Making Jesus Known

Making Jesus Known

Acts 19:1-22

Introduction

We are called to have a common purpose in what we do

-- The purpose is to worship, to love, and to celebrate Christ and share Him always

-- That is our challenge, mission, and it is STILL where we find ourselves today

Most will agree that Paul was a unique man; one who stood apart from others

-- He was not swayed by public opinion nor worried about what others thought

IMP: Paul understood that Grace was the key to life; for it had been shown to him

LAST WEEK: We saw that his journey took him to Thessalonica; preaching

-- Paul’s primary message was “focusing on Christ is critical”

-- This includes what we eat and what we do; in every aspect of our lives

Today, we follow Paul on his journey into Ephesus

Read Acts 19:1-12

Point 1 – What did you receive? (1-12)

There are two BIG questions that are asked of those in Ephesus; let’s unpack them

I. Did you receive the Holy Spirit? (v2)

IMP: When you became a Christian, you RECEIVED the Holy Spirit!

-- Paul entered the synagogue and spoke, arguing persuasively for Christ

-- Paul had discussions daily in the lecture hall

The message Paul taught is quite clear and echoes throughout his epistles

-- APP: Jesus, born of a virgin, lived a sin-free life, went to the cross and was crucified for the sin of the world, and rose again on the third day

His message was clear, and it must be clear in our minds as well

-- We cannot live according to a different Gospel or a different (man-made) Jesus

-- It must be the Word according to the Gospels and taught/lived consistently

-- This Gospel is the gift of life; it is what we must draw strength from

IMP: The power we have is NOT our own; but it comes from the Holy Spirit!

-- He is the Counselor, Comforter; It is what Christ places within us; always there

Gen 1:26, “Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness …”

II. What Baptism did you receive? (v3)

Paul is asking for their testimony … but why?

-- He probably asked the question because of actions; or to even validate doctrine

-- He wanted to be sure in his mind of the type of baptism the Ephesians received

-- However, in this context it does not mean the act of putting someone in water and baptizing them, but the name which they were baptized under

Paul found out that the Ephesian believers were baptized through John’s baptism

John’s baptism of repentance pointed to the coming of the Messiah

-- It pointed to be baptized to follow the one that came after John

-- However, it stopped short of revealing that discovery … Jesus IS the Messiah

-- They could carry on as John had so indicated to them when they were baptized

The Ephesians did not have the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives

-- They gladly accepted the Holy Spirit; mainly because of what God was doing

-- They also spoke in tongues; foreign languages which they didn't know

NOTE: Tongues are for today – they are biblical; and some have this gift (don’t envy it) (Ref: Mark 16; Acts 2; Acts 10; Acts 19; 1 Cor 12; 1 Cor 13; 1 Cor 14)

Receiving the Holy Spirit is critical; it is what resides within us and guides us

-- Romans 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

TRANS: Now, let’s see what happens when the gift (HS) isn't rightly received

Read Acts 19:13-22

Point 2 – Who Do You Serve? (13-22)

Paul goes to Ephesus (west coast of Turkey, located in Asia Minor)

-- Very spiritual place; it’s a place of spiritual pilgrimage

-- If you were into spiritual things that’s where you could go

-- Famous for its ‘Ephesian letter’ which Paul wrote about personal relationships

IMP: There’s a difference between knowing facts and knowing Jesus personally

-- “Spiritual cultures” are often high on the sensational; they desire self-recognition

-- As long as Jesus doesn’t affect lifestyle, restrict, or make me feel guilty: bring it

It’s not surprising that copy-cat events followed Godly things (they always do!)

-- The devil wants to emulate God; wanted to BE God; but his intentions are bad

IMP: Jesus’ name DOES have authority; but it cannot be misused for OUR benefit

The most spiritual of spiritual try to use the name: Why? To get what they want!

-- Matthew 7:22, “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?” (Screams out: Notice me; look at me; approve of meeeee)