Facing the Future by Faith (Acts 20:22-23)

Summary

This passage draws from Paul’s journey to Jerusalem to reflect on the believer’s unknown future. It teaches that, while much is concealed from us, enough is revealed for faith, duty, caution, and comfort. We are not called to pry into the future, but to trust the wisdom and goodness of God, to attend to the duties of the present day, and to rest in the assurance that he will guide, sustain, and finally receive his people.

Outline

1. Paul’s case applied to common experience: His words, though spoken as an Apostle, furnish instruction for men and Christians entering a new period of life.
2. The concealment of the future: Like Paul, we know not what shall befall us; yet this ignorance is neither accidental nor unkind, but ordered by divine wisdom.
3. The duty of trust: Since God knows the way we take, we are called to confidence, patience, and restraint from vain curiosity.
4. The wisdom of daily dependence: The year is presented as a succession of appointed duties and trials, to be opened day by day, not anticipated with anxious intrusion.
5. What may still be known: Though particulars are hidden, the general course of life is clear enough to guide prudence, duty, and preparation.
6. The certainties of earthly life: Nature, society, creaturely insufficiency, trial, bereavement, age, and death all belong to the known condition of man.
7. The greater certainties of faith: Above all these stands the unchanging God, who hears prayer, never forsakes his people, gives strength according to their day, guides them by counsel, and receives them at last to glory.