SERIES: The Book of Acts
TEXT: Acts 19:21-40
TEXT: Acts 19:21-40
MESSAGE: “A New Normal”
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“It’s a vivid picture of what happens when people exalt Jesus instead of idols. Paul’s gospel-centered, Jesus exalting, Sprit-empowered ministry impacted the local economy and caused an uproar.” — Tony Merida
“Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there.
“Revivals produce waves of people who become involved in works of social concern…The reason for this is that real holiness changes the private and public lives of Christians. True religion is not merely a private matter, providing internal peace and fulfillment. Rather, it transforms our behavior and our relationships. The 1900’s revival in Wales created many social changes. Life in the coal pits was transformed…Longstanding debts were paid, stolen goods returned, and crime rates plummeted.” — Timothy Keller
TEXT: Acts 19:21-40
“The temple of Artemis was indeed the hub of Ephesian economic life. It was an impressive building…the entire edifice was elaborately adorned in brilliant colors and gold…” — John Polhill
Q: What does a “new normal” look like when the gospel takes root in a community? We see three signs of gospel transformation: (1. New Perspective 2. New Focus 3. New Guide)
- New Perspective (v. 24-26)
“…a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods.”
Acts 17:16 — “…his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.”
“In the beginning God created man in His own image, and man has been trying to repay the favor ever since.” — Voltaire
- New Focus (v. 27)
“And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.”
“Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: 2 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? 3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” — Job 38:1-7
- New Guide (v. 28-30)
“When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s companions in travel. 30 But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him.”
TAKEAWAYS:
- Does your perspective look any different because of Jesus?
- Is your focus the same as the culture around you?
- How are you guided differently?
“14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14