Exploring God’s Word with Brad Thurston

Looking forward verses 25-31

1. 28. Be on guard and shepherd the church.  How? “Until I come, give your attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” 1 Timothy4:13-16
2. 29. Beware of the wolves! Especially for those who come among you as wolves in sheep’s clothing. “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;” Philippians3:2 ““Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Jesus, in Matthew 7:15 

Looking beyond verses 32-36

1. 32- entrusting them to God and to the Word of His Grace!
2. Mercy and grace definitions
3. Mercy in OT : 45 – in NT: 60
4. Grace in OT: 8 – in NT: 122 (gracious in OT 64 and in NT 5)
5. The richness of God to show mercy, but the “boundless riches of Grace”
6. Mercy is not getting what we deserve, while Grace is receiving gifts beyond measure!  Definitely not deserved or earned. Ephesians x2  We are introduced to grace through faith! Not lacking in any gift! What we receive in this world now is more than we deserve and what we will receive in heaven has not been seen or heard about. 1 Cor 2:9
7. 33-35 a Model to imitate. Remember my way of life among you! “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians11:1 - also 1 Cor. 4:12; Eph. 5.1; 1 Thess. 1:6 and 2:14
8. Finally, he prayed for them.

Verse 32 Looking Beyond: 

1. I entrust you to God! And the Word of His Grace
2. This brings results!
3. Follow my example: care for the poor, be generous (offering for the saints in Jerusalem)
4. Prayer and anointing

The application: do we understand God’s purpose for us, both individually and as a church? Are we beginning to see God move with clarity in our hearts?  How do we both individually and collectively live out the will, purposes, and counsel? 

This is true of Paul in meeting with the elders from Ephesus. We go from reporting facts to reporting his teaching at this location.  We will hear much more that will be reported of what he says in the coming chapters, but this is a new literary shift for Luke who is not just recording events now.  And Paul’s instructions are very illuminating especially when you take time to view this in the context of the letters he wrote.  This sounds very much like Paul’s voice and thought process.

Let’s begin to take a closer look at this farewell speech: in three parts: Looking back, looking forward, and looking beyond.

In 16, he doesn’t want to lose time by going to Ephesus, but he calls the elders to him instead.  In the case of the early church, it is clear it is lead by a presbytery, so whatever Paul shares here will be passed on to the churches throughout the region. Isn’t the same amount of time used? Perhaps not, if the folks want him to stay, or there is much opposition, and he is hindered from continuing his journey. Perhaps even for the safety of the money being transported (see his final remark).

Verse 18 Looking back: the monuments and the museums in Washington let us remember where we have come from, the ideals we hold dear, and the values we cherish. Paul looks at the beginning of his time with the Ephesians.  By looking back, he lays claims to the authority for what he will say.

1. I was with you:  you got to know me by observation, interaction and teaching, and availability.
2. Served with humility, or lowly mindedness.  Like Jesus. Philippians 2:1-11
3. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:3-7
4. “and whoever wants to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”” Mark 10:44-45
5. Through tears and trials from the Jews
6. Taught what was profitable both publicly and from house to house: letters to follow up
7. Preached to both Jews and Greeks: repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ. “a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew...” Col. 3:11  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:28 

Verse 22 Looking forward: 

1. 22. Bound in Spirit and Uncertain what will happen in Jerusalem, except persecution. 
2. 24. I will finish the race testifying to God’s grace:  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (Pause)
3. 25. You will see me no more
4. 26. I am innocent – I have warned all (repeated in his letters) “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?” Galatians 3:1, 3, 5 
5. 27. I proclaimed the whole counsel (purpose or will) of God to you.  “Now I say this, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.”

1 Corinthians 15:50. “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor those habitually drunk, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-1

1. 28. Be on guard and shepherd the church.  How? “Until I come, give your attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:13-16
2. 29. Beware of the wolves! Especially for those who come among you as wolves in sheep’s clothing. “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;” Philippians 3:2 ““Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Jesus, in Matthew 7:15
3. Remember my way of life among you! “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 - also 1 Cor. 4:12; Eph. 5.1; 1 Thess. 1:6 and 2:14

Verse 32 Looking Beyond: 

1. I entrust you to God! And the Word of His Grace
2. This brings results!
3. Follow my example: care for the poor, be generous (offering for the saints in Jerusalem)
4. Prayer and anointing

The application: do we understand God’s purpose for us, both individually and as a church? Are we beginning to see God move with clarity in our hearts?  How do we both individually and collectively live out the will, purposes, and counsel? 

This next section of Acts helps us understand both the level of insight Paul has to the growth of the movement called: The Way, and the price he must pay for reaching the Lost.  It demonstrates to us, how he has accessed the very core of the Father’s heart: his amazing great love for those who do not love him. 

1. The prophetic insight of where Father is leading him: I must go here, there, and reach this goal.
2. Two, he seals the continued growth of the movement by giving responsibility to those he has trained. Timothy and Erastus

The riot in Ephesus

1. A basic knowledge of God’s care: 1 Cor 10:13
2. The impact the Gospel has on the world. Destruction of idols! Imagine the impact the Gospel ought to have on the pornographic industry!
3. God’s deliverance and protection, even in using secular people.

Paul’s motivation for what he does:

1. God’s love for the lost – 2 Peter 3:9
2. The knowledge of Jesus’ return – comfort 1 Thess. 4:15-18
3. Paul’s faith in God’s promises, power, and protection

Compare with matters that hinder God’s people from reaching the Lost.

1. WFear of repercussions
2. Fear of rejection
3. My friends are all saved or not interested.
4. I don’t know how to lead someone to Christ.
5. Somebody else will do it, it’s their job.
6. Unwilling to step outside of my comfort zone.
7. Too old to reach young people/ don’t understand their culture.
8. Too caught up with me, shy, insecure.
9. Don’t know how to approach people of other cultures.
10. Worldly behavior renders me useless to Kingdom purposes.

Pray for boldness, understanding the Father’s heart, look for Jesus’ return. Ephesians 6:19

Introduction

There is a difference in fighting a battle in your own strength, or letting God fight for you.  In the OT there are several different cases where the situation seemed hopeless and yet God performed miracles to save his people.  From Jericho to Gideon’s 300, from Elisha and the army against Dothan who was captured and taken to Samaria to have peace with them and stop two wars.[1]  The joy of knowing Jesus is for us and not against us is very comforting. Our enemy cannot defeat Jesus.

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A note from last week:  Laying on of hands and the transference of gifts and graces, encouragement at hope by touching and praying to God. On the one hand God baptizes in the Holy Spirit even if no one lays hands on you, but it can happen.  The issue is this: Historically, a distinction between clergy and laity has been created, and there are some things that only clergy who are “ordained” according to a specific tradition are able to do. Personally, this debate is beyond me, but I personally find it difficult to take certain scriptures and create something that neither the early church practiced nor taught.

There are leaders in the church, elders, administrators, teachers, pastors, apostles, prophets, and evangelists.  These are gifts of Jesus to the church. But to place them on pedestals is not the intention, but they are to serve others, not be exalted.  If they are good at what they do, honor them.  If they are heretical, have nothing to do with them. So, matters like baptism, communion, laying on of hands, and other foundational teachings from Hebrews 6[2] are the domain of the church and those who know Jesus and live in him.  If you know someone is sick, and you want to pray for them and believe that God will heal them, place your hands of them.  If you lead someone to Christ, bring them here and baptize them so we can all rejoice with you!

If you have company at home, and you are talking about Jesus, and you are sharing a meal, have communion as well!

Now we see what happens when Paul continues his work in Ephesus:  Sick are healed, evil spirits are cast out.  The difference between evil spirits and the Holy Spirit are clearly demonstrated in this passage.  The result was that the fear of the Lord fell on them, and the Lord’s name was magnified.  Looks like revival to me!

The result of this was the most amazing campfire. Several million dollars of books and trinkets burned! This is a major position against sin and for God. It is an incredible move throughout the region. The battle is set against the principalities of this world. Against witchcraft, idolatry, sexual immorality, lying, cheating, discrediting God’s word, just as the devil did when he deceived Adam and Eve with: “Has God said?” casting doubt on salvation, judgement, eternal life, and mocking the cross and the empty tomb.  The value of life is only determined by whether it is my life that we are discussing, others are not as valuable.  The attack by the enemy will be the same throughout history, even if they take a different shape.  But the moral character of God and his laws will always come under attack by those who profit from sin.

In our lives, are we willing to take a stand for what is righteous – even if we are assaulted for our stand? Are we willing to let the Lord fight for us because we know that those who are for us are more than those who are against us? Can we trust God to shield and protect, keep and deliver us from evil?

Salvation comes with the trust we need to place our faith and our hope in Jesus.

[1] 2 Kings 6: 15-23

[2] Hebrews 6: 1,2

The “rebaptizers” or Anabaptists in Germany. Almost a curse word.  We fought the wrath of both the catholics and the Lutherans as they held to a very traditional understanding that the sprinkling of water made you a “Christian”. The act of faith was not needed or involved in the act of salvation. Gal.5:6 says circumcision is nothing, only faith expressing itself through love!

A bold start: The extent of John the Baptist’s ministry: at least from Egypt to Turkey.  The preparation for Jesus to come was significant. But it did need to be followed up with the introduction of Jesus into the lives of those who who had repented.  Just acknowledging the truth that we are sinners is not enough. Paul’s approach to Jews, Gentiles, and now disciples of John.

The event with these disciples of John – who believed in the One God! – shows us several important aspects of what receiving Jesus into our lives and being empowered by the Holy Spirit looks like in the lives of believers:

1. The two events of baptism in water (into the death and resurrection of Jesus) and being baptized with the Spirit, can be separated by time, though not necessarily essential.  We do not know when the disciples were baptized in water, but we know when Paul was baptized in the Spirit and then in water in Acts 9:17. Cornelius was baptized in the Spirit and then in Water.  The Eunuch was baptized in water and we know nothing after that. Paul only baptized a few in Corinth but it is not recorded in Acts, but they obviously were actively using the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 
2. Luke sketchily records the events, not the teaching about why, function, usage, etc. for that we turn to the letters of the NT.  
3. We do know that Jesus empowers his disciples to use the gifts he gives them.
4. Who has the power to lay on hands? Disciples, Ananias, Timothy, and Hebrews is a foundational teaching not just for special people.
5. All gifts from God are valuable and serve a function
6. The baptism in the Spirit is accompanied by the Gifts, Fruit, Presence, and Activity of the Holy Spirit. He never changes, he is God! Those who say that the gifts stopped with the Bible completion have no biblical evidence for that.  How can they think that and then not say the same for the fruit of the Spirit? Or the functions of the Spirit listed in Romans 12:6-9 
7. If you want to learn about the variety of gifts, then I am happy to do that on Wednesday nights where we can discuss and ask questions and share experiences. Acts only shows what happens.
8. There is a difference between phenomena and repeated and taught matters in Scripture.  For example, the tongues of fire is phenomena and not repeated.  God can do it, but that would not be something one can expect to happen. The gifts taught in scripture can be expected to be a part of normal Christian life and used for the benefit of others, not to puff oneself up with pride. 

Focusing on building a firm foundation

1. Separating the unbelievers from believers to invest in: for understanding the Scriptures, for training in righteousness, for correction, 2 Tim 3:16
2. Modeling and mentoring and releasing into ministry
3. Fulfilling the task, especially if you think Jesus is coming soon!  That is the attitude we all must have

The fruitfulness of God’s method

1. The disciples were able to spread the Gospel through out their region!
2. The investment was significant and life changing
3. The true power of the Gospel is evident in the fact that God is magnified by real growth

Who do you invest your Christian life into?

From radical to powerful

            Unusual and counter traditions, especially contrary to status quo when the status quo is sinful.  Radically pure and upright.  Leading young people to the Lord and getting them free of drugs, obedient to parents good in school, and having the local churches against us, parents against us, and evangelical churches unwilling to even pray with us. Fear after 9/11 and my stand to continue to work for the Lord and left on a flight to Turkey soon after.

We miss out on what Paul did on the end of his second journey and the start of his third journey, and the story continues in Ephesus, and will pick up again when Paul reaches Ephesus.  This is quite an amazing story where we first encounter Apollos. He is from Egypt, a Jew, learned and eloquent, instructed (a Disciple), teaches accurately about Jesus, and is bold!  He only knows the baptism of John!

A woman and her husband set time to discuss this with him…

1. Correcting an accomplished minister of the Gospel: how do you do that? Using the OT: Joel 2, Zechariah 4:6
2. Showing the importance of John‘s ministry: Isaiah 40:3
3. What John taught: Luke 3:16
4. What Jesus taught: John 16: 13,14
5. Instructions of Jesus: Acts 1:4,4; 7,8

The difference between repentance and filling with the Spirit of God.

            Our act and God’s action

            Empty and filling

            Our ability, and God’s ability

            Our power, and God’s power

            Our insight and God’s wisdom, knowledge, and understanding

            We see the outside, God sees the hearts

Our surrender to God includes receiving his power to overcome in our lives.