2013 Acts #25: an exposition of Acts 16:16-40. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 10, 2013.
Intro:
Who are we? What is to be our identity? What are we to be known for? I’m a Baptist. I make no bones about it. I have been a Baptist all my life. I was born into a Baptist family. I was raised in a Baptist church. I have embraced Baptist doctrine. I am a Baptist. In fact someone asked me, “What would you be if you were not a Baptist?” I said, “I would be ashamed!” But in light of the teaching of the New Testament – is it the goal of my life to be known as a Baptist? What is essential to my calling as a believer according to the Scripture?
Now, don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. I am not suggesting that we drop labels. I’m not afraid to be known as a Baptist. I’m not advocating “generic” names for churches. I’m not in favor of dropping the “brand name” from church signs. But I would suggest that as I’ve read the New Testament – I’m convinced that we are to be a “Gospel People.”
We are to be a people saturated with the Gospel. A people who have been awakened by the Spirit of God to the truth of the Gospel; who have come to see the loveliness of Christ; and who freely, whole-heartedly embrace Him. A people whose lives are grounded in Gospel truth. Who are motivated by the Gospel. Who are shaped by the Gospel. And whose lives reflect the glory of the Gospel. Such a people would greatly impact their community, their workplace, their schools and eventually the world!
My point is that we never “outgrow” the Gospel.
We grow in the Gospel.
And growth in the Gospel enables godly living, faithful evangelism and powerful witness.
A great example of which we find in the 16th chapter of Acts.
Text: Acts 16:16-40
Dr. Luke is telling of the second missionary journey.
By the way we discover in Acts 16:10 – Luke joins them!
So this material is not historical research – it is eyewitness testimony.
Philippi was a majestic city.
The most important city in Macedonia.
Due to its physical location it was the major trade city of the region.
The road from East to West came through Philippi.
Philippi was a Roman city – a taste of Rome in the midst of Greece.
Upon arriving in Philippi Paul went out to the river, which served as a place of prayer.
There must not have been a large Jewish influence in Philippi.
Ten Jewish men were required to establish a synagogue and there was none.
Further, at the place of prayer – Paul found only women – no men.
It was there he met Lydia a dealer of purple goods.
God graciously opened her heart to the Gospel and she became Europe’s first convert.
The story picks up in verse 16…
Thesis: We are called to live as a “Gospel People.”
To be a New Testament believer is to be a Gospel person. To be a Gospel person, as we will see in this text, does not just mean that you are one who is constantly sharing the plan of salvation though that is vital and necessary. It is to be a person grounded in and shaped by the message of the Gospel.
There are four things I want to call to your attention from this passage.
- The Gospel has power to overcome evil. (16:16-18)
- The power of the Gospel often enrages the unbeliever. (16:19-24)
- The Gospel enables peace in the midst of even the greatest trial. (16:25-34)
- The Gospel inspires the courage to stand and the grace to compromise. (16:35-40)
Conclusion:
We are called to be a Gospel People embracing, teaching, and living the Gospel.
Overcoming evil.
Finding peace in the midst of the rage of the unbeliever.
Possessing courage to stand and grace to compromise – all to the glory of our God.