Short Pithy Sayings

27/10/2019 13:10

If you would like to listen to this message, please click on the following link.

Date: 25 October, 2019
Text: Acts 13:38-52
Title: Short Pithy Statements
Theme:
Proposition:
Rhetorical:
Introduction:
 
We enjoyed meeting a fellow Baptist minister this past week from Hawick, Daniel Irvin. The Irvin's have served the Lord in Russia, Ukraine, Romania and now in Scotland. Brother Irvin has had very serious health problems since arriving and they will be going back to the States to minister.
 
Brother Irvin made a good statement which may be original to Him. I hadn't heard it before but it was one of those short pithy statements that make you pause and think - THAT IS INSIGHTFUL, THAT IS TRUE.
 
The statement was "200 years is old in the States (nothing for Scotland) 200 miles is a long way in Scotland" (nothing for Americans.)
 
I'm going to preaching a message this morning on, "Short Pithy Statements" from the story of the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabus and their ministry in Antioch.
 
def. Pith: the spongy white tissue lining the rind of oranges, lemons and other citrus fruit. 
ill. I remember as a child taking the time to eat that and I suppose benefit from those extra nutrients. 
 exp. Pith also means as we use it here - the essence of something.
 
We are going to take these short pithy statements this morning and chew on them and I trust benefit from those extra nutrients.
 
Text: Acts 13:38-52
 
 note: We join Paul, preaching in a synagogue of the Jews, which was in Antioch of Pisidia.
 
exp. The Gospel was to the Jews first - 
Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
ill. Pentecost took place in the Jewish city of Jerusalem and from their the Gospelt went to the world.
Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
 ill. If you were with Paul on his missionary journeys, you would anticipate going immediately to the Jewish synagogue upon entering each city.
Acts 17:1  Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
2  And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
3  Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
 exp. The statement just read "and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ." Is a good introduction to our first short pithy statement taken from our text in Acts 13.
 
I. Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.
38  Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
39  And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
exp. The problem with the blood of bulls and goats is that it was emblematic of the real thing. It had no power to declare man righteous. It would be like our communion juice which is merely symbolic of the blood of Jesus.
Heb 10:4  For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
note: There must be an acceptable sacrifice for man's sin THROUGH WHOM we could be forgiven.
ill. Witnessed to two Sudanese men near the monument to Sir Walter Scott. They are muslim. I asked them, how can God forgive sin without it being judged? If God forgives it without punishment he is unjust and has violated the law. Sin must be paid for - it was paid for by Jesus.
"THROUGH THIS MAN IS PREACHED UNTO YOU THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS."
exp. If you want forgiveness then it must be through SOMEONE who took the punishment for your sin.
A. THIS MAN is the Saviour, of whom Scriptures spake.
 exp. Our text is the conclusion of Paul's message in this Jewish synagogue. He has given them a history lesson beginning at the Exodus from Egypt and working his way up through their history.
v.22 ...he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
23  Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
24  When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
25  And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
26  Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
27  For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
exp. The irony of our wicked world, is that their rebellion against God just further proves the truth of God's Word. 
GOD'S WORD SAID THAT THE MESSSIAH WOULD SUFFER AND DIE ON A CROSS AND HE DID.
Psa 22:16  For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
exp. The gentiles were called dogs by the jews. Gentiles - Romans, pierced the hands and feet of Jesus as they put his body on the cross.
Zecchariah 12:10 ...and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced,
Joh 19:34  But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
 app. Jesus is the Saviour, of whom the Scriptures spake.
B. "THIS MAN" is the innocent man.
28  And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
exp. How could such a thing happen? This was a great injustice.
1.) THIS MAN healed those who came to him.
Mat 8:3  And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
2.) THIS MAN brought men back to life who were dead.
Joh 11:43  And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
3.) THIS MAN fed the multitude.
Mar 6:41  And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
4.) THIS MAN preached obey authority - God, governement, family, employer....
Luk 20:25  And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.
5.) THIS MAN had NEVER transgressed God's law.
Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
exp. And yet, this man died FOR OUR SIN. 2Co 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
C. "THIS MAN" is the man who died and rose again.
29  And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
30  But God raised him from the dead:
31  And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
32  And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
33  God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again;
exp. THIS MAN who suffered and died is the same man who walked out of the tomb as we considered this past Thursday night. Luk 24:39  Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
 app. Have you believed on Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins? I was asked this past week by a former catholic if we have confession at a Baptist church. Our forgiveness today is NOT THROUGH A PRIEST - but through the GREAT HIGH PRIEST OUR SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.
 
II. A work which ye shall in no wise believe.
 exp. Paul is preaching to them with one purpose - TO BRING THEM TO BELIEVE IN JESUS.
ill. Romans - Paul's treatise on the Gospel. We are working our way through this great book at 10:00 AM on Sunday mornings. We are just getting to chapter 9. In chapter 10 Paul speaks of FAITH AS VITAL TO SALVATION.
8 ....the word of faith, which we preach;
9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
exp. And so the preacher came in our story to Antioch - to the Jewish people in the synagogue and preached to them a message OF WHICH SOME THERE WOULD NEVER BENEFIT BECAUSE OF THE HARDNESS OF THEIR HEARTS AGAINST GOD.
40  Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
41  Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
ill. I've had some who have said to me, "I have cried out to God and he has never answered me." I say to them, "Could he answer you by having a Baptist preacher come to you and share with you how to know God personally?"
1Co 1:21  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
 ill. We can easily be wrong in what we believe. I went to print our handouts for Sunday night and found out when I got to the printer that it was out of paper. Katie said that we were out of paper and I told her that I thought she was wrong. She declared it unto me and I didn't believe, but she was right. I had to investigate it for myself then humble my heart and confess that I was wrong.
app. There may be some here this morning or who will hear this message who would say emphatically, "I believe that there is no Creator, no Saviour, no Heaven or hell and I don't care what you say. You'll never convince me." May I kindly say - don't be like those who though it is declared unto them never believe. Look for yourself at the facts of God's Word, humble your heart and confess that you are wrong. 
NOTICE: Our text says, "Behold ye despisers, and wonder and perish." By God's grace, hear what is declared to you this morning. Joh 3:15  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
 
III. Persuaded them to to continue in the grace of God.
42  And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
43  Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
exp. Paul has just finished a powerful message which ended with the warning which we have considered. In the synagogue were jewish members and gentiles who had converted to judaism. (religious proselytes.) PRAISE GOD SOME PUT THEIR FAITH IN JESUS AND RECEIVED THE GRACIOUS GIFT OF SALVATION.
NOTE: Paul and Barnabus persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
exp. When someone gets saved, they need to join a local church and continue in the grace of God.
Ill. Short Bible Lesson on the first part of the NT.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John - Gospels - about the life of Jesus.
Acts - The birth of the NT church as people believe on Jesus through missionary preachers.
Letters' by Paul to Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossians, Thesalonica
exp. These new converts could have been drawn back into the dead synagogue, but Paul wanted them in a living church that would help them to CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD.
app. God helping us, we not only need to see soul's saved and added to our church, we need to persuade them to continue in the grace of God. 2Pe 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
 
IV. Ye judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life.
 exp. This statement is what was in my mind earlier this week as I was considering what God wanted me to preach this morning. There is no sadder statement in our text. This comes the next Sabbath as Paul preaches to the multitude.
44  And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
45  But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
46  Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
ill.There is a sad story which is almost similar to this declaration by Paul that comes several years later in his ministry. But, rather than being said by Paul, it is said to Paul. The speaker is King Agrippa as he says, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." 
 hymn: Almost Persuaded
“Almost persuaded” now to believe;
“Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say,
“Go, Spirit, go Thy way,
Some more convenient day
On Thee I’ll call.”
“Almost persuaded,” come, come today;
“Almost persuaded,” turn not away;
Jesus invites you here,
Angels are ling’ring near,
Prayers rise from hearts so dear;
O wand’rer, come!
“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past!
“Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last!
“Almost” cannot avail;
“Almost” is but to fail!
Sad, sad, that bitter 
 exp. That is a sad hymn and King Agrippa has sad words. But the sad reality from our text is that Paul is speaking to those who HAVE HARDENED THEIR HEARTS AGAINST JESUS. Not only are they not persuaded - they are not even close to being persuaded.
ill. In evangelism you'll meet a broad spectrum of people to whom you will share the Gospel. Some are open to considering the claims of Christ. Other's hate God and will not for one second consider God's truth.
 app. Whether they listen or not, they have made up their minds against God. They treat the offer of Jesus purchased by His life blood as something to be shunned and PRONOUNCE THEIR OWN JUDGMENT UNWORTHY OF EVERLASTING LIFE! 
 
V. That thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
47  For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. 48  And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
exp.  Paul preached as one who was under command. (His testimony before King Agrippa)
Acts 26:15  And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
16  But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
19  Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
exp. Praise God, Paul wasn't disobedient to be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. Who would be saved if they had disobeyed God?
 ill. Inspiring story - young boy 10
On Ben Cruachan - mother fell - 328 feet - stopping on a ledge before a huge drop. His father's mobile was dead - and there were two other young children (5,9). The boy climbed down - used his mum's phone to call emergency services, kept his mother alert - The Oban Mountain Rescue Team said about the boy.....
"A brave lad who should get an award for his actions. Just getting to his mum was hard then looking after his mother in extreme situation, talking to the police and keeping calm he was amazing."
exp. Our heart thrills to hear of someone willing to risk themselves to do what needs to be done to help rescue someone else. 
 question: What are you willing to risk to take the gospel to the world "that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth?"
ill. William Carey - Father of modern missions - his essay - "An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the conversion of the Heathens."
exp. He didn't just say Christians should take the Gospel to the world. He did so himself as who is called, "The father of the modern missions movement."
- Translated the complete Bible into 6 languages and portions into 29 other languages.
- After seven years of sharing the gospel, William led one Indian man to the Lord. Over his 41 years in India he led over 700 people to Christ. 
 exp. William Carey did something to impact the world.
 app. You could say today that William Carey was a gifted linguist and that Paul was the great apostle - and you would be right - BUT BOTH ME WERE WHAT THEY ARE BY THE GRACE OF GOD WHO WORKED HARD AT GETTING THE GOSPEL OUT. 
1 Corinthians 15:but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
exp.  The result of their efforts is found in our text in....
49  And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
 
VI. The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost.
 exp. This statement seems an obvious enough statement - we'd expect men filled with God's Spirit to be filled with joy - BUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES in which we find this statement are suprising.
50  But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
51  But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
52  And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
exp. They rejoiced IN TIMES OF SUFFERING because their suffering was for Jesus.
Matthew 5:11  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
note: If we are like them, we will suffer as well.
A. They suffered because of their identification with Jesus.
50  But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
ill. I've said before, I don't mind being unkindly as I seek to give out literature. I suspect many people don't know that it is religious. But, when a older, wealthy, self righteous woman acts as if I just tried to hand her something filthy - it bothers me. 
exp. The jealous jews stirred up DEVOUT AND HONOURABLE WOMEN and chief men of the city and ran them out of town - WHY? Because they preached Jesus Christ.
1Co 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Joh 15:20  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
 app. When is the last time you had the joy of the Holy Ghost because of the way you were treated because you unashamedly identified with Jesus? If you haven't suffered for Him, you have not identified with Him. 2Ti 3:12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
B. They suffered because of their separation from the world.
51  But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
exp. This seems a strange ritual but the disciples obeyed the Lord in doing this. 
Mark 6:11  And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
exp. It was a testimony to the community that they didn't want anything of that city stuck to them BECAUSE IT IS THAT WHICH GOD WOULD JUDGE.
exp. God judged sin on the cross. God will judge sinners in Hell. Should't a believer be careful that he isn't walking around with the dust of the world on his feet.
ill. Jesus washing his disciples feet.
4  He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5  After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6  Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7  Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8  Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9  Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10  Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11  For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
 app. If you are here this morning and you have dust on your feet, there is one of two problems.
1.) The first is that you need to avail yourself of the foot washing.
2.) The second is that you have never been cleansed.
  note: In either case - those who are cleansed know the joy of the Holy Ghost.
 
conclusion:
 
I liked the short pithy statement brother Daniel shared, "200 years old is old in the States. 200 Miles is a long ways in Scotland." 
 
It made me start thinking.
 
Our text this morning has many good short pithy statements. Do you need to think about anyone in particular this morning?
 
1) Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. 
(Did you think there was another way?)
 
2) A work in which ye will in no wise believe. 
(Have you hardened your heart?)
 
3) Persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 
(Have you thought church unimportant?)
 
4) Ye judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life. 
(Have you cut yourself off from eternal life?)
 
5) That thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the world. 
(And the verse isn't speaking about Jesus.) 
(What will you venture for sake of the salvation of men?)
 
6) The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost. 

Date: 25 October, 2019

Text: Acts 13:38-52

Title: Short Pithy Statements

 

Introduction:

 

We enjoyed meeting a fellow Baptist minister this past week from Hawick, Daniel Irvin. The Irvin's have served the Lord in Russia, Ukraine, Romania and now in Scotland. Brother Irvin has had very serious health problems since arriving and they will be going back to the States to minister.

 

Brother Irvin made a good statement which may be original to Him. I hadn't heard it before but it was one of those short pithy statements that make you pause and think - THAT IS INSIGHTFUL, THAT IS TRUE.

 

The statement was "200 years is old in the States (nothing for Scotland) 200 miles is a long way in Scotland" (nothing for Americans.)

 

I'm going to preaching a message this morning on, "Short Pithy Statements" from the story of the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabus and their ministry in Antioch.

 

def. Pith: the spongy white tissue lining the rind of oranges, lemons and other citrus fruit. 

ill. I remember as a child taking the time to eat that and I suppose benefit from those extra nutrients. 

 exp. Pith also means as we use it here - the essence of something.

 

We are going to take these short pithy statements this morning and chew on them and I trust benefit from those extra nutrients.

 

Text: Acts 13:38-52

 

 note: We join Paul, preaching in a synagogue of the Jews, which was in Antioch of Pisidia.

 

exp. The Gospel was to the Jews first - 

Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

ill. Pentecost took place in the Jewish city of Jerusalem and from their the Gospelt went to the world.

Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

 ill. If you were with Paul on his missionary journeys, you would anticipate going immediately to the Jewish synagogue upon entering each city.

Acts 17:1  Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

2  And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

3  Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

 exp. The statement just read "and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ." Is a good introduction to our first short pithy statement taken from our text in Acts 13.

 

I. Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.

38  Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

39  And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

exp. The problem with the blood of bulls and goats is that it was emblematic of the real thing. It had no power to declare man righteous. It would be like our communion juice which is merely symbolic of the blood of Jesus.

Heb 10:4  For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

note: There must be an acceptable sacrifice for man's sin THROUGH WHOM we could be forgiven.

ill. Witnessed to two Sudanese men near the monument to Sir Walter Scott. They are muslim. I asked them, how can God forgive sin without it being judged? If God forgives it without punishment he is unjust and has violated the law. Sin must be paid for - it was paid for by Jesus.

"THROUGH THIS MAN IS PREACHED UNTO YOU THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS."

exp. If you want forgiveness then it must be through SOMEONE who took the punishment for your sin.

A. THIS MAN is the Saviour, of whom Scriptures spake.

 exp. Our text is the conclusion of Paul's message in this Jewish synagogue. He has given them a history lesson beginning at the Exodus from Egypt and working his way up through their history.

v.22 ...he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

23  Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

24  When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

25  And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

26  Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

27  For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

exp. The irony of our wicked world, is that their rebellion against God just further proves the truth of God's Word. 

GOD'S WORD SAID THAT THE MESSSIAH WOULD SUFFER AND DIE ON A CROSS AND HE DID.

Psa 22:16  For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

exp. The gentiles were called dogs by the jews. Gentiles - Romans, pierced the hands and feet of Jesus as they put his body on the cross.

Zecchariah 12:10 ...and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced,

Joh 19:34  But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

 app. Jesus is the Saviour, of whom the Scriptures spake.

B. "THIS MAN" is the innocent man.

28  And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.

exp. How could such a thing happen? This was a great injustice.

1.) THIS MAN healed those who came to him.

Mat 8:3  And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

2.) THIS MAN brought men back to life who were dead.

Joh 11:43  And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

3.) THIS MAN fed the multitude.

Mar 6:41  And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

4.) THIS MAN preached obey authority - God, governement, family, employer....

Luk 20:25  And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

5.) THIS MAN had NEVER transgressed God's law.

Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

exp. And yet, this man died FOR OUR SIN. 2Co 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

C. "THIS MAN" is the man who died and rose again.

29  And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.

30  But God raised him from the dead:

31  And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.

32  And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

33  God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again;

exp. THIS MAN who suffered and died is the same man who walked out of the tomb as we considered this past Thursday night. Luk 24:39  Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

 app. Have you believed on Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins? I was asked this past week by a former catholic if we have confession at a Baptist church. Our forgiveness today is NOT THROUGH A PRIEST - but through the GREAT HIGH PRIEST OUR SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.

 

II. A work which ye shall in no wise believe.

 exp. Paul is preaching to them with one purpose - TO BRING THEM TO BELIEVE IN JESUS.

ill. Romans - Paul's treatise on the Gospel. We are working our way through this great book at 10:00 AM on Sunday mornings. We are just getting to chapter 9. In chapter 10 Paul speaks of FAITH AS VITAL TO SALVATION.

8 ....the word of faith, which we preach;

9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

exp. And so the preacher came in our story to Antioch - to the Jewish people in the synagogue and preached to them a message OF WHICH SOME THERE WOULD NEVER BENEFIT BECAUSE OF THE HARDNESS OF THEIR HEARTS AGAINST GOD.

40  Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

41  Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

ill. I've had some who have said to me, "I have cried out to God and he has never answered me." I say to them, "Could he answer you by having a Baptist preacher come to you and share with you how to know God personally?"

1Co 1:21  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

 ill. We can easily be wrong in what we believe. I went to print our handouts for Sunday night and found out when I got to the printer that it was out of paper. Katie said that we were out of paper and I told her that I thought she was wrong. She declared it unto me and I didn't believe, but she was right. I had to investigate it for myself then humble my heart and confess that I was wrong.

app. There may be some here this morning or who will hear this message who would say emphatically, "I believe that there is no Creator, no Saviour, no Heaven or hell and I don't care what you say. You'll never convince me." May I kindly say - don't be like those who though it is declared unto them never believe. Look for yourself at the facts of God's Word, humble your heart and confess that you are wrong. 

NOTICE: Our text says, "Behold ye despisers, and wonder and perish." By God's grace, hear what is declared to you this morning. Joh 3:15  That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

 

III. Persuaded them to to continue in the grace of God.

42  And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.

43  Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

exp. Paul has just finished a powerful message which ended with the warning which we have considered. In the synagogue were jewish members and gentiles who had converted to judaism. (religious proselytes.) PRAISE GOD SOME PUT THEIR FAITH IN JESUS AND RECEIVED THE GRACIOUS GIFT OF SALVATION.

NOTE: Paul and Barnabus persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

exp. When someone gets saved, they need to join a local church and continue in the grace of God.

Ill. Short Bible Lesson on the first part of the NT.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John - Gospels - about the life of Jesus.

Acts - The birth of the NT church as people believe on Jesus through missionary preachers.

Letters' by Paul to Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossians, Thesalonica

exp. These new converts could have been drawn back into the dead synagogue, but Paul wanted them in a living church that would help them to CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD.

app. God helping us, we not only need to see soul's saved and added to our church, we need to persuade them to continue in the grace of God. 2Pe 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

 

IV. Ye judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life.

 exp. This statement is what was in my mind earlier this week as I was considering what God wanted me to preach this morning. There is no sadder statement in our text. This comes the next Sabbath as Paul preaches to the multitude.

44  And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

45  But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

46  Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

ill.There is a sad story which is almost similar to this declaration by Paul that comes several years later in his ministry. But, rather than being said by Paul, it is said to Paul. The speaker is King Agrippa as he says, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." 

 hymn: Almost Persuaded

“Almost persuaded” now to believe;

“Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;

Seems now some soul to say,

“Go, Spirit, go Thy way,

Some more convenient day

On Thee I’ll call.”

“Almost persuaded,” come, come today;

“Almost persuaded,” turn not away;

Jesus invites you here,

Angels are ling’ring near,

Prayers rise from hearts so dear;

O wand’rer, come!

“Almost persuaded,” harvest is past!

“Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last!

“Almost” cannot avail;

“Almost” is but to fail!

Sad, sad, that bitter 

 exp. That is a sad hymn and King Agrippa has sad words. But the sad reality from our text is that Paul is speaking to those who HAVE HARDENED THEIR HEARTS AGAINST JESUS. Not only are they not persuaded - they are not even close to being persuaded.

ill. In evangelism you'll meet a broad spectrum of people to whom you will share the Gospel. Some are open to considering the claims of Christ. Other's hate God and will not for one second consider God's truth.

 app. Whether they listen or not, they have made up their minds against God. They treat the offer of Jesus purchased by His life blood as something to be shunned and PRONOUNCE THEIR OWN JUDGMENT UNWORTHY OF EVERLASTING LIFE! 

 

V. That thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

47  For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. 48  And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

exp.  Paul preached as one who was under command. (His testimony before King Agrippa)

Acts 26:15  And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

16  But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

19  Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

exp. Praise God, Paul wasn't disobedient to be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. Who would be saved if they had disobeyed God?

 ill. Inspiring story - young boy 10

On Ben Cruachan - mother fell - 328 feet - stopping on a ledge before a huge drop. His father's mobile was dead - and there were two other young children (5,9). The boy climbed down - used his mum's phone to call emergency services, kept his mother alert - The Oban Mountain Rescue Team said about the boy.....

"A brave lad who should get an award for his actions. Just getting to his mum was hard then looking after his mother in extreme situation, talking to the police and keeping calm he was amazing."

exp. Our heart thrills to hear of someone willing to risk themselves to do what needs to be done to help rescue someone else. 

 question: What are you willing to risk to take the gospel to the world "that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth?"

ill. William Carey - Father of modern missions - his essay - "An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the conversion of the Heathens."

exp. He didn't just say Christians should take the Gospel to the world. He did so himself as who is called, "The father of the modern missions movement."

- Translated the complete Bible into 6 languages and portions into 29 other languages.

- After seven years of sharing the gospel, William led one Indian man to the Lord. Over his 41 years in India he led over 700 people to Christ. 

 exp. William Carey did something to impact the world.

 app. You could say today that William Carey was a gifted linguist and that Paul was the great apostle - and you would be right - BUT BOTH ME WERE WHAT THEY ARE BY THE GRACE OF GOD WHO WORKED HARD AT GETTING THE GOSPEL OUT. 

1 Corinthians 15:but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

exp.  The result of their efforts is found in our text in....

49  And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

 

VI. The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost.

 exp. This statement seems an obvious enough statement - we'd expect men filled with God's Spirit to be filled with joy - BUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES in which we find this statement are suprising.

50  But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

51  But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

52  And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

exp. They rejoiced IN TIMES OF SUFFERING because their suffering was for Jesus.

Matthew 5:11  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

note: If we are like them, we will suffer as well.

A. They suffered because of their identification with Jesus.

50  But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

ill. I've said before, I don't mind being unkindly as I seek to give out literature. I suspect many people don't know that it is religious. But, when a older, wealthy, self righteous woman acts as if I just tried to hand her something filthy - it bothers me. 

exp. The jealous jews stirred up DEVOUT AND HONOURABLE WOMEN and chief men of the city and ran them out of town - WHY? Because they preached Jesus Christ.

1Co 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Joh 15:20  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

 app. When is the last time you had the joy of the Holy Ghost because of the way you were treated because you unashamedly identified with Jesus? If you haven't suffered for Him, you have not identified with Him. 2Ti 3:12  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

B. They suffered because of their separation from the world.

51  But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.

exp. This seems a strange ritual but the disciples obeyed the Lord in doing this. 

Mark 6:11  And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

exp. It was a testimony to the community that they didn't want anything of that city stuck to them BECAUSE IT IS THAT WHICH GOD WOULD JUDGE.

exp. God judged sin on the cross. God will judge sinners in Hell. Should't a believer be careful that he isn't walking around with the dust of the world on his feet.

ill. Jesus washing his disciples feet.

4  He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5  After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

6  Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

7  Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

8  Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

9  Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

10  Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

11  For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

 app. If you are here this morning and you have dust on your feet, there is one of two problems.

1.) The first is that you need to avail yourself of the foot washing.

2.) The second is that you have never been cleansed.

  note: In either case - those who are cleansed know the joy of the Holy Ghost.

 

conclusion:

 

I liked the short pithy statement brother Daniel shared, "200 years old is old in the States. 200 Miles is a long ways in Scotland." 

 

It made me start thinking.

 

Our text this morning has many good short pithy statements. Do you need to think about anyone in particular this morning?

 

1) Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. 

(Did you think there was another way?)

 

2) A work in which ye will in no wise believe. 

(Have you hardened your heart?)

 

3) Persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 

(Have you thought church unimportant?)

 

4) Ye judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life. 

(Have you cut yourself off from eternal life?)

 

5) That thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the world. 

(And the verse isn't speaking about Jesus.) 

(What will you venture for sake of the salvation of men?)

 

6) The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost. 

 

(Do you know the Holy Ghost joy of identifying with Jesus?)

(Do you know the Holy Ghost joy of identifying with Jesus?)
Back