Keep on Keeping On

Keep on Keeping On

2013-12-08

Act 14:8-15, 19-20

8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well,10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 

19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.

Paul is on ministry rollercoaster...In Antioch, the whole city wanted “More Gospel!” then kicked him out. In Iconium, he was tolerated, then they wanted to kill him. Now in Lystra, he is hailed as god. Act 14:8-13

·      This lame man’s faith resulted in his salvation & healing.

·      Clear though that miracles can lead to wrong conclusions.  For example:

o   They believed Barnabas was Zeus (Jupiter), a 'father of gods” maybe due to appearance.

o   They believed Paul was Hermes (Mercury), a messenger of gods. Paul chief speaker.

·      The Motivation for pagan worship was so self-centered: This was Zeus & Hermes supposed last visit. The motivation was so that they wouldn't get wiped out.

 Paul and Barnabus could have thought 'What an opportunity!'  Give them the gospel & they’ll respond because they think we’re gods even though we know we’re not gods. 

·      Some preaching of today has similar guise & spirit. 

o   Those Speakers desire to impress & the gospel takes 2^nd place.  Ogilvie quote

We put the communicator on a pedestal and evade the communication. We have a seemingly limitless capacity to give the honor that belongs to Christ to the

people who seek to introduce us to Him.  Pastors, parents, leaders, friends, and

teachers who have brought us the good news are often made the source of our security. We elevate them to super sainthood and miss for ourselves the dynamic that has made them admirable. We make matinee idols out of Christian leaders.  The reason there are so many proud Christian celebrities today is that we have given the messenger more honor than the message.  Lloyd John Ogilvie

·      Used General Revelation in attempt to stop the worship of them. Act 14:14-18, Rom 1:20

o   God allowed them to follow their own ways, not as a concession to sinfulness, but as a gracious, patient, Creator- waiting for them to see Him in creation & repent.

·      Theory of evolution directly opposes General Revelation & thus the Gospel.

o   Without a Creator or moral lawgiver people fail to see their need for God & they cut themselves off from what creation was designed to do, which is lead them to God.

These people had expectations that were not fulfilled: Paul and Barnabus were not gods (the people thought maybe they are dangerous magicians), and were not bringing the material blessings they thought the gods could give them.

·      Realized the Gospel opposed their religion. They realize it is easier to get rid of Paul not their religion.

o   It displays a shallow response to miracles vs. a true repentance thru the Gospel

The people were persuaded by the Iconium/Antioch Jews (who traveled 100 miles) to stone Paul; they dragged him out of Lystra & left him for dead (did not even bury him). Act 14:19-20, 2 Cor 11:25 & 1:8-10

·      Nothing is said about Barnabas. Maybe he was not present when Paul was attacked.

o   The Word never states Paul died (just mostly dead) or that he was physically healed.

·      This was one of Paul’s lowest valleys but Jesus gave him courage & strength to get up, and despite incredible pain, he goes back to serving Christ.

o   The next day Paul and Barnabus went to Derbe, which is a 65-mile walk, it must have been excruciatingly painful.

God had more for Paul to do, so he didn’t die. The same is true for you.

·      We need to follow Paul’s example & ran through the finish line at end of our lives.

We can easily find ourselves slowing down our serving, extending a season of rest, or stopping altogether. Eph 2:10, 5:15-17, 1 Cor 9:24-27, 2 Tim 4:6-8

·      Maybe you were mistreated and unappreciated by Christians, maybe they failed too much, perhaps there are life changes such as kids or illness, sometimes we are just "too busy" with the things of this world, or maybe you feel as if you have done your share (esp. older Christians & those grew up in Christian families). Do you see the heart behind that?

o   What happens is the people and the church become annoying or bothersome and our heart pulls away.

·      Christianity and our faith becomes a theology or a concept to believe, not a relationship/friendship with Jesus Christ. Driscoll

“We get so consumed with our studies and our systematics, that we forget that Jesus is alive, and we’re supposed to have a relationship with him, and the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and we’re supposed to follow him. And so then Christianity goes from a relationship that we enjoy to a belief system we adhere to. And let me submit to you it’s both. Christianity is a belief system we adhere to, and it’s a relationship we enjoy, but it has to be both. And when it (Revelation 2:2-5) says that they (Ephesians) lack love, they were weak on the relational enjoyment of Jesus, His people, and lost people.”  Mark Driscoll

Jesus doesn’t come to condemn, guilt or threaten if your struggling to remain motivated to serve. 

·      Instead He says, “I love you. You’re not at finish line yet, let’s keep going because there’s more people to reach, more truth to teach, more things to do.”

o   Your treasure isn’t here & your time to rest isn’t now.

o   Understand, as Paul did, that joyful service that comes at a personal cost is a sweet offering to a worthy Savior, King, & Friend.

o   We can only serve Him by the power & presence of God.