An Offensive Truth
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Scripture
Father God, we thank You for Who You are. A great Big God who sees each and every one of us here and cares deeply about us. We ask this day, as we are continuing in this time of worship to You, reading Your Word and hearing Your Word, that You refine us with it. Mold us, make us, shape us, rearrange us so that we can more like You, and more made into the image of Christ. Help us be a people who love You and love others so much, that we are moved into action by whatever it is You are going to show us about Yourself today and what that means in our lives. Help us do this, because all to often our selfish and sinless flesh war against our will to follow Yours. As we are doing this, and as we are coming into Your Word today, we ask that You take away any distraction that we may have, and make it go as far away as it possible can, because we want to see and we want to know You better. It’s in these things that I ask and in Jesus Christ’s Holy and precious name that I pray, Amen.
21 After these events, Paul resolved by the Spirit[c] to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem. “After I’ve been there,” he said, “It is necessary for me to see Rome as well.” 22 After sending to Macedonia two of those who assisted him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.23 About that time there was a major disturbance about the Way. 24 For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen.
25 When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said, “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business. 26 You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods. 27 Not only do we run a risk that our business may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence come to the verge of ruin—the very one all of Asia and the world worship.”
28 When they had heard this, they were filled with rage and began to cry out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed all together into the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions. 30 Although Paul wanted to go in before the people, the disciples did not let him. 31 Even some of the provincial officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent word to him, pleading with him not to venture[d] into the amphitheater. 32 Some were shouting one thing and some another, because the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some Jews in the crowd gave instructions to Alexander[e] after they pushed him to the front. Motioning with his hand, Alexander wanted to make his defense to the people. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35 When the city clerk had calmed the crowd down, he said, “People of Ephesus! What person is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple guardian of the great[f] Artemis, and of the image that fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these things are undeniable, you must keep calm and not do anything rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are not temple robbers or blasphemers of our[g] goddess. 38 So if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you seek anything further, it must be decided in a legal assembly. 40 In fact, we run a risk of being charged with rioting for what happened today, since there is no justification that we can give as a reason for this disturbance.” 41 After saying this, he dismissed the assembly.
Context
In this week’s text, we turn our attention to the final large account of what was going on in Ephesus during this long 2 plus year stretch. As you will remember from last week’s text, The Gospel of Christ was having a huge effect on this town, and through Paul’s ministry everyone in the region at some point at least knew about Christ and many would become committed disciples of Jesus. In fact, so many people were committed to Jesus, that many in the town would publicly repent of their secret arts and and as they saw the miracles Paul was doing in Jesus’ name, a great fear/respect for the name of Jesus would come over the town.
This however, doesn’t mean that people liked Him or followed Him. This is true especially, as we observe today and always will until He returns, when wealth or money is involved. Yes, as a person commits themselves to Jesus, the way you think, act, feel, react, and yes spend will change. And as we know, the person that is no longer benefiting from your spending or devotion to whatever you previously did, will not be happy
about this. What i’m saying is that, The gospel you share is offensive to the world, because the world rejects it’s goodness and truth. So, let’s look at this unfold and jump in and
From the text, I want you to see these truths about The true way, which is an offensive truth.
Message
The first truth to see is that: The Way Creates Disturbances (21-24)
21 After these events, Paul resolved by the Spirit[c] to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem. “After I’ve been there,” he said, “It is necessary for me to see Rome as well.” 22 After sending to Macedonia two of those who assisted him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.23 About that time there was a major disturbance about the Way. 24 For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen
So, after the events of the people publicly repenting by burning their spell books, Paul felt a tug by the Holy Spirit to go his next stops, going through places he had been to before, through Macedonia, Achaia, and then to Jerusalem, after meeting with the Jerusalem church, he would then be resolved to go the capitol of the world at that time, Rome. So, to begin this process he sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia (modern day greece) while he stayed in the regions called Asia (which we call Turkey today) Ephesus was in. During this time, something happened, the text tells us that a MAJOR disturbance about the way (meaning Christianity) happened in Ephesus. This was done by a local enraged silversmith named Demetrius who’s specialty making shrines and items for worship for their false goddess named Artemis (some of your bible’s may call her Diana).
Demetrius was a rich man because of his trade, but because of the growth and increase of Christianity (which rejects the worship of multiple god’s); his business would be less lucrative then it was before. The worship of Artemis was decreasing in the area, and so was his prophets as well as the other smiths and people who made a living making idols for worship. So, they were hit right where a person tends to get most defensive and angry, right in their pocketbooks or bill folds. It’s just like Paul had previously written to Timothy in his first letter in your bible, The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. So it was here, a love of money bear was poked by the spread of the gospel, so the darkness in men’s hearts was activated. These men were angry, they took offense at the way, at the gospel of Christ, at Christianity, because it speaks of goodness and truth, which is not the kind of environment that their trade thrives in. They need lies, deceit, and fear to succeed, but now people’s eyes were opening, and Demetrius and his kind were no longer reaping their ill gotten gains. Now hear me, just because we don’t worship idols made of figures or silver today, doesn’t mean that this same kind of sin doesn’t face us each and every day, it does. We/you face it when following God’s commands means less of a profit, you face it when following Christ means you have to say no to things you enjoy or want to do, you face it when you live in this fallen world for even one second and your desire if for anything else other than to see your God glorified and honored. Christianity disrupts this world and way of thinking that seeks to get ourselves, yourself, whatever it is that you want. It’s true, The gospel you share is offensive to the world, because the world rejects it’s goodness and truth. But I urge you to share it, love it, and embrace it all the same, as this is what pleases your God. The Way Creates Disturbances, so expect it and embrace it child of God, don’t be afraid because what God offers you is much better than what you are afraid of.
The next truth to see is that: The Way Discredits Falsehoods. (25-27)
25 When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said, “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business. 26 You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods. 27 Not only do we run a risk that our business may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence come to the verge of ruin—the very one all of Asia and the world worship.”
So, Demetrius begins addressing the assembly. Essentially he says, “Hey guys, you know that through making idols we have become prosperous and rich, but this man called Paul came in and told everyone that the gods we are making are not gods. So, they are not worthy of worship or buying. Now, we run the risk of looking foolish because of this. (and get this, this where he get’s cunning). Demetricus tells them, Paul even teaches that the thing we like and have accepted our whole life as true and right (the worship of Artemis) should be rejected and that she is not magnificent and not good as we believe/know.
Wow, as a former political worker let me say, Demetrius would have made a great corrupt politician. Notice what he did, he manipulated the heart of these people in all the places it mattered. He told them their wealth and security was at stake, he told them that this Paul and way of Christianity is a threat to what we believe and hold dear, and he even said that we are wrong and that their is a better way. Well, I tell you what, I like where I am and what i’m doing very much thank you!” Their falsehoods and lies and had been exposed by God, and as sin does, it hates the light, it hates being revealed. So, they did what you should always expect when a person’s sins is exposed for the world to see. They doubled down, refused to see any reason, and respond in anger. They found Christianity offensive, because it didn’t get them what they wanted, riches and comfort. The way they had gained it, had been hugely discredited. And they didn’t like this. With little doubt, you can imagine this happening today. Perhaps you are seeing it unfold before your very eyes as you take a step back and observe and understand that no matter the situation, no matter who is in charge, God is on His throne, and we exist to glorify Him in the good and the bad times.
You are probably all familiar the with the modern day dilemma that Christianity has to overcome when confronting the existence of a God (our God) who created everything. No, I don’t mean just evolution and the big bang, but it does include that as well. Out their today in the country, state, county, and community you live in are many people that doubt the existence of God, and cite a scientific theory that this presented as truth as their proof. The Christian who knows, can easily overcome this, because, accepting a theory as truth is bad science, especially when you cannot test the theory. It’s strange how this has endured in science, yet in every other case a theory that cannot be tested is to be either rejected or only taught as a possible answer, not THE answer. So, people fall for this lie because they are taught it is true, and double down on it just as these people in Ephesus did for Artimus. The Christian however, does not claim what they believe to be science, (though the likelihood of one being true over the other mathematically is on the Christians side by a long shot) but rather an intelligent being (God) created everything from nothing. We learned about this in the older kids class a few weeks ago, it is called Creation Ex Nihilo, creation from nothing. Yes, don’t fall for the falsehoods and lies of the world, believer, and don’t let them existing keep you from sharing. You will overcome them with your truth. But remember The gospel you share is offensive to the world, because the world rejects it’s goodness and truth.
The third truth to see is that: The Way invokes anger. (28-34)
28 When they had heard this, they were filled with rage and began to cry out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed all together into the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions. 30 Although Paul wanted to go in before the people, the disciples did not let him. 31 Even some of the provincial officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent word to him, pleading with him not to venture[d] into the amphitheater. 32 Some were shouting one thing and some another, because the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some Jews in the crowd gave instructions to Alexander[e] after they pushed him to the front. Motioning with his hand, Alexander wanted to make his defense to the people. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
So, Demetrius gives his speech, and as we would expect, everyone was offended, outraged, and began crying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” That is, cries of anger because my way is threatened. In a mob, they grabbed Gaius and Aristarchus, and brought them to the amphitheater to heckle and bring harm to them. Paul, hearing of this, wanted to come to them, but was not allowed to. Meanwhile, while this confused, angry, rage filled mob was in the amphitheater, noone really knew what was going on because of the suddenness of it. Alexander, one of the Jews in the town, tried to speak to them. Make no mistake, this was not in defense of the Christians, most likely he was going to try to say, “Hey we are not the Christians” this isn’t from us or about us, don’t confuse us with them.” They were worried about themselves not having any harm brought to them. In that moment, notice what happened, the underlying feeling in the town (that hadn't really been stirred before but was now coming out) of hatred of the Jews (after all they were different) came out, and the town was only further stirred up when Alexander tried to address them. This was a very troubling and dangerous scene for everyone involved.
This is what you should expect when you go out and spread true goodness in a hate filled world. The world you live in is mired with hate and sin and rejects goodness and light just as Christ was largely rejected by His people while He was on the earth. The way, Christianity, invokes anger. This isn’t just a modern thing that is happening right now in your world and culture. As you can see here, all throughout history, being a Christian is a dangerous thing, not for the fickle or fearful. No, being a true follower of Christ, is a brave and heroic thing, because at one time or another, you will, you believer will be asked to stand for the truth (That Jesus is God and He died for your sins). Doing so will not be easy but very hard for you because you have much at stake. The ruler of this world, Satan, is going to fight you all along the way and one of his most used tools is anger and lies, so know that your faith will bring up un-instigated and unreasonable anger from people that you love, but do not despair when this happens to you, as Jesus told us He has power over the enemy. So, remember and expect this truth that The gospel you share is offensive to the world, because the world rejects it’s goodness and truth. Your faith will invoke anger, because it is offensive to the world, but be of good cheer, when you are in the deep of it, know that your God is very near.
Another truth to see is that: The Way is misunderstood. (35-41)
35 When the city clerk had calmed the crowd down, he said, “People of Ephesus! What person is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple guardian of the great[f] Artemis, and of the image that fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these things are undeniable, you must keep calm and not do anything rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are not temple robbers or blasphemers of our[g] goddess. 38 So if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you seek anything further, it must be decided in a legal assembly. 40 In fact, we run a risk of being charged with rioting for what happened today, since there is no justification that we can give as a reason for this disturbance.” 41 After saying this, he dismissed the assembly.
After this more riled up crowd kept going, the city clerk, addresses the crowd. Now, it’s important to know that his position/rank is more important then we would think of as a clerk, rather we might call this official a mayor or executive. He tells them, hey guys, everyone of us knows that our town is at no risk from these Christians. Our Artemis is so great, and the whole world knows that we keep her temple and have the rock that was in her image that fell from the sky. No one can deny this. So, don’t do anything rash or hasty here. If Demetrius and the silversmiths have some kind of real and warranted claim against these Christians, then they should bring charges to them in the legal way. This all needs to stop, because right now everyone here is in the very real threat of being charged with rioting today. So, go your way.
Make no mistake, this clerk had some wisdom. But he was not wholly wise to what was going on here. While yes, it was right of him to say that this issue needed to be handled in the legal and orderly way, this is true. However, he was not correct in saying that Christianity is no threat to Artemis worship or their customs…… I mean, look 2,000 year later, which one is still active and will remain until the end of time. This is a serious claim, as Artemis was one of the foremost goddesses that was worshiped in the ancient world. The clerk was also wrong that these men were not blasphemers of their goddess, of course they were. They spoke against again any God that isn’t The Triune, God, Yahweh.
Christianity is by in large a misunderstood religion. Often, it is misunderstood, because people assume it is is what they want it to be.The gospel you share is offensive to the world, because the world rejects it’s goodness and truth. For the sinner, they want it to be wrong so it is misunderstood as an antiquated backwoods way of thinking and living for the ignorant. For the Muslim, they assume Christians are wrong but are close to right in some cases, but still they should be rejected (when in reality it all comes down to one person’s political and wartime agenda some 1400 years ago. For the Jew, Christianity is the sect of people formerly from their religion that went kind of crazy. To those called by God, following Christ is the only way of salvation, the only way to be saved and be made right with God. The way of Christ is often misunderstood, and I charge you believer to know more about it so that you can accept it and defend it more regularly. You do this by diving deep into the riches of God’s word, by loving God, loving people, and making disciples who go on and do the same thing themselves. Yes, you are a threat to people. Because they don’t want you to be right, but deep down they know that you are and that they are wrong. And since man resists change by nature, they will resist you because it means coming to terms with the need to change themselves. Do not give up on that person that comes to your mind their believer. You may need to disengage for a time and change your plan, but do not give up.
Conclusion
Beloved, the truth is that the truth that you wield is offensive. But, that doesn’t mean you are not to offend. Just look at Paul in this story, he saw and I bet you do to in your walk that The Way Creates Disturbances (21-24), The Way Discredits Falsehoods. (25-27),The Way invokes anger. (28-34), The Way is misunderstood. (35-40). Yet despite all of this hardship, still you remain. Which means, you believe The way of Christ is the only way. Stay committed my brothers and sisters, and take away anything from your life that is keeping you from doing so. To God be the Glory.
With all of that being said, I would be remised if I didn’t share the Gospel (or the Good News) of Jesus Christ with you today, for the benefit of both believer and non-believer in the room. This begins all the way back at the beginning, God created everything, and he created all things good. He gave His most treasured creation (us, mankind) the ability of free will, the ability to choose Him or rebellion. Man was deceived by Satan and desired to be like God and sinned (or rebelled against God). This brought the curse of sin and death into the world and it remains with us to this day; which separates us from God. God though, loved His creation (mankind) so much that He worked through history to redeem all mankind that would turn to Him from sin so that we can experience a full and perfect relationship with Him again. This was through the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the pay for sins. Accepting this free gift from God, makes you new and forgiven. All you have to do accept this free gift by repenting and believing in the Lord Jesus and you will get to experience the good side of God’s justice forever. So, now that you know this, you can no longer plead ignorance. I invite and urge you to respond today non-believer and apply this to every part of your life believers in the audience today.
With that, Let’s conclude. Brothers and Sisters, I love you all. During our last song together, if you need prayer, or want to talk more about Jesus, or have something you want to talk about, I’ll be here, don’t be afraid to come on down. Let’s pray. Father God, we thank You for who You are and what You are doing to us here in this place. May whatever it is that You are doing in each of heart here, continue as we leave go out into the world this week. Change us, mold us, make us, re-arrange us, that we can be both better lovers of You and better showers of You. It’s in these things that I ask and in Jesus Christ’s Holy and precious name that I pray, Amen.
