"The Wise Warnings of the Holy Spirit" | Acts 21:1-16

In our study of the book of Acts this week, the apostle Paul is getting closer and closer to Jerusalem. His days as a free minister of the gospel will soon come to an end. Before long, Paul will be calling himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus.

In Acts 21:1-16, we are told repeatedly that the Holy Spirit is warning the people that if Paul goes to Jerusalem, he will be imprisoned for the gospel. Paul’s friends plead with him not to go. Yet, Paul is resolved to go to Jerusalem even though he knows that he will be arrested. What is the point of the warnings of the Holy Spirit if they aren’t to protect Paul from being arrested?

As we study God’s Word this week, we will see that warnings are not always meant to keep us from suffering. Rather, warnings prepare to suffer in ways that honor God and advance the gospel. This is helpful to us when we read warning passages in the Bible. What do we do with the warnings of the Holy Spirit? Thank God the Holy Spirit warns us of the dangers of following Jesus faithfully so that we will keep following faithfully. He does so to equip us to follow with hope and encouragement.

As we study The Wise Warnings of the Holy Spirit. Let’s pray that the end result would be that each of us would have a stronger and clearer resolve to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Looking forward to worshipping King Jesus with you all. Invite your friends.

This Sunday, we dove into one of the apostle Paul’s most heartfelt moments in Acts 20:17-38. Paul gathers his dear friends from Ephesus for one last, powerful lesson at a turning point in his journey—from traveling evangelist to ambassador in chains. Paul is being sent by God into the heart of Jerusalem and ultimately, the Roman Empire. The only way that’s possible is as a prisoner for the gospel. For his friends, this is a troubling time, but for Paul, it’s a divine calling. He encourages them by showing that he doesn’t view his life as something to preserve and to protect. He is to be poured out on the altar for Jesus.

Our sermon is titled, The Freedom of an Expendable Life. Ask yourself: Am I more focused on preserving my life, or pouring it out for God? Are we investing more emotional energy in securing our future, or in becoming living sacrifices? Much of our anxiety comes from trying to save ourselves when our true eternal safety is already secure in Christ. Jesus didn’t hold on to His life—He gave it freely for us, so we can joyfully follow His example for the sake of others.

Let’s pray that we might learn the joy and freedom of having an expendable life. Looking forward to worshiping each Sunday. Come and be encouraged and bring a friend!

Need Prayer? Go to www.waterbrooke.church

Tim Keller once said a true friend is someone who “lets you in” and doesn’t “let you down.”

As we continue our journey through Acts, we see just how much the apostle Paul depended on friends who were willing to stand with him when following Jesus became dangerous. In Acts 20:1–16, a real assassination plot forces Paul to change his plans—but what stands out is not fear, it’s faithfulness.

Friends step up. They stay close. They share the risk. Our sermon this week, “Friends That Stick,” reminds us that we all need relationships that hold fast when life gets messy—and in Christ, we are called to be those kinds of friends for one another.

Acts shows us a diverse people united in one mission, bearing the load together for the sake of the gospel. J

Join us on Sundays 9 & 11am - Find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Need prayer? Go to Waterbrooke.church. We would love to pray for you!