"Iconium, Idols and Ipods
Intro;
Last seen Paul and Barnabus they we’re in Antioch
Went to synagoguepreached to JewsGentiles/many believed.
But it angered the Jews.
So they stirred up persecution/among prominent.
Paul and Barnabus in
Slide;
Acts 13:51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium.
Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
NKJV
They came to Iconium;
Follow Paul and Barnabus/1st journey.
Title Message; “Iconium, Idols and iPods.”
Iconium might have been a lot like Wichita;
Let’s go back in time.
Approx 45 to 47 AD.
More Greeks that Romans and some Jews/all nationalities.
People shopping/going about their business.
Small shops alone street.
Smell of food.
Material for clothing.
Jewelry.
Music.
Might find the same thing here in the mall.
Smell of pizza.
Buckle clothing store.
Clare’s/jewelry store
Music.
People of all nationalities.
Paul and his posse come into Iconium to share the gospel.
Slide;
Acts 14: 1 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed.
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren.
NKJV
Why is it that every time Paul try’s to share good news something comes up against him?
It’s like there some force of nature that is working against you!
Slide:
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
NKJV
Rulers of darkness…
Sounds like Star Trek movie.
This is real.
You have an adversary.
Someone who doesn’t want you to succeed. (Satan)
Illustration;
Two boys coming home from Sunday school.
Satan wants to wreck your life.
God wants to rebuild your life.
They each have their tools that they use.
Fill in the blanks;
1. Where God uses Connections and Satan uses Divisions.
Slide:
Acts 14: 1 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed.
2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren.
NKJV
First we see Gods connections;
and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed.
The Jews and Gentilescame togetherbelieved.
The Black and Whitecame togetherbelieved.
The rich and poor…
Then we see Satans divisions.
stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds
What do you think they used to poison their minds?
Television.
Movies.
False teaching.
Bible say’s “Like a roaring lion, he go to and fro on the earth to kill and destroy.
Illustration; Lion and prey, separates the weak from the strong.
But if we stay togethergrow as a bodybecome an Acts 2:42 church… continue in teaching, fellowship breaking of bread and prayer. we will continue to grow in His grace.
Slide:
Acts 14:3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
NKJV
It is the word of His grace that allows you and I to do the work of His grace.
granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
It’s all Him!
Illustration:
I was telling Linda one Sunday/really powerful teaching. (fishing)
granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
word of His grace work of His grace.
Slide:
Acts 14:4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them,
6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.
7 And they were preaching the gospel there.
NKJV
2. Where God uses Alterations Satan uses Deviations.
God can make alterations to your life.
Remember our memory verse?
Rom 8:28 And we know all things work together for the good of those who love God, and are the called, according to His purpose.
God wants to begin a work in your life today.
Where your at today.
He’s the God of alternate beginnings:
I don’t know the bible/He’ll teach you.
I haven’t been that good/He’ll cleans you.
Sometimes when God is making Alterations Satan’s making Deviations.
a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them,
There will be times in your walk when Satan will try to get you to deviate from your appointed purpose.
Illustration:
I just became a Christian;
Car broke down.
Lost my job.
Spouse left me.
Like Paul and Barnabus continue the fight press on.
Go w/Gods alternative plan.
Slide:
Acts 14: 8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.
9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed,
10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.
NKJV
Crippled manoverheard Paul speakingfaith the he could be healed.
Some of us are walking around on our feet/still crippled.
If you just cry out/God will heal you.
Slide:
Acts 14:11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”
NKJV
3. Where God uses Correction Satan uses Deception.
We’ve been watching too many Burger King commercials.
“Have it your way”
Satan’s greatest tool is deception.
Just one time won’t hurt.
Everyone’s doing it.
Things are different now. It’s 2007!
Where do idols come from?
Slide:
Acts 14:12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.
13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.
NKJV
We create our own idols today. ( I have some today)
If you can create your own idol.
Then you can control your own idol.
American idol…we choose who we want to worship.
Survivor…everyone is trying to get the immunity idol.
Emmys, Oscars, Superbowl rings.
Satan has deceived us into thinking these idols will fill that emptiness your hearts.
But God brings about Correction.
Close;
Slide:
Acts 14:14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out
15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,
NKJV
Paul and Barnabus / crying out…
We also are men with the same nature as you,
Sinners
turn from these useless things to the living God,
It’s not where you place your idols.
It’s where you place you God.