This message focuses on Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, including the confrontation with evil and idolatry, as well as the riot in Ephesus because the gospel was disrupting both spiritual and economic forces.
(Acts 19:1-41)
Sermon Outline
“John’s Baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the coming after him, that is, in Jesus. On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 19:4-5)
Power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-7)
- Paul baptizes disciples of John the Baptist in the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit gives different kinds of gifts
- Holy Spirit is changing people, not Paul
Paul in the public square (Acts 19:8-10)
- People of Ephesus become obstinate (19:9)
- Paul moves to the lecture hall of Tyrannus
- Many Jews and Greeks believed
Culture of Ephesus and riots (Acts 19:11-40)
- Magic and sorcery were a part of Ephesus culture, including the early church
- Believers come forward to burn their scrolls with spells (19:18-19)
- Demetrius threatened by the message of Christians, takes things into his own hands (Acts 19:24-25)
- Everything settles everyone down just as quick as it started (Acts 19:35-41)
Jesus, our King of Joy (John 1, Luke 2)
- Simeon experienced joy when moved by the Spirit to go to the temple (Luke 2:29-32)
- Anna experienced joy when worshipping in the temple daily (Luke 2:37)
“It comes to this; there is only one thing that can give true joy and that is contemplation of the Lord Jesus Christ.” –Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Welch preacher/minister)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How would you define joy?
- Read Acts 19:1-7. Picture yourself as someone observing this scene. What would your emotions be? What questions do you have?
- What are things in your daily life that give you joy? When you say the word joy is there a particular person that comes to mind?
- How do you sense the Holy Spirit working in your life? In what ways do you know the Holy Spirit is tangibly working?
- We learn that there is idolatry worship happening in Ephesus. What would you say are idols in your life?
- We read the story of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2. How would you feel if God revealed to you that you could not die until the Messiah came?
- Anna worshipped in the temple day and night. How can we grow in worshipping God throughout our day?
- How can you connect with the theme of Jesus being our joy this Christmas?
DIG DEEPER
Exploring Faith
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When you have heard other believers talk about the Holy Spirit, what kinds of things have you learned?
Growing in Faith
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Are there people in your life that you can share the Christmas story with this holiday season?
Centered in Faith
- What are fears do you have in sharing your faith with others?
- What do you sense are people’s resistance to hearing about God?