https://youtu.be/oU0dXyKggQ0

Turf War     Acts 19:21-41

- When we last left Paul, he was in Ephesus, God was doing

unusual miracles through him, like handkerchiefs that could heal and cast out

demons. (Confirming the message about Christ.)

- The 7 sons of Sceva (“high priest”?) travelled around

using incantations to heal and exorcise evil spirits. They attempt to use the

authority of the Jesus name in their “spells” and paid the price.

- The news of this encounter spread through Ephesus, and the

Lord’s name was magnified.

- Acts 19:19-20, Also, many of those who had

practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of

all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand

pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.  ($364,000)

          - With that

kind of value in books alone, the magic industry must have taken a hit.

          - What is

the impact on those who made money from the sale of these books?

- Paul’s spread of the gospel is negatively affecting day

to day business in “sin city.”

- Example: What if

Christians stopped going to R rated movies? U.S. 50% protestant, that’s 150

million people. 43 R rated movies in theaters 2018, at $42 million avg. take

per film.

- That’s 1.8 billion in

sales, cut in half equals a $900 million dollar hit! (The industry might

take notice of that!)

- Other industries in Ephesus have taken notice of how

Paul’s message is turning people away.

1. How hard are you fighting to hold on to the

idols in your life?

Read Acts 19:21-28

- Paul’s ministry is infringing on Demetrius’s turf.

He saw what happened with the magic books, and his silver shrines are sure to

be next.

- Demetrious listed his top 3 concerns: He makes a lot of money

in this job, he’s worried about the reputation/respect of the business,

and their goddess will be discredited (whom currently “all the world”

worships).

- This is a literal story that actually happened, and

often our actions reveal our heart condition.

- Demetrious is defending his idol making business but

revealing that it is an idol to him unto itself.

- This reminded me of the sermon Pastor Butcher preached at the mini-men’s advance this summer about 4 idols we worship in our lives. It really convicted me!

1. Comfort: This is the hardest

one for me!

- Example: I know God

has placed me in my job, but I struggle with fear of losing it. He has been

growing my faith, season to season, and showing me that He is my hope for the

future.

- Demetrious has a good job

with great pay. This is an idol because it represents his safety and

security, his future. No need to trust God if all your needs are met by your

job.

- The answer: Deny

your flesh, choose faith not fear. Understand, who is your provider?!

- Matthew 6:31-34, “Therefore

do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What

shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the

Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But

seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,