Big Idea: When you follow Christ, expect misunderstanding, endure opposition, and walk humbly so the gospel shines through. When You Follow Jesus: 1. Expect Misunderstanding 1 After saying farewell to the Ephesian elders, we sailed straight to the island of Cos. The next day we reached Rhodes and then went to Patara. 2 There we boarded a ship sailing for Phoenicia. 3 We sighted the island of Cyprus, passed it on our left, and landed at the harbor of Tyre, in Syria, where the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 We went ashore, found the local believers, and stayed with them a week. These believers prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem. 5 When we returned to the ship at the end of the week, the entire congregation, including wives and children, left the city and came down to the shore with us. There we knelt, prayed, 6 and said our farewells. Then we went aboard, and they returned home. 7 The next stop after leaving Tyre was Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed for one day. 8 The next day we went on to Caesarea and stayed at the home of Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven men who had been chosen to distribute food. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy. 10 Several days later a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. 11 He came over, took Paul’s belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, “The Holy Spirit declares, ‘So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the local believers all begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 13 But he said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” Acts 21:1-14 (NLT2) Some Discerning Principles When Voices Differ: Test it against Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16–17). See if it aligns with your God-given calling (Eph. 2:10). Look for the fruit of peace and courage, not fear (Gal. 5:22–23). Remember: God’s call often involves sacrifice, not safety (Luke 9:23). 2. Endure Opposition and Rumors When You Walk in Obedience (vv. 15–22) 15 After this we packed our things and left for Jerusalem. 16 Some believers from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to the home of Mnason, a man originally from Cyprus and one of the early believers. 17 When we arrived, the brothers and sisters in Jerusalem welcomed us warmly. 18 The next day Paul went with us to meet with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church were present. 19 After greeting them, Paul gave a detailed account of the things God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 After hearing this, they praised God. And then they said, “You know, dear brother, how many thousands of Jews have also believed, and they all follow the law of Moses very seriously. 21 But the Jewish believers here in Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn their backs on the laws of Moses. They’ve heard that you teach them not to circumcise their children or follow other Jewish customs. 22 What should we do? They will certainly hear that you have come. Acts 21:15-22 (NLT2) “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Matthew 5:11 (NLT2) 3. Walk Humbly So The Gospel Shines Through (vv. 23–25) 23 “Here’s what we want you to do. We have four men here who have completed their vow. 24 Go with them to the Temple and join them in the purification ceremony, paying for them to have their heads ritually shaved. Then everyone will know that the rumors are all false and that you yourself observe the Jewish laws. 25 “As for the Gentile believers, they should do what we already told them in a letter: They should abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.” Acts 21:23-25 (NLT2) Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NLT2) Have you been mis-understood? Has people spread false rumors about you? My Next Right Steps, I Will: Discern God’s will through Prayer and Scripture Endure opposition without losing heart. Choose humility so the gospel has no obstacles. Accept Jesus as My Savior and Lord Be baptized as a believer in Jesus Christ TALK IT OVER Welcome & Prayer: Invite God’s Spirit to guide the discussion. Warm-Up (Icebreaker) Share a time when someone gave you advice you knew wasn’t God’s direction for you. How did you respond? What types of rumors or misconceptions have Christians encountered within contemporary society? Read: Acts 21:1–25 Theme: How to follow Jesus through opposition. What stood out to you? What emotions do you think Paul’s friends felt? What about Paul himself? Big Idea: When you follow Christ, expect misunderstanding, endure opposition, and walk humbly so the gospel shines through. Discussion & Application 1 – Expect Misunderstanding (vv. 1–14) Paul’s friends wanted to protect him, but Paul discerned God’s will clearly. How do we discern God’s leading when people around us disagree? Read: Galatians 1:10 – what stands out about Paul’s attitude? 2 – Endure Opposition and Rumors When You Walk in Obedience (vv. 15–22) Rumors about Paul spread even before he arrived in Jerusalem. Talk It Over Why is it so difficult to stay calm when others spread rumors or question our motives? Read: Matthew 5:11–12 Share one way you can remain steady when your faith is criticized—at work, in family, or among friends. 3 – Walk Humbly So The Gospel Shines Through (vv. 23–25) Paul humbled himself by joining purification rites, removing obstacles to the gospel. What’s the difference between compromising the gospel and laying aside personal rights for the sake of others? Read: 1 Corinthians 9:19-24. What is the purpose of Paul’s lifestyle? Where might God be asking you to choose humility this week? Wrap-Up / Takeaway Which of the three challenges—misunderstanding, opposition, humility—do you most need to live out this week? Memory Verse: Philippians 2:5 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Prayer Time: Pray for courage to discern God’s will, strength to endure opposition, and humility to live for the gospel’s sake. Encourage members to pray for one another’s specific situations where they feel misunderstood, opposed, or tested in humility.