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)
-- APP: If we are living this way we need to repent and knock it off – now!
Now, the Seven Sons of Sceva had a problem with their own identity as well
-- You’re pretty spiritual if God gives you seven sons; recognized as such here
-- These men were sons of a chief priest (v14); so they knew the rituals; words; etc.
-- Were good at going through the motions; especially taking advantage of others
But Jesus is really just a name to them; something to use to get what THEY want
APP: We so easily want a God who will fit in my pocket … to my expectations
-- Genie in a bottle reference
-- We pull Him out when we need Him; it’s our last move instead of our first
But it doesn't work! This is SO revealing about who we are! Look at response …
-- “Jesus I know” (the whole spiritual realm knows Him … they saw Easter)
-- “I know about Paul” (that man has been shaking the spiritual realm now)
-- But … WHO ARE YOU?
Look at v17 “they were seized with fear” – but what from?
-- Quoting Jesus’ name (alone) is not going to help you; not genie in a bottle
-- When each appears before God, all will cry out for Jesus; even the mockers
-- They were seized from the fear (RESPECT) of the Lord! They saw NO power!
BIG APP: Demons aren’t fooled … why do we think God will be later?
Now, take a look at the result in v18 … Many who believed NOW came forward
-- They confessed their deeds; burned their scrolls: 50,000 days wages worth!
-- They were struck with God’s awesome power; knew they were living in sin
-- The change in their hearts was monumental; will ours be the same?
Big Ideas
1. Jesus is not a rabbit’s foot … He’s the lion of Judah; given all authority
-- Matthew 28:18, “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
-- What authority? Revelation 20:11-15, “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
2. Jesus is not to be ‘used’ or consulted only when we need something
-- APP: It’s not right to want the blessings without the relationship/commitment
-- He died for us; how can we do ANYTHING else but live totally for Him?
3. He is to be KNOWN. The real Jesus; not some fake image we have for Him
-- Are we making Him known … or are we living by our own preferences?
Pray
