Ask for a Response TO JESUS! Acts 26:1-29
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Dear Congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
HOw can we witness, three more sermons on Acts about our life on mission, but now last model - important 3x tell of Paul’s conversion, and again a precious jewel rdcorded of how the early church proclaimed Christ - what was the gospel? In fact, many esitmte this to be the most powerful succinct explanation and invitation to saving faith that exists in our world.
Key Truth: Witness to Christ must aim not ulitmately at the intellect or the emotions, but with God’s Word presenting Christ in Person and work, our wintess must aim at the person’s will! TURNING from darkness to light, power S to GOd!
We see this in the text of
to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
He stirred the hope of the resurrection, rising up in New Age, he presented facts of the prophet, but the aim is key word in BIBLE = TURN , and in TURNING TO RECEIVE both forgivenss of sin and a place in God’s family , his kingdom!
Don’t misunderstand e, that we can make a person make that choice, nor even that they themselves can see Christ and Turn - must come with prayer and powerful working of the HOly Spirit, that combines that word - with an inward and myserious awkening, that enlivenes their minds, and warms their heart so they desir3e these promises presented and love this Jesus. ABut the awakiening that happens with i - issues oin a will that now TURNS to Jesus. And we must give people that warm invitation, with our personal endorsement our testimony that Jesus is so good and yought to turn to Him! Gentleness & Respect in Witness means
A. Enter on their Turf with Sensitivity
Our theme verse says, we will have opprontuiy to give an explanation and witness for Christ, but must do so with gentleness and respect. And we see this modeled inthis ; though very helpful to have an outline, a bse line presentation of Christ memorized, and though God could use that. Authentic witness means not treating peope like cookie cutter objects, but real people that you know and love.
Just like in his exchange with Felix. where he says,
But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.
But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well.
Madness - mania in Greek both in v.11 raging fury against X followers. But also Festus’ - follwoing - same as weak point pound pulpit… interupted - slammed your crazymad…
Paul replied: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.
And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense.
THough it can be nerve wracking talking of your faith. Though for Paul so much lay in the balance for him with each trial, still you get the sense that though may be nervous, I am so cheerful to share the best news of my life of the world. Here Paul’ says - basically thank you - to the one he gets to share with . Thaks for the opporutnity , it’s the luckiest thing of my day, my wekk, my ,m month.
But it not just a cheerful tone, but look at the end of his introduction in v.3b
especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.
If you pray about witnessing, and about welfare of those neighbours friends - there will be an eagerness - begging listen patiently -
You know what Paul is basically saying, Listen this may not make to much sense to you righ tnow. But try try to see this from my point of view, my experience all right, Suspend all your questions for a moment.
But at the same time, you can tell this no canned presentation. He asks them to try on his belief in Christ, but He has also taken on their point of view and he shows it. If you want your unbelieving friend or family member to try on Christain ponit of view, should they know theat you take their life and believfs and doubts seriously.
Not like coellge student, statered witness saying, Do you know if you have epistol oologica … No, Paul starts with Agrippas life, his point of view. Makes common ground as we’ve seen before. We share some things in comon here, holy writings, hope of eternal life of resurrection,. LIsten I once thought Christian fanatics. He speaks of a brnakch of Judaism that Agrippa constantly dealing with in the temple and potlicis. From that basis and common ground he can launch into the heart of wtiness which is about hte person and work of Jesus applied to the need of the poerson who is right before you.
By way of application. Think of an unbeliver in your family or on your block, - Do you know them- have you taken their point of view seriously enoguh that could say - here is wheere we have common ground, I understand what’s really ioprtant to you, and also what are real doubts or bostacles to faith that you have. Taking them seriously and really caring, if with earnestness you said lsten you know me, my manner of life and my care, but I want to tell you about what makes me tick and who Jesus is to me. Would you listen for bit about that? Agrippa is certianly listen and even non-reiglis Festus is intrigued. But then Paul switches gears. Our Witness Must
B) Move to Sharing About Jesus and His Purpose
B) Move to Sharing About Jesus and His Purpose
Paul’s goal is not just to talk about reilgios experience or to speak of his life. And we can’t be content just to have a religious conversation. In v. 9 Paul in describing his former life says he was opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Now everyone knows this is no casual meandering conversation. This is about he name that has shaken the world, The name that’s gone to Jews and Gentiles Slaves and free. Broken the categories , and has become a name spoekn against that Nazarene. And Paul has drawn the line in the sand. Some are against him like he used to be. How could he defend this Jesus?
It is amazing that all defneding of himself of charges of the Jews become a nonissue and the only thing that matters is defeding who Jesus is. What is about Jesus that Paul and you and I ought to be sold out in telling others. Its’ actually two things that I think every single human being has a deep interest in. Neighbours on either side conversations - gripping attention - last weekend forgiveness - story of a Christian who forgave and spoke Corrie Ten Boom rivetted. And the other issue two weeks ago about Death and what comes after and how Christian look at burial . Resurrection! And Paul says got to get to thse two great actions of Jesus in our witness:
… that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Acts 26:18
to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Interesting that seams of this conversation, puncutated by when He calls Agrippa King Agrippa - makes contact. And
to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?
But then he drives towards his point. LIsten Agrippa you know this about Jesus now and about what He accopmlsihed dying forgiveness, and rising New life, eternal life, a new kingdom. So look at what he hints at in v. 19, the last O King Agrippa:
“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
After driving to the powerson and work of Jesus, and saying in my experience this is how Jesus is before me, try it on for size in your life - this heavenly message, this Word of God Jesus to you today, how would you respond to this Jesus, Agrippa!
That’s the third, step, after respectfully ang gentley connecting and driving to Jesus person and work.
C. Ask for a Response of Repenting and Turning to God in Jesus
Paul recounts how whole world responding by repenting and turning, where ever this messages is oging and saysy why don’tyou? He recounts God’s protection as he goes from place to place. And look at how astounding hemakes the claimin . It is not even just I Paul, or you JOe, presenting this good news to you, it is Jesus through you and me and Paul, all the way from heaven exteding the gopsel offer!
… that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
Well they feell the light undertqand his strong argument logically. But what is the response? Festus, non reilgiuos all business is the first to reply: Your nuts!
The first Madness - mania in Greek both in v.11 raging fury against X followers. But also Festus’ - follwoing - same as weak point pound pulpit… interupted - slammed your crazymad…
Ie. On construction site - coffee break Danny Abricombi, JW, Paul - mildly United Church, boss Rick - agnostic, atheist, grew up refrmoed - talk of relgion , join this o that all polite and accepted, but in the middleo f that to say I follow Christ - big deal is follower of Jesus - Christian isn’t go to this church or that church isn’t do these practices, Jesus didn’t come and die to make nice people nicer, nor - some cool ideas. Jesus came to give life, new life in HIm - Yet logic is there, inncoent, witness is there - So - stop it - You are mad.
Paul had just said I like you right now - oppsoing the most important fact of human history the resurreciton, I opposed what the whole OT said was comng that we all have to attain to -0 I was maiac raging in fury - But that resurrectio in the person of Jesus , taht Jews thaought only end times event, that cma enow in the middle of life -
And Jesus interpurted my life, like his your s right now and he said. - why added info:
… It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
Oh people do you know what it iis to be working in feet and inches, impoeral measurements, in a world that’s transfered all to meteric? DO you knwo what it is like to be an windows user, in a world that everyone just uses Mac. Do you know what it is to be living just for this earthly life, to be ok in spiritual darkness, and sin, just keepi living. Imagine if you today in 2019, believe id in flat earth, refused to step into car because don’t believ in internal comusbtion engine, or LIved in this world with just candles at night, don’t have incadenscvent or flueorecent even LED lights.
Jesus the Resurrected Messiah appeared from heaven, in fact even stood beside me in Jerusealem - and you know what he said to me when he interpurpteed my life for the first time: Maddnes, futilit - get with the program of God in thei sworld - Get with the resurrection program - with new life forgivenwss accepted, equipped and enabled with the Holy Spirit
In the late 1800s a clergyman by the name of Bishop Wright thought it was impossible for man to fly. "Flight," he said, "is reserved for the angels." On December 17, 1903 his oldest son, Wilbur, took his seat in the first power-driven plane ever built and was airborne at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, for twelve seconds and 120 feet. There were some who thought the Wright brothers were a little touched before that fateful day, but today they are everyone's heroes.
It was the same for Christopher Columbus. People were so sure this crazy explorer would sail off the end of the earth that many of their coins carried the Latin inscription, "Ne Plus Ultra" - "no more beyond." After 1492 when he sailed the ocean blue, the new coins read "Plus Ultra" - "more beyond."
When Robert Fulton gave his first public demonstration of his steamboat, some bystanders chanted, "It will never start, never start, never start . . ." When it started, the astonished crowd began to repeat, "It will never stop, never stop, never stop . . ."
What about you. Beyond the facts of the prpoehsy, of the lgoic of the gospel, beyond the feelings of your need for forgiveness - have you come to this firm and fierce decision in your will - I have decided to follow Jeuss, to close with Him,
This is the last step in a solid bibilcial witness. Ask for response: So what do you think not of me or this but of Him? Paul doesn’t put pearl before those repsonind ing like Festus, Like Proverb don’t answer a fool according ot his folly like him, time to wait for seed another time. But with Agrippa he pushes on for repsonse:
Agrippa has been called an alomst Christian - but he has the feeling has the facts, But look at the response Paul is aiming for: Key word : Most excellent Fesuts, I am speaking rational and ture. But the King
For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.
The key word that Agrippa will respond with too is persuade. Paul asks question do you believe the propehts - trust what Christ i sall about. I am asking you to respond with your will! but he mocks Paul and the gospel and says - persuaded in so little time to be a Christian don’t think so. Yet Paul says, it gently and with respect -
Decide for Jesus , become like me. We have no prpblem saying that if go on a diet that really works, medicine that made a difference. No prpblem saying - you know what really helped when I lost my job - did x.y,z. You should try it it work really.
Paul is so sure - says you should become like me in Christ: said I count all my reklkgius background, moral performanace soical standing as garabege now - compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing, gaining Christ .
Says in
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Do you get what is at the heart and goal of Paul’s witnessing - not to win an argument, not just to have people think you got neat ideas of spirituality , and new persepctive on relgioon or living n inspiring life -
Agrippa got it - you want me to become a Christian!
Do you get what that would mean. NOt actually title used to often, only 3x. First in Antioch as a put down. Incredibly unique word, title (from which Paul was senton Missionary journeys); Take a Jewish title Christ, Messiah and then they attached a Gentile suffix - - little Nazarene - little one belonging to Christ, united sharing all that is Jesus. ONly , , and Peter to suffer as one bleongin to Christ.
What does it mean to be a Christain, the NT uses other words for this. Inthat chapter of Paul’s conversion in - people bleong to the WAY - Rmember Jesus said I am the way truth and life no man comes to the Father but by Me. TO bne Christian is to be on that way - through Cross to be on road with Jesus to know Father through that mercy. Who are Christians, Anianas - says they are those who are now saints. Not like RC says, made saints after died, proclaimed enough grace to share with others, but now all on this way - made holy in psootion untied with Christ, how we treat each toher, how accepted in Lord, and how we now strive to live in actuallity. And then when goes to touch him to receive sight and receive the HOly Spirit - how does he address Paul in his new idientiy in Christ. BROTHER Saul.
ANd Paul is persuading him, idendityfing with him, look I was like you - thinking this was crazy, pusing Jesus-epeple away - but - listen King Agrippa - this vision int makes sense, it was what the OT said would happen,
“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
I dsclared it in Damascus, Jersualem Judea and Gentiles - Idas is asking hi, would’nt you agree - how would you respond to this vision of Jesus?
But lastly I want to draw your attention to an imoprtant lesson in giving this testion and esepcially asking for response on Christ’s beahlf. Pay attention and bend your witness to the needs of the ones you are witnessing too. TO whom was Paul speaking, Festus, all business like and no time for religion, mind took in the facts, heart maybe even moved a little, but pearl before swine - and Paul is not discouraged or distracted, that though like rich young ruler - goes away sad, Still eyes focused on this other.
There is the King who represents the Jews, an expert on the temple and the high pirests., the last and final rperestntaive of OT Israel, last king of the Jews who would fall so that OT Israel never rise again in 70AD sack of temple and decimnation f the nation. Paul in remarkable reversal, I may be under your authority and address with kindness and respect. Prophets you know so well all said it:
POwer, inheritance of the saints in light. I am not on trial butyou are. I’ve received this help tro the LROD conituallyy, you can too. Power greater than yours, Satan and ther eis a darkness you now is in you. Agrippa and Bernice - sister - had married her uncle and then all to fmailiar with her one year older brother - scandal
to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
POwer, inheritance of the saints in light. I am not on trial butyou are. I’ve received this help tro the LROD conituallyy, you can too. Power greater than yours, Satan and ther eis a darkness you now is in you. Agrippa and Bernice - sister - had married her uncle and then all to fmailiar with her one year older brother - scandal -
You stand before holy God and all must tremble - But listen Christ suffering it was so - forgivenss of sin , your too could come. And Listen this is the big deal:
that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”
Forgivenes san dlight, inheritance in kingdom greater than OT Israel or the Roman machine of the Empire. And Jesus is alive and from heaven - by the WOr dof his gospel evne through propehts, and with me before - Jesus Himself is proclaiming that light - Now respond!
And Paul, holds up the chains he is in - and can’t you see them rattling them - You have all earhtly riches and power and yet you are trapped and trembling - But I stand before you - an in all my earhtly weakness and chain and problems, I ahve all things in Christ - I am truly free and I have all riches and an inheritnace. and I invite you come to the Real King, the Messiah - That’s what’s going on here - and I wil proclam to you as I will to the Casear and to the world!
When Agrippa and Bernice walked into Paul listen to the description:
So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp
So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.
Agrippa and Bernice had prestige - the political good life. But their life was little more than a fantasy and, ultimately, a desert. The Pauls of this world are the sane ones, not the Agrippas, because they have Jesus.
They had prestige - the political good life. But their life was little more than a POMP fantasy - lierally Fantasia, passing mirage. And, ultimately and in the end, a desert. Paul saw through it all - sees poeople just like him who need Jesus. We are to see weach other like that two All the trapping of this world, though God’s good gifts, utlimately if life sought inthem a fanasty, nothing golden stays. As Paul earlier wrote:
as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
We have the opporoutniy to speak in winsome way to have people get what Lasts in Jesus. Leave the results and the opening of the eyes and the awkaening of wills, the warming of hearts ot the LORD, but may we be found like Paul through ups and down procliaming light - both to our people - within our circles of amily frieds, and procaimng light to those outside of our circles. Amen!