

Now this is only possibly because God whom we serve is unchangeable.

Last time I spoke of the need for the gift of prophecy to be released among us, and I hold to that emphatically.

However prophecy has its difficulties.

Let’s look at Acts 20:1-38

Ac 20:17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.
18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,
19 "serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;
20 "how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,
21 "testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 "And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,
23 "except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
25 "And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.
26 "Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
27 "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
29 "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 "Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
31 "Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
32 "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
33 "I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.
34 "Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.
35 "I have shown you in every way, by labouring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him,
38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Look at verse 21

Testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Testifying to Jews
• Testifying to Greeks
• Repentance toward God
• Faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ

Look at verse 23

Ac 20:23 "except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.

• The Holy Spirit testifies
• In every city
• Saying that chains
• And tribulation
• Await me

Look at verse 24

Ac 20:24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

• None of these things move me
• I do not count my life dear to myself
• So that I may finish my race
• With joy
• And the ministry which I received
• From the Lord Jesus
• To testify to the gospel of the grace of God

Paul is not moved by chains or tribulation!

He does not value his life.

He takes no account of it.

Turn to Acts 21:8-14

Ac 21:8 On the next day we who were Paul's companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.
9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
11 When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"
12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done."

Look at verse 12

12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.

• Both we and those from that place pleaded with him
• Do not to go up to Jerusalem

The church held Paul’s life dear to them!

The want to stop him going up to Jerusalem

Paul is convinced that death is not a problem. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Paul has the revelation of the resurrection!

He knows that death is not the end!

Paul is wiling to die at Jerusalem if necessary!

Look at verse 16

Ac 20:16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

• He is hurrying to be at Jerusalem

He does not worry that bonds and afflictions or death awaits him In Jerusalem!

He is hurrying to Jerusalem even if it means his death.

What great motivation – Paul has no fear of death, because there is no fear in love, and Paul has a ministry to discharge from the King of Love.

Here is Paul travelling towards Jerusalem. Certainly, chains and affliction awaits him, and possibly death.

He is in a hurry to get there; he wants to be there for Pentecost.

The church does not want Paul to go to Jerusalem! But he is determined to reach his goal.

Now we know that Paul does not die at Jerusalem.

Can you see that God has plans for Paul to accomplish before his death which he has not yet seen?

Can you see that God has plans for you to accomplish before your death, which you have not yet seen?

Already you are heading to that moment of your death. Very soon your life will be over.

Remember Paul’s message? Acts 20:21

Testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Repentance towards God

And faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ

God is looking for repentance and Jesus is looking for faith

Saying will I find faith when I return!

Have you repented of your sin?

Will Jesus find faith in you when he returns?

Turn to Acts 20:24

Ac 20:24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

• None of these things move me
• I do not count my life dear to myself
• So that I may finish my race
• With joy
• And the ministry which I received
• From the Lord Jesus
• To testify to the gospel of the grace of God

Can you see that Paul wants to finish the race with joy?

Paul wants to finish his ministry with Joy!

What a great ministry Paul has

To testify to the gospel, the good news about the grace of God

There it is the moulding force in Paul’s life – to testify to the good news of the grace of God.

Paul has been given the ‘grace message’ to announce!

He’s in a hurry to accomplish all that this ministry requires of him, and to do it with joy

Even if in the church, it seems he is rushing towards chains and affliction for doing so, and possibly death, he still presses on.

What gives our Apostle Paul, , and yourself such confidence to hurry along to fulfil the ministry?

They all have the confidence that the prophetic voice they have heard in their hearts through the Holy Spirit, is repeating what God has said already in every generation. There is a ministry to finish, a Jerusalem to reach and chains and afflictions to endure; and a death to die still doing the work of the Lord.

This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He sent."

This is always the work of God, the message of the prophets of all generations past present and to come.

Believe in Jesus and follow him to your Jerusalem.

Paul presses on to what could be his death.

But we know that when He arrives in Jerusalem, the chains and affliction only lead him into the extension of his ministry to the Gentile world. A world of ministry that Paul and the church were unaware of.

Even the prophet could only see the bonds and afflictions.

Even Paul could only see that his hurry was to Pentecost!

All our vision, Prophetic or other wise is limited, and it needs to be carefully weighed in Light of Jesus Christ.

Praise God that, Jesus can see all that He has in store for us if we will look death in the face and press on through all the chains and affliction that are ahead of us.

We to will see a door of effectual ministry opened up to us all which Jesus will ensure we finish with Joy.

Paul ends up in Rome!

What does he do when he gets there?

There is only one ministry that Paul puts his heart into it.

He testifies of the good news of God’s grace!

What about you?

Chains, affliction, and death!

Are you willing to hurry towards them, regardless of Prophets who confirm it, and the church which opposes it?

Your future is clear!

You must repent before God

Have faith before our Lord Jesus Christ

Continue in the ministry which you have received from him

You must press on and finish race with Joy.

What was Paul’s race?

Why was he hurrying?

He had to testify to the good news about the grace of God.

Paul had the ‘grace message’ firmly fixed in his mind and all else was irrelevant

What else can I say?

Hurry to Jerusalem, you might end up in Rome!

Let’s look at Acts 21:1- 7

Ac 21:1 Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.
3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo.
4 And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.
5 When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed.
6 When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.
7 And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day.

Look at verse 4

And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.

• Finding disciples
• Paul stayed seven days
• They told Paul
• Through the Spirit
• Not to go up to Jerusalem

Look at verse 11

Ac 21:11 When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"

• Agabus took Paul’s belt
• Bound his own hands and feet
• And said
• Thus says the Holy Spirit
• So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt
• And deliver him into the hands of the gentiles

Verse four – disciples say do not go up, said by the Holy Spirit.

Verse eleven – Agabus prophesies what will happen, said by the Spirit.

Verse twelve – the church says Paul must not go up to Jerusalem.

What is the Holy Spirit saying?

Paul says in verse 13
Ac 21:13 Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

Paul is ready to die!

How many of us are willing to die for the sake of the lord Jesus?

How many of you are willing to die, to see the ministry finished with joy?

Look at verse 14

Ac 21:14 so when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done."

Sometimes when there is only one thing to do.

Come to the place of humble silence, and say

‘The will of the Lord be done’