Week 14 | Immediate Pushback

Big Idea: Empowered by the Spirit, we boldly overcome opposition to share the gospel truth.

Scripture: Acts 13:4-12

Intro:

Pushback is inevitable in life. It can come in many forms—criticism, challenges, failures, or even self-doubt.

The way we respond to it reveals a lot about our character, mindset, and resilience. Personally, my reaction to pushback has evolved over the years, shaped by my experience.

As a child, I tried sports here and there, but I quickly realized I wasn’t very good.

Whether it was basketball, soccer, or another team activity, I often found myself facing opposition—not just from teammates or competitors but from within myself. I would hear the internal voice saying, “You’re not good enough. Why even bother?” No matter how hard I tried, I never seemed to match the skill level of others around me. That consistent sense of falling short made me want to give up.

It became a pattern: when faced with resistance or failure, my instinct was to step back rather than step up. At the time, I didn’t realize I was allowing opposition to define my limits rather than push me beyond them.

It wasn’t until later in life that my perspective began to shift. As I matured, I started encountering new kinds of challenges—ones that I couldn’t just walk away from. Whether it was academics, work, or relationships, I realized that opposition wasn’t always a sign to quit. Instead, it could be an opportunity to grow.

The discomfort I used to run from became something I leaned into. I discovered that I could learn and adapt, even in areas where I didn’t naturally excel.

For example, when I faced challenges in my career or personal goals, I began to see pushback not as a wall, but as a hurdle—something to be cleared, not avoided. I became driven to improve, to develop new skills, and to prove, if only to myself, that I could overcome what seemed impossible.

That internal motivation transformed how I viewed opposition. Instead of being a deterrent, it became fuel for determination.

This mindset shift didn’t happen overnight, and it still takes intentionality to embrace challenges with the right attitude. There are still moments when I feel that old urge to give up. But now, instead of walking away, I try to pause and reflect. I ask myself, “What can I learn from this?” Each time I push through, I find that the victory—no matter how small—is worth the effort.

Ultimately, pushback is a part of life. The question isn’t whether it will happen, but how we will respond when it does.

Tension:

I think we can all relate to moments in life when we’ve faced pushback. Whether it’s in sports, school, relationships, or personal goals, we all know the feeling of trying our hardest at something we believe is important, only to encounter resistance.

That resistance can come in many forms: criticism, failure, or outright rejection. In those moments, it’s easy to feel discouraged or even question whether the effort is worth it. Pushback challenges not only our abilities but also our resolve. How we respond to it shapes who we are and what we truly value.

When it comes to following Christ and living out our faith, pushback isn’t just a possibility—it’s a certainty.

The gospel, by its very nature, is offensive to the human heart. Scripture tells us that the message of Christ is a stumbling block to many because it confronts our pride, challenges our selfish desires, and calls us to surrender control. In a world where people long to live life on their own terms, the gospel declares a different way: one of humility, self-denial, and submission to God. It’s no wonder people resist it.

So if we know that to be true intellectually why is it then such a shock that it happens to us?

We hate rejection.

We are sinful and desire to feel safe on our own terms especially in relationships.

This rejection isn’t just theoretical; it’s something we will all encounter as we strive to pursue God. Whether it’s a friend dismissing your faith, a family member questioning your beliefs, or society pushing against biblical values, we will face moments when our commitment to Christ is tested.

This isn’t a sign that we’re doing something wrong—it’s a sign that we’re living the life God has called us to. Jesus Himself said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18). Pushback is part of the journey of faith.

But here’s the challenge: when we face opposition, how will we respond?

It’s tempting to shrink back, to stay silent, or even to compromise in order to avoid conflict. Yet God calls us to stand firm. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 1:10, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Pursuing God means living for His approval, even when it costs us the approval of others.

It’s important to remember that this isn’t about being combative or argumentative. The goal isn’t to win debates or prove people wrong. Instead, it’s about staying faithful to the truth of the gospel, loving others well, and trusting that God will work through our obedience.

When we encounter pushback, it’s an opportunity to grow in our faith, deepen our dependence on God, and reflect Christ’s love and grace to a watching world.

So, as we face these moments, let’s not be surprised or discouraged. Instead, let’s see them as reminders that we’re part of a bigger story—a story of redemption, grace, and eternal hope. Yes, the gospel is offensive to our pride, but it is also the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).

Big Idea:

Empowered by the Spirit, we boldly overcome opposition to share the gospel truth.

Truth:

As Paul sets out on his first missionary journey he faces an immediate opposition.

This is important for us to see as believers that even the greatest heroes of the faith faced great opposition, no matter what they were doing.

This is completely normal in the Christian life, and we should expect this type of behavior as we share the gospel with the world that ultimately wants to reject Jesus. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to know God and have our eyes open to him. That’s something we need to keep in mind as we read this passage.

Read Acts 13:4-12

Acts 13:4–12 ESV

4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Paul comes and teaches the word of God to a Roman proconsul and there is a magician there who is trying to confuse him and lead him away from what Paul is teaching him. This false profit is Key because he represents a lot of what people run into when they share the word of God that there is some thing or someone there to confuse it.

God is a god of order, not chaos yet we live in a world full of chaos because we are all trying to be gods of our own life. Satan wants us to believe that we can be like God in this regard.

As this false profit is trying to lead this Roman away from the truth, Paul rebuke him and brings down a curse on him. The irony is that he now has to be led around because he is blind, which is a symbol of how he really is spiritually. This results in the salvation of the Roman.

Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament Chapter 13

II. In Cyprus: Opposed by the Devil (13:4–12)

In the parable of the tares (

Once again, we encounter a situation where someone is determined to disrupt the advancement of the gospel, doing everything in their power to undermine its message and impact. This individual’s actions are driven by a desire to sow discord and hinder the work of God. Yet, in an incredible display of divine sovereignty, God takes what was intended for harm and uses it as a tool to demonstrate the unshakable power and truth of the gospel.

Instead of achieving their goal, the person’s opposition becomes a catalyst for affirming the strength and resilience of the gospel message. This moment not only serves as a testament to the unstoppable nature of God’s purposes but also brings encouragement to the council who witnesses the unfolding of these events.

Their faith is bolstered as they see firsthand how God can turn even the most hostile intentions into opportunities for His glory and the validation of His truth.

Application:

If you follow after Jesus you will face pushback and it will be hard.

Refill with Jesus.

Spend time with him in his word.

Pray and tell him all the big things and all the little things in life. Tell him your hopes and cry out with your pains.

Respond with Grace.

No matter how people act towards you try to respond with grace. John tells us that we are known by the ways that we love one another and Peter says to share the hope we have in Christ with all gentleness and respect.

The world is watching.

Landing :

As we prepare to close, I want to leave you with this: the pushback we face for the sake of the gospel is not just an obstacle—it’s an opportunity. It’s a privilege to share in the work of Christ, standing firm in His truth and offering hope to a world that desperately needs it. While opposition can feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that it is not a sign of failure or weakness. On the contrary, it is evidence that we are walking in step with the Spirit and aligned with God’s mission.

The challenges we face are not unfamiliar to Jesus. He endured rejection, hostility, and even death to bring the message of salvation to the world. When we encounter resistance, we can find comfort in knowing that we are not alone. The same Spirit that empowered Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13 empowers us today. It’s through that Spirit that we can overcome fear, endure criticism, and respond to hostility with grace and love.

Think about what that means in your own life. Where is God calling you to share His truth, even if it’s uncomfortable or met with resistance? How might He be inviting you to trust Him more deeply, to rely on His power rather than your own strength? Each time we choose to step out in faith, empowered by the Spirit, we proclaim to the world that the gospel is worth it—that Jesus is worth it.

So, as you leave here today, let the words of our big idea ring in your heart: Empowered by the Spirit, we boldly overcome opposition to share the gospel truth. Take that truth with you into your relationships, your workplaces, your schools, and your communities. Know that as you stand for Christ, He stands with you, equipping you to face any challenge and turning even opposition into opportunities for His glory.

Pray