True Counsel Guides, Doesn't Demand

Acts 20-28

There are hard and fast truths God has given us throughout Scripture. But God gives wisdom and direction through those who are listening to the Holy Spirit. Counsel is typically guidelines, not gospel. This the one who counsels must always remember. There was a time when Jesus was confronted by the exact same question asking for guidance, but His answers to the question were according to the needs of the one who asked, not a hard and fast "one size fits all" answer. And the question is a top question believers often hope will be asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Mark 10:17 (a rich young ruler) and Luke 10:25 (a certain Lawyer) both asked the exact same question. The first was challenged by recitation of some of the Ten Commandments, the second by what is the great commandment, and the second like unto it. The first went away sorrowful because as a rich young ruler he had been told to sell all he had, whereas the second wanted to lawfully justify himself distinctly and so asked, "Who is my neighbor?" Therefore we know that what may be right for one is not right for another. And this I have seen often throughout my life.

At the end of a recent meditation, that of my pondering regarding the will of God I was reminded of times in my life where well meaning believers, even pastors challenged me with, "Are you sure that is what God wants you to do?"

Yes, are you sure that is what God wants you to do? Is that the right college to attend? Shouldn't you be going to a Bible college first? Are you sure that is what God wants you to study? Is that the right woman to marry? Is that the right job? Are you sure you should be moving there? Is that the right house to buy at this time? Are you sure God wants you to take another job? Is that the church you should be a part? Yes, are you sure that is what God wants you to do?

It is of worthy note to consider here that the apostle Paul had the same going on for him in his last trip back from Corinth through Macedonia and down past Asia Minor on his way back to Jerusalem.

In Asia Minor speaking to the Ephesian leaders as he is intent on getting to Jerusalem.

[16] For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted to be, if he could possible, at Jerusalem, at the day of Pentecost.

Acts 20:16 GNV

[22] And now behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, and know not what things shall come unto me there, [23] Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and afflictions abide me. [24] But I pass not at all, neither is my life dear unto my self, so that I may fulfill my course with joy, and the ministration which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:22-24 GNV

Then a few days later sailing by ship to Tyre.

[4] And when we had found disciples, we tarried there seven days. And they told Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:4 GNV

And then a week or so later they sailed further down the coast to Caesarea from where they would go up to Jerusalem.

[10] And as we tarried there many days, there came a certain Prophet from Judea, named Agabus. [11] And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. [12] And when we had heard these things, both we and other of the same place besought him that he would not go up to Jerusalem. [13] Then Paul answered, and said, What do ye weeping and breaking mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus. [14] So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

Acts 21:10-14 GNV

All of those Paul encounterd were telling Paul don't go. They tell him, counsel him that the Spirit is telling him, do not go. This series of warnings from well meaning Spirit led people (that is what is written) in Paul's viewpoint and definitely described problems ahead for Paul as different ones saw what was going to happen to him if he kept going, were very noticeably stated "by the Holy Spirit" and "through the Holy Ghost" directly to those who were warning Paul. But Paul remembered from back years ago when he was known as Saul that when he first was met by Jesus at Damascus that he must continue faithful to what he knew God had called him to do and blessed him in doing. Each shared what the Spirit had shown them. But the last to counsel him said it best in the end, “the will of the Lord be done”.

For Paul it was somewhat like what James had written. James had used the example of someone just doing everyday life, buying and selling, trading to gain profit. Nothing wrong with that, but there was wrong in boasting or simply making claims having no consideration of what God wants for your life, yeah, that part is wrong. Paul's view and aspiration at that point was definitely at least go up to Jerusalem, and if He died, he died. In what Paul chose to do was that he left everything into God's hands, God's will.

But others like Moses, Gideon, Jonah, and Joseph had a specific time, a specific revealed will of God for their particular life. Some contemporaries may have viewed them as having a unique spiritual stubbornness (think of how many times Moses was accused by those who couldn't see anything profitable once they crossed the Red Sea). Too often from them was "You did this to us" and "life was so much better as Pharaoh's slaves", and “at least we knew we would be eating everyday".

But Paul persisted even after these harsh warnings from Spirit led brothers. So rightly may the many counselors acknowledge, "The will of the Lord be done." And guess what, the many counselors were right, bonds did await Paul in Jerusalem. What also was very true, Paul was right following what God had for Him to do. Was the Holy Spirit wrong? No. Though I don't back that thought with deep theological arguments it is worth knowing that both the many counselors and Paul pursued what was right as the Spirit showed them, but more important was that the matter after Paul went to Jerusalem. From there Paul had "free traveling" to Rome to meet with believers there, and from there wrote several letters we now have in what we know as the New Testament.

At this point these thoughts again lead to a "Selah" moment, that is, take time to reflect.

So far this has been a matter of example. From here it is important to learn what is specifically said that I can know God’s will for my life.