Sermon Tone Analysis
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Introduction
Last week we concluded the book of 1 Corinthians.
In the last part Paul tells his readers he is having great opportunities, and great opposition.
As we begin this morning, I want to ask you a question.
How do you handle opposition?
Paul believed that opposition meant his ministry was being effective.
So many times in our lives (ok I’ll just speak for me)—So many times when I face opposition I take it as a sign that I shouldn’t share the gospel.
So back to the question:
Question—How Do You Handle Opposition?
Let’s see the background story of .
If you have your Bibles turn with me to , and we’ll begin reading with verse 23.
Acts 19:23-
I.
The Great Disturbance
A. Demetrius
This was a silversmith who made silver shrines to the goddess Artemis.
There were actually two goddess named Artemis.
1. Goddess Artemis—of Greek culture.
1. Goddess Artemis
This goddess was also called “Dianna” (in Rome) and was known as the virgin goddess of the hunt.
2. Goddess Artemis of the Ephesians.
This was a goddess that had many breasts, and was known as the goddess of fertility.
History suggests that the original statue was a meteorite that looked resembled a woman with many breasts.
B. The Problem
Because there were many converts to “the Way” the craftsmen’s business began to dwindle.
To put it another way—the craftsmen were losing money because of the ministry of Paul!
1.
This fellow Paul has convinced and led astray a large number of people here in Ephesus & in practically the whole province of Asia.
2. Paul says man-made gods are not gods at all.
3.
There is a danger our trade will lose its good name.
4.
There is a danger that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited.
So Demetrius argues that the goddess will be robbed of her divine majesty.
The real problem was that the craftsmen were losing money!
C. The Response
Acts 19:
Acts 16:28-
1.
The people become furious and began shouting— “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
2. The whole city was in an uproar.
3. The crowd seized Gaius and Aristarchus and rushed them into the theater.
4. Paul wanted to appear before the crowd—but the city officials and friends of Paul begged him not to enter the theater.
E. Confusion Hits!
1.
Total confusion—some people didn’t even know why they were there.
2. Alexander (a Jew) tried to make a defense.
Acts 19:32-34
3. The people did not want to hear from a Jew—began chanting “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
F. The City Clerk
Acts 19:35-
1.
The world knows:
a. Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of Artemis.
b.
Artemis and her image “fell from heave.
2. Don’t do anything rash.
3.
These men did not rob the temple, nor blasphemed of the goddess.
4. If Demetrius or anyone else has a grievance, take it up in court.
5.
If there’s anything else, bring it up in a “legal assembly.”
6.
They were in danger of being charged with rioting—because there was no reason for the commotion.
If Rome had questioned the uproar, the people would not have been able to justify the uprising.
That could have resulted in Rome sending additional troops into the city.
That was something that NONE of them wanted!
So What?
Come back to the original question.
How do you handle opposition?
Paul told the church at Corinth that the opposition was a sign that God was working.
Today, we have repeatedly been told we cannot share the gospel, because it is not politically correct.
So many have accepted the fact that they are “not supposed to share the gospel” and so we don’t!
Here’s the fact!
The world HATES Jesus.
The world HATES the Message of Jesus.
And the world HATES those who follow Jesus!
You see, the world crucified Jesus!
Yes, it was the plan of God the Father.
Nevertheless, Satan opposes everything Jesus stands for.
Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation” ( NASB).
So we should not be surprised when problems come our way!
Jesus knew the world would not like our message, yet He gave us our marching orders.
In more than 2,000 years the order has not changed.
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