Intensifying Ministry of Jesus

Introduction

Playoffs Trigger Intensity- Bills vs. Chiefs

Context: Preparing Disciples for Departure

Relationship to Christ

Relationship to World- Prepare for Opposition from the World/Overcome thru Holy Spirit

Today: How Will the Spirit help us endure this opposition? The Victory of Christ will bring intensifying opposition and work of the Holy Spirit

Intensifying Struggle (1-6)

(1-4a) External Struggle

Specific Opposition- Banning from Synagogue and Death-

Acts Tells this Story- Apostles Threatened not to Preach in Jesus’ Name

Acts 4:17 “But so that this does not spread any further among the people, let’s threaten them against speaking to anyone in this name again.””

Ignorant Opposition- Service to God/No true Knowledge of God

Aside: Sincerity is not the ultimate litmus test for truth

Aside: Most intense persecution will come from sincere people (ex.- Muslims and Persecuted Church)

Truth: Expecting Persecution protects you from Disobedience (Remember/Don't Stumble)

(4b-6) Internal Struggle

Shift in Persecution: Jesus' Departure means Intense Persecution (with you from the beginning)-

Once he's gone the disciples will be the focus

Windshield removed

Shift in Presence: Jesus moves from with you to in you (question asked earlier wasn't focused on this)

Aside: Apparent Errors in the Bible- 14 they do ask where he's going

Result: SORROW fills our heart

Key: The Victory of Jesus Intensifies the Struggle of the Church

Intense Struggle Externally through Opposition from the World and Intense Struggle Internally through fears/sorrow we face

Victory putting us in the path of Struggle- Ill.- Becoming Heavyweight Champ- everyone wants to challenge; Ill.- Making a Claim that everyone wants to challenge-

Review from Last Week- Expect Struggle to be a normal part of living as the body of Christ in 2022

Application: Walk Faithfully (don't stumble/remember) by Expecting Struggle

Constantly in Recovery Mode