NOTE: Audio is distorted from 27:54 - 33:30
Main Idea: As the gospel is proclaimed to everyone, it demands a response from those who hear.
- The gospel is proclaimed by people but is from ___________. (vs. 44-46a)
[44] The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. [45] But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. [46] And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life…
- The gospel is exclusive, yet for ___________ peoples. (vs. 46b-47)
…behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. [47] For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
- Because God is sovereign, the gospel demands a __________________________. (vs. 48-52)
[48] And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. [49] And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. [50] But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. [51] But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. [52] And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
“The particular antinomy which concerns us here is the apparent opposition between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, or (putting it more biblically) between what God does as King and what He does as Judge. Scripture teaches that, as King, He orders and controls all things, human actions among them, in accordance with His own eternal purpose. Scripture also teaches that, as Judge, He holds every man responsible for the choices he makes and the courses of action he pursues. Thus, hearers of the gospel are responsible for their reaction; if they reject the good news, they are guilty of unbelief. Man without Christ is a guilty sinner, answerable to God for breaking His law. That is why he needs the gospel. When he hears the gospel, he is responsible for the decision that he makes about it. It sets before him a choice between life and death, the most momentous choice that any man can ever face... When we preach the promises and invitations of the gospel, and offer Christ to sinful men and women, it is part of our task to emphasize and re-emphasize that they are responsible to God for the way in which they react to the good news of His grace.” (J.I. Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God , pages. 22, 25-26)
Today’s Key Insight! If you were to share a key insight from today’s sermon with a friend, what would you say?
Today’s Lunch Discussion: Why are we tempted to “draw people in” with man-made schemes? Why does the gospel breed opposition? What are the dangers of jealousy? What are the only two responses to the gospel? Why? Why does true evangelism bring division? How does God’s sovereignty in salvation give us confidence to proclaim the gospel? What is the fruit of unbelief and belief in Christ? Are you filled with joy? Why, or why not?