What Kinds of Reactions Should We Expect When Sharing The Gospel? (PM Lesson Outline)
(Note: This is only an outline.)
GIST: Reactions will vary, but we should rejoice in the privilege to be both bearers of and partakers in the good news!
SCRIPTURE: Acts 13:42-52
Tonight, I just want to walk through the reactions we see to the Gospel being spread and talk through the implications these have for our lives (which should be spent sharing the gospel).
Excitement→ “42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. 44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.”
-Source: Jesus and His Word
-Response: Continue in Grace. Keep living for Him and following His direction and guidance. (Oh, how we need to remember this as we take every step!)
Resentment→ “45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.”
-Source: Jealousy (Don’t let this be true of us when we see God moving in the lives of others!)
-Reaction: Arguments and Insults (This is not productive dialogue.)
Varied Opportunities→ “46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"”
-Source: God’s Direction & Purpose.
-Points: If a door is closed, don’t take that as a sign to stop sharing the Gospel. Go to everyone, but don’t limit your scope by only going where you’re expected.
Salvations→ “48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.”
-Source: God’s Amazing Grace.
-Point?: Appointed and Believed. God’s grace and sovereignty paired with human responsibility.
Persecutions→ “50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium.”
-Source: God’s Movement
Reactions: Anger/Fear from the Persecutors and Continued Serving from His People (Shaking the dust off your feet was symbolically stating “you’re unclean”. This was used to point to their continued need of the Savior they had rejected.)
Joy→ “52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."”
-Product: Joy
-Source: The Holy Spirit!
TAKEAWAY
Like this morning, I want to let our gist be our takeaway this evening.
1. Reactions will vary, but we should rejoice in the privilege to be both bearers of and partakers in the good news!
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