PLAN AND PRACTICE TO HIT THE TARGET. NOTES

ACTS 18: 1 - 22

We can talk to people all day long about Jesus but what we say will not mean much if we speak their language. The Holy Spirit is the translator when we speak to the unsaved.

We need to know the story of Jesus and share it. God /Jesus will do the convicting, convincing, and converting.

Acts 18:1-2NlV

Why did Claudius expel the Jews from Rome?

The answer is not really known. But if you as the emperor are constantly confronted by the Jews that are constantly fighting among themselves about Christ vs. the Jewish LAW, you finally reach the point where you say, "enough"! The easy remedy is to get all of them out.

INSIGHT: Know God's Word.

The story about Jesus / the gospel.

In Rome the mission field was great. The people needed to hear the truth. But due to differences among the Law following Jews and Paul and the Christian converts they all were told to leave! That in itself was tragic.

Acts 18:3-4 NIV

Paul went to see them [3] and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. [4] Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.

Paul reasoned in the synagogue. He didn't argue or condem. He reasoned.

INSIGHT: What is the best way to reason about a topic?

Know what the issue is.

Understand the potential differences. Learn the truth.

Example: Paul and the Jews both new that at the crucifixion the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom. This was well know by the Jews. Paul may have reasoned that this miracle was given to show that Jesus was now the only way necessary to gain God's acceptance and approval. Tearing of the tabernacle curtain is an example of Jesus voiding the need to follow the old Jewish practices of the law.

Share the truth. Not your personal opinion. Just the truth. The story about Jesus. Don't argue or attack.

2 Timothy 2:14-15 NIV

[1 4] Keep reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. [1 5] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Acts 18:5-6 NIV

Even under opposition and abuse Paul reasoned with them. But he got his point across.

INSIGHT: Remember, we are aiming at the target and telling the gospel. Does that mean the message

will always hit the bullseye? No!!! But at least everyone that heard the Gospel will have no excuse. We did as Jesus commanded. GO PREACH / TEACH THE STORY ABOUT JESUS.

Acts 18:7-8 NIV

Yea!!! The effort is showing more positive results. YES! IT IS WORTH IT!!

Acts 18:9-11 NIV

INSIGHT: Jesus will be with us every step of the way.

John 16:33 NIV

"l have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Acts 18:12-17 NIV

The problem here was a lack of trust in God's Word. The Jews were determined to continue following the law.

Out of frustration the crowd turned on their own synagogue leader and beat him.

This may be a case of the synagogue leader knowing the WORD and then after hearing Paul's reasoning and truth about the story of Jesus, he was convinced to follow Jesus.

All they accomplished was to prove that Gallio was right! He basically told them; I told you so! Now get out!

Acts 18:18-22 NIV

What does Paul's hair have to do with his ministry?

The vow most likely had to do with the Nazarite and Jewish custom to show a wish or commitment. In this case Paul (a Roman Jew) was showing an example of his concern for the Jews while also reflecting back on his reasoning about circumcision. It was not necessary to be circumcised to be a Christian but Paul said it best.

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 NIV

22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. [23] 23 1 do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

PaulS goal was to keep working to hit the bullseye.

TEACH THE GOOD NEWS / GOSPEL. / THE STORY OF JESUS.

God will help you hit the bullseye. But if you never try??? ??? You'll never hit the bullseye. In fact you wont even come close!