Fight the Good Fight!
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
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How do you see yourself? How do you view your role in the Kingdom of God?
Intro:
Intro:
Illus: When a recoilless rifle round lands 50 yards away!
I had no idea I was in a war.
Israel was in a war. It was a war between God and Pharaoh.
Drama
Drama
“Don’t shoot the messenger” - this is the attitude of many Christians
Yet, this phrase is employed to covey one who is delivering “bad news.”
We, as God’s chosen instruments are delivering “ GOOD NEWS.”
Paul and Barnabas have shared the gospel, and were in the middle of a war
The signs:
Political agends
culture clash
expressions of men’s hearts in conflicting actions
They saw men resist and believe the gospel message.
Doctrine
Doctrine
We are warriors in a war (45-46)
The war
for men’s souls
damnation or salvation
Two sides in opposition
Jealous Jews - the opposition
“But”
Opposed to the gospel message and God himself
Illus: Pharaoh and Moses
Gospel going out
Not two groups of people
Jews and Gentiles believed
It is the gospel and those resistant to it
It is God’s war (47)
God of the universe versus Satan
It is a cosmic war
It has material manifestations
God’s Word is the attacking force
It is God’s Kingdom
Men go out as lights
English Standard Version Chapter 5
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Men follow Jesus as - THE LIGHT
English Standard Version Chapter 8
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
God’s purpose is Rdemption
of the elect - those who believe
It is a war that requires allegiance (48—52)
By all men
To the opposition
Work in evil ways - manipulation
Got politicians and people on influence on their side
attacked their resources
To God
The elect or believer
Some Jews and Gentiles believed
Responded with joy
Doxology
Doxology
It is clear by this passage that man is involved in the war between God and the opposition
Men are called enemies of God
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
How should we respond to the realization that we are in a war?
Illus: After that introduction to war, for me, everything changed. There was an awakening. I changed my habits. I became more disciplined in areas. I became more aware of my surroundings. I became more prepared for the next time that I would become a target.
We as Christians can do the same:
Know that there will be resistance.
Be prepared - equip yourself with the gospel of Jesus Christ
Illus: After that moment I was always prepared for most war time contingencies.
Illus: After that moment I was always prepared for most war time contingencies.
Go out - share the gospel of Jesus Christ
Go out - share the gospel of Jesus Christ
Illus: As a pastor I get paid to do this. I am afforded opportunities all of the time. But, for you it may be harder and you may have to seek opportunities in normal conversations.
Be joyful - rest in the HS
Know that God is working and is in control.
Know that the battles for men’s souls are worth every frustration and headache.
Walk away - be OK with walking away
Luke
And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.
Illus: Walking away from Shrek in Romania.
Conclusion:
We are in a war for men’s souls. And, you are the chosen instrument in which God may use to reconcile them to himself.
Are you prepared for war?
Are you engaged in the war?
Are you trusting in God during this war?