The Power of God's Word (Acts 18:23-21:15)

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Power to Change (Acts 18:23-19:41)

1)Apollos Instructed (18:23-28)

An Unusual Jewish Name: Apollos

John's Baptism

A Continued Zeal

Not Paul, Not Apollos, But Jesus

2)John's Disciples Instructed (19:1-7)

3)Paul Reasons in Ephesus (19:8-10)

About Ephesus

In Synagogue

In Hall of Tyrannus

4)The Gospel Impact: Fear, Repentance, and Opposition (19:11-41)

Abuse of the Name

The Impact on Culture

The Economic Crisis

5)Principle

The gospel has the power to convert souls and transform society.

6)Illustration

7)Applications

What impact is your witness for Christ having in your society?

What has your repentance cost you lately? What does that tell you about the value of your repentance?

The Power to Persist (Acts 20:1-21:15)

1)To Strengthen (Encourage) Believers (20:1-6)

2)A Pattern of Worship (20:7-12)

3)A Charge to Ephesian Elders (20:13-38)

Follow My Example (20:18-28)

Protect the Sheep (20:29-31)

4)A Farewell in Tyre (21:1-6)

5)God's Will Over Well-Meaning Friends (21:7-15)

6)Principle

Perseverance in God's will requires dedication to God's word.

7)Illustration

8)Applications

Who could use your courage to continue down the right path in life?

What are you willing to suffer in order to complete God's will for your life? Disapproval from others? Loss for a greater gain in eternity? Self-rule?

Who do you need to protect from wolves? What wolves do you need to flee from?

Conclusion

Introduction

Have you noticed how quickly people in our society change jobs, cars, gadgets, mates, etc.? A few generations back, things weren't like this so much. People tended to stay in a career for longer. They didn't appear so restless. So apt to desire change so frequently.

There's a restlessness that comes from looking for satisfaction in the wrong place. From trying to find purpose and meaning in things that are unable to provide lasting purpose and meaning. In things that just don't last.

As we look into these chapters in Acts, I would like us to observe the power of God's word to bring about right change, in people and society, as well as an unwavering persistence in one's course in life toward the goal God sets for each of His sons.

The Power to Change (Acts 18:23-19:41)

Paul's third missionary journey begins from the same place all of the others began, Antioch. And he had the same mission focus: to share the gospel and to strengthen the believers by teaching the word of God.

1)Apollos Instructed (18:23-28)

If you recall, at the end of Paul's second missionary Journey, he spent a very short time in Ephesus. That is where he left Priscilla and Aquila.

When Paul had stopped there, he reasoned from the Scriptures in the synagogue and was asked to come back. But he declined and said that he would return some day if the Lord willed it.

Priscilla and Aquila must have continued frequenting the Jewish synagogue because they are there when Apollos arrives.

We are not told what Apollos mission is, if any. But we know that he had a divine appointment with a couple of Paul's students.

The first thing we note about Apollos is...

An Unusual Jewish Name: Apollos

24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.

He was Jewish; probably a proselyte given the Gentile name.

He was a good speaker. And he was well taught in the Scriptures.

But another thing we note is that he was compelled to tell others about the things he had learned from the Scriptures. That is a rare quality, except in the case where the things being learned have an impact on the individual's life. Then they want others to know the truth, not for argument sake, but from a heart of conviction.

John's Baptism

25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.
26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

This man was a believer. God had already done a work in him such that he believed God's word through John. And to some extent he understood that Jesus was the fulfillment of God's promise through Messiah.

We are not certain the extent to his understanding but Priscilla and Aquila were there (by the providence of God) to instruct him more completely in the finished work of Jesus. What they told him, we can't be certain. But we can be certain that Apollos accepted what they taught (another rare quality in a learned person: teachable).

A Continued Zeal

Apollos, now equipped with a full understanding of God's gospel in Jesus, went on to work in Achaia. His gift of teaching and grasp of the Scriptures, empowered by the Holy Spirit, made him a great mouthpiece for the gospel.

27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed,
28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

Not Paul, Not Apollos, But Jesus

Just a side note. Paul had no problem with Apollos' teaching. In fact, Paul had no problem with anyone going into an area where he had taught as long as they were not contradicting the truth of Scripture.

So Apollos was a great complement to God's work through Paul. However, the people in Corinth had the problem of “personality cult” mentality. They had the problem of following a teacher rather than the One the teacher was pointing them to.

What about you? Are you enamored with some well-spoken teacher? Are you a follower of everything they say over and above our Lord? Or even if the teacher can't back his message with Scripture?

Note: there are many teachers in our day who do very little pointing to Jesus and lots of pointing to themselves. Look out for such teachers!

2)John's Disciples Instructed (19:1-7)

Luke provides us with the fourth and last incident of its kind in the book of Acts. Remember what Jesus said:

Acts 1:5, 8 – 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers in Jerusalem. (Acts 2:1-4)

After the dispersion from Jerusalem, Philip went to Samaria. Later Peter and John go lay hands on the people. (Acts 8:1-17)

Upon Cornelius and those believing in his household. (Acts 10:1-48)

Finally, this incident in Ephesus where those that heard the gospel were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:1-7)

3)Paul Reasons in Ephesus (19:8-10)

It was the Lord's will for Paul to return to Ephesus.

Note: Paul does not make rash decisions or promises but was honest with these people that it was the Lord who directed the events of his life and not his own desires.

If you were honest with yourself, would you say that is true of you? Sadly, it is often not the case with me. But I want it to become the pattern of my life.

About Ephesus

Ephesus was the third most important city of the Roman world at that time.

It was also a center for great learning and great worship. The temple of Artemis was massive. Much larger than the Parthenon in Athens. It had a library that was second only to the library in Alexandria.

It was situated at the coast of the Aegean Sea so it would have been an entry port from Achaia/Macedonia into Asia.

In Synagogue

19:8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.
9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.

What a tragedy for those in the synagogue. They were not rejecting a man and his teaching. They were rejecting God and His fulfillment of the very Scriptures they read every Sabbath.

In Hall of Tyrannus

This Hall of Tyrannus was a school that Paul used when school was not in session. And so his teaching and reasoning from the Scriptures continues, unimpeded, but now on a platform that was more likely to reach more listeners. It was more public.

And what an impact there was, not only on Ephesus, but the whole of Asia.

19:10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

Notice how Luke points out that the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord. This does not necessarily mean that everyone embraced the word of the Lord and the Lord of the word. There's a big difference!

But the word of the Lord also did not return void. And God did spectacular things through Paul in order to validate His message to the people. Non-normative things. Miraculous things.

4)The Gospel Impact: Fear, Repentance, and Opposition (19:11-41)

We can't spend too much time on every aspect, but God did want the people of Ephesus to take note of what was being taught. And God also made very clear who was teaching the truth and who it was that were just trying to ride on the coattails of the gospel (if you will).

Abuse of the Name

I'm referring the the seven son's of Sceva (better known as the seven son's in skivies).

God will only let those who borrow His name for their own purposes go so far. Here were some guys who may have performed exorcisms in the past, but this one ended in disaster.

They invoked the name of Jesus apparently because He was in vogue at the time due to all that was happening. But the devil knows (and trembles at) the name of Jesus. But it's not merely the name but the person behind the name that he trembles at.

These guys were trying to use Jesus as a mantra or magical name to accomplish their own bidding. That is blasphemous!

I wonder how many in our day do the same thing? Jesus becomes a means to some end. Wealth. Health. Happiness.

What a weak substitute for the real power in this name. The power to cancel the sin dept and set the captive free from bondage to sin.

The Impact on Culture

When the gospel begins taking root in any society, there can't help but be conflict. Jesus even said that he did not come to bring peace but to divide son from father, daughter from mother, etc. He was pointing out the fact that the peace of the gospel is a peace between God and men but a sign of war between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world.

The way to impact a culture and cause changes is to confront the culture with the message of the gospel. Because when confronted, those who are called by God will respond and become salt and light where they are planted. And those who reject the gospel will at least have heard the truth and will bear their guilt of rejection before God.

God blesses the work of spreading the gospel. But we must ensure that the gospel we are presenting is true and complete and accurate according to Scripture.

The Economic Crisis

When the gospel takes root, the vices of society start to feel the crunch. Note that these craftsmen are seriously beginning to worry about their own livelihood.

Notice that Paul's method was not to attack the false work that the craftsmen were engaged in. He was not out preaching against the rampant prostitution that was associated with the worship of Artemis.

But he preached the gospel which implicitly taught against the sinful practices which were an outpouring of an impure heart.

The purity of the gospel and the regeneration of the heart has a way of cleaning up a society. Case in point, look at the result at the book burning:

17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled.
18 Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices.
19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.
20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

What I take away from this is that repentance is costly. It is not temporary. And it can't be partial.

These books were burned. Nobody could use them again. What they contained was lost to the owner. And they gained nothing monetarily from them (no Ebay sale).

50,000 pieces of silver is a lot in any economy!

I don't know about you, but there are some things that I have put aside rather than put away completely. I don't know what that is called, but it's certainly not repentance.

Anything that I want to hold on to against the will of God is an idol. It is an idol because I elevate its importance over God's will and it is a means of rebellion against him.

We may not bow to idols such as the Ephesians had, those made of wood and stone, but they are no less repulsive to God. No less forbidden. And no more excusable.

5)Principle

The gospel has the power to convert souls and transform society.

6)Illustration

God has called us to stand up against the sins of one's society and point out what is not approved of. We are to point out the sins of sinners but not to the neglect of pointing them to the provision for sin as provided in the gospel.

Our pickets and marches and vigil will have no lasting effect on society if we don't include the gospel solution to sin's problem.

7)Applications

What impact is your witness for Christ having in your society?

What has your repentance cost you lately? What does that tell you about the value of your repentance?

The Power to Persist (Acts 20:1-21:15)

Doesn't Paul do an amazing job of modeling the life that Christ taught? A life that is completely dependent upon God for direction. One that doesn't live on bread alone but on every word from the mouth of God. One that feeds on those word and feeds other on those words.

Paul also lived out the mandate to love God and love men. And that is why he was so eager to take the Scriptures to the lost and reinforce the teaching to those who were already true believers. Paul never taught things that did not line up with Scripture and he was always quick to remind believers to go back to the source – he knew our fallen tendency to stray.

1)To Strengthen (Encourage) Believers (20:1-6)

20:1 After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia.
2 When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece.

Encourage means to give courage to or to inspire with courage.

I often think of encouragement as pointing out good qualities that someone is displaying. And I think that is part of it. But more importantly is the idea of pointing out the right direction to go and spurring one on in that direction.

Paul had taught these believers well. Apollos had come behind and others (Timothy, etc.) had also reinforced the truth of the Christian life. But often we need someone to spur us on to do what is right even when we know what is right.

That's why the Bible is so important:

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Note that all does not mean just the easy parts but it means all of it. It is important to have a steady diet of Scripture. And that is why expository teaching and preaching is important (both for the preacher and parishioner) so that one deals with all aspects of the text and preaches in its intended context.

2)A Pattern of Worship (20:7-12)

When Paul gets to Traos, we see something that points out a difference in practice in regard to worship.

Luke points out that there was a gathering together and it went like this:

• First day of the week – no longer Sabbath, but Sunday, in celebration of resurrection day

• They gathered – it was important for believers to enter into corporate worship

• They broke bread – the Lord's supper – they practiced what our Lord taught, breaking bread in remembrance of Him each Sunday

• They heard preaching from God's word

This was the basis for early church worship. And we don't hold to great rigor as to the format, but these are important elements that have a vital impact on the local church.

Sunday is not a mandatory day, but it does have purpose. It reminds us of our risen Lord.

Gathering together may be inconvenient and you may say you are able to worship at home and listen online without all the hassles. But that is not the point. God ordained the local church as a place of accountability and a place where believers are fed, encouraged, confronted, and can exercise their gifts and give to the body.

The Lord's supper is a place where we reflect on the infinite price paid for our salvation. We remember our Redeemer and the repulsive nature of sin. We receive God's grace to carry out His work here on earth. We are spiritually fed by our Lord.

When we sit under Biblically sound preaching, we are confronted, encouraged, directed, and equipped to go out and spread the gospel. But we need to be under that teaching and we need to be participating – more than a spectator but as an active participant.

3)A Charge to Ephesian Elders (20:13-38)

Paul did not have any desire, nor was it God's plan that the Apostle rule over the church. God used them to write Scripture and testify to what they were eyewitnesses of. But they were to pass along what they learned to reliable men who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, would remain true to Scripture and tend the flock.

And then they would train others to carry on when they were gone. And on and on.

There was no inherent right that could be passed on, but it was a role that was ordained by God. These Elders (presbuteroi) and Bishops (episcopos) were not above Scripture, but were under God's authority as under-shepherds answerable to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

And they were to train, live as examples, teach, and protect from error that would inevitably arise.

That's why Paul points out how he had lived when with them. He had served – modeling the life Jesus calls his followers to live.

Follow My Example (20:18-28)

He had taught and corrected error.

20:18, 19 “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia,
19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews;

Paul expected no less from these Elders. They were servants of the Lord, just as Paul was. And they were responsible to rightly divide the word of truth, just as Paul had done.

20:20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,
21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Protect the Sheep (20:29-31)

Paul didn't call them to look out for the pagans or the Jews and their persecution. Instead he pointed out that their real danger was the twisting of the truth of God's word by wolves.

20:29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;
30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.

This denial of the sufficiency of Scripture is more dangerous when it is cloaked in the garb of the clergy.

And it's been coming on strong in our day as it was in that day.

Jesus called out the church in Ephesus through His letter by John (Revelation). He told them that they had left their first love and that they were to repent.

The early church fathers talk about a great revival that took place in the church at Ephesus.

4)A Farewell in Tyre (21:1-6)

Paul had a single purpose in life and that was to do God's will wherever that leads him. And as he said to the Ephesian Elders, I will never see you again, so that message is reinforced when he meets the believers in Tyre. They, through the Spirit, point out what awaits Paul.

This, however, was not news to Paul. Or at least it did not override what he knew to be the Lord's will for his life. He saw obedience to God's word as the highest goal of his life. So fear of the future was not what drove him but fear of the Lord.

5)God's Will Over Well-Meaning Friends (21:7-15)

Philip was one of the 7 chosen to serve tables way back in the early chapters of Acts. He, along with Stephen, the first martyr, were men filled with the Holy Spirit and used mightily.

Philip was the one who presented the gospel to the Ethiopian. He was the one who went into Samaria to share with those despised people – thus obeying the great commission.

So Paul meets this man of God and stays with him. And in comes Agabus with a prophecy. This was a message from God regarding Paul's life. And it was not a pretty sight.

Being bound and led away by the Jews and handed over to the Gentiles. (This prophecy was fulfilled by the way).

And this caused much concern on the part of Paul's companions. Not too unlike Jesus' announcement that He would go to Jerusalem, be arrested and tried by the chief priests and handed over to the Gentiles to be crucified. Jesus was following to a tee the exact will of His Father. His disciples, however, wanted him to avoid Jerusalem and even Peter strongly rebuked Jesus.

Paul, compelled by the Holy Spirit to carry out the Father's will, was also going to a similar fulfillment. And his followers tried to stop him.

Isn't it interesting that often those closest to us are eager for us to follow the Lord wholeheartedly unless danger is involved. We somehow think that our loved ones can do whatever God wants, but certainly He would not want us in harms way.

That's understandable. If it is not necessary, then why enter danger. But this was necessary. It was God's plan for Paul. And to do otherwise would have been to step outside the will of his Lord.

6)Principle

Perseverance in God's will requires dedication to God's word.

7)Illustration

Have you ever gone on a diet in order to lose weight but then find yourself falling back into the same eating habits?

Have you ever started an exercise regimen only to find a couple of weeks into it, falling back into your rationalizations regarding workouts?

A diet requires discipline in applying what that diet requires. Knowing what you can and cannot do.

An exercise program requires consistent work to build muscle and train your muscles to gain endurance.

Following after God requires consistent time with Him in His word. Recalling what His will is over and over. And allowing His word to dwell in you richly.

8)Applications

Who could use your courage to continue down the right path in life?

What are you willing to suffer in order to complete God's will for your life? Disapproval from others? Loss for a greater gain in eternity? Self-rule?

Who do you need to protect from wolves? What wolves do you need to flee from?

The Time to Get Busy is Now (2 Thessalonians)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Persecuted or Punished (2 Thessalonians 1)

1)Background

2)Commends Their Spiritual Growth (1:3-4)

3)Kingdoms In Conflict (1:5-10)

4)God's Glory Here and Now (1:11-12)

5)Principle

Everyone will be judged.

6)Judgment

7)Applications

In what ways is God making you worthy of His calling?

What actions or attitudes do you need to change out of concern for Jesus' glory and the honor of his name?

Received or Deceived (2 Thessalonians 2)

1)The Deception (2:1-3a)

2)The Antithesis of Truth (2:3b-12)

Rebellion vs Obedience

The Lawless One vs the Obedient Son

Exalts Himself vs Is Exalted By Nature

Claims to Be God vs Is God

This is Nothing New (2:5-7)

Killed vs Raised to Life

Comes in Satan's Power vs Comes in God's Power

False Signs vs True Signs

Deceiver vs Reveals God's Truth

His Believers Condemned vs Christ's Believers Pardoned

3)The Beloved (2:13-17)

4)Principle

The best way to avoid what is false is to know the truth.

5)Applications

How well do you love the truth? How does that love manifest itself?

Who do you know that is deceived? What are you willing to do to reach them with the truth of the gospel?

Occupied or Preoccupied (2 Thessalonians 3)

1)God's Direction For His Work (3:1-5)

2)Be Occupied (3:6-15)

The Idle (3:6-8)

The Example (3:9-12)

The Directive (3:13-15)

3)Principle

Christians are to make good use of their time as they await Christ's return

4)Applications

What idle tendencies do you have and how can you fight against them?

What good things are you getting tired of doing and what do you need to do to gain new strength?

Conclusion

Introduction

Preseason training to prepare for the regular season.

Fire drills when no fires to prepare for evacuation.

Lifeboat practice before the ship starts to sink (e.g., Costa Concordia)

Persecuted or Punished (2 Thessalonians 1)

1)Background

From Corinth. Perhaps a year after the first letter. In response to a misunderstanding regarding eschatology. Either they misunderstood Paul's first letter, or someone was teaching falsely from Paul's teaching, or someone was claiming to have Paul's teaching an introducing incorrect doctrine.

Paul commends what is good and corrects what is false. He refers often to what he had taught when he was there. He want to point out that he is not contradicting past teaching, but reinforcing the revelation of Christ that he brought earlier.

2)Commends Their Spiritual Growth (1:3-4)

Recall 1 Thessalonians 4:1-10 where Paul encourages them to grow in their love, faith, and practice. The idea that the Christian walk should evidence an increase in godliness and never stagnate.

And Paul is pleased to announce to them what he has been told by first hand account regarding this young church.

They not only are increasing in faith and love, but they are doing so in the face of extreme challenges. Paul again points out the affliction that he knows is happening their and that it is doing nothing to decrease the effectiveness of the gospel. In fact, it is fuel for a deeper faith in these believers.

3)Kingdoms In Conflict (1:5-10)

• The Thessalonians suffer persecution thus showing to which kingdom they belong.

1: 5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering—

Think about this:

You never see an unbeliever persecuted by other unbelievers for not believing the gospel.

But you do see believers persecuted by unbelievers for their claim regarding the truth of God's word.

• Though part of God's kingdom, they suffer under members of Satan's kingdom.

• They are not to retaliate or see vengeance, their King will do that in His time.

• When the kingdom of God is consummated, believers will no longer suffer, but unbelievers will suffer the wages of sin.

1:6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels
8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

• The Thessalonians will enter into God's eternal kingdom and be glorified and Christ (their King) glorified in them.

• But their enemies (the enemies of God and His Christ) will be separated from God's presence and suffer eternal destruction.

1:9 They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

This is a stark contrast between two kingdoms. The battle is being waged against the people of God's kingdom during our temporal sojourn. But one day the tables will be turned. The temporal will be no more. Satan's kingdom will end, but God's kingdom will never end.

Members of each kingdom will dwell eternally – either in God's kingdom or separated unto eternal destruction.

Paul's intention is not to give the Thessalonians the mindset to endure hardship with the comfort that their enemies will one day be destroyed. They are not to delight in the enemy's eventual demise. Instead, this reality should serve as a motivation to share the truth with enemies of the cross.

4)God's Glory Here and Now (1:11-12)

We can never live in order to become worthy of God's salvation. But we who are saved should certainly desire to live worthy of the salvation we have already received when we were called.

Believers should have a resolve for good. Desiring to do good for the sake of our Lord. This is a natural outpouring of a life that is lived in faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I say natural to mean it is God's nature but not our natural human bent as fallen creatures. But when a fallen creature such as myself, by faith lives according to God's will, then something supernatural must be at work in me – God himself working through me.

And when this happens, God's people should not claim glory, but glory in the fact that Jesus himself is glorified through us.

5)Principle

Everyone will be judged.

6)Judgment

No scales. No weighing good vs evil.

Only the standard of perfection will be used. God demands righteousness but there is none righteous, no not one.

Believers: evaluated on what they did with what they were given and rewarded accordingly.

7)Applications

In what ways is God making you worthy of His calling?

What actions or attitudes do you need to change out of concern for Jesus' glory and the honor of his name?

Received or Deceived (2 Thessalonians 2)

When a counterfeiter wants to copy a $1000 bill, he doesn't try to find another counterfeit to copy. He wants to copy the real thing. Ideally, he would like to have access to real plates. But short of real plates, he will try to discover all the details of the real bill so that the one he creates will seem flawless to the untrained eye (and hand).

1)The Deception (2:1-3a)

2:1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers,
2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
3 Let no one deceive you in any way.

2)The Antithesis of Truth (2:3b-12)

Rebellion vs Obedience

2:3b talks about a rebellion that will precede the Lord's return (or day of the Lord).

Certainly there has been rebellion since the fall of mankind and there will continue to be rebellion until Christ returns.

In 2 Timothy Paul writes:

3: 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.
2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive,disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,
4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.

Whereas believers are called to a life of obedience to their master, this rebellion shows a bent that is counter to the things of God. A desire to please self rather than their Creator.

The Lawless One vs the Obedient Son

This lawless one is counter to everything of God. He is characterized as the exact opposite of Christ himself who came and perfectly fulfilled the Law. In fact their was nothing deficient whatsoever in Jesus Christ.

Exalts Himself vs Is Exalted By Nature

He will exalt himself – make claims about his own greatness. Given what Paul wrote to Timothy (see above) this will appeal greatly to a rebellious people.

And don't we see this type of thing even in our day. People gravitate toward those who portray what man sees as great. We love eloquent speaking no matter what the words are . Image is what drives much of our world. And one who can project an image of self-exaltation will fit well with those seeking someone they can believe in.

But Jesus is by definition the exalted One. He existed eternally as the exalted God.

And in his humanity, he became a servant, obedient to the point of death. Therefore God has highly exalted him (Philippians 2).

Claims to Be God vs Is God

This lawless one will set himself up as a god. But Jesus is God. He needs to make no claims to who he is in reality. (John 1)

This is Nothing New (2:5-7)

None of this was new to the Thessalonian church. Apparently Paul had told them what to expect. He even expect them to understand what the restraint is that is keeping these last things from occurring (even though we don't know).

But in verse 7, he points out something else that is also not new. All throughout history, from the fall of man, the mystery of lawlessness has been at work.

It is the enemies mission to deceive as many as he can. And if he could do that with sinless people, such as Adam and Eve, how much easier it is in a fallen world!

Killed vs Raised to Life

This lawless one will meet his ultimate end when Jesus literally blows him away. Just one word from Jesus will bring this charlatan to his end. In fact no word is necessary. Jesus is the sustainer of life.

Colossians 1: 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

In contrast to the lawless one, Jesus died but was raised the third day, thus showing the acceptability of his work on the cross as well as his own power over death.

Comes in Satan's Power vs Comes in God's Power

As opposed to Jesus who came in the power of God to accomplish the will of God, the lawless one will come in the power of the god of this world to accomplish his will.

False Signs vs True Signs

Counterfeit signs and wonders will marvel the deceived. But Jesus ministry had none of that. All the works he did were very good and no one could dispute the validity and amazing nature of each one. Jesus miracles served to validate his person and ministry as well as to fulfill Scripture.

The lawless one will unwittingly fulfill what was foretold about him but to his own demise.

Deceiver vs Reveals God's Truth

The lawless one will teach what is false and the masses will flock to his message.

The truth of the gospel goes out. It proclaims the truth of God's provision for man's greatest need. Yet few come to receive it.

His Believers Condemned vs Christ's Believers Pardoned

Those who flock to this deceiver’s “gospel” will find themselves facing eternal condemnation.

But those who receive the true gospel will find its truth realized in the end when the full grasp of their pardon is made clear to them.

3)The Beloved (2:13-17)

In contrast to those who will receive the delusion, believers are secure in their position with God.

God was the initiator of our salvation. In verse 13 Paul tells the Thessalonians that they were chosen by God.

They did not deserve salvation and they certainly could never earn it. In fact, all humanity deserves condemnation. It is only be the grace and mercy of God that anyone is saved from the wrath to come.

And so those chosen by God receive a sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. And enabling to believe. A discernment of sin and recognition of the gospel's provision.

God uses the message of the gospel brought by human vessels, but He is the one who opens the eyes of the spiritually blind and gives them the faith to believe.

That's why our work in sharing the gospel is very simply being true to the word and never should we try and vary the message of the gospel. Because it is not the eloquence of the speaker or the convincing nature in which it is presented.

It is the work of God, through His word, by the power of the Holy Spirit that brings salvation.

Obtaining the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ (vs 14) speaks of our salvation. Jesus was gloried on the cross. He revealed the glory of God by dying for sinners. He made possible the revitalization of that glory through the image of God in man. And ultimately, we will one day perfectly glorify Him in his presence for all eternity.

4)Principle

The best way to avoid what is false is to know the truth.

5)Applications

How well do you love the truth? How does that love manifest itself?

Who do you know that is deceived? What are you willing to do to reach them with the truth of the gospel?

Occupied or Preoccupied (2 Thessalonians 3)

Often, when we think of people praying for others, we think of spiritual leaders praying for those under their leadership. That certainly is the case and we've seen Paul mention that he, Timothy, and Silas pray often for this young church. But those in leadership also need the prayers of those of us whom they shepherd.

You and I should always be about praying for our pastors and priests. We need to lift them up that they remain true to God and His word and that they sense His direction and receive His wisdom.

I know my parents have been praying for me for years. Now, every time I talk with them, they tell me they pray for me every day as they do all their kids. Only recently, shamefully, have I begun to ask them what I can be praying for them.

1)God's Direction For His Work (3:1-5)

Paul desires a harvest of souls. But he also realizes that that will not happen apart from a work of God in the lives of the lost.

He also realizes that God uses the prayers of His people to empower his workers and accomplish his will. It's all about God, but we are privileged to share in the work through prayer.

How seriously do you take your prayer life? Do you prayer regularly for your children to grow in their love and faith in the Lord?

I wonder what our kids would think if we asked them to pray for us in those areas we want to see God's victory. Some of our kids would probably be shocked. But after the shock wears off, they might experience both the vulnerability of their father and the joy of seeing God answer prayer.

Paul asks them to pray that the gospel has the same effect on Paul's hearers as it did on the Thessalonians. And who better to give this A.S.K. than to the recipients of God's grace.

He also asks for prayer that they may be delivered from wicked and evil men. Paul is not asking this so he can avoid suffering, but so the gospel is not impeded.

Remember Acts 18 where they were brought before Gallio because of those who opposed the gospel? Paul does not want anything to sidetrack spread of the gospel through him.

2)Be Occupied (3:6-15)

The next several verses deal with the believer's responsibility while he remains on earth. We were not called to just take up space but instead to be occupied while we await Christ's return.

The Idle (3:6-8)

Paul must have encountered the tendency toward idleness in some of the Thessalonians when he was there. It was something he mentioned in the first letter, but was not only heard by him, but apparently something he had been eyewitness to.

3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,

8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.

He must have felt compelled to live a certain way when with them since he makes such a point of that in these two books. Not only did they not want to be a burden, but they also wanted to set a good example that could be imitated.

The Example (3:9-12)

Paul is not making a statement (in 9-12) that those whose calling is ministry should also make a living from some other occupation. Sometimes that is necessary. But most times the full-time minister should be making his living from that work.

But they had gone above and beyond in order to set the tone of being occupied. They spent themselves so that they could be a living example to follow.

Those who don't have anything to do will often find themselves meddling in other people's business. The very thing he had warned against in the first letter. And busybodies are very quick to tell you how to do your job without offering to help. They have gained a whole lot of theory, but it primarily exists in the vacuum of their own minds and seldom yields benefit in the practical world.

The Directive (3:13-15)

This command Paul gives seem quite vague: do not grow weary in doing good. And I believe he did that intentionally. He didn't need to give some exhaustive list of what they should be doing. We tend to get a bit rote when that happens.

Instead, he gives a very broad and all-encompassing command. Anything that is good is what you should be doing. And don't get tired of it.

3)Principle

Christians are to make good use of their time as they await Christ's return

4)Applications

What idle tendencies do you have and how can you fight against them?

What good things are you getting tired of doing and what do you need to do to gain new strength?

Conclusion

When the ship is on the reef, there's no time to practice rescue maneuvers. Now is the time to be prepared. First, to make sure you are prepared to stand before a righteous judge. Are you righteous?

Then to stand before that judge and account for what you have done. Are you doing all that you can for him now? Time is running out!

In Light of Christ's Return (1 Thessalonians)

Table of Contents

Introduction

A Reason For Thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 1)

1)Background

2)Reason For Thankfulness (1:1-5)

Response to the Gospel (1:4-5)

Evidence of That Response (1:2-3)

3)Imitators But Not Imitations (1:6-10)

They Imitated Paul

They Imitated Christ

They Were a Model For Others

4)Principle

Only by the power of the Holy Spirit is a life of faith made possible.

5)Applications

How well is your faith, hope, and love known outside your Christian circles?

When was the last time you thanked God for the evidence of faith you witnessed in another believer?

When was the last time you told someone you were thankful for that evidence?

A Motive of Selfless Giving (1 Thessalonians 2-3)

1)Paul's Motive For Ministry (2:1-8)

The Context – Suffering, Shame, and Conflict (2:1-2)

To Please God (2:3-4)

An Illustration (2:5-8)

No Flattery, Greed, or Glory (2:5-6)

Love, Affection, and Sacrifice (2:7-8)

2)Their Response to the Word (2:13-16)

A Work of the Spirit (2:13)

It Endures, Even Under Opposition (2:14-16)

Illustration

3)Paul's Desire for Their Perseverance in Affliction (2:17-3:5)

4)Timothy's Encouraging Report (3:6-13)

His Prayer (3:11-13)

5)Principle

Christians are to commit themselves to the needs of others.

6)Applications

What's your motivation in your work for the Lord?

What has God given you that He expects you to pass on to others? Hope? Encouragement? Warning? Understanding?

How comfortable are you with other believers following your Christian example?

A Life of Holy Living (1 Thessalonians 4-5)

1)Please God More and More (4:1-12)

Don'ts (4:3-8)

Do's (4:9-12)

2)The Hope of the Believer: Christ's Return (4:13-18)

3)The Day of the Lord (5:1-11)

4)Finally (5:12-22)

5)Benediction and Final Greetings (5:23-28)

6)Principle

Jesus will return as Savior to the righteous but judge of the unrighteous.

7)Applications

What don'ts do you need to stop doing?

What do's do you need to keep doing (more and more)?

Are you ready for Christ's return or will you be one of the many who will be surprised?

Conclusion

Introduction

360 reviews (you had to be there ;)

A Reason For Thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 1)

1)Background

Paul had been in Thessalonica right after they left Philippi (remember the jail incident)

They reasoned in the synagogue and saw some Jews, many devout Gentiles, and not a few leading women come to faith in Jesus Christ.

They could not have been with them more than a couple months when they were attacked by the Jews and some rabble they stirred up.

And Jason and some others had to post some security money to ensure the believers would not be causing any trouble.

At this point, the brothers sent Paul and his companions on their way.

2)Reason For Thankfulness (1:1-5)

Response to the Gospel (1:4-5)

Paul could honestly say that he knew these believers were God's chosen because of the evidence.

It was not merely words that they concurred with, but it was the Gospel accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit is the one that takes the word of truth and applies, with conviction, to the heart of the sinner. And with that conviction comes conversion and repentance.

Evidence of That Response (1:2-3)

Paul was thankful for the faith, hope, and love of the Thessalonian believers.

This is a triad Paul often mentions (note: 1 Corinthians 13) many times in his letters.

Here he introduces them and will repeatedly mention them throughout the remainder of the letter.

3)Imitators But Not Imitations (1:6-10)

They Imitated Paul

They Imitated Christ

They Were a Model For Others

4)Principle

Only by the power of the Holy Spirit is a life of faith made possible.

5)Applications

How well is your faith, hope, and love known outside your Christian circles?

When was the last time you thanked God for the evidence of faith you witnessed in another believer?

When was the last time you told someone you were thankful for that evidence?

A Motive of Selfless Giving (1 Thessalonians 2-3)

Advancement. Become great. Climb the ladder. Be successful. You name it, these are common temporal pursuits we find ourselves caught up in. In some way, we equate the success or greatness of a person in proportion to such categories as these.

Jesus wants all believers to strive to be the greatest in his kingdom. However, in God's economy, greatness equates to becoming a servant of all. Of giving one's self for the sake of others.

1)Paul's Motive For Ministry (2:1-8)

The Context – Suffering, Shame, and Conflict (2:1-2)

After what Paul and Silas had been through in Philippi, the natural thing to do would be to tone things down, get some rest, reevaluate you strategy.

But that's not at all what we find:

1 Thessalonians 2:2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

To Please God (2:3-4)

Nor error, nor impurity, nor deception (vs 3)

Approved by God.

Entrusted with the Gospel.

To please God.

Hearts tested by God.

It's all about God and not what men think about us.

Our message may be received or rejected but that does not change our message or purpose – it's still all about God.

An Illustration (2:5-8)

Paul reminds them of how they did come in order to illustration the truth of what he just told them.

No Flattery, Greed, or Glory (2:5-6)

The message was the gospel and reasoning from the Scriptures. They were not interested in tickling their ears.

They worked night and day, so greed was not why they were there – obviously!

They were not seeking acceptance by men, like the Jews who drove them out, they only cared about doing the will of God.

Love, Affection, and Sacrifice (2:7-8)

What a great example of sacrifice, affection, and love – a mother nursing her baby.

Sometimes the baby is unreasonable and seems to cry for nothing. But a loving mother will try to calm the little one and provide whatever he needs.

In fact, a mother gives and gives without expecting anything in return. Mothering is a job of self-sacrifice for the needs of the baby.

And that is just what Paul, Silas, and Timothy lived out with these Thessalonian believers. They didn't want to be a burden, they gave of themselves, and shared their lives for the sake of this church.

He expands on this idea of giving themselves in verses 9-12, though we don't have time to delve into them now.

2)Their Response to the Word (2:13-16)

Paul was also thankful for the spirit in which the Thessalonians received the word of God.

A Work of the Spirit (2:13)

The word of God often comes through human vessels, Paul, but it is really only by a work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the hearer that makes it effective.

And Paul is thankful to God that they received it, accepted it, and were affected by it.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

It Endures, Even Under Opposition (2:14-16)

Just like the churches in Judea, the Thessalonians were facing the same type of persecution from the Jews as well as others who hate God and His word.

This opposition was one of the main concerns Paul had for these new believers. He had told them to expect it, but he also wanted to be there to encourage them while they endured it.

Illustration

There's something comforting about going through a difficult time and having someone else who has gone through the same issue come alongside you.

[Illustration from my life]

Paul was not sharing some theoretical understanding of endurance under suffering. He ha and abundance of first hand knowledge about the difficulties they were facing.

3)Paul's Desire for Their Perseverance in Affliction (2:17-3:5)

Paul had come to them in persecution, he had lived with them and then was driven away by persecution. As he says in 2:17, ...we were torn away from you...

Paul makes it clear that though they were torn away in person, their hearts were still with them. And you can see that is the case in every way throughout this letter: prayer continuously, thankful for them, longing to see them, concerned about them, etc.

Apparently he had tried again and again, but was prohibited from returning to Thessalonica. And so, when he could bear it [the separation and concern for them] no longer, they waited in Athens and sent Timothy back to them in order to establish them (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2).

His primary concern for them was that none fall away.

He wanted the roots to go deep, so to speak, so that they would be able to endure what the enemy had to throw at them.

4)Timothy's Encouraging Report (3:6-13)

When you have a wayward child who you pray for again and again, never seeming to desire to come to the Lord, but then one day you see that child (maybe as a young adult) come to faith in Christ – what a joy that is. Your concern for their soul during those years of rebellion, turns to rejoicing for their salvation.

Well, Paul had more than a casual concern for the Thessalonian believers even though he had only been with them a few months at the most. He was concerned for their souls and he was well aware of the deceitfulness of the deceiver.

So when Timothy returned with the news of how things were, Paul was ecstatic. This was the primary reason for the letter, to encourage them based upon what he had witnessed and from the report he had received. He wanted to address any of the concerns they might have now that he knew of their steadfast faith and love in the Lord.

The words Paul uses in 6-13 show the depth of his relief and concern over their spiritual condition:

Vs 6-7 – because of their faith and love and desire to see Paul, he is comforted in spite of distress and affliction

Vs 8 – we live because you are standing fast in the Lord

Vs 9 – joy and thanksgiving to God because of their faith

His Prayer (3:11-13)

To be reunited with them (Acts 20 this happens)

Increase in love (abound)

Holy living now in anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus when we will be glorified.

5)Principle

Christians are to commit themselves to the needs of others.

6)Applications

What's your motivation in your work for the Lord?

God sees the motive of the heart – (2:4-5 – God tests the heart; God is witness)

What has God given you that He expects you to pass on to others? Hope? Encouragement? Warning? Understanding?

How comfortable are you with other believers following your Christian example?

A Life of Holy Living (1 Thessalonians 4-5)

Have you ever noticed that often, after a spiritual high point in life, you are most susceptible to fall into temptation and sin? There's something encouraging about encouragement, but there's also a tendency, in the fallen human nature, to take credit for something that God has done. To allow pride to creep in and corrupt the fruit of the Spirit in one's life.

It's always good to be reminded of those areas in life that pose the greatest weakness. Due to the lifestyle these Greeks had lived, Paul wants to remind them of the snares that lie ahead. If persecution won't bring them down, certainly lifestyle patterns from the past might cause them to stumble.

1)Please God More and More (4:1-12)

Two times, in these 12 verses, Paul mentions “more and more”, thus indicating that the Christian life is not a plateau we aspire to, but a continual progression and growth until life ends or Christ returns.

Don'ts (4:3-8)

Much of what Paul addresses here in these verses are practices that would have been very common occurrence in their former pagan worship. And so Paul reminds them of what he had already told them before.

Note: he had told them to abstain from these practices, not as a means of becoming right with God, but because of their right relationship with God through faith.

He deals with not only the outward practices of sexual immorality, but with the inward motivation, such as lust. He calls for control of one's own body.

The motivation behind this is that they now belong to God and so they need to live like that is true.

Vs 7 – For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.

Vs 8 – to disregard this is disregarding God himself, not man. (It isn't Paul's desire that counts, but it is God's)

Do's (4:9-12)

Love one another – this is natural for the believer; but over time, it can wain – it should increase

Live quietly – an ordinary life, not making trouble, but living as an upstanding citizen on earth (who is really a citizen of God's kingdom)

Mind your own affairs – don't be a meddler; don't get involved in things that you have no business getting involved in; be led by God, not culture

Work with your hands – Paul is not saying that all believers must become manual laborers, he is just saying that we should work. The tendency in some eras is that people get so focused on eternity, they don't do a good job in this short life. (Don't pack your bags for the Misty Mountains...Oh, oh, oh...)

All of this so that outsiders (unbelievers) have nothing they can accuse you of. And so that you are not needing to be dependent on others to support you.

2)The Hope of the Believer: Christ's Return (4:13-18)

Contrary to many popular views, this teaching of the return of Christ does not necessitate a separation of the resurrection of believers and unbelievers.

Paul is merely addressing a concern of the believers regarding their believing loved ones who have died. There concern is that the Lord will return and they will miss it. Or that they will never have fellowship with them again.

But Paul teaches them that our grieving, though very real, is not a hopeless situation, but one of great hope.

Since Jesus died and rose again, he is our exemplar. It is through Jesus that God will bring (along with us) those who are dead.

In fact, they will precede us, then we will all be caught up with the Lord.

From that point on, there will be no more separation – we will always be with the Lord.

We are to encourage each other with these words just as Paul told the Thessalonians to encourage one another.

3)The Day of the Lord (5:1-11)

The Lord's return is imminent – it can happen at any time. There is nothing that must first take place. He could come tonight.

5:2 – Paul says it will be like a thief in the night. In other words, nobody has an appointment with a thief, he comes when he wants: when you're not expecting him.

The return of Christ will be like this. The world will think everything is peaceful and secure. Life is going to go on like this forever.

But little do they know the destruction that awaits. There will be no escape.

This is a warning regarding the urgency of the gospel message. Take every opportunity to share the Gospel with your lost friends, family, and co-workers. There will be no chance once the Day of the Lord arrives.

Notice how Paul uses this language of darkness and light:

1 Thessalonians 5:4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.
5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.

This is similar to John's writing in 1 John:

1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Those of us who have had the light of the gospel shed abroad in our hearts ought not get caught up in the cultural norms of walking any way we please.

We are children of light, and we are anticipating the coming of Christ in power. Our lives ought to reflect that anticipation.

You see, wrath awaits the unrighteous. God leaves no sin unjudged.

But those who belong to God are righteous, not because of the way they live, but because of a foreign righteousness. The One who bore our wrath also gives us his righteousness.

Therefore, we should seek to honor him and live the reality of who we are in a dark and dying world.

4)Finally (5:12-22)

• Respect and love the elders (vss 12,13)

• Live in peace with each other (vs 13)

• Admonish the idle (vs 14)

• Encourage the faint-hearted

• Help the weak

• Be patient with them all

• Don't repay evil with evil

• Seek to do good to all

• Rejoice always

• Pray continually

• Give thanks in all circumstances

• Don't quench the Spirit

• Don't despise prophecies

• Test everything and hold fast to the good

• Abstain from evil

This would be a great list of items to keep on hand.

5)Benediction and Final Greetings (5:23-28)

6)Principle

Jesus will return as Savior to the righteous but judge of the unrighteous.

7)Applications

What don'ts do you need to stop doing?

What do's do you need to keep doing (more and more)?

Are you ready for Christ's return or will you be one of the many who will be surprised?

Conclusion

Who, on your 360-list do you need encourage? Admonish?

The final review is near: the day when we are all retired from service. Let's be ready!

Coming Soon

Sorry for the delay of the 1 Thessalonians notes. I really need to have a talk with my secretary :) I would put them out as they are, but they have too many things that need to be edited and I don't want you to suffer more than is absolutely necessary. I will try to work on them either tonight or tomorrow -- have to finish up 2 Thessalonians first though.

Friction (Acts 15:36-18:22)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Disagreement, Diversion, and Dreams (Acts 15:36-16:10)

1)The Split (Acts 15:36-41)

2)Timothy (Acts 16:1-5)

3)The Call to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10)

4)Principle

Disagreements can be good.

5)Applications

In a disagreement, how quick are you to check your motive?

Who do you need to forgive (or ask forgiveness from) due to anger or bitterness over a disagreement?

How has God used your passion for Him and a disagreement with a brother to lead you in a new direction?

Preaching, Prison, and Persecution (Acts 16:11-17:15)

1)In Philippi (Acts 16:11-40)

Lydia Believes

Paul's Prison Ministry

Beaten and Imprisoned

In Prison (25-40)

2)In Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9)

Line of Reasoning

Jealousy

3)In Berea (Acts 17:10-15)

4)Principle

Both opposition and acceptance should be expected in any gospel ministry.

5)Applications

How has God used a painful experience in your life as an opportunity to give God glory?

How can you turn your past failures to glorify God into a renewed resolve to not be a repeat offender?

How is past opposition to the gospel effecting your current determination to share it with others?

Idols, Ignorance, and Inroads (Acts 17:16-18:22)

1)In Athens (17:16-21)

All the Idols

Synagogue and Market – Jew and Philosopher

Apologetic

2)In Corinth (18:1-17)

Aquila and Priscilla

Opposed in Synagogue

The Lord's Vision to Paul

3)Return to Antioch (18:18-22)

4)Principle

One of man's biggest barriers to faith is faith in his own ability to reason.

5)Applications

How could Paul's example in Athens help you reason with your unsaved friends, family, and co-workers?

What opposition are you facing for the sake of Christ? Might that be a sign that you are right where God wants you to be?

Conclusion

Introduction

Friction is the force that resists motion between two surfaces. One of the results is kinetic energy being converted into heat.

There are negative consequences due to friction in that it can cause the degradation of the materials in contact. The excessive buildup of heat can cause unwanted structural changes and even fusing of surfaces.

But friction is not always bad. Consider the tires on your car. If it were not for friction, when you turn a sharp corner on the road, you might end up in the ditch. Also, consider a sander. As the sandpaper is moved across a rough surface, friction is responsible for smoothing out otherwise rough surfaces.

In a fallen world, such as ours, it is only natural that we will encounter friction as we seek to do God's work. And as we will see, it is often that very resistance that God uses to move and direct his workers.

Disagreement, Diversion, and Dreams (Acts 15:36-16:10)

1)The Split (Acts 15:36-41)

Both men fully committed to God's call in ministry – Christ-centered; the glory of God was a high priority

Intention was to visit and see how the churches they had established were faring – an unselfish motive

18:36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”

John Mark is the subject of disagreement

Barnabas wanted to bring Mark.

Paul was determined to have a solid missionary team.

Both men had correct motives in wanting and not wanting to bring John Mark

They both saw the value in mentoring younger (less mature) Christians. Barnabas, the son of encouragement, would have wanted to give his nephew Mark another shot.

The sharp disagreement was not necessarily a point of anger (or bitterness as a result), but merely a difference in direction with the same goal in mind

It was wise for them to part company. I wonder what would have happened had they decided to stick it out and go together in spite of their differences of opinion?

This separation was part of God's plan to cover more territory, mentor more missionaries, forge new inroads into the pagan world

2)Timothy (Acts 16:1-5)

Young, Jewish – Greek, uncircumcised, believer.

Paul had him circumcised.

Seems like a contradiction to the decision brought down from Jerusalem council. Seems like it contradicted Paul's own conviction that circumcision was of no value.

But it was not a contradiction at all, but a loving move on his part in order not to offend (or turn off) any potential Jewish audience he might have.

Paul had him circumcised for the sake of the unbelieving Jews and never had the salvation of Timothy in mind.

3)The Call to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10)

The missionary team tried to move into places, Asia and Bithynia, that seemed like logical next steps in their travels. They were stopped by the Holy Spirit.

We are not told how the Holy Spirit stopped them, only that it happened.

We are also not told how Paul knew the man in his vision was a Macedonian man. But he did, and that is where God was leading them.

They were not sitting around waiting for God to lead them. They had the main objective of sharing the gospel in mind. They were moving ahead with where they thought people needed to hear. They were sensitive to where God was stopping them and also open to new places where God was leading them.

4)Principle

Disagreements can be good.

5)Applications

In a disagreement, how quick are you to check your motive?

Who do you need to forgive (or ask forgiveness from) due to anger or bitterness over a disagreement?

How has God used your passion for Him and a disagreement with a brother to lead you in a new direction?

Preaching, Prison, and Persecution (Acts 16:11-17:15)

Paul, Silas, and Timothy were where they were due to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the providential hand of God at work to make them aware of a need in Macedonia. The very fact that they were a team is due to God using a difference of opinion to point out a difference in direction for Paul as opposed to Barnabas. And God was accomplishing His perfect plan through two teams rather than one.

1)In Philippi (Acts 16:11-40)

Philippi was a leading city in the district of Macedonia. But it was also a city without a synagogue for the Jews to gather for worship. Jewish law required that at least 10 men were required in order to establish a synagogue. Apart from a synagogue, prayers could be established outdoors, preferably near water. And so that is where Paul and his companions find themselves, outside Philippi and near the river.

Lydia Believes

Paul spoke to the women there and note what Luke records:

16:14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.
15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

Note that God prepared a receptive heart for the gospel message outside the city on a riverbank. There was no resistance recorded as we will see happens later in Thessalonica.

Paul's Prison Ministry

God had others in Philippi who He was going to call. He had a plan for Paul to witness in a prison to some people who may have otherwise never heard the gospel And God has a very unusual way of bringing this about. Rather than some outsider coming to the gates of a prison, God was going to make this an inside job.

Beaten and Imprisoned

The opposition they faced seemed like a positive spin by an unlikely preacher – a demon-possessed fortune telling slave girl.

Magistrates were unjust.

If Paul and Silas had been a threat, the magistrates actions did little to detract them.

If the accusations were not warranted or unfounded, then Paul and Silas were unjustly accused, regardless of nationality.

What they did was illegal and unethical.

But this was also part of God's plan to grow His church in Philippi.

In Prison (25-40)

You can miss an opportunity God has for you if your attitude is not right. If anyone had reason to complain in their circumstances, Paul and Silas did (from a fallen human perspective).

16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,

They took full advantage of this opportunity. They realized that wherever they were, it was due to their obedience to God and part of His will.

So they used the opportunity to offer up praise to God in prayer and song.

What an impact that must have had on their fellow prisoners. Rather than bemoaning their unfair treatment an innocence and unjust treatment as Roman citizens, instead they glorified God in their pain and suffering.

What an impact they had on the jailer. Not only did they stay behind, the other captives did as well. If anyone had the right to bolt it was Paul and Silas.

16:28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.”
29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.
30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.

Years later, when Paul writes his letter to the Philippian church, I wonder if this jailer had a special understanding of Paul's situation since this church was instrumental in serving Paul through financial giving. Who better would understand the plight of a prisoner than a man who ran a prison?

2)In Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9)

Line of Reasoning

In the Thessalonian synagogue.

Started with the Scriptures to point out that suffering and resurrection were necessary for the Christ.

Jesus it the Christ.

Some Jews, great many Greeks, and many leading women believed.

Jealousy

The Jewish leaders are jealous. Would not have been so if many had not been saved. They probably enjoyed a theological debate.

But with many converts to Christianity, their power and authority was now in jeopardy.

They ally with wicked men of the rabble in order to propagate their hate speech about Paul and Silas.

3)In Berea (Acts 17:10-15)

Same scenario in Berea, but rather than rejecting Paul's words, carte blanch, they go to the Scriptures to see if what he is saying lines up. And it does.

The same message in Thessalonica and Berea, but a different heart. A heart that was honestly seeking the truth and willing to test everything they heard in light of God's revealed truth to mankind.

In both Berea and Thessalonica, there were those who heard and believed.

17:4,12:

4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.

12 Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men.

But sadly, both passages are followed by statement, but when the Jews.

Paul's own people, the ones he went out of his way to talk with, were the very ones to put up such a resistance to the gospel that they would travel over land and sea to silence this apostle.

4)Principle

Both opposition and acceptance should be expected in any gospel ministry.

5)Applications

How has God used a painful experience in your life as an opportunity to give God glory?

How can you turn your past failures to glorify God into a renewed resolve to not be a repeat offender?

How is past opposition to the gospel effecting your current determination to share it with others?

Idols, Ignorance, and Inroads (Acts 17:16-18:22)

Sometimes God leads us to share His truth with those who seem to have no clue about the true and living God. Sadly, that is becoming more and more the norm in our own country.

Paul found himself driven out of Berea by unbelieving Jews only to find himself in the pit of pagan culture and human religious pursuit.

1)In Athens (17:16-21)

All the Idols

Filled with idols or full of idolatry.

This was the center of higher education, art, and religion.

Paul was not overwhelmed by the artistic beauty or by the stunning architecture or by the human wisdom that abounded in Athens.

He was overcome by the realization of the lost condition of humanity. This city had everything the world could offer, but it was nothing.

It was the epitome of human pursuit apart from God.

And Paul was moved, troubled, his spirit was provoked (NIV: he was greatly distressed).

How often do you and I get more impressed with the accomplishments of man and forget to be overcome by the lost condition of man?

We live in a society that is becoming more and more pluralistic. There is good and bad in pluralism. And often we get caught up in the notion that diversity is good with no regard for the idea that much of what accompanies pluralism is un-Christian. Pagan. Antithetical to what the Scripture teaches.

Synagogue and Market – Jew and Philosopher

And so Paul takes this feeling of distress and puts it to good use in both the synagogue (with the Jews an proselytes) and also in the market place.

He goes where the lost people are in order to share the hope that is obviously lacking in all of the Athenian pursuits.

We are not told of anything coming from Paul's talks in the synagogue, but outward results are never a motivating factor for Paul. He seeks to do God's will in spite of man's response.

In the market he gets an audience, and he gets labeled a babbler. In other words, your talk seems to be nonsense. It was the message of Jesus and the resurrection that evoked such a response.

Isn't it ironic that those who call Paul a babbler are in fact those who are peddling all forms of sophistry without a desire to know truth only to know knowledge and new ideas. Those who hungered for the new ideas would call one bringing them the truth a babbler. What an irony.

He was invited to the Areopagus, not because those who listened believed what he was saying, but because they wanted to hear new ideas. They liked to spend their days sharing the latest ideas and views. Not necessarily in a pursuit of truth but in a pursuit of ideas that they may or may not adopt as their belief system.

Apologetic

Paul begins to talk with those at the Areopagus by using their own words and objects of worship to reason about the true God.

He points out what was very obvious to them. They were religious in every way. Their whole society revolved around the gods that they had made.

And it seems that they even wanted to make sure that they covered all the bases by making an alter to an unknown god. Just in case there was another one out there that needed to be appeased.

Paul uses this as his jumping off point. He was not trying to say that the god they call unknown is in fact the true God. But he does point out that their worship as the unknown God is unacceptable to the true God.

They are worshiping in ignorance, but that ignorance is not a valid excuse when it comes time for God to judge.

Jesus puts man's dillema in these words:

Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;
26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

2)In Corinth (18:1-17)

Aquila and Priscilla

Opposed in Synagogue

This opposition in the synagogue looks to be the last straw for Paul. He has been opposed almost every time he has entered a synagogue. These are people who are supposedly interested in seeking God. But they are rejecting the truth of God because it doesn't suit their flawed understanding of the Scriptures. They are too stubborn and proud to acknowledge that they are wrong and God is right.

And so they lose out and the Gentiles gain.

The Lord's Vision to Paul

18:9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent,
10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”
11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

He stays in Corinth 1 ½ years teaching. This city so filled with immorality becomes a place God chooses to reveal himself and grow His church.

3)Return to Antioch (18:18-22)

4)Principle

One of man's biggest barriers to faith is faith in his own ability to reason.

5)Applications

How could Paul's example in Athens help you reason with your unsaved friends, family, and co-workers?

What opposition are you facing for the sake of Christ? Might that be a sign that you are right where God wants you to be?

Conclusion

What friction are you facing in your Christian life? Just remember, this is a natural result of our fallen world. Will you allow that friction to be used by God to refine you, to direct you, and to aid in accomplishing God's will through you?