Zeal Part 6: When Opposition and Joy Collide
Zeal: Chasing a Cause, Finding a Savior
Part 6 - When Opposition and Joy Collide
Acts 13:42-52
38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Acts 13:38-39
42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:42-52
I. Cultivate an Insatiable for
42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. Acts 13:42-44
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
Key Reasons People Lose Their Appetite for Grace:
- Minimizing .
- Falling into and .
- with the Message.
- A Judgmental or Spirit.
- Distraction by or Control.
Mercy is not receiving what you . Grace is receiving what you .
II. Combat That Causes Chaos in Life!
45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him. Acts 13:45
16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16
Jealousy causes us to shift our focus from God’s work and others’ successes to our own status, ego and self control.
How Jealousy Manifests in Our Lives:
- The "Silent Scorn" of Others' Success.
- The "Yeah, But..." Response.
- Social Media Doom-Scrolling.
- Possessive Territorialism.
- Schadenfreude.
How to Combat Jealousy:
- Practice Aggressive ! 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15
- Stop and Start Focusing on What God has for You to do! 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, Galatians 6:4
- Anchor Your in Christ! 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”John 3:30.
- Cultivate Radical ! 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- For Anyone You Envy! 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44
III. Boldly When Doors Slam Shut!
46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. Acts 13:46-49
49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. Acts 13:49
IV. Release the Weight of You Can't
50 But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. Acts 13:50-51
5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” Luke 9:5
11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 2 Timothy 3:11
V. Untether Your From Your
52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52