Bridging the Gospel to our Community - Lessons from Paul in Ephesus “The Prevailing Power of the Gospel” (Billy Russell, 09/29/19)

Bridging the Gospel to our Community - Lessons from Paul in Ephesus

                   “The Prevailing Power of the Gospel” (Acts 19:13-20)

 

In Ephesus, the prevailing power of the Gospel is seen in a bizarre episode of a failed exorcism. It reveals how the mighty work of God impacts different people and their community. Today, our great hopes for Living Beyond Us are that a version of the Spirit’s life-changing work might happen among us, revive us, reach the lost, and honor Jesus!

 

 

                 The Prevailing Power of the Gospel Experienced by:

 

Pretenders/posers (19:13-16)- exposed/embarrassed

     In Ephesus, Paul is sharing the Gospel with great favor (vv.10-12).

     A strange episode occurs: some Jewish guys are parroting the

          Gospel’s power through exorcism, “...trying to invoke the name of

          the Lord Jesus” (v.13).

     These 7 sons of Sceva (v.14; a self-appointed chief priest), run into a

         talkative demon, who verbally confronts, then physically assaults

         them (vv.15-16)! “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who   

         are you?” (v.15). Don’t trifle or toy w/ Jesus!

     The prevailing power of the Gospel exposes pseudo-belief.

 

Believers (19:18-19)- convicted/maturing- sanctification/spiritual growth!

    The Spirit’s work through this episode brings conviction & leads to:

           *open confession- private conviction & public confession.

           *repentance- a turning from sin and their old way of life

                                 by a public act (scroll burning- costly sacrifice!).

     How are you growing spiritual?

     How is the prevailing power of the Gospel at work in your life?

     The prevailing power of the Gospel convicts us of sin, so we lead lives

            honoring to Jesus!

 

Community @ Large (19:17, 20)- awed and honored Jesus!

     This powerful episode caused great awe and fear among all the people!

          “The name of the Lord Jesus was held in honor” (v.17).

     The Gospel’s prevailing impact is observable, powerful, and known!

           “... the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.” (v.20).

     How do you see the prevailing power of the Gospel act work?