Acts: church in Ephesus

Speaker: Colin Boyd

Notes

Introduction to economically declining Ephesus.

Acts 18:18-21. Foundation. The need for a committed pioneer group like Aquila and Priscilla.

Acts 19: 1-7 Checking on and building up the foundation. The need for the Holy Spirit before embarking on a vision to reach out.

Acts 19:8-10. Hard work and Public Exposure. Paul's hard work & spreading the Word around whole hinterland area. Keep to the vision.

Acts 19:11-12, 19-20. Honouring God first when success comes. Confrontation with the profitable "magic business". Tactic - conversion.

Acts 19:21-40 Unfair criticism in the Diana riots. Underlying economic fears. Wisdom and listening to advice. Comments on easy temptation to find scapegoats in times of economic distress.

Acts 20. Know the time to hand over to a well prepared new generation. Paul hands over to Timothy and the elders.

Revelation 2:1-7. The "appraisal" of the church. Warning never to let hard work and organization push out love.

Application

What does Acts 18:24-26 tell us about prime needs in a new church?

How far should a church stick to its planned programme and how far can it be flexible to spot new different opportunities? Are you flexible as a group to see and take opportunities as they arise?

When criticism comes, what do you do about it?

When your group/your church gets favourable comment, how do you give the honour to God?

Posted: 2 Nov 2008