When The Enemy Strikes

Today is Palm Sunday. The day when, 2000 years ago, Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem and was hailed and celebrated as the coming King. Only days later, those same adoring crowds began shouting for His death.

The church is in a similar situation.

For generations the church has enjoyed a privileged status in the US.

Like Jesus riding in on this donkey, we have been celebrated and acclaimed.

Today, voices that once lauded the church now call for its destruction.

Like Jesus riding in on this donkey, we have been celebrated and acclaimed.

The Church does not exist to be popular. We are not meant to enjoy celebrity status in a culture of darkness. The Church exists to point lost souls to Jesus Christ. The Church exists to take new believers and grow them into mature saints.

In the process of doing that, the church faces persecution.

Yet later those same voices shout crucify Him!

Persecution of the church always has its roots and motivation in Satan. He is the enemy.

In his persecution of the church, Satan's goal is always two-fold. 1 – To prevent the spread of the gospel. 2 – To cripple the child of God.

In his persecution of the church, Satan's goal is always two-fold. 1 – to prevent the spread of the gospel. 2 – to cripple the child of God.

In ch. 19 Satan brings people in to cause a riot. Through this riot he trying to accomplish these two goals using fear and discouragement.

Today, voices that once lauded the church now call for its destruction.

Satan wants them to give up he wants them to believe that the persecution is too severe that the opposition is too strong and so it would be better to go somewhere else. Fear and discouragement.

This is the same lie that Satan wants us to believe. He wants us to believe that the difficulties and the trials and struggles in our life are bigger than we can handle that they are more difficult than we can bear. And they are. That’s why we need Jesus. That’s why we need the Holy Spirit operating in our lives!

This morning we are going to be equipped to escape this attack of Satan by learning when and how he attacks.

Satan's goal is always two-fold to prevent the spread of the gospel and to cripple the child of God.

Satan brings people in to cause this riot in chapter 19. how is he trying to accomplish those two goals? Fear and discouragement.

Satan wants them to give up he wants them to believe that the persecution is too severe that the opposition is too strong and so it would be better to go somewhere else. Fear and discouragement.

The two objectives of Satan in persecution

Satan wants them to give up he wants them to believe that the persecution is too severe that the opposition is too strong and so it would be better to go somewhere else. Fear and discouragement.

Knowing the tactics of the enemy will enable us to do battle more effectively.

This is the same lie that Satan wants us to believe. he wants us to believe that the difficulties and the trials and struggles in our life are bigger than we can handle that they are more difficult than we can bearI

V35 false religions take faith. We cannot belittle, must shore the superiority of our faith.I

Thighs whole passage is evidence of the blindness and bondage Satan brings to unbelievers. Their livelihood is bound up in this as well.

Why wounding they let Paul in? Look back at v. 26.

How do we avoid fear and discouragement?

Fear - recognize the sovereignty and activity of God. They do nothing and say nothing. God uses the officials.

Discouragement - in due season you shall reap. Know the word.

WHEN SATAN ATTACKS

As we are victorious in battle against our enemy we are able to impact the world for Christ.

We first discover, WHEN SATAN ATTACKS. This passage teaches us that…

1. Satan Attacks The Vulnerable vv. 21-27

In Satan is described as a roaring lion that is seeking people to devour.

Lions do not go after the strongest prey. Lions single out the young and inexperienced, the old, the sick, and those alone. They do this because vulnerable prey is easy prey.

Most of us at one time or another have made ourselves easy prey for the enemy. Our passage this morning reveals two times in our lives when we are vulnerable.

First…

a. Without support we are vulnerable vv. 21-22

READ v. 21

Paul has ministered in Ephesus for over 3 years. The Lord has used Paul to heal sickness and cast out demons. The Word of the Lord is growing.

Paul has a burden to go to Jerusalem and on to Rome. This burden is both his own as well as one given by the Holy Spirit. What we will see from here to the end of the book is how God fulfills this desire to preach the gospel in Rome.

Paul has a determined focus. When we have purpose and direction it can be tempting to think that we are not vulnerable.

Yet it seems possible to become so focused that we open ourselves up to the enemy.

Think of it like a battlefield, because it is, if you are focused on your own maneuvers and fail to consider the actions of the enemy, you are vulnerable to attack. We are going to life the veil this morning and take a peek at the tactics of our enemy.

We don’t know if Paul got too focused here or exactly what opening the enemy saw what we do know is that Paul sends away his supporters in v. 22.

READ v. 22

Alone OR Emotionally Distressed OR Without support v. 22

Remember back in ch. 18 we saw Paul come to Corinth in fear and be strengthened by the arrival of Silas and Timothy. Now Paul is sending them away.

There is very specific wording here. They “ministered” to Paul.

All of us need support. We need people who will come alongside and minister to us.

This is what Paul had in Timothy and Erastus.

It is after Paul sends them away that the enemy strikes.

Here’s our lesson:

Satan will always attack those who are isolated.

Please understand, I am not saying that Paul’s actions here are wrong. There are times when it is necessary to be alone. However, that doesn’t mean we should be without support. We will see later that Paul does still have companions. However, they are not called ministers, but travel companions. We need close, intimate fellowship to helps us navigate the Christian life.

The church is called the body of Christ for a reason. We are to support and strengthen one another.

We must be aware of this tactic of Satan. To help counter it, have a plan in place. Have people you can call at a moment’s notice when Satan begins to attack!

Satan attacks when we are without support. Secondly…

b. When successful we are vulnerable vv. 23-27

READ v. 23

“The way” is how Christian’s were known at this point in history. Why? Because Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life.”

This commotion is essentially a disturbance or a tumult. Luke is telling us what happened in broad terms by way of introduction. He will give us the details in the following verses.

When we follow Christ they way that Scripture describes and demands, it will cause commotion .

READ v. 24

Now we find out the reason for, and source of, the “commotion”.

This whole passage is evidence of the blindness and bondage Satan brings to unbelievers.

This man was a craftsmen. A skilled metallurgist who created idols. Now you can understand why there would be conflict between him and Paul.

The end of the verse gives us some insight into the true motivation of Demetrius.

He is making money off of this. From this little bit of insight it seems clear that Demetrius is more concerned about the money than he is about this false god.

When we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, lives are changed. In the transformation of those lives customers to ungodly businesses are lost. This loss of revenue is part of what makes Christians a target.

The abortion industry is a prime example. The gospel of Jesus Christ threatens their bottom line. This is one of the main sources of their opposition.

READ v. 25

Demetrius calls together a group as sort of backup. Their livelihood is bound up in this as well.

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible The riot in Ephesus 19:23–41

The only other protest by Gentiles against the gospel that Luke recorded in Acts also resulted from financial loss (cf. 16:16–24). The profit motive still opposes the spread of the gospel.

READ v. 26

Here is a rare moment when we get to hear an unbelievers description of Christianities impact.

Even an unbelieving maker of idols knows that Paul’s ministry had impacted almost all of Asia!

v. 26 – Even unbelievers knew the impact of Paul’s ministry. “Almost all Asia”.

Notice the language used. This is an accusation. “Paul has persuaded and turned away.”

This is a targeted attack. They want to silence Paul.

Why? Because he is teaching that these small scale representations they make, as well as the bigger idols they are fashioned after, are not gods.

Something made by men’s hands cannot be a god!

Isaiah discusses the ridiculous nature of idol worship in (p. 835).

(p. 835)

Isaiah 44:14–17 NKJV

He cuts down cedars for himself, And takes the cypress and the oak; He secures it for himself among the trees of the forest. He plants a pine, and the rain nourishes it. Then it shall be for a man to burn, For he will take some of it and warm himself; Yes, he kindles it and bakes bread; Indeed he makes a god and worships it; He makes it a carved image, and falls down to it. He burns half of it in the fire; With this half he eats meat; He roasts a roast, and is satisfied. He even warms himself and says, “Ah! I am warm, I have seen the fire.” And the rest of it he makes into a god, His carved image. He falls down before it and worships it, Prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god!”

Isaiah 44:14–17 NKJV

Paul is absolutely right to state that things made by the hands of men cannot be gods!

You just made it, how can it save? How can it deliver?

READ v. 27

Here Demetrius shows very clever wording. According to him, it isn’t just their trade being threatened, but the worship of their goddess.

Ephesus was home to one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, the temple of Diana or Artemis.

Demetrius is playing on their loyalty to the city, to the goddess, and to their bank account.

Notice how he over estimates the importance of what is taking place? The temple will be despised, her magnificence destroyed, and their trade ended.

We see these same kinds of attacks in relation to Christianity today.

This attack on Paul is coming at a time of great success. Paul has persuaded people to turn from their false gods. All throughout Ephesus and the whole of Asia, people are turning to the Lord.

This is when Satan attacks.

Paul’s success in evangelism is the very thing that leads to what is about to take place.

Success can lower defenses leaving us vulnerable.

So what do we do? We keep our guard up!

Don’t wonder if Satan might attack. Plan and prepare as if Satan will attack. Then be ready when he strikes.

There is never a time when we can let down our guard.

So, when does Satan attack? When we are without support and when we are experiencing success.

Because we know this, we can prepare. Always have a support system. If you cannot physically be there with someone, have a plan in place to contact someone at a moment’s notice. When success is a reality, remember that it is God who accomplishes these things through us.

That is when Satan attacks. Now we learn… HOW SATAN ATTACKS. The first way we learn in our passage is…

HOW SATAN ATTACKS

2. Satan Attacks Through The Blind vv. 28-34

In we learn that Satan blind the minds of unbelievers to keep them form Christ. How does he blind people?

Satan is all about counterfeits. He takes the good and righteous things God has made and twists them.

What he offers to keep people blind is counterfeit religion. That is what idolatry is. It is Satan’s counterfeit to God.

Once Satan has trapped people into false religions, He uses them to attack those who believe the truth.

In this passage we see an attack orchestrated by Satan using people who are blinded by their counterfeit religion.

As they attack we learn two important things about them. First we learn that…

a. The blind are passionate vv. 28-31

READ v. 28

All their wrath is caused by the “what if” given by Demetrius.

They have been deceived, yet they are passionate about the defense of their deception.

READ v. 29

The word “confusion” could also be translated “turmoil”. Demetrius has caused a riot!

turmoil”

Many people in the city rush to the theater (S).

As we mentioned earlier, they have taken Paul’s travel companions. Gaius and Aristarchus have come with Paul from Macedonia.

Satan has blinded their minds to the point that kidnapping innocent people and dragging them to a public trial seems reasonable.

This is what the lies of our enemy do! They blind whole cities and nations keeping them in bondage to sin.

What we also see here is that there is a cost to being a follower of Jesus.

Faithfulness to our calling will result in persecution and opposition.

READ v. 30

The disciples prevent Paul from going in. He wants to go, but they stop him.

Two things with this. 1 - Our care for others should make us willing to take risks. Would you be willing to go into a theatre with an angry mob when you are the object of their fury?

2 - The body of Christ needs to protect its own. They prevent Paul from entering the theater.

READ v. 31

Some officials, who Paul has made friends with, plead with him to stay away. God has allowed Paul;s ministry to reach people in places of authority. God then uses those people to protect Paul. This is the sovereign God we serve!

He is rewarding the faithfulness of Paul. Paul didn’t go looking for people who could later get him off the hook.

Why wouldn’t they let Paul in? Look back at v. 26. Paul is already somewhat the focus of their rage.

v. 29 – They grab Gaius and Aristarchus.

vv. 30-31 – The disciples as well as some of the rulers of Asia or the province keep Paul out of it. Why wouldn’t they let Paul in? Look back at v. 26.

These people are passionate, but they are passionate about the wrong thing. Their passion has led them to act in ways that are irrational and illegal.

This is another thing we are seeing in our society. Those who have believed the lies of Satan defend their false religions with violence and anger. Satan uses misguided passion to keep these people in bondage.

It is up to us to use the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Word of God to expose Satan’s lies and see the Holy Spirit release them from their bondage.

What is Satan’s goal in this attack? He wants Paul and the other believers to be discouraged. He wants them to see this opposition and give up.

This is what Satan wants in your life and mine. He wants us to give up.

If he can keep the child of God discouraged and hopeless, he can keep us ineffective.

Don’t allow opposition to leave you defeated.

Instead, recognize that opposition to ministry is evidence that we are seeking the Lord and doing His will.

Satan uses these blind but passionate people to oppose the gospel and attempt to discourage the saints.

Don’t be discouraged.

Secondly we learn that…

Not only are the blind passionate. Secondly we learn that…

b. The blind are played vv. 32-34

READ v. 32

I think a good lesson to take away from this verse is; Don't get involved in demonstrations or protests you know nothing about.

v. 32 - Don't get involved in demonstrations or protests you know nothing about.

People had joined the mob having no idea what it was all about.

We see this taking place in our country. People join protests and go on marching knowing little or nothing about what cause they are marching for. We dare not make that mistake.

This is what happens when we buy Satan’s lies. It breeds confusion and chaos.

This is the blindness and confusion we all face apart from Christ.

As blind and confused they deserve our compassion and careful witness.

READ vv. 33-34

In some ways this is almost humorous. Alexander doesn’t have a chance to say anything.

They found out he is a Jew and chant “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” for two hours!

Alexander was going to make a defense. This is where we get our English word Apologetics.

The implication here is that Alexander was fully capable of making this defense.

Would we be able and willing to defend the gospel before a mob of angry opposition?

Chanting for two hours is ridiculous. Especially when we consider that most of the chanters have no idea why they are even there!

Satan has them in such bondage that they do this with no apparent hesitation.

I can’t imagine yelling anything for two hours straight. Shouting “great is Jon of Lockeford” would get old really fast.

What is Satan trying to do here?

First, it seems obvious that Satan is preventing the spread of the gospel.

By not even allowing Alexander to speak, no gospel presentation is given. The people are shouting too much for anything to get through to them.

Second, Satan wants to create fear.

I don’t know about you but it seems like having an angry mob chant for two hours would be pretty terrifying.

You would be wondering when words would no longer suffice and violence would begin.

There is a huge element of God's protection here.

The solution to fear is steadfast reliance upon our all powerful God.

From this section we learn that Satan will try to use people whose minds He has blinded to shut down the gospel and create fear in the child of God. He wants us discouraged and full of fear.

These people are being used by Satan without their knowledge. This is important to recognize. The people who instigate opposition to us are doing so because they are in bondage to sin and Satan. Never think that they are beyond the reach of God’s grace.

This passage reveals to us a second way that Satan attacks. In the end of the chapter we learn that…

3. Satan Attacks Through Injustice vv. 35-41

In Jesus refers to Satan as the father of lies.

One of the ways in which he attacks the child of God is through deceit.

Satan will use whatever tactic he finds most effective.

Two areas of injustice are portrayed here. First we find…

a. Unjust accusation vv. 35-37

READ v. 35

Thomas Constable writes that this clerk is like a mayor. Someone who is locally elected and who was responsible for what took place in the city.

He quiets them down and then gets them to think. Where Demetrius inflamed them, this man calms them. Demetrius deliberately spoke to incite anger and raise a mob. The clerk uses logic and reason to disperse them.

The “image” that fell down from Zeus was a meteorite that they though was in the shape of a woman.

The fact that these people believe Zeus sent an image down fro them to worship requires a great deal of faith.

V35 false religions take faith. We cannot belittle, must show the superiority of our faith.

We must never forget that false religions take faith. We cannot mock or belittle the religion of others. What we must do is show the superiority of our faith and its object.

This is what Alexander was prepared to do in v. 33. This is what Peter spoke of in his epistle. (S).

1 Peter 3:15 NKJV

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

Willingness to give a defense is not enough. We must also be able. We must be equipped to defend the faith whenever we are asked.

READ v. 36

It almost seems like the clerk is giving the mob advice on how to better oppose the gospel. Perhaps that is exactly what he is doing.

Regardless, he advocates for the mob to consider what they are doing and stop the chant and disruption since there is no way the goddess can be denied.

READ v. 37

The innocence of Paul’s traveling companions is affirmed. I don’t believe that hearing this caused Satan to throw up his hands and give up. All he has to do is come up with a new accusation.

This is what he does to us. He continually makes accusations in an attempt to discourage and shut us up.

calls Satan the accuser of the brethren.

His goal is to silence the gospel. To get the child of God to doubt that people can be reached.

In an effort to do that, Satan brings accusations against us. What do we do?

Live so that only accusations of faithfulness can be made against you.

Having failed in their current accusations, we can be confident there will be more to come.

In addition to unjust accusation we find…

b. Unjust allegation vv. 38-41

READ v. 38

It seems like the only way to take this verse is as an invitation. The clerk is inviting Demetrius and his tradesmen to file a lawsuit against Paul and his companions.

Over the last decade or so we have seen a huge rise in court cases being brought against Christians and Christian organizations in an effort to silence them.

This is a tactic of Satan that we need to be prepared for.

Again, we need to make sure that we are not suffering for doing wrong. Peter mentions this in the same passage we looked at earlier. (S).

1 Peter 3:16–17 NKJV

having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Don’t let the allegations stick.

READ v. 39

The clerk is calling for an end to this mob action.

If they have a legal complaint, they need to make it legally.

There are times when the law is our friend.

READ v. 40

Now we find the motivation for the clerk. There is a possibility that they might be in trouble because this mob action was not approved and they can’t explain why it happened.

The special privileges they enjoyed as a city with a temple and a center for trade were in danger because of their actions.

READ v. 41

Without Paul or the others having to say anything the mob is dispersed. This is the power and protection of God!

Our Sovereign God takes care of His children.

Satan has another tactic, that is to bring legal action against the child of God.

This is not more than God can handle.

Though Satan actively works against us, the God of all eternity is on our side.

A life above reproach is the greatest defense.

This kind of life can only be lived through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Satan is going to bring cases against us. Jesus warned that this would happen. But He also gave us hope for when it does. (S).

Matthew 10:18-20

Matthew 10:18–20 NKJV

You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

We prepare for these moments by taking in the Word of God so that the Holy Spirit has something to work with.

Conclusion

We have an enemy.

Where the church grows, Satan attacks.

Satan wants to silence you. Don’t let him. Don’t give in to fear and uncertainty. Trust that the Holy Spirit to guide.

Know how to counter Satan’s attacks.

How do we avoid fear and discouragement?

To escape fear, recognize the sovereignty and activity of God.

The Christians do nothing and say nothing in this instance. God uses the officials.

Our God is able to do anything. He can and will deliver.

To escape discouragement, know the word.

In due season you shall reap. The harvest is coming!

When we are isolated, Satan attacks.

Therefore, have a support system.

When we are successful, Satan attacks.

Therefore, expect opposition and always give glory to God.

The only way to defeat the attacks of Satan is through God’s power operating in us through the Holy Spirit.

So, when the enemy strikes:

Have an intimate relationship with God.

Have a support system of trusted believers.

Look for an opportunity to share Christ.

In our closing song we will be reminded of who our God is and just how awesome His power is.

First, let’s PRAY.

“Behold Our God”

Acts 19:21–41 NKJV

When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time. And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.” Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

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