Sermon Central
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Ministry Is Tough
Contributed by Mark Mitchell on Jan 8, 2019 (message contributor)
Summary: God is sovereign in all circumstances of our lives. God is sovereign in the life of the church. Difficult circumstances are meant to bring us to rely on Him. The answer to difficult circumstances is prayer and reliance on Him, desiring His will come what may.
I. The gospel preaching being questioned. (vs.1-7)
A. The evening prayers and sacrifices were now over.
B. Likely it was about 4:00 PM
C. Since a miracle occurred and that miracle was being used to show God’s work they were being questioned according to Deuteronomy 13:1-5.
D. They were held over night because of the late hour of the day.
E. The gospel being preached was the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1. It gives legitimacy to the claim that Jesus is God. (John 20-21)
2. It directly refutes the false doctrine of there being no resurrection.
3. It gives legitimacy to the things that Jesus taught. (John 3)
II. The gospel question answered. (vs.8-12)
A. Illustration “Preach the gospel”
B. Opposition to the gospel will come. (John 15:18-20)
C. When opposition to the gospel comes it is necessary to be filled with the Spirit.
D. God created the circumstances in which the gospel could be heard.
E. God knew those circumstances would be tough and intended to use them for His will.
F. This once miracle created events to have the gospel heard twice.
G. 5 Thousand men, and likely their families, believed.
H. When the gospel is preached sin must be exposed.
I. The Jews needed to hear it, but so must the whole world that there is only salvation in the name of Jesus Christ.
III. The gospel being opposed. (vs.13-22)
A. Illustration “The Light of the Gospel”
B. Being filled with the Spirit and ready with the gospel will gain you credibility.
C. Since God set up the circumstances, those who oppose the gospel struggled to do so.
D. Being filled with the Spirit and having the gospel in hand they were able to stand bold to opposition to the gospel. (Psalm 126:6; Ephesians 6:10-12)
IV. Corporate prayer is the mechanism that we rely on in times of need. (vs.23-31)
A. Illustration “The Impact of Coca Cola”
B. They recognized who God is and what He has done.
C. They saw the sovereignty of God during difficult circumstances.
D. They prayed God’s will.
E. Then God showed up and answered their prayer. (John 5:14-15)
