CAUSING A COMMOTION
"And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way."
Acts 19:.23
Hebrews 4:12 tells us that "the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
When the word of God is preached in the power of the Holy Spirit; unequivocally believed in heart of a born-again child of God; and practiced daily in the life of a godly saint, noticeable change is inevitable!
I. THE WORD OF GOD PREACHED CREATES A COMMOTION!
It creates resentment and rebellion in the hearts of godless people. There was no small stir all over town when the gospel was preached by Paul in Ephesus. Notice the record in the book of Acts.
"Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, ’Great is Diana of the Ephesians!’ So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions." Acts 19:28-29.
It creates a desire to be Christ-like in the life of the dedicated Christian. The preaching of God’s Word, in and of itself, will "stir up unto love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24). Paul admonished Timothy to "stir up the gift that is within thee" as he encouraged him "to preach the word."
As the Christian lives in the word, he grows both in the grace and in the knowledge of God even as Paul commended the saints in Thessalonica for so doing.
"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other." II Thessalonians 1:3
II. THE WORD OF GOD BELIEVED CREATES A COMMOTION!
It creates discontent in the heart of the believer with his old carnal self.
"And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all." Acts 19:18-19.
It creates a spirit of faithfulness in the life of the church.
"So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed." Acts 19:20
The more faithful we are…the more we inspire others to faithfulness. The more faithful we are…the easier it is to remain faithful ourselves.
III. THE WORD OF GOD PRACTICED CREATES A COMMOTION!
It creates a spirit of persecution against the godly by the ungodly.
"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." II Timothy 3:12.
"And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it---lest you even be found to fight against God. And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go." Acts 5:38-40.
It creates rejoicing in the hearts of consecrated Christians.
"So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." Acts 5:41-42.
