2013 Acts #30: an exposition of Acts 19:1-41. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, January 12, 2014.
Intro:
The pressure is intense. The competition is fierce. The goal is noble. So how do we avoid compromise? We live in a fast-paced, crowded, complex, self-centered culture. A world in which most folks are in a mad pursuit of comfort and relative ease asking in every circumstance, “What’s in it for me?” Within this cultural mix we find a myriad of voices promising the path to self-fulfillment and self-actualization. It seems the road to utopia has many alternate routes! Yet the Scriptures tell us there is one path to life and that is the through the person of Jesus Christ. We are told that the path to ultimate fulfillment is to die daily to our wants and desires. We are told that life comes through death. But that just doesn’t “sell” anymore. In a culture that feeds on self – how do you draw a crowd to a message of self-denial and sacrifice? That is the dilemma. Why not “package” the message in such a way that they will not know where this is leading until they are hooked? Why not scratch them where they itch? Why not entertain them, soften them up and then hit them with the truth? It all sounds very reasonable – but then the path to compromise is always reasonable.
We are all agreed on the goal – we want to see people come to Christ. We want our friends, relatives, neighbors and coworkers to come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus. The question is how do we get there? What shape is our ministry to take? How do we reach them? For some answers we turn again to the first century model of the apostle Paul. Our text this morning is found in the 19th chapter of Acts.
Text: Acts 19:1-41
Dr. Luke, missionary and traveling companion of the apostle Paul is writing his friend, Theophilus and informing him of the continuing work of the Lord Jesus through his church. Luke has been describing Paul’s missionary journeys. Chapter 19 begins the account of Paul’s third journey and records his extended stay in Ephesus.
Paul had stopped off in Ephesus on his way back to Antioch following his 2nd journey.
He was asked to stay longer – but declined at that time (18:18-21).
He did leave Priscilla and Aquilla to minister in Ephesus and promised he would return.
Chapter 19 records his return and the extend ministry he enjoyed.
Ephesus was an impressive city boasting a population in excess of 300,000 – huge by ancient standards. The main attraction of Ephesus was the temple of Artemis goddess of the moon, the hunt and virginity. The temple of Artemis was one of the wonders of the ancient world. Ephesus was at its height during the days of the apostle Paul. A major port city, Ephesus was world-renowned. A rich, powerful and influential city filled with superstition and pagan deities. Yet Paul had a long and fruitful ministry there. As we explore Acts 19 we will encounter some confused disciples; a confident witness; some compelling evidence of God’s power and approval and a thwarted conspiracy.
Along the way we discover that God blesses the work of the Gospel. Reminding us that the method for reaching the lost is through the faithful preaching and application of the Gospel. Because…
Thesis: God graciously enlightens, inspires, affirms and protects the ministry of the Gospel.
There are four things to note from our text.
The Gospel brings light to those who are groping in darkness. (19:1-7)
The Gospel inspires confidence in spite of less than favorable odds! (19:8-10)
God graciously affirms the authority of the Gospel. (19:11-20)
God providentially protects the ministry of the Gospel. (19:21-41)