(Read Acts 17:1-9)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.” Last week we left off with Paul and Silas in Thessalonica. The Apostles took the time to use the scriptures to reason with the people there. Week after week Paul would show prophecies that pointed to a coming Messiah, and he then made the connection between the prophecies about the Messiah and the man Jesus, who had come and gone. Paul was able to convince many that Jesus was the Messiah and they called out to Him as Lord.
Paul and Silas were evangelizing quite a few in Thessalonica and the gospel message was spreading. However, as was often the case, a group of Jews were jealous with the success Paul and Silas were having and they took exception with the Gospel of salvation by Grace through faith in Jesus the Christ. The jealous Jews gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace to form a mob and start a riot. Paul and Silas were staying in the home of a man named Jason. The mob attacked Jason’s home, searching for Paul and Silas so they could drag them out to the crowd. Not finding them there, the mob dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. “Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and now they are here disturbing our city, too. And Jason has welcomed them into his home.” The troublemakers knew the Roman government was not going to get involved in what seemed like an internal Jewish dispute. So the mob trumped up the charges and said, “They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus.” Once Caesar’s name was involved the Roman government arrested Jason and the other believers. They were later released on bond.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Everyone will not celebrate your success. Paul and Silas were taking the time to show the people of Thessalonica that Jesus could could be found in the Old Testament and how He was the true Messiah. The message was being received, people were getting saved and baptized, and the Gospel was spreading. But a group of jealous Jews attempted to stop Paul and Silas. The point is that God will bless you richly when you seek to accomplish His will. When He does some will celebrate with you, but unfortunately others will not. Just don’t allow the jealousy of some to cause you to quit. Love them, pray for them, but keep going. You should not waste time worrying about the insecurities of others.
2. Overcoming opposition is part of the process. Paul and Silas had to overcome opposition. All the other major Biblical characters (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Jesus, etc.) had to do it, and every modern day successful person has had to do it as well. Success will not come without challenges, but it surely won’t come if you allow the challenges to stop you. Successful people are not the ones who never faced opposition, they are just the ones who kept going!
3. You will be judged (good or bad) by the company you keep. Jason got in trouble because he was housing Paul and Silas. He was not doing anything bad, and in this case the association was actually a good one. But the point is that people will judge you by the company you keep. I can’t remember who said, “Who you will be in five years will be influenced by the friends you choose and the books you read.” Although I believe your relationship with God has a lot to do with where you will be in five years, the point is that your friends will also influence who you become. My mother used to tell me, “Show me who you hang with and I will tell you who you are.”
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for the examples You have given in me scripture. In Your Word I am able to see ordinary people, like me, being used in extraordinary ways. I look at the amazing life of the Apostle Paul and I see how You used him to do things that he would have never been able to accomplish without You. You encouraged him when he was sad. You picked him up when he was down. You empowered him when he faced opposition. And You helped him to never give up. Paul kept going, he fought through all the opposition, and You were able to do many great things through his life. I may not have the assignment Paul had, but I have my own assignment and I give myself over to You, to be used of You for Your glory. I know people will rise up against me. I know some will be jealous of my success. I know it is not always going to be easy. And I know I have to choose the right friends. But no matter what it takes, I am committed to pleasing You Father, and to becoming the man You have called me to be. I will never give up, cave in or quit, because with Your Grace I am able to trouble my trouble and keep going! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
