2. Why So Serious?
(Acts 20:22-38)

3. The prompting of the Holy Spirit
22 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem…
“bound in the Spirit”; to urge to action
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.
to lead; bring; persuading or influencing
The evidence that we are the children of God: the Holy Spirit confirms his presence by leading us

4. The prompting of the Holy Spirit
Mark 1:12 (ESV) The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.
to eject; cast (forth, out); drive; expel; send
John 16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment
Admonish; convict, convince; tell a fault
That there is conflict in you, that you do not rest in complacency in your sin, is a proof that the Spirit of God is within you

5. The prompting of the Holy Spirit
John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth...
Show the way; teach; used when speaking of leading animals or blind people

6. The prompting of the Holy Spirit
John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.

7. Paul was serious Paul had a Holy Spirit-driven life perspective
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Romans 1:1 (NASB) Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.
Ephesians 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

8. Paul was serious Paul was fully committed
1 Corinthians 9: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

9. Paul was serious Paul continually examined himself
Paul risked all for others
Paul did not covet what someone had
Philippians 4:12-13 (MSG) I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

10. Paul was serious Paul continually examined himself
Paul risked all for others
Paul did not covet what others had
Paul worked hard
Matthew 11: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

11. We too are being compelled by the Holy Spirit to be serious!
Paul was serious
Paul continually examined himself
Paul risked all for others
Paul did not covet what others had
Paul worked hard
We too are being compelled by the Holy Spirit to be serious!