Why opposition is good for you

1. Opposition creates opportunity (v.1-8)

Acts 8:1–8 “Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.”

Acts 1:8 (ESV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Colossians 1:5–6 (ESV)

because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth,

Later in Acts 22, Paul’s persecution by the Jews gave him the opportunity to go to Rome and preach the gospel there

Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

What seems bad in the moment, is really God creating a new opportunity for you because it is all part of His plan, just like how Paul’s persecution is part of God’s plan to go to Rome

What kind of setbacks have you faced that seemed awful but in the longer term was actually good for you?

for me getting a bachelor degree in psychology

Remember when you are going through trouble and opposition, that God has a plan and is creating a new opportunity for you

2. Opposition brings attention (v.9-25)

Acts 8:9–25 “But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, a…”

What kind of soil was Simon?

Matthew 13:22 ESV

As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

James 4:4 ESV

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Be careful of loving the world because that makes you an enemy of God

Why do you come to church?

Is attention good or bad? Why?

Attention is neutral. It’s not always good but can also be bad (Simon’s case)

Social media is an example of how attention can be bad

Chasing likes on social media is a bitter pursuit

But what is always true: more attention helps you bring glory to God

1 Chronicles 16:24 (ESV)

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

Who does God want us to declare his glory to?

God’s will is for us to bring Him glory everywhere and to everyone

Detroit bball player testimony vid

Notice anything different about his testimony?

3. Opposition moves you forward (v.26-35)

Acts 8:26–33 “Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.” So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.…”

Acts 8:34–40 “So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.”

Anything interesting that you noticed?

Philip teleport pic

Philip teleported to Azotus

The persecution back in v.1 has led to the gospel being spread to the ends of the earth

What is something difficult that you do that leads to growth?

Example lifting, studying, sports, training

James 1:2–4 ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

What is James saying here?

When you are going through opposition, remember that it is a test from God

And remember tests bring growth (school tests, lifting, etc.)

Opposition helps you move forward, and grow as a Christian