None of These Things Move Me Series Part II: Purpose Over Popularity
Scripture: Acts 20:22-24
Introduction
Welcome back to our Nugget Series on Acts 20:22-24. In Part 1, we talked about being
‘Locked Solid in Faith.’ Today, we move deeper into Paul’s testimony and learn a second
powerful truth: living with PURPOSE OVER POPULARITY. Paul wasn’t concerned about
applause, fame, or human approval. His focus was completing the assignment God gave him.
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen
to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and
hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to
finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to
the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:22–24, NIV)
1. Paul Chose Assignment Over Applause
Paul knew the dangers waiting for him, but his mission mattered more than his comfort. He
wasn’t living for human popularity—he was living for divine purpose. Modern illustration:
Think about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He knew danger and opposition were waiting, yet he
declared, ‘I just want to do God’s will.’ His purpose outweighed the threats to his life. Like
Paul, he chose assignment over applause.
2. Popularity Fades, Purpose Endures
History is full of people who chased popularity, only to fade into obscurity. But those who
lived for purpose left a lasting mark. Biblical illustration: Noah built an ark when people
laughed at him, ridiculed him, and thought he was crazy. But his obedience saved his family
and preserved humanity. He chose purpose over popularity—and his story is still preached
thousands of years later.
3. God Rewards Faithful Purpose
When we align with God’s purpose, our reward isn’t the temporary approval of man, but the
eternal reward of hearing, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ Modern example: Rosa
Parks wasn’t seeking fame when she refused to give up her seat. She was living by
conviction, by God’s justice in her heart. Her act of obedience sparked a movement that
changed the course of history.
4. Purpose Gives Strength in Hardship
Notice Paul said, ‘in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing
me.’ Purpose doesn’t mean life will be easy; it means life will be worth it. When you live for
God’s calling, you can endure trials with courage because you know your pain has meaning.
Modern Illustration: Think about our soldiers who serve in dangerous places. They don’t go
because it’s easy; they go because of a higher purpose—the protection of their nation and
families. In the same way, when God gives us an assignment, He also gives us the grace to
withstand the pressure.
5. The Choice Is Daily
Purpose isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily choice. Paul woke up each day determined to
finish his race. You and I must do the same. Every morning, ask yourself: Will I live for
applause or assignment today? Will I seek comfort, or will I pursue calling?
Takeaway Nugget
Living for popularity makes you a prisoner of people’s opinions, but living with purpose
makes you free in God. Paul shows us that our mission is greater than our comfort, greater
than our applause. So today, settle it in your heart: I choose purpose over popularity. I
choose God’s mission over man’s approval.
Challenge for the Week
Ask yourself: Am I living for applause or assignment? Write down one area of your life
where you need to shift from popularity to purpose. Pray over it daily this week, and ask
God for the boldness to say ‘Yes’ to His calling, even when it costs you something.
Prayer
Lord, help me to value Your purpose above man’s applause. Give me courage to stand firm,
strength to endure hardship, and faith to keep running my race. May my life be a testimony
to Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Welcome back to our Nugget Series on Acts 20:22-24. In Part 1, we talked about being
‘Locked Solid in Faith.’ Today, we move deeper into Paul’s testimony and learn a second
powerful truth: living with PURPOSE OVER POPULARITY. Paul wasn’t concerned about
applause, fame, or human approval. His focus was completing the assignment God gave him.
“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen
to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and
hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to
finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to
the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:22–24, NIV)
1. Paul Chose Assignment Over Applause
Paul knew the dangers waiting for him, but his mission mattered more than his comfort. He
wasn’t living for human popularity—he was living for divine purpose. Modern illustration:
Think about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He knew danger and opposition were waiting, yet he
declared, ‘I just want to do God’s will.’ His purpose outweighed the threats to his life. Like
Paul, he chose assignment over applause.
2. Popularity Fades, Purpose Endures
History is full of people who chased popularity, only to fade into obscurity. But those who
lived for purpose left a lasting mark. Biblical illustration: Noah built an ark when people
laughed at him, ridiculed him, and thought he was crazy. But his obedience saved his family
and preserved humanity. He chose purpose over popularity—and his story is still preached
thousands of years later.
3. God Rewards Faithful Purpose
When we align with God’s purpose, our reward isn’t the temporary approval of man, but the
eternal reward of hearing, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ Modern example: Rosa
Parks wasn’t seeking fame when she refused to give up her seat. She was living by
conviction, by God’s justice in her heart. Her act of obedience sparked a movement that
changed the course of history.
4. Purpose Gives Strength in Hardship
Notice Paul said, ‘in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing
me.’ Purpose doesn’t mean life will be easy; it means life will be worth it. When you live for
God’s calling, you can endure trials with courage because you know your pain has meaning.
Modern Illustration: Think about our soldiers who serve in dangerous places. They don’t go
because it’s easy; they go because of a higher purpose—the protection of their nation and
families. In the same way, when God gives us an assignment, He also gives us the grace to
withstand the pressure.
5. The Choice Is Daily
Purpose isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily choice. Paul woke up each day determined to
finish his race. You and I must do the same. Every morning, ask yourself: Will I live for
applause or assignment today? Will I seek comfort, or will I pursue calling?
Takeaway Nugget
Living for popularity makes you a prisoner of people’s opinions, but living with purpose
makes you free in God. Paul shows us that our mission is greater than our comfort, greater
than our applause. So today, settle it in your heart: I choose purpose over popularity. I
choose God’s mission over man’s approval.
Challenge for the Week
Ask yourself: Am I living for applause or assignment? Write down one area of your life
where you need to shift from popularity to purpose. Pray over it daily this week, and ask
God for the boldness to say ‘Yes’ to His calling, even when it costs you something.
Prayer
Lord, help me to value Your purpose above man’s applause. Give me courage to stand firm,
strength to endure hardship, and faith to keep running my race. May my life be a testimony
to Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.