The title I give chapter 23 is when anger controls you. We must not allow bitterness and a spirit of fighting to enter our lives. There are too many churches that have this spirit that will destroy anything God desires to do with a congregation. Remember we do not fight against flesh and blood but against the prince and power of the air (Ephesians 6:12). Churches that battle make strange alliances with their enemies. In this chapter the Pharisees and Sadducees were in agreement so they could kill Paul. The Pharisees and Sadducees did not like one another. Paul questions what they believed and returned their focus back on one another Vs 7. But 40 people make an oath together to kill Paul or die trying. Church, let’s not be about making alliances against one another but an allegiance with Christ that will draw us together.
In the middle of this turmoil Paul gets a word from the Lord in verse 11. Jesus Christ affirms to Paul that he will make it to Rome. Jesus said as you have testified of me in Jerusalem you will testify of me in Rome. Paul’s faithfulness was rewarded and his ministry was expanded. As you have testified in Jerusalem you will in Rome. How faithful are we to testify for God? Why do we expect God to use us elsewhere? Be faithful where you are. As Paul was encouraged to be of good cheer let us have good cheer as we serve Christ where we are.
We are in this together so let us rejoice together and work together for the sake of the gospel. We will never see eye to eye on everything, but let us stand in agreement on the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are blessed here at MBC and we rejoice in how God has chosen to use us.
Lay down your anger and bitterness and rejoice in Christ today.
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