Helps for Daily Life 9
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BIBLE STUDY 2: HELPS FOR DAILY LIFE
A SERIES: THERE IS HOPE
LESSON 9: Acts 19.23-20.1-5 HOW TO BE A DIFFERENCE MAKER
Acts 19:21-34 and 20:1-5 (KJV) “21 After these things were ended, 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. 22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. 23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. 24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; 25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. 28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. 30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. 31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. 32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. 33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense unto the people. 34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.”
Acts 20:1-5 “1 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. 2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, 3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. 4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These going before tarried for us at Troas.”
INTRODUCTION:
In the book of the Acts and chapter 19 we find the Apostle Paul being A DIFFERENCE MAKER.
The first century church was a difference maker church because the members of the first century church were difference makers. The Church is not the mortar, bricks, lights, and pews, but the church is the people who are bone again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The place where we go to worship is not the sanctuary, but the sanctuary is the people of God which is the temple of God where the Holy Spirit of God lives, moves, and has His being once we are saved. A church, any true church is nothing more and nothing less than the sum total of the membership. The church collectively becomes mission minded when the individual members becomes mission minded. The church collectively becomes soul conscious when the individual members becomes soul conscious. The first century church was made up of people who were mission minded and soul conscious and they became difference makers.
In fact we read in chapter 19.11-12, "11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them." And it didn't stop there because beginning in verses 19-20 we read that, "19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."
WHEN PEOPLE TRULY COME TO KNOW JESUS HERE IS WHAT HAPPENS!
They get something better than this old world is able to offer. They learn that the things of this world are nothing more than a cheap substitute for the real thing. When they get the real thing – they no longer want the substitutes that this world provides. The people in Ephesus, having heard the gospel and repented of their sin, made a clean break from the world. That is what happens when a person truly comes to Jesus!
WHAT DID THEY DO?
Why they just came together and had a good old-fashioned book-burning party! Why did they do such a radical thing like that? They wanted their neighbors and friends to know that they no longer were going to be influenced by the heresies (or the false teachings) their world had been teaching them. Now, that sorcery was out of their lives because the Savior had moved in.
THIS WAS ALL BECAUSE THE APOSTLE PAUL WAS A DIFFERENCE MAKER.
This is a part of our getting back to the basics. This is a part of what it means to be a Christian. This is a part of what it means to be God’s Church! God longs for His church in the 21st century to be as much a difference maker as His church was in the 1st century.
A SERIOUS QUESTION TO ASK OURSELVES - ARE WE DIFFERENCE MAKERS?
What about as a Father or a Mother? What about as an employer or an employee? What about as a SS teacher or a SS member? What about as a member of or leader of your neighborhood or community? ARE YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER? It is really just a part of getting back to the basics!
WHAT'S INVOLVED IN BEING A DIFFERENCE MAKER?
How do we become a difference maker at home, work, our community, our country or our church? As we begin to look into these verses and study what took place with the Apostle Paul and his Christian followers beginning in verse 21 I believe we discover HOW TO BE A DIFFERENCE MAKER
INTERPRETATION:
In the city of Ephesus stood one of the seven wonders of the world: the temple of Diana who was also called Artemis. The Ephesians believed that the goddess Diana fell from Jupiter and landed in their city. So they spent 220 years building a temple for her. It was 425 long - 225 feet wide and surrounded by 127 Greek columns made out of marble that were 60 feet high. Diana was a fertility goddess and Prostitution was a part of her worship. It was in that city Paul became a difference maker for God.
NOW HERE'S WHAT THAT TELLS ME:
If Paul can become a difference maker for God in a place like that you can become a difference maker for God in your place. You can make a difference on your school campus. You can make a difference at your workplace. You can make a difference in your home. You can make a difference on your sports team. You can make a difference in your band. You can make a difference in your community. You can make a difference in your Sunday School class. You can make a difference in your church! You can make a difference in your government. You can make a difference in your country. God wants us to be difference makers! God longs for us to be difference makers. God is looking for us to be difference makers! It is a part of getting back to the basics! How does it happen? How do we become a difference maker for God?
EXPLANATION:
ßLIVE FOR CHRIST BEFORE OTHERSà
As Paul lived for Christ before the people of Ephesus he changed the entire atmosphere around him! As people began hearing the gospel they realized how empty the things of the world really were. As they came into a personal relationship with God through His resurrected Son Jesus Christ they no longer were interested in what the world around them had to offer: namely the goddess and worship of Diana!
VERSES 23 AND 24 TELL US THERE WAS A GREAT COMMOTION
"And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;"
The silversmiths in Ephesus were in a guild (or they were in an association together). They made little trinkets, souvenirs for the locals and tourists to buy. Maybe they hung them around their necks or put them in their chariots. Whatever they did with them, Demetrius and his co-workers were making a bundle of money off of them. Their sales were up and things were looking very profitable until Paul came to town with the preaching of the gospel and living proof of Christ in his life.
VERSES 25-27 TELL US THERE WAS A GREAT CONCERN
Demetrius “…called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.”
Just in case some of you haven’t yet understood, let me tell you something about Demetrius of that day and the Demetrius' of our day. Demetrius didn't care one thing about the goddess of Diana, he was only concerned about his pocketbook. He was not a religious man, he was a business man. He and his associates were losing business as a result of the preaching and witnessing of Paul! They either had to stop the spread of the gospel and the living testimony of Paul or they would go out of business.
If you want to know who and what people really are you just touch their pocketbook. This ole' world doesn't mind the church and Christian people until the church and Christian people start putting some of the devil's crowd out of business. I do not know how you feel, but I would like to see some places go out of business in my County. I would like to see some places go out of business in the state where I live. I would like to see some places go out business on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. I would like for some of the high “Muckety Mucks” with all the political influence, political persuasion, education, and money who sit at the places of high authority in their easy chairs, making all their decisions, causing so much hardship on so many others, while padding their own pockets, go out of business. Demetrius’ of our day don’t really care one thing about anything except their own pocketbook because they are business men and are far from being religious or Christian men or women. If some, many, or most of them would either come to know Jesus as their personal Savior or start LIVING FOR CHRIST BEFORE OTHERS THEY COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE! (That is my take on the situation of the world as I see it today. It is okay if you disagree – I love you the same!) Remember – We are Growing Together In Christ’s Love!
Demetrius and his associates were not shutting down in Ephesus because the church was picketing them or protesting or signing petitions. They were shutting down because Paul and his fellow Christians were winning people to Jesus. They were shutting down because once those people of Ephesus repented of their sin and were saved they were no longer interested in buying into the lies and the trinkets of Diana! When these people found out the TRUTH, eventually these good people started putting them out of business. Who needs to keep depending on an endless, hopeless lie when you learn the Truth, the Life, and the Way? Who needs a little god or goddess when you know the God of heaven? So there was a great commotion and a great concern when the truth was revealed.
VERSES 28-29 TELL US THERE WAS GREAT CONFUSION
"And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre."
I have read about the theater in Ephesus. It could seat over 25,000 people. I can imagine standing on the main floor and hearing 25,000 angry people crying out, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians." Actually, the Greek text tells us that they began screaming and kept on screaming, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians."
There was a GREAT COMMOTION, CONCERN, AND CONFUSION in the city of Ephesus. All of this because of one man who lived for Christ before them. ONE MAN, WHO DECIDED TO BECOME A DIFFERENCE MAKER. The same man who declared, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." The same man who declared "not to be conformed to the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
D. L. Moody heard somebody once say, "The world has yet to see what God can do through one man who is totally committed to Christ." D. L. Moody said, "I'll be that man. I'll be a difference maker." God used D. L. Moody to shake two continents for Christ.
Dads, to be a difference maker in the lives of our children means: living for Christ before them. Letting your children see Jesus in you. Letting them hear Jesus from you! Employee, to be a difference maker at your job happens by living for Christ before your co-workers and associates. To be a difference maker in your Sunday School class, in your choir, in any ministry happens when you LIVE FOR CHRIST BEFORE OTHERS where ever you go. JUST LET OTHERS SEE JESUS IN YOU!
Now there was something else I see evidenced in Paul's life that is revealed in these verses that made him A DIFFERENCE MAKER which will help make us be a difference maker.
ßLISTEN TO THE COUNSEL OF OTHERSà
The Apostle Paul was not a know-it-all. Difference makers are not know-it-alls. Nobody can know it all, not even you. Now Paul was ready to march into that theatre and to give a defense and proclaim the gospel to those 25,000 angry people who had gathered. However, look at what happened in verse 30, "And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not."
What do you mean "not allow him?" Can you believe that he had to let them - not let him go in? That was pretty smart and spiritually mature when you stop and think about it. The Bible has a lot to say concerning wise counsel. Look at these few references: Proverbs 13.10, " Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom." Proverbs 15.22, " Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established." Proverbs 19.20, " Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end." Proverbs 20.18, " Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war." Proverbs 27.9, " Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel." Then we read in Acts 19.31, " And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. " Paul listened to the counsel of his disciples and officials of the city whom he made friends.
LISTENING TO COUNSEL SPARED HIS LIFE
Listening to counsel can spare your life too. Godly counsel can spare your marriage! Godly counsel can spare you a life time of misery and heartache. There are some things that go badly and at the time we feel they would be better if only we could just say something or do something. However, there are times when Godly counsel would tell us to keep silent and give God time to do His work for the battle is the Lord’s. Godly counsel can prevent you from making decisions that could bring you many years of hardship for yourself and your family.
LISTENING TO COUNSEL STRENGTHENED HIS LEADERSHIP
He was a better leader for having listened to counsel. By listening to counsel Paul set a good example to others. When leaders listen to counsel usually those whom they lead will listen to counsel also for most often people have a tendency to do what their leaders do! We will be better parents, better grandparents, better spouses, better friends, better employee’s, better employers, better students, better teachers, better citizens, better Christians, and better member of our local church fellowship if we will learn to listen to Godly counsel. Don't try to be a know-it-all because everybody knows that you don't know-it-all. If you don't believe me just ask your wife or your husband!
There is one other thing I see in these verses about the testimony of the Apostle Paul that will help us to become a DIFFERENCE MAKER.
ßLOOK TO CONSOLE OTHERSà
Chapter 20.1-2, "And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece," The (NIV) says that "after encouraging them said goodbye and set out for Macedonia."
Verse 1 says that Paul "embraced them." Verse 2 says that Paul "exhorted or encouraged them." In the Greek New Testament Luke uses the same word.
Don't you know that after all the commotion of that ordeal in that theater of possibly 25,000 concerned and confused people screaming “Great is Diana” for hours not knowing what that mob was going to do to them, that they needed some encouragement.
They got the encouragement they needed. Who do you think gave it to them? The same person that listened to their advice. In these verses we see Paul encouraging the encouragers! Here's Paul consoling the same men who counseled him. In fact, the word used in verses 1 and 2 means to "console, to cheer up, to urge, to encourage."
I HAVE NEVER FOUND ANYONE WITHOUT THE NEED OF ENCOURAGEMENT! I heard a man once say, "Be nice to everybody because everybody is fighting a battle." In the event that there may be someone in this study who may say, “I’m fighting a battle in my life!” I just want to say to you, “Hold on, your battle is on its way!” “When it gets here you will really appreciate someone coming along and giving you some encouragement.”
EVERYBODY IS FIGHTING A BATTLE OF SOME KIND.
I believe we all want to be difference makers if we truly know Jesus and we have one ounce of love in our hearts. We want to know HOW TO BE A DIFFERENCE MAKER in our home, at our work, at school, in our communities, our counties, our State, our country and most importantly in our church? The Apostle Paul shows us a great way to do it. Look for opportunities to console. Look for opportunities to encourage those around you. Then stop thinking and looking and do it! It doesn’t make any difference if all you do is look and think about it if you don’t take action and do it and right now is the best time in your life to get in gear and start. Be a difference maker! We need more of you! It's a part of getting back to the basics!
APPLICATION:
ßHERE'S HOW TO BE A DIFFERENCE MAKERà
1 - LIVE FOR CHRIST BEFORE OTHERS.
2 - LISTEN TO THE COUNSEL OF OTHERS.
3 - LOOK TO CONSOLE OTHERS.
You really cannot do any of this successfully until you know Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, as your personal Savior and Lord. Until He is your Savior, you are living without God in your life. Your do not have the Holy Spirit of God in your heart leading and guiding you. You do now have the advantage of calling on God as your Heavenly Father. You are no better off than was Demetrius without Jesus. You can bury all of your sin under the cleansing blood of living and loving Lord Jesus Christ today and become a DIFFERENCE MAKER YOURSELF IF YOU WILL AND WANT.
DO YOU NEED SOME HELP?
To find more help in receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Savior please go to the Bible Study Title Page “ETERNAL LIFE.” Please send me an email and let me know about any decision for Christ you make so that I may pray for you. Feel free to send me any questions, comments, or responses you may have as well. For those who are already Christians I invite you to also please let me know of any decisions you make in your Christian life for Jesus. Please send me your questions, comments, or responses and let me know if the Bible Studies are helping you.
<rfdenning1951@gmail.com>
ALWAYS REMEMBER!
The support of your local Church ministry and the ministry of your Pastor should be the first priority of your Christian life and your service to the Lord. Be faithful to prayerfully prepare and attend Sunday School and Worship Service this Sunday and participate in worship as your Pastor preaches the Word. Do not forget to give the Lord at least your TITHE through your local church from your gross income – that is your first fruits. Any other other giving is an offering to a ministry unto the Lord. Honor the Lord in all you do and with all that you have. Always remember that everything you have and all you are belongs to the Lord. It is on loan to you – so manage it well! There will be an audit one day! Make sure the Books Balance!
All Bible Studies Are Prepared by Pastor Frank Denning And May Be Be Used By Permission.