Acts 18:23 – 21:15

Acts 18:23-19:10 – Teachable 

How much access does God have to your heart?  Paul gave God full access to his heart, mind and life.  He had a heart for evangelism and discipleship.  He began his third missionary journey to Galatia and Phrygia.  His goal was to strengthen all the disciples.  Who do you need to strengthen? 

While there a Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus.  Apollos was very knowledgeable of scriptures and spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.  Priscilla and Aquila heard him and invited him to their home.  There they explained to him the way of God more adequately.  Being inspired and encouraged by them, Apollos went to Achaia to help prove the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Paul went to Ephesus and saw something was missing with some of the disciples.  They had been baptized by John the Baptist for the forgiveness of sins, but they didn’t know the rest of story about Jesus.  John taught about the coming of the Messiah, but perhaps they hadn’t heard He had in fact come.  They needed to trust and have faith in Him for salvation.  They had not been born-again and baptized by the Holy Spirit.  Paul re-baptized them.  When he laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them.  The Holy Spirit comes one time only and never leaves us.  Baptism is just an outward sign of an inward conversion.

Principle:  God’s word transforms a teachable heart.

How teachable are you? They were open to new truths about God.  The Bible is timeless truth.  We can’t help others go any further in their faith, if we haven’t gone further.  Are you willing to invest in someone else?  Maybe they know a little, but need to know more.  Knowing more could change the course of their life.

Acts 19:11-41 – Sacrificial

Paul taught in Ephesus boldly in the synagogue for three months.  Some refused to believe and became obstinate so he left and went to Asia.  Paul was empowered to heal and performed miracles in the name of Jesus.  When the people in Ephesus heard, many then believed.

Some of the Jews tried to drive out evil spirits in the name of Jesus.  One was Sceva, a Jewish chief priest.  An evil spirit said to him, “Jesus I know and I know Paul, but who are you?”  Then the man with the evil spirits jumped on them all and gave them a beating. This shows us that we should not mess around with evil or the occult.  We can’t drive out evil spirits without Jesus. 

Only Jesus has the power to drive out demons.  Paul demonstrated God’s power right in the middle of Satan’s mist.  Satan’s uses counterfeit acts and he knows the unsaved don’t know the difference.  When this became known in Ephesus, the people were fearful and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.  Many who believed and confessed their evil deeds openly.

What do you have that you need to confess?

A silversmith named Demetrius who made idols called the other silversmiths together.  He was concerned that Paul’s teachings would convince people to not worship the idols they made and of course they would lose money.  He told them that Paul said they were no gods at all and that Artemis, Greek goddess of fertility would be discredited and people would be robbed of her divine majesty.  Most of the people assembled together didn’t even know why they were there.  They just jumped on the bandwagon. (Acts 19:32).  When they heard this, there was a riot. 

People even today like getting involved in protests.  Why do they do this?  Usually it’s because of some injustice.  It can be contagious and ordinary people can get swept up and do things they wouldn’t normally do like shouting, shoving, breaking things and even looting.  It can be very dangerous.  Maybe it’s entertainment for them or and something to do.  Evil was at work here, but so was God.  Thankfully, God worked through the city clerk who calmed the crowd down and sent everyone home.  God had preserved His work and His people again.

Principle:  A teachable heart will sacrificially obey God’s word.

When evil clashes with good, God always wins.  What do you need to sacrificially do to live up to God’s word?  God knows your secrets and so does Satan.  Sometimes it’s not easy to recognize idols today.  They could be an idea, an organization, pleasure, work, ministry, family, etc.  It’s anything you focus and count on instead of God.  If you need to be secretive about it, it’s an idol.  A teachable heart will obey God even at a great sacrifice.

Acts 20:1-12 – Attentive    

Paul knew it was time to leave, but before he left he sent for the disciples, encouraged them and said goodbye.  He traveled to Greece and stayed 3 months.  He continued traveling and preached wherever he went.  Then in Troas he preached and taught up into the night.  There must have been many people there listening to Paul speak.  A man named Eutychus was on the 3rd floor window seat listening to Paul and fell sound asleep and fell to the ground dead.  Paul rushed to him and God allowed him to resurrect Eutychus.  Paul didn’t scold him, but showed compassion.  Eutychus means fortunate.  The people probably now thought Paul is for real and trusted him.  This solidified Paul’s authority. 

Principle:   A teachable heart lives attentive to God’s people and God’s word.

How are you to people around you who are hurting - to their hearts? 

How prepared are you to hear God’s voice or Word? 

What will you do to make time with your creator? 

What are you ready to put aside – cell phone, computer, household chores? 

Where do you sit in church?

Do you sit in the back so you can get out quickly or up front so you won’t be distracted?

You know what needs to be removed so you can concentrate when spending time in His Word. 

Acts 20:13-21:15   Compelled

Then Paul left Ephesus, he said farewell to the elders.  He described his ministry and told he served the Lord with great humility and with tears.  He knew hard days were ahead, but he walked toward them.   The Holy Spirit warned him of the hardships to come.  He knew he may not ever see them again so he gives instructions and warnings to the elders.  They are responsible to keep watch over the church and be on guard.  A pastor’s role is to fed the flock and teach the scripture.  If not, people won’t change.  So many have been taught by savage wolves.  These wolves get started in the church.  People don’t know it’s not the truth.  So stay alert and remember God’s Word.  God’s Word is our tool to live by. They are to work hard and help the weak.  “It it more blessed to give than to receive.” – (Acts 20:35)

Paul was compelled to go back to Jerusalem.  Remember Jerusalem is where Stephen was stoned and Paul was there helping to stone him.  Now there is Paul back there again.

Principle:  A teachable heart lives compelled by God’s Spirit and truth for His purposes.  

We get courage by getting in the game not sitting on the bench.  Paul was compelled by God’s Spirit and was given complete access.  Are you living compelled by this world or God’s Spirit?  Paul’s school of suffering has changed many lives.

Join me here next week for our study 1 Corinthians 1-4 -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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2 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians 1 - Comfort

Paul’s wrote the Thessalonians a second letter.  They had misunderstood Paul’s first letter or were influenced by false prophecy and thought for sure Jesus was coming soon.  Some had stopped working and were just waiting.  Paul described the second coming and reminded them to keep working until He comes and not be idle.  They were confused and life was very hard.  We lose sight of God and His plan for us when we’re confused.   Being in submission to Christ helps you not to live deceived and fearful.  When in hard times and you decide that God is not there and doesn’t care, you have vulnerability. 

Paul, Silas and Timothy thanked God for the faith of the Thessalonians that was growing more and more.  Paul also thanked God for the increasing love they had for each other.  He boasted about the Thessalonians’ perseverance and faith they had even while being persecuted. (2 Thess. 1:3-4).

Their suffering was evidence that God’s judgment is proper and right.  It shows them worthy of the kingdom of God.  God is just and will pay back those who persecute Christians.  This will happen when Jesus returns.  Then He will give rest to the suffering.  A day of rest is promised for every believer and they will live in the kingdom of God.  This promise is not only for the Thessalonians, but for Paul, Silas and Timothy because they too had suffered.

What afflictions have you suffered?  Maybe you don’t think you have, but evil forces are working against you and your commitment to Christ impacts others.  You will be judged by others by your faith and life principles.

Jesus is now in heaven where we can’t see Him, but when He returns all people will see Him.  He will come in the clouds with His army of angels.  People will wonder and be afraid as He appears.  He will condemn and punish those who don’t know Him.  They will never have another chance to turn to God and there will be no hope for them.  They won’t share the joy of the kingdom of God.  Jesus will receive honor and praise from all those who believe.  He has saved believers and will call them to meet Him in the air.  They will spend eternity in heaven with Him.

Jesus will be revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels.  He will punish those who don’t know God and don’t obey the gospel – (2 Thess. 1:7-8).

The saints (believers) will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God – (2 Thess. 1:5).  He will give relief to those who are troubled – (2 Thess. 1:7).

He will be glorified in His holy people and be marveled at among all those who have believed – (2 Thess. 1:10).

Jesus will punish those who don’t know God and don’t obey the gospel.  They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from His glory – (2 Thess. 1:8-9).

Principle:  Christ’s return means comfort for believers and judgment for unbelievers.

                      

Paul and his companions prayed constantly for the Thessalonians that God may make them worthy of His calling and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of theirs and every act prompted by their faith.  He prayed that the name of the Lord Jesus be glorified in them – (2 Thess. 1:11-12).

Is your faith growing stronger?

Is there opposition to your faith?  If not, examine your life.

How is God’s character being revealed to you?

How are others seeing you live out your faith?

The Day of the Lord is in the future and Paul wanted them to know that.  They thought they missed the rapture.  We need to know what the Bible says so we are not deceived.

2 Thessalonians 2 - Confusion

Some thought that Jesus had already returned and were unsettled and alarmed.  Paul told them not to let anyone deceive them and that the Day of the Lord will not come until certain things happen.  Paul told them 3 things must happen before Christ’s return –

(1) the rebellion occurs - a "falling away" or "a departure from faith".

(2) the revealing of the man of lawlessness -  the Anti-Christ will come to power.

(3) the restraint of lawlessness is removed - refers to governmental authority.

There will be a rebellion and the revealing of the man of lawlessness.  (2 Thess. 2:3).  In Matthew 24 Jesus warns us that many false teachers and false prophets would come claiming to be the Messiah.  He said you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.  Nations will rise against nations.  There will be famines and earthquakes.  All of these are beginning of birth pains.  Christians will be persecuted and hated because of their belief in Jesus.  The abomination that causes desolation would be revealed – (Matthew 24 and Revelation 13:3-6).

It may be very easy to be deceived with signs and miracles performed by false messiahs and false prophets if you don’t have a good biblical foundation.  So stay in God’s Word and know what it says.  There is only one truth and one true Messiah, that’s Jesus. 

The man of lawlessness will be revealed and doomed to destruction.  He will exalt himself over everything and will set himself up in the temple as God.  The man of lawlessness will be overthrown by Jesus with His breath and be destroyed by the splendor of His coming.  The man of lawlessness will work in accordance with Satan displaying all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders.  – (2 Thess. 2:1-12).  Who is this man of lawlessness?  He is the Anti-Christ, the beast coming out of the sea – (Revelation 13:1-8).

God will send a powerful delusion to cause unbelievers to believe the lie of the man of lawlessness, because they have not believed the truth and have delighted in wickedness – (2 Thess. 2:11-12).  People today refuse to open their eyes and accept God’s truth.  They don’t think knowing God is worthwhile.  They are full of pride, envy, murder, strife, all kinds of wickedness, faithless, ruthless and the list in Romans 1 goes on.  If you refuse to listen to the truth, you will be deceived by Satan and won’t even know that you are deceived. 

How can you avoid being deluded?  You can prevent believing the lies of Satan, if you will just know the truth.  Study the scriptures and know for yourself what it says.  Don’t take the opinions of others.  Stay in His Word and stay close to God.  By knowing the truth we get to know God more and we’re equipped to discern good from evil.  We should stand firm and hold to the teaching of Jesus and remember that God loves us and is always there to give us eternal encouragement, hope, and strength – (2 Thess. 2:15-17). 

Paul told them that God chose them through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and through belief in the truth.  He called them to this through the gospel that they might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Our responsibility is to believe the truth, stand firm and hold on to the teachings of Jesus – (2 Thessalonians 2:13-15).  Jesus has already done all the work.  All we have to do is believe what He says.  “Share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” in verse 14 means believers will be raised to eternal life with Him and share His inheritance in heaven and we will see God.  We are secure in Him because He chose us from the beginning to be saved.  Believers are exempt from the Anti-Christ. 

 

Principle:  Christ’s return will be the end to all evil.

What gives you comfort and security? 

Have you been taught something that makes you afraid?  If so, examine that against scripture for truth.  Deception manifests fear.  Pray that you be responsible with the truth that God gives you.

2 Thessalonians 3 - Correction

Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for him and his companions that the message may spread rapidly and be honored and that they may be delivered from wicked and evil men.  Paul is confident that God will do what He says.  Are you?

Who will you pray for? 

Who will you ask to pray for you?

Paul warns them against idleness and that idleness make them busybodies.  When he said they should not associate with people who do not live according to the teachings they have received, he is saying don’t engage in their wrong doings.  They should work for a living or not eat.  They probably thought Jesus was coming very soon so they chose not to work, which is a matter of willingness not ability.  We should admonish our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ when needed, but remember everyone should be treated with love and respect.  Be firm, but loving.  If your heart is not in the right place, it could be damning. 

Is your heart right to admonish someone else? 

Are you open to being admonished?

Principle:  Knowing that Christ will return helps believers not grow weary.

Do you gossip?

Are you living as a busybody?

How are you spending your time?

How are you living with urgency, commitment and with confidence?

Join me here next week as we go back to Acts 18.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 

Acts 17:1-9 tells of Paul, Silas and Timothy’s visit to Thessalonica where they taught and proved to them Jesus’ death and resurrection, but with opposition they had to leave.  Later Paul heard about the conditions there since he left so he wrote this letter to the Thessalonians to encourage them and to teach them more about Christianity.  In his letter he teaches them about Jesus’ second coming and tells them that they should continue working hard until he comes.  Each chapter refers to the return of Christ – 1 Thess. 1:10, 2:19, 3:13, 4:14-16, 5:2, 4, 8, 23. 

Do you ever feel your faith has grown stale?  This letter to the Thessalonians is the perfect remedy.  Focus on Christ’s return.  It provides ways of encouraging growth in maturity and provides hope.  By clinging to our hope in Christ, we can see clear results in our lives: avoiding sexual immorality, refusing to defraud others, appreciating other Christians, refusing to repay evil for evil, rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all things.

1 Thessalonians 1 – Faith That Works

The Thessalonians faith, labor of love and patience of hope gave them the power to live strong Christian lives.  They became models to other believers.  They turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.  Paul tells them to wait for Jesus to return from heaven.

Paul is a great encourager.  He encouraged the Thessalonians recognizing their faith and that they are imitators of Paul and his companions and of the Lord in spite of their severe suffering.  They welcomed the message with joy given by the Holy Spirit.  Their faith was known everywhere. 

When have you taken time to encourage someone?

Principle:  The Holy Spirit empowers a life of faith, love, and hope to make Jesus Christ known.

How is your life making Jesus known to another?

Is your quality of faith and lifestyle a good model for other believers? 

Would you feel good if others became like you?

1 Thessalonians 2 – 3 – Love That Labors

Paul, Silas and Timothy’s work took root and grew there because:

They spoke as approved men of God and were not trying to please men, but God. –  

1 Thess. 2:4 

They never used flattery or cover up a mask of greed. – 1 Thess. 2:5

They did not look for praise from men. – 1 Thess. 2:6

They were gentle. – 1 Thess. 2:7

They worked hard so as to not be a burden. – 1 Thess. 2:9

They dealt with the Thessalonians as a father deals with his children, encouraging, comforting and urging them to live lives worthy of God. – 1 Thess. 2:11-12

When you speak the gospel, how do people know you are doing so out of pure motives?

Paul’s heart was to train the Thessalonians spiritually.  He wanted to meet their God-given potential.  His intense love and concern for those he helped to receive Christ is evident in chapters 2 and 3:

He longed to see them. – 1 Thess. 2:17

He was concerned about their faith and didn’t want them to be unsettled by their trials.

– 1 Thess. 3:1-5

He prayed for them day and night. – 1 Thess. 3:10

He prayed for them saying, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.  May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” – 1 Thess. 3:12-13 (This is a wonderful prayer to pray for yourself and for others.)

He prayed that their faith would increase, that they would build one another up in love, and dwell on the hope of Jesus’ return knowing He could come at any moment.

Who are you concerned about and long to see?

Who do you pray for their faith to increase?

Principle:  God’s love should prompt Christians to labor on behalf of others in preparation of Christ’s return.

1 Thessalonians 4 -5 – Hope That Endures

How are you encouraging someone else to live a life worthy of God?

Intentionally reach out and encourage some, love someone who is hurting, call someone, send them a note, and pray for them.

Paul tells them (and us) how to live in order to please God – They should avoid sexual immorality, learn to control their own bodies in a way that is holy and honorable, and that no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. – 1 Thess. 4:3-6

Sexual immorality does not please God.  It’s outside of God’s will.  Statistics from a Gallup poll reported 53% said it was ok to have pre-marital sex.  50% of men polled and 20% of women were addicted to pornography.  Pornography also hurts innocent people.  When we reject God’s Word and instructions, we are rejecting God.

How does this conflict with our present day culture? 

How is your behavior to be different than that of the world?

1 Thess. 4:13-18 Paul reminds them there is hope because of the second coming of Jesus.  In verse 13 the word asleep is used to describe Christians who have died and the word awake is used to describe Christians who will be resurrected.  In verse 17 the words caught up is another word used for rapture.  The Lord will come down from heaven with the sound of the trumpet call of God and the dead will rise.  Those of us who are left will be caught up together with the dead and in the clouds and meet Jesus in the air and we will be with the Lord forever!  So the Thessalonians should encourage one another with these words. 

At this remarkable event Jesus will descend with a shout/voice/trumpet or sum audible signal.  It will not be a secret even though many people may not understand the sound or its meaning when it happens.  Remember on the road to Damascus in Acts 9, Paul heard a heavenly voice.  His companions heard the sound but didn’t understand its meaning.  So the entire world may hear this heavenly sound but have no idea what its meaning is.  Believers will be gathered together – the dead and the living and all will meet the Lord in the air. 

This scripture is the basis for the New Testament doctrine of the rapture.  The word rapture is not mentioned in the Bible, but rapture means caught up.  Some believe this fits into the sever-year Great Tribulation referred to in Matthew 24:21.  There are several beliefs when this will happen, but it will happen.  You can count on it.

Paul said we should comfort one another.  The truth of the return of Jesus for all believers is to be a source of comfort for all Christians.

1 Thess. 5:9-10 - God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ and we are to live together with Him.

God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ and we are to live together with Him. – 1 Thess. 5:9-10

This encourages me, because I will not get what I deserve.  He has saved me from that.  Praise God!  We are destined to face trials as believers.  We need spiritually-sound people around us when we face those trials.

We don’t know when He will return, but we need to be ready.  Paul gives them (and us) final instructions:

They should respect those over them who are in the Lord and hold them in highest regard in  love because of their work. – 1 Thess. 5:12-13

They should warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with  

everyone, don’t pay backs wrongs, always try to be kind, be joyful, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, don’t put out the Spirits fire, don’t treat prophecies with contempt, test everything, hold on to the good and avoid every kind of evil. – 1 Thess. 5:14-22

We can do these things, because God is the God of peace and He sanctifies us.  He is faithful and He will help us do it. 

How much do you pray? 

Are you thankful in all circumstances?

What instructions is God giving you today? 

Will you be ready when Jesus returns?

How does Christ’s return someday affect your behavior?

Principle:  God is pleased when believers live according to His Word, surrender to His spirit, and expect Christ’s return.

Are you patiently waiting and living for the return of Jesus?

Join me here next week for our study 2 Thessalonians.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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