Resting In The Lord Series

“Resting In The LORD”

Acts 9: 26-31

As we continue through our text we will need to back up just a couple verses so we understand where we are and what is happening.

I am so encouraged to know that I do not walk alone, but we have so many others who walk with us like Barnabas.

Saul wanted to return to Jerusalem, but he was not the same person that left 3 years before.

The Holy Spirit has walked with Saul and now he needed to meet with those he once hunted and let them see that God had saved him.

I can only imagine the stress that those in Jerusalem could be feeling.

The one who had hunted them was now telling others he was a changed man…. RIGHT!!

But it was true and Barnabas was the man who came along side of Saul and introduced him to the church in Jerusalem.

I. The Desire of Saul

Acts 9:26 “And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.”

I believe that the person who truly is saved will want to be in fellowship with other believers.

Assayed - to attempt

Saul desired to be with others and to confirm that he was truly a believer in Christ.

They were all afraid - to be struck with fear, to be seized with alarm

I can only imagine that after all Saul had done it would be difficult to believe such a person could be changed.

But it was true.

II. The Discernment of Barnabas

Acts 9:27 “But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

Barnabas took him, and brought – As we saw previously Barnabas was a man of action.

He simply introduced Saul to the other believers.

What initially brought you to church?

• 6-8% Walked in by own initiative

• 2-3% Liked a program offered

• 8-10% Liked the pastor

• 3-4% Had a need met by the church.

• 1-2% Were Evangelized

• 3-4% Attracted by Sunday School

• 70-85% Invited by a relative or friend!

The simple truth is; we need to invite people to church.

III. The Deed Of Service

Acts 9:28 “And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.”

And he was with them,.... - Peter and James, and the rest of the disciples; he lived with them, conversed with them, and joined with them in all religious exercises; which is signified by his

Coming in and going out at Jerusalem; - no one of the apostles or disciples forbidding or hindering him.

IV. The Dispute Of Truth

Acts 9:29 “And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.”

This does not say that Saul argued with others.

Disputed - to seek or examine together; in the NT to discuss, or question

The Grecians - the name embraces all nations not Jews that made the language, customs, and learning of the Greeks their own; the primary reference is to a difference of religion and worship

Saul desired that they would understand their need of Christ as Saviour.

They went about to slay him. - Not unlike what has taken place in the political world today; “If you don’t believe like I believe then I will destroy you.”

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

V. The Departure Of A Brother

Acts 9:30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Interesting that Saul was sent home to Tarsus.

And sent him forth to Tarsus - a city of Cilicia, his own native place, where he might be more safe, and also useful among his friends, family and acquaintance.

This was also done by Jesus when the man of Gadarenes.

Mark 5:18-19 “And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. 19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”

VI. The Dedication Of A Church

Acts 9:31 “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”