Turning The World upside Down

The Challenge of the Church

Acts 14: 1-28

As we continue our study this morning, I want to remind us again of our text verse: Acts 17:6

Acts 17:6 KJV 1900

And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

Clearly Paul, Barnabas, and the others were making a significant impact on the world around them. All were not pleased with their efforts, but their work was recognized everywhere they went.

The attitude surrounding our text verse for the series was one of anger and great displeasure. In every city Paul entered, he reached people for Christ, but he also made enemies.

Many were happy with religion and worship as it was and they had no use for a man who was turning the world upside down for Jesus.

When people came to a saving knowledge of Christ, they abandoned the old form of religion for a relationship with Christ.

This affected the followers of established religion, and in many cases it affected the income of those who profited from it.

Paul and Barnabas faced many challenges on their first missionary journey. Our text this morning deals with a few of them.

We are thousands of years removed from Pauls journeys, but these challenges remain today. The people and circumstances are different, but we continue to deal with the same issues that Paul faced.

If we are committed to turning the world upside down for Jesus, we might as well expect to encounter some of these challenges. We must learn to identify them and properly respond to them.

I want to look in on the ministry of Paul and the obstacles he faced as we consider:

The Challenge of the Church.

Challenge of Division (1-7)

1. The Reason for The Division (1)

– And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

As was his normal practice, Paul entered the synagogue upon his arrival in Iconium and began to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

His preaching had an effect: a great multitude of Jews and Greeks believed.

There are two reasons for the division:

A. The Multitude

He was leading people away from organized religion unto the Truth.

If people are getting saved, it wont be long before it gets noticed by the world.

The hate speech and lies will begin

When a church or a ministry is making a difference in a community, it will get noticed.

B. The Message

The Jews who rejected Jesus as the Messiah and the Gospel Paul preached, created division because of the message he preached.

The World does not like our message

The world will do what ever they can to try and stop us from spreading our message.

I want you all to know one thing. It is not us they have a problem with, its the person of the message they dont like

Luke 12:51 KJV 1900

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

John 7:43 KJV 1900

So there was a division among the people because of him.

We are living in a day in which many have compromised truth for the approval and acceptance of men. Many have given in to the modern pressures of society and abandoned the truth of the Gospel.

We are entering a time, even here in America, where the Gospel creates contention. If we are committed to stand upon the truth of God’s Word, preaching Jesus as the only means of salvation and confronting behavior that is contrary to the Word, we can look for division.

2. The Cause of The Division (2)

– But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

Paul had not gone looking to create division, but it quickly appeared.

A. The Provocation from the Disobedient

The Jews who refuted the teaching of Christ and stirred up the Gentiles, creating doubt and division among them.

This was those that were disobedient

They were the ones running around spreading lies

They provocated others to turn on the apostles

B. The Aggravation from the Devil

(Satan blinded the minds of them that would believe)

2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV 1900

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

The devil we be your number one enemy when you begin to take away from his numbers. He will do what he can to try and stop you, he will blind some, and cause others to stir up division. When Victory begins getting attacked on all sides, you can go ahead and rest assured, we are doing what the Lord wants us to do and the devil hates it.

3. The Perseverance in The Division (3)

– Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Division grew stronger each day, with men being forced to choose sides, but Paul was not deterred. Even in the midst of mounting opposition, Paul continued to preach the Gospel without compromise.

He understood that all did not agree with his teaching, but he refused to abandon the message. He remained steadfast in his commitment to Christ.

A. Persevered by Staying Put

Paul did not sway one way or the other. He stood firm, against all odds.

Paul did not straddle the fence to try and please both sides.

He abode (stayed) a long time. When things started to get tough, he did not change churches.

I cant stand these pastors that tuck tail and run at the first sign of trouble.

Or, a church member that would rather move their church membership than face the problem head on.

If we are ever going to turn this community upside down, we need to stick it out. Some of you in here have been here trough the good and the bad. You know what that is? A testimony to the grace of God.

B. Persevered By Speaking Truth

Paul did not change his message to appease the masses.

Paul did not soften his message to increase attendance

Paul preached the same message he preached when he started out

Paul was not afraid to preach

He preached in Athens the intellectual capitol of the world and he was mocked

He preached in Jerusalem the religious capitol of the world and he was mobbed

He preached in Rome the political capitol of the world and he was martyred

 Society expects us to buckle under the pressures of our day. The enemy seeks to gain entrance among us. He desires to create division within the church. When it comes, we must remain committed to the cause of Christ. We cannot allow the bark of the enemy to create fear in our hearts. The cause is too great to abandon in an effort to please the world.

When you dont give up talking to that one individual or you keep talking to those that want nothing to do with God or our faith, when your life is identical to your speech, you will be a testimony to the grace of God .

4. The Success of The Division

[4] But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

The Jews succeed. They sought out to cause a division among the jews and Gentiles and they did it.

The world hates us and what we are doing. They dont want us to succeed.

It may seem as if they have succeed

They may think of it as a success if they can keep things stirred up and distract some from coming to know Christ.

Their success is limited to

A. A Divided City

This is the most they can claim.

They got what they wanted and it may be a success but it is a temporary one

There will always be those that want to cause a division and they may succeed but dont be discouraged, because even though they have caused a division there will always be a part that believes.

Pauls success was lasting. He had.....

B. A Dedicated People

We seem to get discouraged when we dont see a successful soulwinning day or we pass out tracts and no one responds the way we think they should.

Can I be of some encouragement this morning?

When the gospel is given it doesnt always land on good soil. Matt.13:18-23.

But when it does, there will be a result of determination and dedication. Those that receive the Word on good ground will be dedicated to the Word and the ministry of it.

5. The Effects of Division (5-7)

– And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, [6] They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: [7] And there they preached the gospel.

The division eventually became so strong that the opposition desired to stone Paul and Barnabas. They were committed to putting an end to the preaching of Jesus. Realizing the danger they were in, Paul and Barnabas fled from Iconium to the surrounding region.

A. Mistreatment v5

- With division comes mistreatment. Which ever side has more anger will mistreat the other side.

God just may allow you to be mistreated so you dont become comfortable where you are at.

As humans we like comfortable. We like security. God may just allow you to feel uncomfortable and insecure so you will go forth and preach His gospel.

Not saying Paul would have stayed but some of his companions may have wanted to. They were having great success.

The mistreatment came so they would continue on with their great commission

B. Movement v6

- Another effect of division is movement. When there is a division someone will have to move. With that moving comes another opportunity to reach other people

In the beginnings of the Church in Acts, it was the persucution that dispersed the apostles. If it wasnt for the divison that the gospel was causing, who knows what would have happened.

Now of course Im not talking about division inside the church. We dont want to break up the assembly of believers, Im talking about the division between the church and the world.

2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV 1900

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

C. Motivation v7

Because of the mistreatment, Paul became even more bold. As we will see in the next thought, Paul did not coward down, he became bold as a lion.

There will be division when the gospel is preached but rest assured the division that may seem at first to be a failure is really a motivator to continue on. Division lets you know you are doing something right.

You may be here this morning and you are on the fence. You have not made that choice to go with God. Maybe you are here and you have never heard the gospel and today is the first time. Make your choice and accept what Christ has done for you.

Maybe you are here and you have a sour spot for church. Maybe you have been used by satan to cause division in the past. Why not come this morning and be forgiven.

I. The Challenge of Division (1-7)

8/28/2022 AM

Recap last week and give a strong introduction.

II. The Challenge of Motivation (8-18)

– I want to examine the events in Lystra and then make application regarding the challenge of confusion. Notice:

A. The Submission of Paul (8-9)

– And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: [9] The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed.

Keep in mind that Paul had just fled from Iconium, but when he arrives in Lystra he immediately seeks to be used of the Lord.

His heart is in complete fellowship with Christ and he is sensitive to the Spirit.

He encounters an impotent man who had never walked, and Paul perceived the man had faith to be healed.

His life and ministry were totally surrendered to the will of God.

Paul did not let the division that had occurred in Iconium to shake his faith. Paul was fully submitted to the will of God.

B. The Manifestation of Power (10)

– Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. As Paul perceived the faith of this man, he commanded him to stand upon his feet, and he leaped and walked.

Can you imagine how the people felt who knew this man? There could be no doubt that a miracle had been performed among them.

The man wasn’t just able to stand, he was like the lame at the Beautiful Gate, walking and leaping.

God had manifested His mighty power through the obedience of Paul.

Because Paul was fully submitted to the will of God, God manifested His power through Paul.

When we become fully submitted to the will of God, who knows what God will do through us.

Motivation can assist in many things getting done for God. Ive seen God do many great things through people who were motivated. But Motivation can blind you to things that may be going on around you.

C. The Disorientation of the People (11-13)

11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

Disoriented Because of Mythologies

There was just one complication: these half-wild Lycaonians had an ancient legend that Zeus and Hermes had once come to the hill country disguised as mortals seeking lodging. Though they asked a thousand homes, no one would take them in. Finally, at a humble cottage of straw and reeds, a poor elderly couple, Philemon and Baucis, freely welcomed them and feasted them with what meager means they had. In appreciation, the gods transformed the cottage into a temple, making the couple priest and priestess. And when they died, they were immortalized as a great oak and a great linden tree. The inhospitable homes, however, were destroyed. These poor Lycaonians were determined not to make the same mistake again.

R. Kent Hughes, Acts: The Church Afire, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1996), 185.

It was a myth but they thought it was truth.

People today have so many misinterpretations of Scripture and so many misconceptions of who Christ is, that they are disoriented. They dont know what to believe so many times they will just believe it all.

Sometimes if we are not careful, our motivation can cause us to think something great is happening, when really people are just confused.

Disoriented Because of Formalities

– Upon seeing this great miracle, the people perceived Paul and Barnabas to be gods. The priest called for a sacrifice to be offered unto them for the power they had revealed.

Some people may not be confused by myths but rather confused by religious formalities.

Some people may come down to an alter and say a prayer because they think that is what you just do

some people may go to a confessional booth and think some father that dresses like a mother and drives a corvette and smokes cigarettes can forgive their sin

Some people may (put what ever you want) because they think its what God wants.

Hey can I tell you, God doesnt want your works, your words or your “worship” God wants you!!!

Now I know that Jesus instructs us not to separate the wheat from the tears, he will do that in the last days.

Matthew 13:25–30 KJV 1900

But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Matthew 13:28–29 KJV 1900

He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

timothy was from this area

D. The Correction By Paul (14-18)

Paul and Barnabas had a difficult time convincing them that they possessed no power within themselves.

v14 They Realized what was happing

At first Paul did not realize what was going on. They couldn't understand the language. But when they heard and I think saw the priest, they put two and two together.

I cant see everything going on, thats why I put together the Advisory Council, to help me see the big picture and so someone can pull back the reins some.

When we get motivated and really get going for God, lives are changing, souls are being saved, the church is growing we need to be sure we are looking at the big picture so we can spot the wrongs before they get out of hand.

v15 They Rejected Glorification

They didnt run in and say wait wait let us sit down on our thrones first. No they said wait what in the world are y'all doing? Its not us you should be glorifying, its God.

Too many preachers today want the glory. Too many want the praise of men.

Can I tell you, the min. I see preacher worship in this church one of two things will happen. Either I will have a come to Jesus meeting with you or if I cant get through to you I will resign in a second. I have been in churches where its more about the preacher then Christ and VBC, under my watch, will never become one of those so called churches.

v16-18 They Refocused the People

Paul deescalated the situation. He refocused the people. though not without fight.

Many today focus more on a pastor or evangelist than they do the Lord. I rejoice in all the Lord does for us, but it seems many are focused more on receiving a miracle in their lives than worshipping Jesus.

If we aren’t very careful, our priorities will get out of order. The pastor didn’t save you. He is not worthy of worship. Experiencing a touch of God is great, but we cannot place more emphasis on the works of God than we do Christ our Lord. He must be the focus and priority of our lives. If we are to reach the world, Jesus must be exalted above everything else! And he must remain that way even in our motivation to see souls saved.

Part 3

Over the past several Sundays we have been looking at Turning the World upside down and what that entails according to the Church.

So far we have seen the Charge to the Church and the communication of the Church.

and 3 weeks ago we started looking at The Challenge of the Church. We saw...

I. The Challenge of Division (1-7); II. The Challenge of Motivation (8-18)

Tonight I want us to hopefully finish up this message by seeing the Challange of Persecution. My hope is that we will be able to see how against all odds, The Church continued on. No matter the adversity Paul and Barnabas kept preaching the Gospel.

I read the following true story during my studies of this passage and I think it fits very well with our thought for tonight.

Acts—The Church Afire (22: Sticking to the Task, Regardless)

One night in 1945 Captain Terry Simeral brought his crippled B-29 in for a safe landing amidst waiting fire engines and red flares, unloaded the plane, and entered the group headquarters tent. His face was white. He seemed to be in a state of shock, and it was several minutes before he could talk. An incredible feat had been accomplished as Captain Simeral piloted his Pathfinder plane toward the enemy coast in order to drop phosphorus smoke to mark the mission’s target.On B-29s it was the radio operator’s job to release the bomb through a narrow tube. On this particular night Sgt. Henry Erwin received the routine order, triggered the flare, and dropped it down the tube. But there was a malfunction, and the bomb exploded and bounced back into Erwin’s face, blinding both eyes and searing off an ear. Burning phosphorus melts metal like butter, and the bomb was now at Sgt. Erwin’s feet and eating rapidly through the deck of the plane toward a full load of incendiaries. He was alone because the navigator had gone to the transparent dome atop the plane to make some celestial computations.Not having the luxury of time to analyze his situation, Erwin picked up the white-hot bomb in his bare hands and stumbled forward toward the cockpit, groping along with elbows and feet. The navigator’s folding table was down and latched, blocking the way. Sgt. Erwin hugged the blazing bomb under one arm as it burned the flesh over his ribs, unfastened the latch, and lifted the table. He stumbled on, a walking torch. His clothing and hair were ablaze. Dense smoke filled the plane, and Simeral had opened the window beside him to clear the air.“I could not see Erwin,” says Simeral, “but I heard his voice right at my elbow. He said, ‘Pardon me, sir,’ and reached across the window and tossed the bomb out. Then he collapsed on the flight deck.” Amazingly, Sgt. Erwin survived and went on to regain the use of his hands and partial vision in one eye. Sgt. Henry Erwin is one of our country’s Congressional Medal of Honor winners, receiving it from General Curtis LeMay while still in a Pacific hospital.The story of Sgt. Henry Erwin and the blazing bomb is one of the most amazing accounts of valor I have ever read. It is a tribute to the human spirit. Yet there is a bravery that exceeds even that. It is not as dramatic, not as conspicuous, and not as likely to be remembered. It is the bravery that is called forth by consistent devotion to a course or ideal. Consider the bravery of a young mother as she devotes herself to the care of a handicapped child, or the husband and father that seems to never rest, or the missionary who no matter the back lash boldly preaches Christ crucified.

The supreme Christian examples of this come to us from the early church.

We have seen through Acts 14 the consistently courageous attitude of the apostles in their loyalty to Christ through thick and thin. Specifically, the first missionaries bravely held to their purpose of preaching Christ despite extreme persecution. Their valiant and consistent attitude is a great model for us.

III. The Challenge of Persecution (19-28)

A. The Reality of Persecution (19)

– And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

Just when they thought they might have gotten through to them.

These same people were ready to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods, and just like that the ones that had caused division in Iconium quickly influenced them.

They stoned Paul and left him for dead. these Jews were going to do what ever it took to silence them.

A stoning was a horrible, bloody thing! As the rocks crashed against Paul’s skull, I wonder if his mind flashed back to Stephen’s execution, in which he had participated.

Soon there he lay—a blood-spattered, broken frame beneath the rubble of Lystra. To the Galatians he would later write, Gal. 6:17

As he lay there, the disciples stood around deciding what to do with his body. Tears streamed down their faces. “What a pity—he was in the prime of his ministry. If only he could have lived longer.”

Suddenly Paul popped one eye open, then the other. “It’s all right, brothers and sisters! No funeral today!

Galatians 6:17 KJV 1900

From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

the world will do what ever it takes to silence us. When we get the worlds attention, it wont take long before they will try and silence us.

We have not experienced persecution like many have, but we can rest assured that Satan does not like those who are productive for the Lord. If we begin to make a difference in our community for Christ, persecution will come. We must be prepared and ready for it when it does. Paul suffered for serving the Lord, and if we are earnest in our service, we will face it as well.

B. The Resolve in Persecution (20-21)

– Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. [21] And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch.

Stoned and left for dead, Paul refused to abandon his calling.

He rose up, battered and beaten, and returned to the ministry.

He departed to Derbe, preaching the Gospel, and because he continued on it tells us that they taught many.

What if Paul would have just returned to Antioch licking his wounds?

He didn’t, he then returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, to those who desired to kill him.

and many were saved , churches were established, christians were encouraged.

Difficulties and opposition will come, but when they do, we need the resolve Paul had. We must remain committed to the work of the Lord, even if we are despised and abused by the world.

The Lord suffered greatly for our salvation. Many who have gone before us have as well. We cannot abandon Christ in our generation. If we refuse to stand for Him, who will?

C. The Reaction to Persecution (22-23)

– [22] Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. [23] And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

He Resumed his Ministry

Paul didn’t ride off into the sunset, seeking retirement or an easier line of work. He immediately resumed his ministry.

His life had been changed when he met Christ on the Damascus road.

He had been called to preach Jesus unto the lost, and he was determined to do that.

Church we will most likely endure some form of religious persecution in the near future if we stay true to the Word of God. When that time comes we must continue on. Paul resumed his ministry after being left for dead. We want to take our ball and go home if someone sits in our seat at church.

He Reassured the Believers

He knew the church was greatly opposed and persecuted, and wanted to strengthen their faith and challenge them to continue for Christ!

 It isn’t a matter of if opposition and adversity will come, but when. The question is: how will we react when it does.

Will we be tempted to abandon the work because our feelings have been hurt? Will we listen to the voices of the world that say it isn’t worth it?

Or will we determine to strengthen fellow believers in their faith and continue to reach the lost for Christ?

Persecution will cause a reaction of some sort. How will you respond?

D. The Results of Persecution (23-28)

The Church Grew

Pisidia was located in Southern Galatia. Remind you of anything. Thats right Pauls letter to the Churches in Galatia. I know that Paul had already been here but I think Paul went back through these towns to let them know that what they may have heard dont believe it. And as a result the church grew by leaps and bounds.

The Christians Were Encouraged

Paul finally makes his way back to where it all started. He didnt just take a vacation, he did exactly what a missionary is to do, he went around and encouraged the supporting churches. He gave an update!

When we are aware of these challenges that come along with turning the world upside down, and we are able to overcome these challenges, the result will be churches planted and Christians encouraged.

Conclusion:

We continue to face the same challenges Paul and Barnabas did. They sought the Lord and overcame each of these challenges. Do you possess the determination, resolve, and commitment they had? Is there a particular challenge you need to seek the Lord’s help with today?

Maybe you are similar to the people in Lystra. You are looking in all the wrong places for guidance in your life. Maybe you are serving the gods of pleasure. Maybe you are depending upon your good works to merit acceptance to God. Jesus is the only way of salvation and eternal life. If you have never been saved, and He is speaking to you, come to Him today