From Jerusalem to ROME!
Acts 28
Acts 27 & 28 show us
Five Characteristics of a Faithful Disciple
A Faithful Disciple is
1. Trustworthy
We see this clearly in Julius’s trust of Paul
2. Counselor
Offering wise counsel
Godly advice
Biblical Wisdom
3. Encourager
Paul encouraged others consistently.
4. Servant
We’re given gifts, passions, desires, and abilities for the purpose of serving the church.
But it’s not serving just the Body, but also being a servant in general: helping those in need that the Lord brings across your path.
In truth - whether serving believers or serving others, you’re really serving God.
Paul kept serving after the shipwreck. From helping gather wood for the fire, to healing the sick on the island.
And Paul certainly shared the gospel with them. The hospitality shown to them at the beginning became generosity when they left the island. Likely, many were saved as a result of Paul’s preaching the gospel.
When they left the island, they had everything they need. God literally supplied all of their needs.
And so they came to Rome
They landed about 125 miles from Rome and as they made their way to Rome, a group of believers travelled 43 miles to greet them. This was extremely encouraging to Paul that people would walk 43 miles to greet him and accompany him into Rome.
This shows us that we, as believers, through simple acts can be of great encouragement to one another through simple things, and making effort.
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What can you do this week to encourage someone?
As we Pursue Christianity Intentionally I’m challenging everyone to be intentional to encourage someone this week. Just something simple, but it will take effort.
It could be as simple as:
• Taking a meal to someone who recently
had surgery.
• Writing a note of encouragement.
• Sending a few text messages.
• Checking on someone you haven’t seen
in a while.
• Helping someone with a project.
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It can be very simple. It will take intentionality, commitment, and effort, but it will be absolutely worth it. Imagine coming to church next week hearing stories of how everyone was encouraged this week!
As Paul arrives in Rome, we see the final Characteristic of a Faithful Disciple:
5. An Evangelist
He Preaches the Gospel
Paul still loves his people. He immediately meets with the Jewish leadership and sets up a time to talk about the gospel.
He spends an entire day dialoguing with them about Jesus and sharing how they can be saved.
Following the example we see in Jesus on the road to Emmaus, he shares the gospel with them from the Old Testament.
And again, in spite of being those who should have been most likely to trust in Christ, many of the Jews rejected the gospel, reminding us that growing up with the Bible, in church, is no guarantee of salvation. You must turn from your sins and place your faith in Jesus. Believing that He is the Son of God, and trusting in His sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins.
Paul consistently proclaims the gospel to everyone he can in every circumstance.
The final two verses are so much more than the end of the story. They’re two years of incredible ministry that was just the beginning.
Lessons We Learn in Acts
1. The Gospel Never Changes
Paul’s gospel in Acts 28
Peter’s Gospel in Acts 2
No matter who
No matter where
No matter when
The Gospel doesn’t change
2. Preaching Results in:
Some Reject it
Some Respond in Repentance & belief
When (not if) you’re rejected - know this - you’re not the first - you won’t ‘be the last.
You’re no different from Paul and everyone who has ever shared the gospel with others.
3. God’s Plan Hasn’t Changed
God’s plans can’t be thwarted.
Tradition tells us Paul was beheaded
All of the Apostles but John were martyred
Along with countless others.
People were burned at the stake over their beliefs
Even today - people are dying for their faith
But God’s plan remains unchanged
There will be times when everything seems to be going great!
In those times: GOD IS AT WORK.
There will be times when nothing seems to go right -
In those times: GOD IS AT WORK.
While we think of Paul as the central character in the second half of Acts, it’s not really about Paul (and your story isn’t about you).
It’s about the gospel
Our task is so simple:
Proclaim the Gospel
God’s Word says:
Isaiah 55:11 – so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
1 Peter 1:25 – the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
Our task is simple:
Make God’s Word known
God’s Word will
Convict
Confuse
Convert
Comfort
The question is always in front of us:
Will you be intentional to share Christ with others?
As I outlined in my sermon: Take the Next Step, we need to:
• be intentional about building relationships
• become equipped -
• invite others to church
• share the gospel message
Let’s follow Paul’s example and be intentional to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Rob
