Undeterred

GETTING STARTED

Distractions in life are frequent. Some are small and some are major. What keeps us focused on the important things in life is our resolve and commitment to how we define “important things.” I find that when I define the lesser things in life as the important things, life rapidly gets tumultuous. I get stressed, and life circumstances dictate my schedule and emotions, rather than the Lord. Paul’s life was clearly focused on the spread of the gospel and people knowing Jesus. This was his “important thing,” and it allowed him to move through the distractions of life with laser focus.

  • How do you define the “important things” in your life? Are they important enough?

READ THE WORD: ACTS 28:17-23 (ESV)

17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Paul was meeting with the Jewish leaders in this passage. Find all the Jewish references Paul used. Did he identify with his Jewish heritage or was he adversarial toward it?
  2. Why did Paul go to great lengths to defend himself in verses 17-20? What clue do we find in his reference to “the hope of Israel” in verse 20?
  3. What does it suggest that there are “greater numbers” at the second meeting (vs. 23)?
  4. What were the “important things” to Paul? How did he live out these values and priorities?
  5. Ask the Lord to help reveal your “important things” and to then define them in light of Scripture. After doing this, are there any changes you need to make in your priorities?

RESPOND TO GOD

On his way to Rome, Paul experienced every manner of adversity. Yet, Paul arrived with a focus to firmly establish the presence of the gospel and a local church in the world’s center, Rome. It is from here that God continued the fulfillment of Acts 1:8 and the call to be witnesses to “the end of the earth.” Helping the Jews to realize that their search for the Messiah could be found in Jesus the Christ, Paul’s focus to reach the Jew first (Romans 1:16) with the gospel was clear and undeterred. He gave up comfort, acceptance, and ultimately his life for this “important thing,” and as believers in Christ, that baton has been handed to us.

  • Remind your heart and mind today that Christ is worthy of your life’s attention and priority, and worship him for being Lord.