Family Bible Series for August 27: Maximize the opportunities God provides

Posted: 8/15/06

Family Bible Series for August 27

Maximize the opportunities God provides

• Acts 19:1-5, 8-10, 23-28

By Greg Ammons

First Baptist Church, Garland

Last month, I had the privilege of leading 35 church members on a trip to Greece and Turkey. As we traveled, we traced the Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey.

One of the most impressive stops on the journey was the ancient city of Ephesus. It is located in western Turkey near the modern port city of Kusadasi. Many of the ancient ruins of Ephesus have been unearthed, and you could envision Paul’s ministry there. It was a wonderful experience to stand at the locations where Paul stood and read the passages he spoke.

This week’s lesson shows how Paul made the most of the opportunities God gave him to minister in Ephesus. From this passage, we can learn how believers can sharpen their effectiveness in serving Christ.

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Communicate clearly (Acts 19:1-5)

Paul left Corinth and traveled through the interior of Greece to arrive at Ephesus (v. 1). He found some disciples and asked if they had received the Holy Spirit since they believed. They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit” (v. 2).

Paul asked what baptism they received, and they replied it was John’s baptism. Paul then explained John the Baptist’s message and how Jesus, who was greater than John, came after him. “On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 5).

It was Paul’s desire to communicate the gospel clearly. He wanted the disciples to know, very plainly, that Jesus was the awaited Messiah. There was to be no confusion over the importance of John the Baptist with that of Jesus.

Today, we also must communicate clearly the message of Jesus to those around us.

Psychologists tell us people communicate in a variety of ways. They say 7 percent of our communication comes from what we say, 38 percent from how we say it and 55 percent from how we look while we say it. In order to be the most effective communicators of the gospel message, we need to be aware of all the ways in which we communicate. What we say, how we say it and our corresponding actions while we speak all are vital to clearly communicate the good news of Jesus.

Be available (Acts 19:8-10)

While in Ephesus, Paul entered into the synagogue and spoke boldly about the kingdom of God. He continued doing this for three months (v. 8). But some of the listeners became obstinate, refused to believe and publicly ridiculed the gospel. So, Paul left them, took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus (v. 9). Paul did this for two years, so people throughout the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord (v. 10).

One characteristic of Paul is striking. He was available to serve wherever God created an opportunity. He stopped at closed doors and moved on to open doors. The great apostle always was available for God to use.

Availability, not necessarily ability, still is the key in serving God. A great Christian missionary to China, Hudson Taylor, once said: “I used to ask God if he would come and help me. Then, I asked if I could come and help him. Finally, I asked God to do his own work through me.” The greatest service is accomplished from willing and available workers who simply allow God to work through them.

Don’t let controversy deter you (Acts 19:23-28)

During Paul’s extended ministry in Ephesus, a great disturbance arose over the gospel he preached. A silversmith named Demetrius made his living by fashioning gods for the people to worship (v. 24). He called the craftsmen of the city together and complained about Paul’s message.

Demetrius said, “He says that man-made gods are no gods at all” (v. 26). Demetrius was afraid his business would suffer and Artemis, the goddess among the Ephesians, would be disgraced by Paul’s preaching. The citizens of Ephesus heard the discussions, and a riot ensued. They began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” (v. 28).

Any time the gospel is presented in power, there will be opposition. The evil one will make sure of it. Effective Christians cannot allow controversy, which the devil creates, to stop them from ministry.

An influential leader in the 19th century said, “No great advance has been made in science, politics or religion without controversy.” As we attempt to advance the kingdom of God in our communities, we can expect the controversy. Don’t allow it to discourage you or stop your efforts.

Discussion questions

• Do you present the gospel clearly in all of the ways you communicate?

• Would you say you are available for God to use any time?

• Why do you feel Christians allow controversy to deter them so easily?