May 3, 2009: “The Power in the Advance” from Acts 15:36–16:40

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We will cower in our weakness and sin if our focus in advancing the gospel is on what we must do; we must focus on what God has done and continues to do. Human sin and weakness will not stop the advance of the gospel to all peoples, for behind it is the power that overcomes:

1. Relational difficulties — A disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, which led to their parting of ways, would seem to derail the advance of the gospel; instead, it resulted in the multiplication of missionary efforts.

2. Human planning — Paul followed the Holy Spirit’s leading instead of his own well-laid plans. God will graciously work through human planning to do far more than we can imagine. We should plan, but must be open to and encouraged by the unanticipated God-factor.

3. Closed hearts — God opened the heart of a very good, moral woman named Lydia, a reminder that it is a supernatural work of God to draw people to himself, not dependent on the wisdom or persuasiveness of men.

4. Demonic powers — Paul casts out the demon from a slave girl in the name of Jesus. The very message we proclaim is that which dealt the deathblow to Satan.

5. Persecution — The power of God employs even the most pernicious acts to accomplish the plan of God to bring glory to God and good to the people of God. Potent evangelism takes place in the crucible of human suffering.

6. Personal attacks that jeopardize the gospel — Paul did not seek personal vindication but vindication of his message. God’s power overcomes unfounded personal attacks so that the gospel will advance.