Promises, Pride, and Persecution

INTRO

When hard times and uncertainty comes, especially suddenly, are you one who panics and falls apart or one who stays calm and stays the course?

Thomas Jonathan Jackson - Brigadier General in the Confederate Army

During the Battle of Bull Run in July 1861 there was unusual confusion and chaos in the middle of the battle.

During this turmoil, General Thomas J. Jackson remained calm and steady as he led his men to rush into the gap and stand their ground.

Upon witnessing this, another general, was able rally his men and tipped the scales of the battle to their favor when he shouted, “Look men, there is Jackson standing like a stonewall!” From that moment to this very day, most will not recognize the name Thomas J. Jackson, but they will recognize the name Stonewall Jackson.

Have you ever known someone who despite the circumstances and uncertainty remained calm and steadfast to something greater?

As we turn to our text, this is precisely what we see from Paul and Barnabas as they continue on their missionary journey. From the text we will discover 3 Realities that can help us remain steadfast and constant in a world of uncertain circumstances.

Acts 13:13–16 ESV

13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” 16 So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.

Acts 13:38–52 ESV

38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: 41 “ ‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’ ” 42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. 44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

3 Truths to Encourage and Enlighten Us in our Journey with Christ:

1) God’s Promises and Purposes are Solid and Sure (v. 13-43)

From the Text...

When Paul has an opportunity to speak, he shares the continued promises and purposes of God. (v.17-25)

He starts with God’s choosing and establishing of Israel (v.17-18)

He draws their attention to fulfilling the promise of giving the land of Canaan to the Israel. (v.19)

He puts into focus God’s provision and direction for His people (v.20-22)

He then highlights the center of all of these promises and their fulfillment, the promised Messiah, who is Jesus. (v.23-25)

After establishing God’s faithfulness to keeping His promises, He calls them to recognize and embrace God’s purpose through Jesus. (v.26-39)

He shares with them the truth of God’s purpose for Jesus (v.26-29)

He then tells them of God’s power on display (v.30-31)

Next he shares with them the Good News of God’s promises being fulfilled (v.32-39)

Finally, Paul warns the people to embrace God’s promises lest they perish. (v.40-41)

…To our Context

We need to live each day in the realization that God has a larger purpose He is carrying out.

We need to live each day walking in His promises and seeing Ultimate truth played out all around us.

Just as Paul warned the people not to scoff at God’s promises and purposes, we too need to make sure we are not being influenced by the culture to scoff at God’s promises and purposes.

While the culture in its hubris scoffs at God’s Word and His purposes, we must make sure we do not allow ourselves to do the same.

Rather we should be hungry and desire more and more the grace of God.

2) Man’s Pride Will Always Reject Hard Truths (v.44-50)

From the Text...

As interest in the Good news was spreading, jealousy stirred up in the hearts of the religious leaders.

As a result, they stirred up trouble for Paul and Barnabas, attacking the messengers because of the influence of the message.

In the midst, of the chaos and turmoil, Paul and Barnabas remained steadfast and on mission.

They shared the good news not only with the Jews but with the Gentiles as well.

This really enraged the Jews, so much so that they stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out.

…To our Context

Truth always brings light to darkness.

When darkness is exposed it reacts with hostility to light.

John 3:16–21 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

We should be prepared and know, because God’s Word is solid and sure, that many people will hold on to their pride and reject truth.

This doesn’t mean that back away from the truth, but rather we must continue in the truth all the more.

As we stand for truth, expect push back and attempts at chaos from those who pridefully hold to their own understandings rather acknowledging God.

This may also mean we are driven from places and people who once accepted us.

3) Persecution Will Not Stop the Gospel (v.51-52)

From the Text...

Paul and Barnabas were being driven out by the Jewish leaders stirring up trouble, but they walked out as witnesses against their foolish rejection of Jesus.

Luke 9:5 “5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.””

Though Paul and Barnabas were no longer in the area, the truth of God’s Promises and Purposes remained.

Those who followed Jesus were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit in the midst of the trouble and turmoil.

The good news of the Gospel was not snuffed out by the persecution, rather the persecution spot lighted the reality of the need for the Gospel.

…To our Context

No matter the circumstances we find ourselves as we stand for truth and share the Gospel, the Gospel is unstoppable!

Even if persecution or trouble is stirred up against us, even if we are driven out from places and people who once accepted us, even if our circumstances are shaky and unsure, we can remain joyful and filled with the Holy Spirit knowing that these things will not and cannot stop God as He works out His promises and purposes!

CLOSING

WHAT PROMISES OF GOD ENCOURAGE YOU AND MOTIVATE YOU? HOW CAN YOU LIVE OUT YOUR CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST KNOWING HIS PROMISES ARE SURE?

ARE THERE AREAS OF PERSONAL PRIDE THAT ARE KEEPING YOUR FROM WALKING IN GOD’S PROMISES AND PURPOSES? WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO RIGHT NOW TO REPENT AND STARTING WALKING IN FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS?

DO YOU EVER FEEL HESITANT TOWARDS LIVE OUT GOD’S PROMISES BECAUSE OF FEARED OPPOSITION? HOW CAN KNOWING THE GOSPEL IS GREATER THAN ANY OPPOSITION ENCOURAGE YOU TO MOVE BEYOND ANY HESITATIONS?