Read Acts 19:8-10 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. How long and how often did Paul teach in the synagogue and the lecture hall?
2. How did some people respond to his message?
3. Who heard the word of the Lord because of Paul’s teaching?
Reflect
Paul followed the same playbook in almost every city where he planted a church, and Ephesus was no different. He went to the synagogue and taught. Just like he experienced in almost every other location, he faced opposition, so he took those who believed with him to continue spreading the good news elsewhere. He never stopped; he simply changed venues. Throughout history, the Church has carried on, and even grown, in the face of opposition. The church of Jesus always finds a way!
The same Holy Spirit that gave Paul the power to withstand and adapt in the face of opposition is living and active inside of us. When we start serving the way Jesus calls us to, we might experience rejection and opposition, both from people within the church and outside the church. Purpose attracts opposition, and opposition leads to opportunity. Jesus leverages all circumstances for His purpose, and He gives us the power to stand.
What is your typical response to opposition? Are you serving Jesus with purpose, to a point that it’s attracting opposition? How could your circumstances lead to opportunity?
Respond
Based on what you just read, what do you think God is prompting you to do in response? Write it down, share it with a friend, and take a step to start making it happen. Be sure to set your alarm for 12:12 pm to join us for prayer and fasting this week (more info below).
Prayer and Fasting Week
Join us in prayer and fasting at 12:12 pm, using the P.R.A.Y. model: Pause/Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield. Today, we’re praying for the next generation in our church: kids (birth-6th grade), youth (7th-12th grade), and young adults. For more information and resources, visit tpcc.org/prayerandfasting.