NOTES
ACTS 21 HOW TRUSTWORTY IS OUR WORD?
Up to this point in Paul's journeys what was the biggest obstacle he faced?
Was it lack of food? Was it sickness? How about a lack of money.
It was other Jews that failed to accept the
scriptures and historic events that were actually taught in the synagogues.
People that should know the TRUTH but chose to ignore it.
His opposition came in the form of lies and
hatred. Hatred of the TRUTH. 
People were lied to and deceived which brought
about evil actions. 2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV
2 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them bringing swift destruction on themselves. [2] Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. [3] In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
Acts 21:1-9 NIV
How did they know they could trust this prophet?
What was the key evidence that caused people to
believe/ trust the message? 
Prophets were always judged by the
consistency of their message with scripture. A true prophet was always judged
by the accuracy of their message.
Prophets were under a magnifying glass. If their
prophecies came true the people would trust future prophesies as truth.
If their prophesies didn't come true, then all
trust was gone.
Acts 21.13-1 6 NIV
Paul's journeys were laid out for him by the
Holy Spirit.
Even though he was facing certain persecution
and even death, he maintained a positive attitude and pushed on with his God
given mission.
Nothing is more important than living the life
God has instructed us to live.
Where is that manual found?
THE HOLY WORD OF GOD. Written by none other than
Jesus.
If we read His Word, we are being spoken to by
Him. Just like the people we have read about He gives us the instructions
needed to live our lives.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Notice that wherever the journey took him and his traveling companions he sought out fellow true believers. Our journey should lead us to do the same.
Acts 21 :17-26 NIV
Here we have a great example of how damaging
lies can be.
But also the influence they have on people.
This is, with no question, a ploy of Satan
himself trying to damage and discredit
Jesus. And as the messenger of Jesus, Paul.
We face Satan's lies every day! 2 Peter 2:1-3.
Paul once again is faced with going the extra
mile by falling back on one of the old Jewish purification rituals. As a Jew
the people will realize, just as verse 24 states, that there is no truth to the
reports about him.
Matthew 6 NIV
[1 6] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Acts 21:27-36 NIV
Again with lies and more lies.
Jesus spoke the following words. But as an
emphasis, let's put Paul's name at the beginning of verse 27 and change love to
listen.
John 8:42-45 NIV
[42] Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. [43] Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. [44] You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. [45] Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!
Points to Ponder
What are some obstacles you face when talking about
your faith?
2.
3.
When we speak to people about Jesus, do they
believe what we say?
Have we lived such a life the they see our good
deeds and glorify God?
Do we know the STORY OF JESUS enough to clearly
share it with others?
Verses 37, 38, 39 and 40 are reserved for the; "Stay tuned for the rest of the story" which will take place next week.