I. INTRODUCTION
A. Paul anticipated that his visit to Jerusalem would probably cause some kind of stir, (Acts 20:22). Disciples at Tyre warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem, (Acts 21:4). Agabus prophesied at Caesarea concerning Paul's future, (Acts 21:10-12).
B. His arrival at Jerusalem was met with mixed emotions, (READ: Acts 21:15-21).
C. The proposal to appease the Jews and its outcome, (Acts 21:22-28).
D. What does Paul's willingness to participate in this obviously "Jewish" ceremony say to us today? We know he had Timothy circumcised and had fulfilled a vow of his own, (Acts 16:3; 18:18). All of these things were done publicly, (1 Cor. 9:20-22). In other words, how far can we go in yielding to the customs and complying with the prejudices of the world in order to promote Christianity?
E. The two extremes:
1. "A rigid, unbending, and stern application of religious principles to all cases that occur, and to all questions that pertain to conduct." That is, there is no room for different social customs or manners, different styles of dress or living, different customs formed by education or employment, etc. Yet, some leeway must be allowed under the parameters of passages such as Phil. 4:8. When man carries religious principles into regions of life where God never intended, then bigotry, persecution, and exclusiveness are sure to follow.
2. "The abandonment of the proper principles of religion, by conformity to the customs of the world." Immoral lifestyles, dress, manners, and customs are not tolerated by God's principles.
II. DISCUSSION
A. Where in the middle ground can the Christian safely tread? What does the example of the Apostle Paul in our text, authorize for us today?
B. Some principles to which all Christians should be able to agree:
1. Vows (voluntary promises or pledges) are not in themselves, immoral or improper. They are not forbidden by the New Testament and we have Apostolic example of them being carried out (Paul). Anytime we purpose in our hearts to do anything, we have made a vow.
2. Some aspects of human conduct are neither moral nor immoral. Within God's Will certain things are of no consequence, such as: certain clothing, habits, social customs, living arrangements, methods of greeting one another, etc. Even some aspects of our worship to God has been left to us to decide. Posture in prayer, for example.
3. Some things that are not intrinsically right or wrong can become wrong because of the positive commands of Christianity. When any earthly pursuit causes conflict with our spirituality, that pursuit must be abandoned.
4. Some things are always wrong, forbidden by God's rules of morality and religion. Regardless of modern philosophy, there are things that are intrinsically right and wrong, good and evil, true and false, and helpful and hurtful, because God says they are! God has engraved these things on our very consciences, (Rom. 2:14,15).
5. There are things practiced in the world (and in the church) that are strictly condemned by Christianity. Even the world can see the inconsistency between the practice of these things by them and by those professing to be Christians. Even the most worldly person knows that there is no affinity between the communion table and the gambling table, yet churches all over this country have bingo in the name of God, (2 Cor. 6:14,15; 1 Cor. 10:21).
C. "All things to all men" to Paul (and to us) means "all things" within the limits of the principles of God. A "vow" cannot be allowed to interfere with spreading the Gospel. Will our attendance at some social functions, movies, plays, or night clubs be seen by the world as being "all things to all men, that (we) might save some;" or will it be perceived by them as hypocrisy, or even worse, bring reproach upon the church and thus, Christ?
D. Applying the five principles as rules of life:
1. We must not needlessly make war with the world (neighbors, co-workers, friends). We must ignore their innocent customs, and modes of speech, dress, and manners. Just as husbands and wives must learn to adjust to each other, so must we as Christians be willing to adjust (within the limits established by God) to the world for the sake of harmony and the good of the Gospel.
2. No truth of God can be sacrificed or compromised in our dealings with the world. Paul's manner of conduct was in compliance with his religion and consistent with his goal (vow?) to serve God and his Savior.
3. We must take care not to call things religious that are not specified as religious by God's Word. The Pharisees were guilty of falling into this trap. Principle and truth outclass shadow and form every time.
4. As Christians we can mingle with the world up to the point where God-given principles are involved. We can conform to the ordinary customs of man and country. Being odd simply for the sake of being odd is not condoned. Christians are going to be "peculiar" enough without binding customs on ourselves that God has not bound.
E. "...that I by all means might save some." Salvation of souls is important. We must be willing to set aside our own "ways" to further the cause of "the Way." Paul acted on this principle, as did Jesus, the Savior of the World.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Can man legislate in religion where God has chosen not to?
2. Name specific examples of our conduct that is not regulated by God.
3. Name examples of earthly pursuits that may have to be abandoned for Christ.
4. Do you know any passages of scripture that establish the "right or wrong" of: abortion, homosexuality, drunkenness, fornication, and other sins of the flesh (world)?