Acts of the Apostles, Video preaching

The work of the Spirit in Ephesus, Pt2

Sermon notes continued….

 III   THE BASIS OF A BOLD, SEPARATED STAND FOR GOD IN THE CITY.

Cp v8-14.

  1. Small nucleus. From these few clean, empowered souls begins a great work of God. What a difference even a few Spirit-filled men can make!
  2. Witness among the Jews, v8. For 3 months the witness is maintained within the Jewish community and is associated with the synagogue. This of course represented the ‘roots’ of New Testament Christianity. There were many basic similarities—the same Scriptures, same God, etc—but with the obvious difference and their view of Christ.
  3. Separation, v9. The time comes to part ways. The gospel message of the Messiah is rejected and a separatist identity is pursued by Paul and the congregation. Such separation becomes necessary for the work of God to advance. Opportunity had been given for the Jews to embrace the truth and when they refused to do so they must be left behind. This is again the work of the Spirit. Cp Gen 1:2-4.
  4. A long, far-reaching witness. Cp v10-12. The word of the Lord Jesus is preached to the entire region and attested by marvelous miracles. The power of God was evidently at work. Note that again prominence is given to the preached message.

IV THE THREAT OF FRAUDSETERS.

Cp v13-20.

In one way or another the work of God is always under attack. One of the devil’s common devices is the art of counterfeit. It is seen again here. In the mercy of God the genuine cause of God is quickly vindicated and the threat overcome. How many are deceived by what seems to be the genuine work of God but is not!

  1. The character of the men, v13-14. The danger to the work is posed by these seven sons of Sceva. These men were ‘strolling occultists’.
  2. A Levitical heritage. What spiritual privilege lay in the background here. It is striking to see that it is from within the ranks of the ‘body’ God’s servants have just separated from that this action now rises. Such behaviour had evidently been tolerated and this is a commentary on the spiritual condition of the Jewish community at this time.
  3. They had no personal knowledge/experience of Christ and His power. They speak of Paul’s Christ.
  4. Common. ‘Second-hand religion’ is a common problem.
  5. Such ‘second-hand’ knowledge is of no use against the work of the devil. They became the victims of the devil they were trifling with! Such is the ultimate end of those who play at religion. The devil will have the upper hand. The demonstration of the uselessness of such religion is a wonderful mercy.
  6. Clarity. It is vital for the health of the work of God that a clear distinction be seen and maintained between the genuine work of God and the false. While it cannot be absolutely prevented, or eradicated, every effort must be made to this end. Cp Matt 13:24-30. The Lord works here to preserve the distinction between true and false.
  7. Honour comes to the Saviour through this incident, v17-18. A fear of God is produced. The greatness of Christ is demonstrated.
  8. Many rescued from Satan’s power by the power of the gospel, v18-20. This is always the best and clearest answer to the confusion caused by the counterfeit. Converts who had been heavily involved in occult practice take a very public stand for the Lord. Here is a model of true repentance, v18-19. There is a complete and utter repudiation of their previous life and beliefs.—even at great cost.
  9. The prevailing power of the word of God, v20. In this way the conquering power of Christ’s gospel is undeniably demonstrated.

 

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