Acts 17 is the tale of three cities as Paul and Silas continue on the second missionary journey. They are accused of turning the world upside down, acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar and saying there is another king, Jesus. Was this all true? What does it mean to be a Christian living in a culture that is unfriendly to your faith? When must we obey God rather than men? Join Pastor Jim for this timely study from Acts 17.
Sermon Notes
- Remind yourself of your biblical convictions
- Renew your confidence in a sovereign God
- Respond to all with kindness & compassion
- Rejoice in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ
The Gospel is the power of God bringing redemption to our sinful, idol worshipping, self-centered, selfdeifying, self-obsessed, ultimately selfdestructive hearts.
What the apostles did in Thessalonica…
- Reasoned from the scriptures
- Explained and showed Jesus as Messiah/Christ
- Persuaded some to believe
- Others became jealous and stirred up a mob
What the apostles were accused of…
- Turning the world upside down
- Acting against the decrees of Caesar
- Claiming there was a king other than Caesar, Jesus
Bereans…
- More noble minded
- Received the Word with eagerness
Searched and examined the Scriptures daily as the measure and standard of the truthfulness of Paul’s gospel - Many believed
- Others went out of their way to work at odds with God’s Word
“Most people want Jesus as a consultant rather than a king and he does not come that way.”
Tim Keller
“To pray ‘your kingdom come’ at Jesus’ bidding meant to align oneself with his kingdom movement.”
N. T. Wright
“On the one hand, as Christian people, we are called to be conscientious and law-abiding citizens, not revolutionaries. On the other hand, the kingship of Jesus has unavoidable political implications since, as his loyal subjects, we must refuse to give to any ruler or ideology the supreme homage and total obedience which are due to him alone.”
John Stott