Podcast Summary: Renewing Your Mind

Episode: Thy Will Be Done

Date: September 14, 2025
Host: Nathan W. Bingham
Speaker: Dr. R.C. Sproul

Overview

This episode marks the conclusion of a series focusing on pivotal moments in the Book of Acts, particularly the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Dr. R.C. Sproul unpacks the account of Paul's response to prophetic warnings about the dangers awaiting him in Jerusalem, centering on themes of obedience, vocation, and submission to God's will. The episode wrestles deeply with what it means to follow God's leading, especially when it involves personal risk and the pleading of loved ones.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Paul’s Journey and Prophetic Warnings (01:29 – 05:15)

• Dr. Sproul begins by recounting Paul's travels from Miletus to Caesarea, highlighting the historical and geographical context of each location.
• The narrative reaches its tension when disciples, through the Spirit, warn Paul not to go to Jerusalem.
• Dr. Sproul clarifies that these were "coasting ships," vessels designed to stay close to shore—a detail adding texture to the journey (02:50).

2. Historical Vignettes and the Continuity of Faith (05:16 – 09:30)

• Sproul highlights Philip the Evangelist’s enduring witness in Caesarea and his four prophetically gifted daughters, connecting apostolic tradition to early Church fathers through church history anecdotes.
• “Even to this day we are indebted to the daughters of Philip…” (08:45)
• He weaves stories about figures like Polycarp and church historian Papias to emphasize the continuity and preservation of apostolic tradition.

3. Agabus’ Ominous Prophecy (09:31 – 13:20)

• Agabus, following Old Testament prophetic customs, dramatizes his message by binding himself with Paul’s belt—signifying Paul’s coming capture in Jerusalem.
• This dramatization is an example of prophets not only speaking but acting out God's message (“…the prophets of old would… give object lessons dramatizing the word…” [10:56]).
• Luke openly records the companions’ emotional plea: “both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.” (11:40)

4. The Tension Between Duty and the Pleas of Loved Ones (13:21 – 17:45)

• Dr. Sproul muses on how those closest to us may become “impediments” to obedience when vocation requires sacrifice.
• He likens Paul's moment to Christ's conflict with Peter: “He said, get behind me, Satan. And he set his face as a flint to Jerusalem…” (15:33)
• Personal anecdote about his own youthful zeal in singing “Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow,” contrasting early idealism with his later recognition of the challenges of obedience.

5. The Heart of Paul’s Obedience (17:46 – 22:30)

• Paul’s steadfastness: even though warned repeatedly of suffering, insists “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (19:05)
• Sproul emphasizes Paul’s call and willingness, referencing his speech to the Ephesian elders in Miletus and later words to Timothy about finishing the race.
• “None of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, but that I may finish my race with joy.” (21:53)

6. Submission to the Will of God (22:31 – 24:34)

• Once Paul’s mind is firm, his friends yield: “So Luke says, When he wouldn't be persuaded, we stopped… and we said, the will of the Lord be done.” (22:53)
• Sproul calls this an immensely profound theological statement—noting that, “The will of the Lord is always done in the ultimate sense.”
• He draws a parallel between Paul and Christ in Gethsemane, both ultimately submitting to God's will: “Wherever you send me, Father, I go. Whatever cup you give me, I drink, for my meat and my drink is to do the will of the Father.” (23:30)
• Closing exhortation: “Would that that would be the heart of every one of us… to be true to our vocation, whatever it costs us, whatever it takes us, that we may be ready to run the race until it’s over.” (24:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the readiness to obey:

  "Friends, you may not be ready for me to go to Jerusalem, but I'm ready. I've been ready since that day in the desert that Christ redeemed me and called me..."
  —R.C. Sproul (00:07; repeated and reflected on at 21:10)

• On resisting God's calling:

  “People who should be supporting those who are seeking to do their duty become impediments to it.”
  —R.C. Sproul (13:31)

• On Christ’s example:

  “The original author of ‘Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow’ was Jesus. Wherever you send me, Father, I go.”
  —R.C. Sproul (23:30)

• On Paul’s resolve:

  “For I am ready, not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
  —R.C. Sproul quoting Paul (19:05)

• On submission to God’s will:

  “The will of the Lord is always done in the ultimate sense.”
  —R.C. Sproul (23:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Paul’s Journey Detailed: 01:29 – 05:15
• Philip’s Daughters & Apostolic Tradition: 06:15 – 09:30
• Agabus’ Prophecy Acted Out: 09:31 – 11:45
• Friends Plead with Paul Not to Go: 11:46 – 13:45
• Reflections on Duty and Obedience: 13:46 – 17:45
• Paul’s Steadfastness & Pastoral Application: 17:46 – 22:30
• Submission to the Lord’s Will: 22:31 – 24:34

Conclusion

Dr. Sproul’s message in "Thy Will Be Done" is a call to courageous obedience—to follow God’s leading even at personal cost, echoing both Paul and Christ. The episode is rich with Scriptural insight, church history, and pastoral reflection, challenging listeners to examine their own willingness to submit to God’s will, wherever it may lead.