Odyssey: "A long and adventurous journey or experience."
In 2023 & 2024 we spent the summer months on the life of the Apostle Paul and covered his first two missionary journeys as presented in the book of Acts. This summer we're looking at his 3rd missionary journey which lasted about 5 years and covered over 2,500 miles.

Last week we left Paul in Jerusalem where he had received a warm welcome that was quickly interrupted by some troublemakers. Ryan Hickey focused on Paul's ever changing circumstances and how he responded.

Something that wasn't covered last week was in Acts 22:24-29 where Paul is arrested by the Roman Commander. He was taken into custody and ordered to be whipped so he will confess his crime. Paul brings everything to a screeching halt when he claims Roman citizenship. This was no longer a quarrel among Jews, it now involved a citizen of Rome.

Our reading today is Acts 22:30-23:35. There are two main themes:
1. Standing up can cost you.
2. Life doesn't always work out the way we think it should.

First theme: Standing up can cost you.

As we see in our reading today, Paul is arrested but once he declares his Roman citizenship, it forced the Roman commander to treat him differently due to specific laws regarding the rights of a Roman citizen.

We see in Acts 23 that Paul is brought before the Jewish Council or Sanhedrin. He declares his innocence (Acts 23:1b) and the judge issues a punishment before the trial has barely started. Paul responds by calling out the judge for his inappropriate behavior. After realizing he may have offended the judge he apologizes and then turns to the jury (Sanhedrin and Pharisees) to start a fight among them.

Just when we think it couldn't be worse, the Jewish High Council begins an assassination plot to silence him and his beliefs. Acts 23:12-15

Paul went from the guy we once knew as Saul, who persecuted Christians, to the guy who traveled all over the world spreading the Good News. This transformation had such an impact on him that he was willing to do whatever it took to share God with everyone. This meant giving up everything and standing up even when it costs you...and it did cost Paul a lot!

Second theme: Life doesn't always work out the way we think it should.

In Acts 23:11 the Lord appears to Paul and speaks to him. He lets Paul know that his journey and work is not over yet. He has been called to "stand by" for what God has prepared next for him. The plan has been changed! Has this ever happened to you? You have a plan in place and then all of the sudden, someone or something changes that plan. Sometimes these changes are for our good.

As we finish with verses 23-35, we see the Roman commander make the decision to move Paul to Caesarea where his case would be heard by Felix, the Roman Governor. Once there, Felix ordered him to be kept in prison at Herod's Headquarters. Paul's plans have changed. God used the trouble with the Jewish locals and the power of the Roman commander to send him to Rome where he was needed for the next part of God's work.

Rome was the new destination and the timeline was extended. Paul had suffered because he chose to stand up for God and because he had been faithful, God had chosen to put him on stand by for another mission.

Here are three practical points from our message today...

1. If you want to stand up in tough times, then plant yourself on a solid FOUNDATION.

For Christians, our foundation should be God who is never changing. We can know who God is by reading & studying Scripture. Here at Grace Church you can take Grace U classes, get involved in mentoring, and join a H.O.M.E. Group.

2. If you already have a solid foundation, then learn to FOCUS on God.
Acts 23:11
What things keep your focus from being on God? This week, reflect on one or two things that pull you away from God and His plan for your life. Identify what they are, and find out if they can be incorporated with God's plan or if you need to ask God to help you with removing these things from your life. We live in a world of distraction and it takes a conscious effort to keep God as our focus.

3. If you are already focused on God, then give Him the FREEDOM to change your plans.

When we hold on too tightly to the plans we believe are for us, we can miss out on some great opportunities to live for God. Are you regularly talking with God? Is it a one-way conversation about your needs, or is it a conversation about what God wants you to do for Him?
Give God control of your life, and you will experience some incredible things. It might not be easy, but serving God is always rewarding.