ACTS 19
A. Is it of God? The profession of salvation. v.1-7 A new creation in Christ (11 Cor. 5:17). New song, new hope, new purpose. Old ways were repulsive and useless. New life. (Eph. 2:4,5) Dead before God. New source of power (1 Pet. 1:14). God now lives within. Made complete. (Col. 2:9,10). Vacuum filled; contentment, completion. Satisfied. (Jn.4:14,6:35). Hunger and thirst quenched. Everlasting life. (1 Jn.5:13). Its nature, quality. Set free. (Col. 1:13) from fear and domination. Name in the book of life (Rev. 20:15).
B. The Right Approach. v.8-12 Reasoned Scriptural answers Persuasion
C. The Right Message The way - Christianity (not to "live like a Christian", but live a Christian.") Christianity is a way of thinking The way – Christ is the way of salvation The way - Christian lifestyle is a way of living Paul didn't rush. It took two years, and the whole province of Asia heard the Word. Staggering results.
D. Is it of Satan? (opposer, adversary)
1. Fascination with magic
2. Disastrous results
3. Opposes God's way (spiritual warfare can be discouraging)
4. Confusion (Paul wisely took his friends' counsel)
5. Purpose to discourage (only a few heroes; most of us are placed here to plod as foot soldiers) (Early Christianity rescued its converts from the shackles of Satan and demonism) The history of religion is, to an amazing degree, the account of demon-controlled religion, particularly in its clash with the Hebrew faith and Christianity.