Jesus Is the Messiah // Acts 17:1-15 // Watermark Community Church

Today's scripture reading comes from Today's scripture reading comes from Acts 17:es 1-15. Acts 17:es 1-15. Acts 17:es 1-15. This is the word of the Lord. After they This is the word of the Lord. After they This is the word of the Lord. After they passed through Amphibilus and Appalonia, passed through Amphibilus and Appalonia, passed through Amphibilus and Appalonia, they came to Thessalonica where there they came to Thessalonica where there they came to Thessalonica where there was a Jewish synagogue. As usual, Paul was a Jewish synagogue. As usual, Paul was a Jewish synagogue. As usual, Paul went into the synagogue and on three went into the synagogue and on three went into the synagogue and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Sabbath days reasoned with them from the scriptures, explaining and proving that scriptures, explaining and proving that scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Messiah to it was necessary for the Messiah to it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and rise from the dead. This suffer and rise from the dead. This suffer and rise from the dead. This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah. Some of them were persuaded and Messiah. Some of them were persuaded and Messiah. Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, including a large joined Paul and Silas, including a large joined Paul and Silas, including a large number of god-fearing Greeks, as well as number of god-fearing Greeks, as well as number of god-fearing Greeks, as well as a number of the leading women. But the a number of the leading women. But the a number of the leading women. But the Jews became jealous and they brought Jews became jealous and they brought Jews became jealous and they brought together some wicked men from the together some wicked men from the together some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a marketplace, formed a mob, and started a marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. Attacking Jason's riot in the city. Attacking Jason's riot in the city. Attacking Jason's house, they searched for them to bring house, they searched for them to bring house, they searched for them to bring them out to the public assembly. When them out to the public assembly. When them out to the public assembly. When they did not find them, they dragged they did not find them, they dragged they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before Jason and some of the brothers before Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, shouting, "These men the city officials, shouting, "These men the city officials, shouting, "These men have who have turned the world upside have who have turned the world upside have who have turned the world upside down. Come here, too." And Jason has down. Come here, too." And Jason has down. Come here, too." And Jason has welcomed them. They are all acting welcomed them. They are all acting welcomed them. They are all acting contrary to Caesar's degrees, saying contrary to Caesar's degrees, saying contrary to Caesar's degrees, saying that there is another king, Jesus. The that there is another king, Jesus. The that there is another king, Jesus. The crowd and city officials who heard these crowd and city officials who heard these crowd and city officials who heard these things were upset. After taking a things were upset. After taking a things were upset. After taking a security bond from Jason and the others, security bond from Jason and the others, security bond from Jason and the others, they released them. As soon as as it was they released them. As soon as as it was they released them. As soon as as it was night, the brothers and sisters sent night, the brothers and sisters sent night, the brothers and sisters sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. Upon Paul and Silas away to Berea. Upon Paul and Silas away to Berea. Upon arrival, they went into the synagogue of arrival, they went into the synagogue of arrival, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. The people here were of more the Jews. The people here were of more the Jews. The people here were of more noble character than those in noble character than those in noble character than those in Thessalonica, since they received the Thessalonica, since they received the Thessalonica, since they received the word with eagerness and examined the word with eagerness and examined the word with eagerness and examined the scriptures daily to see if these things scriptures daily to see if these things scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Consequently, many of them were so. Consequently, many of them were so. Consequently, many of them believed, including a number of the believed, including a number of the believed, including a number of the prominent Greek women, as well as the

prominent Greek women, as well as the prominent Greek women, as well as the men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been found out that the word of God had been found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul at Berea, they came proclaimed by Paul at Berea, they came proclaimed by Paul at Berea, they came there too, agitating and upsetting the there too, agitating and upsetting the there too, agitating and upsetting the crowds. Then the brothers and sisters crowds. Then the brothers and sisters crowds. Then the brothers and sisters immediately sent Paul away to go to the immediately sent Paul away to go to the immediately sent Paul away to go to the coast. But Silas and Timothy stayed coast. But Silas and Timothy stayed coast. But Silas and Timothy stayed there. Those who were escorted, those there. Those who were escorted, those there. Those who were escorted, those who escorted Paul brought him as far as who escorted Paul brought him as far as who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens. And after receiving instructions Athens. And after receiving instructions Athens. And after receiving instructions for Silas and Timothy to come to him as for Silas and Timothy to come to him as for Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible, they departed. quickly as possible, they departed. quickly as possible, they departed. Let's pray. Lord, we're grateful that you are alive Lord, we're grateful that you are alive and work at every generation at and work at every generation at and work at every generation at Watermark. God, we want to know you uh Watermark. God, we want to know you uh Watermark. God, we want to know you uh even more than we do now. But we confess even more than we do now. But we confess even more than we do now. But we confess it's only by your grace and power that it's only by your grace and power that it's only by your grace and power that it's possible. We ask you would move in it's possible. We ask you would move in it's possible. We ask you would move in our teaching now and grow our hearts and our teaching now and grow our hearts and our teaching now and grow our hearts and our faith. And God, beyond today, please our faith. And God, beyond today, please our faith. And God, beyond today, please let us not live a life comfortable or let us not live a life comfortable or let us not live a life comfortable or complacent with anything less than what complacent with anything less than what complacent with anything less than what you desire for us as your church. We you desire for us as your church. We you desire for us as your church. We thank you for the gospel of Jesus Christ thank you for the gospel of Jesus Christ thank you for the gospel of Jesus Christ and restoration back to God eternally and restoration back to God eternally and restoration back to God eternally because of it. Show us that the gospel because of it. Show us that the gospel because of it. Show us that the gospel is far more than a moment of change that is far more than a moment of change that is far more than a moment of change that is the foundation of our identity. Would is the foundation of our identity. Would is the foundation of our identity. Would you show those who don't yet know you you show those who don't yet know you you show those who don't yet know you that you love them and that you're that you love them and that you're that you love them and that you're calling them to come to know you as Lord calling them to come to know you as Lord calling them to come to know you as Lord and Savior in Jesus name. Amen.

and Savior in Jesus name. Amen. and Savior in Jesus name. Amen. >> Watermark, how we doing? >> Watermark, how we doing? >> Watermark, how we doing? [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] >> Friends, it's good to be with you today. >> Friends, it's good to be with you today. >> Friends, it's good to be with you today. Before I say anything else, just want to Before I say anything else, just want to Before I say anything else, just want to say this. Said at the nine o'clock, I say this. Said at the nine o'clock, I say this. Said at the nine o'clock, I mean it just as much today. Brady, I'm mean it just as much today. Brady, I'm mean it just as much today. Brady, I'm so proud of you, brother. Uh, I love so proud of you, brother. Uh, I love so proud of you, brother. Uh, I love having younger people that I look up to. having younger people that I look up to. having younger people that I look up to. Isn't that amazing? I love Brady. I'm so Isn't that amazing? I love Brady. I'm so Isn't that amazing? I love Brady. I'm so proud of him and the way that God is proud of him and the way that God is proud of him and the way that God is working in his life. And I think it's a working in his life. And I think it's a working in his life. And I think it's a great example of why we do things like great example of why we do things like great example of why we do things like every generation July and have the kids every generation July and have the kids every generation July and have the kids come and join us. Uh Jesus is very clear come and join us. Uh Jesus is very clear come and join us. Uh Jesus is very clear about a lot of things in his gospel, but about a lot of things in his gospel, but about a lot of things in his gospel, but I think one of the things he's clearest I think one of the things he's clearest I think one of the things he's clearest about is that it is the faith of a child about is that it is the faith of a child about is that it is the faith of a child that saves and he wants the children to that saves and he wants the children to that saves and he wants the children to come. And so for all the kids in the come. And so for all the kids in the come. And so for all the kids in the room first off, can I hear you guys? I'd room first off, can I hear you guys? I'd room first off, can I hear you guys? I'd love to hear you give me a shout. I know love to hear you give me a shout. I know love to hear you give me a shout. I know some of you guys love that. Sorry for some of you guys love that. Sorry for some of you guys love that. Sorry for the rest of you. the rest of you. the rest of you. Kids, I want you to know God sees you. Kids, I want you to know God sees you. Kids, I want you to know God sees you. He loves you. And you do not have to He loves you. And you do not have to He loves you. And you do not have to wait to become a grown-up before you can wait to become a grown-up before you can wait to become a grown-up before you can start following him with your life. A start following him with your life. A start following him with your life. A little bit about me again. My name is little bit about me again. My name is little bit about me again. My name is Grant Wilkkey. I'm the college director Grant Wilkkey. I'm the college director Grant Wilkkey. I'm the college director here at Watermark. I've been around here at Watermark. I've been around here at Watermark. I've been around Watermark for about seven years now, Watermark for about seven years now, Watermark for about seven years now, ever since I graduated from Baylor. And ever since I graduated from Baylor. And ever since I graduated from Baylor. And I'm married to the wonderful Lois I'm married to the wonderful Lois I'm married to the wonderful Lois Wilkey. Let's throw up that picture.

Wilkey. Let's throw up that picture. Wilkey. Let's throw up that picture. There we go. That's my friend Saruk's There we go. That's my friend Saruk's There we go. That's my friend Saruk's wedding. And uh yeah, I I love my bride. wedding. And uh yeah, I I love my bride. wedding. And uh yeah, I I love my bride. I feel very very grateful to be married. I feel very very grateful to be married. I feel very very grateful to be married. Way out of my league. Uh as we're Way out of my league. Uh as we're Way out of my league. Uh as we're getting started, want to do our normal getting started, want to do our normal getting started, want to do our normal uh prayer of preparation as we get ready uh prayer of preparation as we get ready uh prayer of preparation as we get ready to hear the word. So would you bow your to hear the word. So would you bow your to hear the word. So would you bow your heads with me? I'm going to give us heads with me? I'm going to give us heads with me? I'm going to give us three things to pray about. First, would three things to pray about. First, would three things to pray about. First, would you take a second just to pray for you take a second just to pray for you take a second just to pray for yourself, asking God to speak to you yourself, asking God to speak to you yourself, asking God to speak to you clearly. Secondly, would you take a second to Secondly, would you take a second to pray for those around you, asking God to pray for those around you, asking God to pray for those around you, asking God to speak to them clearly? And finally, for a moment, if you would, And finally, for a moment, if you would, would you pray for me, asking the Lord would you pray for me, asking the Lord would you pray for me, asking the Lord to speak through me with clarity and to speak through me with clarity and to speak through me with clarity and with strength? Well, Father, we love you. Well, Father, we love you. We believe what you say and you promise We believe what you say and you promise We believe what you say and you promise to bless the preaching of your word. I to bless the preaching of your word. I to bless the preaching of your word. I ask Lord that as we gather together to ask Lord that as we gather together to ask Lord that as we gather together to hear the word of God preached, the word hear the word of God preached, the word hear the word of God preached, the word of God that is sharper than any of God that is sharper than any of God that is sharper than any two-edged sword. I ask that it would two-edged sword. I ask that it would two-edged sword. I ask that it would take great effect. Lord, you tell us take great effect. Lord, you tell us take great effect. Lord, you tell us that your word does not go forward in that your word does not go forward in that your word does not go forward in vain. And I pray that we would see that vain. And I pray that we would see that vain. And I pray that we would see that in power today. We love you. Give us the in power today. We love you. Give us the in power today. We love you. Give us the eyes of faith to see the wonders of the eyes of faith to see the wonders of the eyes of faith to see the wonders of the message that Jesus Christ is our king.

message that Jesus Christ is our king. message that Jesus Christ is our king. your name we pray. Amen. your name we pray. Amen. your name we pray. Amen. Today we'll be going through Acts 17 Today we'll be going through Acts 17 Today we'll be going through Acts 17 1-15. And I just want to open us up by 1-15. And I just want to open us up by 1-15. And I just want to open us up by saying a quick statement. True news just saying a quick statement. True news just saying a quick statement. True news just because something is true uh does not because something is true uh does not because something is true uh does not mean that it's automatically accepted as mean that it's automatically accepted as mean that it's automatically accepted as good. True news doesn't automatically good. True news doesn't automatically good. True news doesn't automatically mean that it becomes good news for us. mean that it becomes good news for us. mean that it becomes good news for us. So for instance, some of you are like me So for instance, some of you are like me So for instance, some of you are like me and expected uh the USA to go a little and expected uh the USA to go a little and expected uh the USA to go a little further in the World Cup than we further in the World Cup than we further in the World Cup than we actually did. You might call me foolish. actually did. You might call me foolish. actually did. You might call me foolish. I call me I call myself an optimist. Uh I call me I call myself an optimist. Uh I call me I call myself an optimist. Uh but with that, we know the USA lost but with that, we know the USA lost but with that, we know the USA lost again. Not super quickly, but again. Not super quickly, but again. Not super quickly, but eventually. I want us to go a little eventually. I want us to go a little eventually. I want us to go a little further. It is true they did not. Maybe further. It is true they did not. Maybe further. It is true they did not. Maybe not so good news to me. Or maybe you've not so good news to me. Or maybe you've not so good news to me. Or maybe you've had a crush before and you finally put had a crush before and you finally put had a crush before and you finally put yourself out there and you told them yourself out there and you told them yourself out there and you told them about it and they look at you and they about it and they look at you and they about it and they look at you and they say, "Hey, I just don't see you that say, "Hey, I just don't see you that say, "Hey, I just don't see you that way." Now, that might be true. Not so way." Now, that might be true. Not so way." Now, that might be true. Not so good of a pill to swallow. Maybe you've good of a pill to swallow. Maybe you've good of a pill to swallow. Maybe you've applied for a job and you put yourself applied for a job and you put yourself applied for a job and you put yourself out there. You poured your life into out there. You poured your life into out there. You poured your life into that resume and the interview process that resume and the interview process that resume and the interview process and you did better on that than you have and you did better on that than you have and you did better on that than you have done in anything else in the world. And done in anything else in the world. And done in anything else in the world. And then finally, you get that call and what then finally, you get that call and what then finally, you get that call and what does the call say? It's the dreaded does the call say? It's the dreaded does the call say? It's the dreaded line. We've decided to go in another line. We've decided to go in another line. We've decided to go in another direction because somebody else has more direction because somebody else has more direction because somebody else has more experience than you. Well, that's not experience than you. Well, that's not experience than you. Well, that's not too fun. It might be true. It might even too fun. It might be true. It might even too fun. It might be true. It might even be good news for the company or good be good news for the company or good be good news for the company or good news for the other candidate, but it's news for the other candidate, but it's news for the other candidate, but it's not received as good news for us.

not received as good news for us. not received as good news for us. Whether or not something true ends up Whether or not something true ends up Whether or not something true ends up tasting good to us depends on our tasting good to us depends on our tasting good to us depends on our relationship to it. And I think that's relationship to it. And I think that's relationship to it. And I think that's all what this passage in Acts 17 uh is all what this passage in Acts 17 uh is all what this passage in Acts 17 uh is really talking about. So in this passage really talking about. So in this passage really talking about. So in this passage in Acts 17, we see the true message in Acts 17, we see the true message in Acts 17, we see the true message about Jesus Christ being king, being about Jesus Christ being king, being about Jesus Christ being king, being called Messiah. We'll talk a lot about called Messiah. We'll talk a lot about called Messiah. We'll talk a lot about what that means today, but it's a true what that means today, but it's a true what that means today, but it's a true message about Jesus and who he is and message about Jesus and who he is and message about Jesus and who he is and what he does. And we see two very what he does. And we see two very what he does. And we see two very different responses as we go through. different responses as we go through. different responses as we go through. We'll see that some receive this message We'll see that some receive this message We'll see that some receive this message as really good news and others will as really good news and others will as really good news and others will reject this message as really bad news. reject this message as really bad news. reject this message as really bad news. The question I'd ask you to consider as The question I'd ask you to consider as The question I'd ask you to consider as we're starting forward is this. we're starting forward is this. we're starting forward is this. Currently, where do you stand? Is this a Currently, where do you stand? Is this a Currently, where do you stand? Is this a message that you currently take and message that you currently take and message that you currently take and receive as something good or reject as receive as something good or reject as receive as something good or reject as something bad? something bad? something bad? As we get started, I want to let you As we get started, I want to let you As we get started, I want to let you know the two things I've prayed for as know the two things I've prayed for as know the two things I've prayed for as we've gotten as I've prepared for this we've gotten as I've prepared for this we've gotten as I've prepared for this is number one that if you have received is number one that if you have received is number one that if you have received the message of Jesus Christ being king, the message of Jesus Christ being king, the message of Jesus Christ being king, that today would encourage you and that today would encourage you and that today would encourage you and remind you of what a wonderful gift it remind you of what a wonderful gift it remind you of what a wonderful gift it is to have Jesus Christ be Messiah. That is to have Jesus Christ be Messiah. That is to have Jesus Christ be Messiah. That as you receive the word today, that you as you receive the word today, that you as you receive the word today, that you would be encouraged in your faith. On would be encouraged in your faith. On would be encouraged in your faith. On the flip side, for those of you who have the flip side, for those of you who have the flip side, for those of you who have not yet received the message about not yet received the message about not yet received the message about Jesus, my prayer has been that you would Jesus, my prayer has been that you would Jesus, my prayer has been that you would know a little bit more about the king, know a little bit more about the king, know a little bit more about the king, about the Messiah that you actually about the Messiah that you actually about the Messiah that you actually reject. I think a lot of people think reject. I think a lot of people think reject. I think a lot of people think Christianity is a lot of different Christianity is a lot of different Christianity is a lot of different things. At the core, it's a message things. At the core, it's a message things. At the core, it's a message about Jesus. And it's a message about about Jesus. And it's a message about about Jesus. And it's a message about what it means that Jesus Christ is our

what it means that Jesus Christ is our what it means that Jesus Christ is our king. And so, before you make a decision king. And so, before you make a decision king. And so, before you make a decision whether to receive or reject that whether to receive or reject that whether to receive or reject that message, I want you to know what the message, I want you to know what the message, I want you to know what the message actually is. so you can make a message actually is. so you can make a message actually is. so you can make a informed decision. With that, let's go informed decision. With that, let's go informed decision. With that, let's go ahead and jump into this text again. ahead and jump into this text again. ahead and jump into this text again. Acts 17:es 1-15. Acts 17:es 1-15. Acts 17:es 1-15. As you guys heard when Brady was As you guys heard when Brady was As you guys heard when Brady was sharing, this is actually two stories sharing, this is actually two stories sharing, this is actually two stories tied together. It's not just two stories tied together. It's not just two stories tied together. It's not just two stories stapled together. That's why I have a stapled together. That's why I have a stapled together. That's why I have a longer sermon text to talk through, but longer sermon text to talk through, but longer sermon text to talk through, but rather this is two stories that are rather this is two stories that are rather this is two stories that are intentionally put together by the intentionally put together by the intentionally put together by the providence of God in the book of Acts so providence of God in the book of Acts so providence of God in the book of Acts so that we could compare and contrast them. that we could compare and contrast them. that we could compare and contrast them. I think a good way to think about this, I think a good way to think about this, I think a good way to think about this, and I promise this will make sense in a and I promise this will make sense in a and I promise this will make sense in a second, but go ahead and raise your hand second, but go ahead and raise your hand second, but go ahead and raise your hand if you've seen the movie Cars. Anyone if you've seen the movie Cars. Anyone if you've seen the movie Cars. Anyone like the movie Cars out there? A lot of like the movie Cars out there? A lot of like the movie Cars out there? A lot of kids in here, so I'm guessing there's a kids in here, so I'm guessing there's a kids in here, so I'm guessing there's a lot of hands. We got Cars One. Cars 1 is lot of hands. We got Cars One. Cars 1 is lot of hands. We got Cars One. Cars 1 is a fantastic movie about humility, not a fantastic movie about humility, not a fantastic movie about humility, not taking people for granted, XYZ. Who here taking people for granted, XYZ. Who here taking people for granted, XYZ. Who here has seen Cars 2? has seen Cars 2? has seen Cars 2? Okay, not so much of an enthusiastic Okay, not so much of an enthusiastic Okay, not so much of an enthusiastic response. Cars one, incredible movie response. Cars one, incredible movie response. Cars one, incredible movie about humility and friendship, so on.

about humility and friendship, so on. about humility and friendship, so on. Cars 2, international spy thriller, does Cars 2, international spy thriller, does Cars 2, international spy thriller, does not seem like it makes that much sense. not seem like it makes that much sense. not seem like it makes that much sense. The two stories seem stapled together, The two stories seem stapled together, The two stories seem stapled together, don't they? Well, in this story, we're don't they? Well, in this story, we're don't they? Well, in this story, we're actually going to see that it's kind of actually going to see that it's kind of actually going to see that it's kind of the same story playing out. It's not the same story playing out. It's not the same story playing out. It's not like cars one, cars two, but rather it's like cars one, cars two, but rather it's like cars one, cars two, but rather it's like part one and part two. How does the like part one and part two. How does the like part one and part two. How does the story actually play out between these story actually play out between these story actually play out between these two church planning movements? First in two church planning movements? First in two church planning movements? First in the city of Thessalonica and then the city of Thessalonica and then the city of Thessalonica and then secondly in the city of Berea. Well, the secondly in the city of Berea. Well, the secondly in the city of Berea. Well, the same framework essentially happens both same framework essentially happens both same framework essentially happens both times. Paul goes to a new city to start times. Paul goes to a new city to start times. Paul goes to a new city to start planting a church. He preaches the planting a church. He preaches the planting a church. He preaches the message about Jesus. He's eventually message about Jesus. He's eventually message about Jesus. He's eventually persecuted for preaching that message. persecuted for preaching that message. persecuted for preaching that message. And finally, he's pushed out to the next And finally, he's pushed out to the next And finally, he's pushed out to the next city. He's plants. He preaches. He's city. He's plants. He preaches. He's city. He's plants. He preaches. He's persecuted. He's pushed. He's plant. He persecuted. He's pushed. He's plant. He persecuted. He's pushed. He's plant. He preached, persecuted, pushed again and preached, persecuted, pushed again and preached, persecuted, pushed again and again and again and again. This cycle again and again and again. This cycle again and again and again. This cycle plays throughout the book of Acts. We plays throughout the book of Acts. We plays throughout the book of Acts. We saw it last week as Germaine taught on saw it last week as Germaine taught on saw it last week as Germaine taught on Paul planting a church in the city of Paul planting a church in the city of Paul planting a church in the city of Philippi. We see it this week in Philippi. We see it this week in Philippi. We see it this week in Thessalonica and Berea. We'll see it as Thessalonica and Berea. We'll see it as Thessalonica and Berea. We'll see it as we move forward throughout the book of we move forward throughout the book of we move forward throughout the book of Acts. Why does Paul keep doing the same Acts. Why does Paul keep doing the same Acts. Why does Paul keep doing the same thing over and over again? Many of you thing over and over again? Many of you thing over and over again? Many of you have heard Einstein's kind of cliche now have heard Einstein's kind of cliche now have heard Einstein's kind of cliche now definition of insanity and he says definition of insanity and he says definition of insanity and he says insanity is doing the same thing over insanity is doing the same thing over insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different and over again but expecting different and over again but expecting different results. So should we consider Paul as results. So should we consider Paul as results. So should we consider Paul as kind of insane for doing this over and kind of insane for doing this over and kind of insane for doing this over and over and over again? Or is there any over and over again? Or is there any over and over again? Or is there any reason that he might actually be doing reason that he might actually be doing reason that he might actually be doing this even though he knows how the story this even though he knows how the story this even though he knows how the story will end? He knows he'll go to the next will end? He knows he'll go to the next will end? He knows he'll go to the next city eventually persecution will rise

city eventually persecution will rise city eventually persecution will rise and he will be pushed out. and he knows and he will be pushed out. and he knows and he will be pushed out. and he knows that the next time he does it, it's that the next time he does it, it's that the next time he does it, it's going to happen all over again. Here we going to happen all over again. Here we going to happen all over again. Here we see Jason brought before the officials, see Jason brought before the officials, see Jason brought before the officials, but at other times, even last week, we but at other times, even last week, we but at other times, even last week, we see Paul brought to prison. Paul beat see Paul brought to prison. Paul beat see Paul brought to prison. Paul beat within an inch of his life. What is within an inch of his life. What is within an inch of his life. What is making this so worthwhile to Paul that making this so worthwhile to Paul that making this so worthwhile to Paul that he would keep putting his life in harm's he would keep putting his life in harm's he would keep putting his life in harm's way? way? way? Well, I think it's pretty clear that the Well, I think it's pretty clear that the Well, I think it's pretty clear that the reason that Paul is willing to keep reason that Paul is willing to keep reason that Paul is willing to keep doing this is that to Paul, it seems doing this is that to Paul, it seems doing this is that to Paul, it seems like the risk does not outweigh the like the risk does not outweigh the like the risk does not outweigh the reward. reward. reward. The risk is real. Yeah, Paul is willing The risk is real. Yeah, Paul is willing The risk is real. Yeah, Paul is willing to suffer and suffer even unto death. to suffer and suffer even unto death. to suffer and suffer even unto death. Suffer by being thrown into prison, Suffer by being thrown into prison, Suffer by being thrown into prison, suffer by being beat, suffer by being suffer by being beat, suffer by being suffer by being beat, suffer by being brought before the authorities. Yes, he brought before the authorities. Yes, he brought before the authorities. Yes, he is willing to suffer even unto death. is willing to suffer even unto death. is willing to suffer even unto death. But he still thinks that what he has to But he still thinks that what he has to But he still thinks that what he has to share. This message he has to share is share. This message he has to share is share. This message he has to share is worth suffering for. And sometimes the worth suffering for. And sometimes the worth suffering for. And sometimes the Bible is so clear and it tells us Bible is so clear and it tells us Bible is so clear and it tells us exactly the answer to our question. Here exactly the answer to our question. Here exactly the answer to our question. Here is the question. What is the message is the question. What is the message is the question. What is the message that Paul is teaching that makes this that Paul is teaching that makes this that Paul is teaching that makes this worth it? If you look at verse three worth it? If you look at verse three worth it? If you look at verse three with me, this is what Paul says. This is with me, this is what Paul says. This is with me, this is what Paul says. This is Paul's message. He says, "This Jesus I Paul's message. He says, "This Jesus I Paul's message. He says, "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah."

am proclaiming to you is the Messiah." am proclaiming to you is the Messiah." Jesus is Messiah. Jesus is Messiah. Jesus is Messiah. And as Paul continues to teach this And as Paul continues to teach this And as Paul continues to teach this message, it empowers him for ministry. message, it empowers him for ministry. message, it empowers him for ministry. It fills him with courage. And it allows It fills him with courage. And it allows It fills him with courage. And it allows him to keep going into new cities to him to keep going into new cities to him to keep going into new cities to plant new churches that Jesus Christ plant new churches that Jesus Christ plant new churches that Jesus Christ might be exalted as the king of the might be exalted as the king of the might be exalted as the king of the world. Today, as we move through Acts world. Today, as we move through Acts world. Today, as we move through Acts 17, we're going to examine this message 17, we're going to examine this message 17, we're going to examine this message from a few different angles. What does from a few different angles. What does from a few different angles. What does it mean that Paul is saying that Jesus it mean that Paul is saying that Jesus it mean that Paul is saying that Jesus Christ is the Messiah? Why is this so Christ is the Messiah? Why is this so Christ is the Messiah? Why is this so important to him? And how can we wrap important to him? And how can we wrap important to him? And how can we wrap our minds around it to understand how we our minds around it to understand how we our minds around it to understand how we should respond? We'll ask three should respond? We'll ask three should respond? We'll ask three questions of this simple message. The questions of this simple message. The questions of this simple message. The first question is this. When Paul says first question is this. When Paul says first question is this. When Paul says that Jesus is the Messiah, what does he that Jesus is the Messiah, what does he that Jesus is the Messiah, what does he actually mean? What does Paul mean by actually mean? What does Paul mean by actually mean? What does Paul mean by saying that Jesus is the Messiah? I saying that Jesus is the Messiah? I saying that Jesus is the Messiah? I think the Messiah is kind of like a $100 think the Messiah is kind of like a $100 think the Messiah is kind of like a $100 church word. It's a word that we throw church word. It's a word that we throw church word. It's a word that we throw out, but we don't always define. We out, but we don't always define. We out, but we don't always define. We don't really know exactly what it means. don't really know exactly what it means. don't really know exactly what it means. When we say Messiah, we're saying a When we say Messiah, we're saying a When we say Messiah, we're saying a Hebrew word that essentially just means Hebrew word that essentially just means Hebrew word that essentially just means anointed one. Or you can think of the anointed one. Or you can think of the anointed one. Or you can think of the chosen one. So if you translate the word chosen one. So if you translate the word chosen one. So if you translate the word Messiah to Greek, do you know what you Messiah to Greek, do you know what you Messiah to Greek, do you know what you get? Christ. So when we're saying Jesus get? Christ. So when we're saying Jesus get? Christ. So when we're saying Jesus Christ, we're not saying Jesus first Christ, we're not saying Jesus first Christ, we're not saying Jesus first name, last name Christ. We're saying name, last name Christ. We're saying name, last name Christ. We're saying Jesus is the Christ. Jesus is the Jesus is the Christ. Jesus is the Jesus is the Christ. Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus is the chosen one. Jesus Messiah. Jesus is the chosen one. Jesus Messiah. Jesus is the chosen one. Jesus is the anointed one. And this is is the anointed one. And this is is the anointed one. And this is incredibly important because it helps us incredibly important because it helps us incredibly important because it helps us understand what he's actually saying

understand what he's actually saying understand what he's actually saying when he says that Jesus is the Messiah. when he says that Jesus is the Messiah. when he says that Jesus is the Messiah. He's saying that Jesus is the chosen one He's saying that Jesus is the chosen one He's saying that Jesus is the chosen one by whom God is going to actually fulfill by whom God is going to actually fulfill by whom God is going to actually fulfill his promises. All throughout the Old his promises. All throughout the Old his promises. All throughout the Old Testament, there are these promises Testament, there are these promises Testament, there are these promises scattered from beginning to end that scattered from beginning to end that scattered from beginning to end that tell us about how God is actually going tell us about how God is actually going tell us about how God is actually going to fulfill his promises. How is God to fulfill his promises. How is God to fulfill his promises. How is God going to redeem his people? How is God going to redeem his people? How is God going to redeem his people? How is God going to rule over them? How is God going to rule over them? How is God going to rule over them? How is God going to rescue them from Satan, sin, going to rescue them from Satan, sin, going to rescue them from Satan, sin, slavery, and death? Well, it's through slavery, and death? Well, it's through slavery, and death? Well, it's through his promised Messiah. And these his promised Messiah. And these his promised Messiah. And these scriptures, I I wish we could talk for scriptures, I I wish we could talk for scriptures, I I wish we could talk for the next hour and a half. I know that the next hour and a half. I know that the next hour and a half. I know that you might not want to sit here for the you might not want to sit here for the you might not want to sit here for the next hour and a half, but I don't blame next hour and a half, but I don't blame next hour and a half, but I don't blame you for that. I I wish we could talk for you for that. I I wish we could talk for you for that. I I wish we could talk for the next hour and a half about all of the next hour and a half about all of the next hour and a half about all of the different things we see in the Old the different things we see in the Old the different things we see in the Old Testament about what the messianic Testament about what the messianic Testament about what the messianic promises actually look like. But here's promises actually look like. But here's promises actually look like. But here's one. In 2 Samuel 7, God's talking to one. In 2 Samuel 7, God's talking to one. In 2 Samuel 7, God's talking to King David. And David says, "I'm going King David. And David says, "I'm going King David. And David says, "I'm going to build you a temple, God, and it's to build you a temple, God, and it's to build you a temple, God, and it's going to be amazing." He says, "Hey, I going to be amazing." He says, "Hey, I going to be amazing." He says, "Hey, I don't need you to build me a temple. I'm don't need you to build me a temple. I'm don't need you to build me a temple. I'm going to build you a house." And David, going to build you a house." And David, going to build you a house." And David, beyond that, one day you're going to beyond that, one day you're going to beyond that, one day you're going to die. Your rule will end because you will die. Your rule will end because you will die. Your rule will end because you will die. But I promise you, David, I'm going die. But I promise you, David, I'm going die. But I promise you, David, I'm going to raise up a king from your dynasty, to raise up a king from your dynasty, to raise up a king from your dynasty, and he's going to sit on your throne and he's going to sit on your throne and he's going to sit on your throne forever. He will sit on your throne forever. He will sit on your throne forever. He will sit on your throne forever, and he will rule God's people, forever, and he will rule God's people, forever, and he will rule God's people, and he will bring them blessing and joy and he will bring them blessing and joy and he will bring them blessing and joy and peace. He will defeat God's enemies, and peace. He will defeat God's enemies, and peace. He will defeat God's enemies, and he will rule over them forever.

and he will rule over them forever. and he will rule over them forever. There's promises like this scattered There's promises like this scattered There's promises like this scattered throughout the entire Old Testament. throughout the entire Old Testament. throughout the entire Old Testament. Essentially, the message of the Messiah Essentially, the message of the Messiah Essentially, the message of the Messiah is that God promises that there will be is that God promises that there will be is that God promises that there will be a king to rule over God's people and to a king to rule over God's people and to a king to rule over God's people and to defeat God's enemies. In a sense, I defeat God's enemies. In a sense, I defeat God's enemies. In a sense, I think it's fair to say that if we look think it's fair to say that if we look think it's fair to say that if we look at verses 5-9 as as the Jews come and at verses 5-9 as as the Jews come and at verses 5-9 as as the Jews come and they accuse Paul and his friends of they accuse Paul and his friends of they accuse Paul and his friends of preaching a message that there's another preaching a message that there's another preaching a message that there's another king, I think in some sense it's king, I think in some sense it's king, I think in some sense it's actually fair to say, yes, Paul does actually fair to say, yes, Paul does actually fair to say, yes, Paul does seem guilty of this, doesn't he? Paul's seem guilty of this, doesn't he? Paul's seem guilty of this, doesn't he? Paul's preaching a message how there is a king preaching a message how there is a king preaching a message how there is a king and his name is Jesus. So as they come and his name is Jesus. So as they come and his name is Jesus. So as they come forward and they say, "Hey, Paul and his forward and they say, "Hey, Paul and his forward and they say, "Hey, Paul and his friend Jason are acting contrary to friend Jason are acting contrary to friend Jason are acting contrary to Caesar." Why? Because they're Caesar." Why? Because they're Caesar." Why? Because they're proclaiming that there is another king proclaiming that there is another king proclaiming that there is another king and that king's name is Jesus. In one and that king's name is Jesus. In one and that king's name is Jesus. In one sense, I think he is actually guilty of sense, I think he is actually guilty of sense, I think he is actually guilty of that. He is saying that Jesus is king. that. He is saying that Jesus is king. that. He is saying that Jesus is king. But in another sense, I think we have to But in another sense, I think we have to But in another sense, I think we have to be careful because I don't think that be careful because I don't think that be careful because I don't think that what Paul is saying is that Caesar is what Paul is saying is that Caesar is what Paul is saying is that Caesar is the same type of king as Jesus or that the same type of king as Jesus or that the same type of king as Jesus or that Jesus is going to rule his people just Jesus is going to rule his people just Jesus is going to rule his people just like Caesar rules his people. Caesar may like Caesar rules his people. Caesar may like Caesar rules his people. Caesar may rule on the throne of Rome. But he's rule on the throne of Rome. But he's rule on the throne of Rome. But he's saying that Paul he's saying Paul is saying that Paul he's saying Paul is saying that Paul he's saying Paul is saying that Jesus rules in a different saying that Jesus rules in a different saying that Jesus rules in a different way. Yes, Caesar rules and he reigns way. Yes, Caesar rules and he reigns way. Yes, Caesar rules and he reigns over his people.

over his people. over his people. But Jesus does not simply rule over his But Jesus does not simply rule over his But Jesus does not simply rule over his people. But the wonders of the messianic people. But the wonders of the messianic people. But the wonders of the messianic promise is not just that the king will promise is not just that the king will promise is not just that the king will rule, but the king will rule because he rule, but the king will rule because he rule, but the king will rule because he redeems his people first. redeems his people first. redeems his people first. Jesus as the Messiah is not simply Jesus as the Messiah is not simply Jesus as the Messiah is not simply destined to rule over his people, but destined to rule over his people, but destined to rule over his people, but first to redeem them. If you look at first to redeem them. If you look at first to redeem them. If you look at verse three with me, as Paul's building verse three with me, as Paul's building verse three with me, as Paul's building out this argument, it says that he goes out this argument, it says that he goes out this argument, it says that he goes before them on the Sabbath day and he before them on the Sabbath day and he before them on the Sabbath day and he reasons with them from the scriptures. reasons with them from the scriptures. reasons with them from the scriptures. What does he do? He explains and he What does he do? He explains and he What does he do? He explains and he proves to them that it was necessary for proves to them that it was necessary for proves to them that it was necessary for the Messiah. And he doesn't immediately the Messiah. And he doesn't immediately the Messiah. And he doesn't immediately go to talk about the reign of the go to talk about the reign of the go to talk about the reign of the Messiah, but it was necessary for the Messiah, but it was necessary for the Messiah, but it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and to rise from the Messiah to suffer and to rise from the Messiah to suffer and to rise from the dead. dead. dead. All throughout the Old Testament, yes, All throughout the Old Testament, yes, All throughout the Old Testament, yes, there are these pictures that God's king there are these pictures that God's king there are these pictures that God's king is going to rule, but we can't forget is going to rule, but we can't forget is going to rule, but we can't forget that God's king will also redeem his that God's king will also redeem his that God's king will also redeem his people. What might Paul's message have people. What might Paul's message have people. What might Paul's message have looked like? looked like? looked like? What might Paul have done to prove that What might Paul have done to prove that What might Paul have done to prove that from the Old Testament, God has been from the Old Testament, God has been from the Old Testament, God has been promising to redeem his people? Well, promising to redeem his people? Well, promising to redeem his people? Well, maybe he'd pick up the scroll of Isaiah maybe he'd pick up the scroll of Isaiah maybe he'd pick up the scroll of Isaiah and turn to the 53rd chapter and say and turn to the 53rd chapter and say and turn to the 53rd chapter and say something like this. You know that this something like this. You know that this something like this. You know that this king has promised to come to fulfill king has promised to come to fulfill king has promised to come to fulfill God's promises. In Isaiah 52:13, don't God's promises. In Isaiah 52:13, don't God's promises. In Isaiah 52:13, don't you know it says, "My servant will be you know it says, "My servant will be you know it says, "My servant will be successful. He will be raised up and successful. He will be raised up and successful. He will be raised up and lifted up and greatly exalted." So yes, lifted up and greatly exalted." So yes, lifted up and greatly exalted." So yes, there is a king coming. But don't you there is a king coming. But don't you there is a king coming. But don't you know that this same kingly figure,

know that this same kingly figure, know that this same kingly figure, this very same one that will be exalted this very same one that will be exalted this very same one that will be exalted and glorified by God. Don't you know and glorified by God. Don't you know and glorified by God. Don't you know that it also says in verse 5 that that that it also says in verse 5 that that that it also says in verse 5 that that same king will be pierced because of our same king will be pierced because of our same king will be pierced because of our rebellion? That he will be crushed rebellion? That he will be crushed rebellion? That he will be crushed because of our iniquities. That the because of our iniquities. That the because of our iniquities. That the punishment for our peace was on him. And punishment for our peace was on him. And punishment for our peace was on him. And that we are healed by his wounds. Don't that we are healed by his wounds. Don't that we are healed by his wounds. Don't you know that the same king is not just you know that the same king is not just you know that the same king is not just destined to rule but also destined to destined to rule but also destined to destined to rule but also destined to die and to die. Why? So that we might be die and to die. Why? So that we might be die and to die. Why? So that we might be healed by him suffering on our behalf. healed by him suffering on our behalf. healed by him suffering on our behalf. This same Messiah King is the suffering This same Messiah King is the suffering This same Messiah King is the suffering servant long told to take away the sins servant long told to take away the sins servant long told to take away the sins of the people. of the people. of the people. As he says this, you might wonder what's As he says this, you might wonder what's As he says this, you might wonder what's so encouraging about a dead king. so encouraging about a dead king. so encouraging about a dead king. I think Paul would go on to explain that I think Paul would go on to explain that I think Paul would go on to explain that the Messiah was not just going to die the Messiah was not just going to die the Messiah was not just going to die for the sins of his people. He would go for the sins of his people. He would go for the sins of his people. He would go on to live for them. He might just even on to live for them. He might just even on to live for them. He might just even go a few verses forward and [snorts] go go a few verses forward and [snorts] go go a few verses forward and [snorts] go to verse 10 in the scroll of Isaiah and to verse 10 in the scroll of Isaiah and to verse 10 in the scroll of Isaiah and say, "Why is it that it says the Lord say, "Why is it that it says the Lord say, "Why is it that it says the Lord was pleased to crush his king so was pleased to crush his king so was pleased to crush his king so severely? How would this be a pleasing severely? How would this be a pleasing severely? How would this be a pleasing thing to him? Or how why does it say thing to him? Or how why does it say thing to him? Or how why does it say that [snorts] when this king is made a that [snorts] when this king is made a that [snorts] when this king is made a guilt offering, when the king is killed guilt offering, when the king is killed guilt offering, when the king is killed for the guilt and the sins of his for the guilt and the sins of his for the guilt and the sins of his people, how could he go on to say that people, how could he go on to say that people, how could he go on to say that this king, this Messiah, that this man this king, this Messiah, that this man this king, this Messiah, that this man will go on to see his seed or his will go on to see his seed or his will go on to see his seed or his children or his family or his brothers?

children or his family or his brothers? children or his family or his brothers? How will he go on to see them? How will How will he go on to see them? How will How will he go on to see them? How will his days be prolonged? And how by a dead his days be prolonged? And how by a dead his days be prolonged? And how by a dead man's hand will the Lord's pleasure be man's hand will the Lord's pleasure be man's hand will the Lord's pleasure be accomplished? It's not just necessary accomplished? It's not just necessary accomplished? It's not just necessary that the Messiah would die for us, but that the Messiah would die for us, but that the Messiah would die for us, but that he would raise from the dead and that he would raise from the dead and that he would raise from the dead and live. Our king, this Messiah, you can live. Our king, this Messiah, you can live. Our king, this Messiah, you can imagine Paul saying this. It's not just imagine Paul saying this. It's not just imagine Paul saying this. It's not just that he dies and takes away our sin, but that he dies and takes away our sin, but that he dies and takes away our sin, but now he lives to give us new life. and he now he lives to give us new life. and he now he lives to give us new life. and he would point at these and then he points would point at these and then he points would point at these and then he points to Jesus and he says,"I believe that to Jesus and he says,"I believe that to Jesus and he says,"I believe that Jesus is this Messiah who has come to Jesus is this Messiah who has come to Jesus is this Messiah who has come to fulfill all of God's promises." fulfill all of God's promises." fulfill all of God's promises." So the first question is, what does Paul So the first question is, what does Paul So the first question is, what does Paul mean by Messiah? Well, the Messiah is mean by Messiah? Well, the Messiah is mean by Messiah? Well, the Messiah is God's promise king who redeems God's God's promise king who redeems God's God's promise king who redeems God's people through death and then returns to people through death and then returns to people through death and then returns to rule them in newness of life. rule them in newness of life. rule them in newness of life. Why does Paul have so much confidence? Why does Paul have so much confidence? Why does Paul have so much confidence? Not just that this Messiah has died and Not just that this Messiah has died and Not just that this Messiah has died and not just this Messiah lives, but rather not just this Messiah lives, but rather not just this Messiah lives, but rather to say with utmost certainty to the to say with utmost certainty to the to say with utmost certainty to the point that he would even face death. Why point that he would even face death. Why point that he would even face death. Why can he point to Jesus and say, "I can he point to Jesus and say, "I can he point to Jesus and say, "I believe that Jesus is this Messiah." I believe that Jesus is this Messiah." I believe that Jesus is this Messiah." I think the answer's fairly clear. If you think the answer's fairly clear. If you think the answer's fairly clear. If you look back at these verses, Acts 17:es 2 look back at these verses, Acts 17:es 2 look back at these verses, Acts 17:es 2 and 3, it says that he is doing all his and 3, it says that he is doing all his and 3, it says that he is doing all his preaching by reasoning with them from preaching by reasoning with them from preaching by reasoning with them from the scriptures. What does he do? He the scriptures. What does he do? He the scriptures. What does he do? He explains and he proves from the explains and he proves from the explains and he proves from the scriptures that all these things are scriptures that all these things are scriptures that all these things are necessary. Later on, he praises the necessary. Later on, he praises the necessary. Later on, he praises the Bereans. Why? Because they have received

Bereans. Why? Because they have received Bereans. Why? Because they have received the word of God about Jesus. the word of God about Jesus. the word of God about Jesus. The reason that these people are The reason that these people are The reason that these people are accepting the message about Jesus and accepting the message about Jesus and accepting the message about Jesus and the reason that Paul is preaching a the reason that Paul is preaching a the reason that Paul is preaching a message about Jesus is because he sees a message about Jesus is because he sees a message about Jesus is because he sees a similarity between what the Old similarity between what the Old similarity between what the Old Testament says about the messianic Testament says about the messianic Testament says about the messianic promise and the way that Jesus Christ promise and the way that Jesus Christ promise and the way that Jesus Christ lived. It seems like the evidence of lived. It seems like the evidence of lived. It seems like the evidence of Jesus's life matches the biblical Jesus's life matches the biblical Jesus's life matches the biblical expectations for the Messiah. Not just expectations for the Messiah. Not just expectations for the Messiah. Not just picking a random savior, not just picking a random savior, not just picking a random savior, not just picking a random man to take away our picking a random man to take away our picking a random man to take away our sins, but saying that the very things sins, but saying that the very things sins, but saying that the very things God predicted that would happen to the God predicted that would happen to the God predicted that would happen to the Messiah have happened to Jesus. Messiah have happened to Jesus. Messiah have happened to Jesus. As Isaiah 53 says, he'd be led away As Isaiah 53 says, he'd be led away As Isaiah 53 says, he'd be led away silently to the slaughter. Didn't Jesus silently to the slaughter. Didn't Jesus silently to the slaughter. Didn't Jesus do this? As Isaiah 53 says, he would do this? As Isaiah 53 says, he would do this? As Isaiah 53 says, he would suffer on our behalf. He would be buried suffer on our behalf. He would be buried suffer on our behalf. He would be buried in a rich man's grave. Have these things in a rich man's grave. Have these things in a rich man's grave. Have these things not happened to Jesus. He was buried for not happened to Jesus. He was buried for not happened to Jesus. He was buried for us. and now he raised to walk in newness us. and now he raised to walk in newness us. and now he raised to walk in newness of life. It's not just that Jesus died, of life. It's not just that Jesus died, of life. It's not just that Jesus died, but rather now that Jesus lives. And as but rather now that Jesus lives. And as but rather now that Jesus lives. And as he sees these things, the similarities he sees these things, the similarities he sees these things, the similarities between the Old Testament account and between the Old Testament account and between the Old Testament account and how they're fulfilled in Jesus, he says, how they're fulfilled in Jesus, he says, how they're fulfilled in Jesus, he says, "If he looks like the Messiah and he "If he looks like the Messiah and he "If he looks like the Messiah and he acts like the Messiah, he must be the acts like the Messiah, he must be the acts like the Messiah, he must be the Messiah." Jesus fulfills the entire Old Messiah." Jesus fulfills the entire Old Messiah." Jesus fulfills the entire Old Testament expectation of how God is Testament expectation of how God is Testament expectation of how God is going to deliver and redeem his people.

going to deliver and redeem his people. going to deliver and redeem his people. This is why Paul believes that Jesus is This is why Paul believes that Jesus is This is why Paul believes that Jesus is the Messiah. the Messiah. the Messiah. And the question we're left to deal with And the question we're left to deal with And the question we're left to deal with is this. is this. is this. If the Messiah is this king that rules If the Messiah is this king that rules If the Messiah is this king that rules over and redeems God's people over and redeems God's people over and redeems God's people and Paul believes and he preaches that and Paul believes and he preaches that and Paul believes and he preaches that Jesus is this Messiah, Jesus is this Messiah, Jesus is this Messiah, how then are we to respond? how then are we to respond? how then are we to respond? In this passage, we two we see two very In this passage, we two we see two very In this passage, we two we see two very different responses. The true news about different responses. The true news about different responses. The true news about Jesus Christ being the Messiah. We see Jesus Christ being the Messiah. We see Jesus Christ being the Messiah. We see some be very excited about it and tasted some be very excited about it and tasted some be very excited about it and tasted like honey. And we see others be very like honey. And we see others be very like honey. And we see others be very angry about it to the point where the angry about it to the point where the angry about it to the point where the Thessalonians are actually pursuing Paul Thessalonians are actually pursuing Paul Thessalonians are actually pursuing Paul across state lines 50 miles down the across state lines 50 miles down the across state lines 50 miles down the road by foot. It's not just going from road by foot. It's not just going from road by foot. It's not just going from Dallas to Richardson, walking all the Dallas to Richardson, walking all the Dallas to Richardson, walking all the way from Dallas to Fort Worth to go way from Dallas to Fort Worth to go way from Dallas to Fort Worth to go oppose his preaching in Berea. Some oppose his preaching in Berea. Some oppose his preaching in Berea. Some receive it with joy and others reject receive it with joy and others reject receive it with joy and others reject it. Is it so simple then just to say, it. Is it so simple then just to say, it. Is it so simple then just to say, "Hey, I don't want you to walk out of "Hey, I don't want you to walk out of "Hey, I don't want you to walk out of here and be a Thessalonian, but I want here and be a Thessalonian, but I want here and be a Thessalonian, but I want you to walk out of here and be a you to walk out of here and be a you to walk out of here and be a Berean." I don't think that's exactly Berean." I don't think that's exactly Berean." I don't think that's exactly what's happening here, though, because what's happening here, though, because what's happening here, though, because it's interesting. The very thing he it's interesting. The very thing he it's interesting. The very thing he praises about the Bereans, that they praises about the Bereans, that they praises about the Bereans, that they receive the word of God as the word of receive the word of God as the word of receive the word of God as the word of God. He actually points to the God. He actually points to the God. He actually points to the Thessalonians and he says the exact same Thessalonians and he says the exact same Thessalonians and he says the exact same thing about them in 1 Thessalonians thing about them in 1 Thessalonians thing about them in 1 Thessalonians 3:14. He praises them and says, "I 3:14. He praises them and says, "I 3:14. He praises them and says, "I always thank God for you." Why? Because always thank God for you." Why? Because always thank God for you." Why? Because you have received the word of God, not you have received the word of God, not you have received the word of God, not as my words, but as the words from God, as my words, but as the words from God, as my words, but as the words from God, the faithful deposit giving to you. So,

the faithful deposit giving to you. So, the faithful deposit giving to you. So, it's not just so simple as not being a it's not just so simple as not being a it's not just so simple as not being a Thessalonian and yes, being a Berean. I Thessalonian and yes, being a Berean. I Thessalonian and yes, being a Berean. I think what's actually coming along here think what's actually coming along here think what's actually coming along here is that the text invites us to receive is that the text invites us to receive is that the text invites us to receive God's word, God's word, God's word, not to reject God's word. It has nothing not to reject God's word. It has nothing not to reject God's word. It has nothing to do with the fact that they are to do with the fact that they are to do with the fact that they are Thessalonians or Bereans. No, Thessalonians or Bereans. No, Thessalonians or Bereans. No, the test the text cast them in two the test the text cast them in two the test the text cast them in two different lights because some receive different lights because some receive different lights because some receive and some reject. What do these two and some reject. What do these two and some reject. What do these two things mean? I don't want to over things mean? I don't want to over things mean? I don't want to over complicate it, but I do want to explain complicate it, but I do want to explain complicate it, but I do want to explain it for a second. To receive God's word it for a second. To receive God's word it for a second. To receive God's word is to accept the message of the word is to accept the message of the word is to accept the message of the word that Jesus is Messiah. And as we see that Jesus is Messiah. And as we see that Jesus is Messiah. And as we see this, we see all the promises of God this, we see all the promises of God this, we see all the promises of God come to fruition. When we accept the come to fruition. When we accept the come to fruition. When we accept the message that Jesus Christ is the message that Jesus Christ is the message that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, we have to see it all in view Messiah, we have to see it all in view Messiah, we have to see it all in view that yes, Jesus reigns as a king and we that yes, Jesus reigns as a king and we that yes, Jesus reigns as a king and we submit to him as subjects. We see that submit to him as subjects. We see that submit to him as subjects. We see that the Messiah was destined to take away the Messiah was destined to take away the Messiah was destined to take away the sins of the world. So, we trust him the sins of the world. So, we trust him the sins of the world. So, we trust him with that and we allow him to forgive us with that and we allow him to forgive us with that and we allow him to forgive us and to cleanse us. [snorts] We see that and to cleanse us. [snorts] We see that and to cleanse us. [snorts] We see that Jesus being king, now we have to submit Jesus being king, now we have to submit Jesus being king, now we have to submit to him and live our lives for him. We to him and live our lives for him. We to him and live our lives for him. We see so many examples even in this see so many examples even in this see so many examples even in this passage of what it means to start passage of what it means to start passage of what it means to start receiving the message that Jesus Christ receiving the message that Jesus Christ receiving the message that Jesus Christ is king. We see Jason who was once a is king. We see Jason who was once a is king. We see Jason who was once a stranger go on to be someone who's even stranger go on to be someone who's even stranger go on to be someone who's even willing to sacrifice his life. He goes willing to sacrifice his life. He goes willing to sacrifice his life. He goes on almost arrested, thrown in jail, and on almost arrested, thrown in jail, and on almost arrested, thrown in jail, and eventually released on bond going from a eventually released on bond going from a eventually released on bond going from a stranger to one who is willing to suffer stranger to one who is willing to suffer stranger to one who is willing to suffer for the cause of Christ. As we look to

for the cause of Christ. As we look to for the cause of Christ. As we look to Jesus and as we call him king, he starts Jesus and as we call him king, he starts Jesus and as we call him king, he starts to transform us from the inside out and to transform us from the inside out and to transform us from the inside out and make us people who look like we believe make us people who look like we believe make us people who look like we believe Jesus is king. But is it information Jesus is king. But is it information Jesus is king. But is it information alone and just believing this fact that alone and just believing this fact that alone and just believing this fact that Jesus is king that transforms us? Jesus is king that transforms us? Jesus is king that transforms us? My mind is drawn to the book of John My mind is drawn to the book of John My mind is drawn to the book of John where Jesus when he's talking to the where Jesus when he's talking to the where Jesus when he's talking to the Pharisees who think all these right Pharisees who think all these right Pharisees who think all these right things about God and he says friends you things about God and he says friends you things about God and he says friends you search the scriptures in vain because search the scriptures in vain because search the scriptures in vain because you think that in them you have eternal you think that in them you have eternal you think that in them you have eternal life but don't you know it's me that life but don't you know it's me that life but don't you know it's me that they testify about when we receive the they testify about when we receive the they testify about when we receive the word of God what do we receive word of God what do we receive word of God what do we receive God is not just trying to fill our minds God is not just trying to fill our minds God is not just trying to fill our minds with facts with facts with facts when we receive the word of God, what do when we receive the word of God, what do when we receive the word of God, what do we get? We get God himself. we get? We get God himself. we get? We get God himself. God gives us himself. God does not just God gives us himself. God does not just God gives us himself. God does not just abstractly, impersonally pour out abstractly, impersonally pour out abstractly, impersonally pour out spiritual blessings from heaven. But as spiritual blessings from heaven. But as spiritual blessings from heaven. But as Ephesians 1 tells us, every spiritual Ephesians 1 tells us, every spiritual Ephesians 1 tells us, every spiritual blessing for the Christian is contained blessing for the Christian is contained blessing for the Christian is contained in Jesus Christ. And so when we accept in Jesus Christ. And so when we accept in Jesus Christ. And so when we accept the message about Jesus, we're not just the message about Jesus, we're not just the message about Jesus, we're not just changing our minds, but we're getting a changing our minds, but we're getting a changing our minds, but we're getting a new friend in Jesus who now because we new friend in Jesus who now because we new friend in Jesus who now because we are in right relationship with him are in right relationship with him are in right relationship with him secures for us everything that God has secures for us everything that God has secures for us everything that God has for us. He blesses us in himself and for us. He blesses us in himself and for us. He blesses us in himself and shares with us the full abundance of the shares with us the full abundance of the shares with us the full abundance of the right hand of God. To receive God's right hand of God. To receive God's right hand of God. To receive God's message about Jesus is to receive Jesus

message about Jesus is to receive Jesus message about Jesus is to receive Jesus himself. himself. himself. And I pray that if you have received And I pray that if you have received And I pray that if you have received Jesus, you would know what a great Jesus, you would know what a great Jesus, you would know what a great friend and savior you have in him. He's friend and savior you have in him. He's friend and savior you have in him. He's taken your sins. He now rules and reigns taken your sins. He now rules and reigns taken your sins. He now rules and reigns over the world. And he makes over the world. And he makes over the world. And he makes intercession for you. As he sits on the intercession for you. As he sits on the intercession for you. As he sits on the throne of God, he sends his spirit to throne of God, he sends his spirit to throne of God, he sends his spirit to lead you, to guide you, to help you. lead you, to guide you, to help you. lead you, to guide you, to help you. What a wonderful thing it is to know What a wonderful thing it is to know What a wonderful thing it is to know that our King Jesus now sits on the that our King Jesus now sits on the that our King Jesus now sits on the throne of God, leading us, protecting throne of God, leading us, protecting throne of God, leading us, protecting us, defeating his enemies and even ours. us, defeating his enemies and even ours. us, defeating his enemies and even ours. Jesus Christ is the Messiah. To receive Jesus Christ is the Messiah. To receive Jesus Christ is the Messiah. To receive this message, it's a great and this message, it's a great and this message, it's a great and privileged gift. privileged gift. privileged gift. On the other hand, to reject God's word On the other hand, to reject God's word On the other hand, to reject God's word is to deny its message that Jesus is is to deny its message that Jesus is is to deny its message that Jesus is Messiah. I think there's a lot of Messiah. I think there's a lot of Messiah. I think there's a lot of reasons we might deny this message about reasons we might deny this message about reasons we might deny this message about Jesus being Messiah, Jesus being Messiah, Jesus being Messiah, but this text notes one. In verse 5, it but this text notes one. In verse 5, it but this text notes one. In verse 5, it tells us that the Jews in Thessalonica, tells us that the Jews in Thessalonica, tells us that the Jews in Thessalonica, the same people who go to pursue Paul the same people who go to pursue Paul the same people who go to pursue Paul all the way to Bria to oppose his all the way to Bria to oppose his all the way to Bria to oppose his ministry, it tells us that they became ministry, it tells us that they became ministry, it tells us that they became jealous. What an interesting detail jealous. What an interesting detail jealous. What an interesting detail describing all these grown men, these describing all these grown men, these describing all these grown men, these leaders of the synagogue as these leaders of the synagogue as these leaders of the synagogue as these jealous kids running around. I think jealous kids running around. I think jealous kids running around. I think jealousy though is actually a pretty jealousy though is actually a pretty jealousy though is actually a pretty normal response for us. We don't like to normal response for us. We don't like to normal response for us. We don't like to admit we're jealous. We don't like to admit we're jealous. We don't like to admit we're jealous. We don't like to feel jealous. We don't like to see it in feel jealous. We don't like to see it in feel jealous. We don't like to see it in ourselves. But I think what's happening ourselves. But I think what's happening ourselves. But I think what's happening here is that these Jewish leaders,

here is that these Jewish leaders, here is that these Jewish leaders, they're seeing the fact that they were they're seeing the fact that they were they're seeing the fact that they were once in control of the spiritual life of once in control of the spiritual life of once in control of the spiritual life of their city, weren't they? their city, weren't they? their city, weren't they? They were once the ones who were trusted They were once the ones who were trusted They were once the ones who were trusted to shepherd and to steward God's people. to shepherd and to steward God's people. to shepherd and to steward God's people. And then this random guy named Paul And then this random guy named Paul And then this random guy named Paul comes in and starts preaching a message comes in and starts preaching a message comes in and starts preaching a message that they disagree with. And as people that they disagree with. And as people that they disagree with. And as people start to believe this message, what start to believe this message, what start to believe this message, what happens? Well, they stop looking to happens? Well, they stop looking to happens? Well, they stop looking to these leaders of the synagogue and they these leaders of the synagogue and they these leaders of the synagogue and they instead start looking to Paul. I think instead start looking to Paul. I think instead start looking to Paul. I think jealousy is a normal response for the jealousy is a normal response for the jealousy is a normal response for the human. I'm not saying it's a good thing, human. I'm not saying it's a good thing, human. I'm not saying it's a good thing, but I'm saying I see it in myself. It's but I'm saying I see it in myself. It's but I'm saying I see it in myself. It's a normal response for the human when we a normal response for the human when we a normal response for the human when we feel control stripped away from us. feel control stripped away from us. feel control stripped away from us. Now, this jealousy ends up blinding Now, this jealousy ends up blinding Now, this jealousy ends up blinding them. Isn't it fascinating and kind of them. Isn't it fascinating and kind of them. Isn't it fascinating and kind of ironic that the very people who were ironic that the very people who were ironic that the very people who were deeply rooted in the Old Testament, who deeply rooted in the Old Testament, who deeply rooted in the Old Testament, who knew the messianic promises, who knew knew the messianic promises, who knew knew the messianic promises, who knew what God was promising to do in his what God was promising to do in his what God was promising to do in his coming servant, who was going to reign coming servant, who was going to reign coming servant, who was going to reign over God's people and redeem them. These over God's people and redeem them. These over God's people and redeem them. These very same people who knew everything, very same people who knew everything, very same people who knew everything, fail to see it when it comes to them.

fail to see it when it comes to them. fail to see it when it comes to them. Their jealousy has blinded them. It's Their jealousy has blinded them. It's Their jealousy has blinded them. It's blinded them to spiritual realities, but blinded them to spiritual realities, but blinded them to spiritual realities, but it's blinded them so much they start it's blinded them so much they start it's blinded them so much they start seeing the world incorrectly. Isn't it seeing the world incorrectly. Isn't it seeing the world incorrectly. Isn't it quite ironic that the [snorts] very quite ironic that the [snorts] very quite ironic that the [snorts] very people who start a riot, who travel people who start a riot, who travel people who start a riot, who travel again 50 miles by foot to oppose someone again 50 miles by foot to oppose someone again 50 miles by foot to oppose someone else's teaching in another city, who else's teaching in another city, who else's teaching in another city, who kidnap Paul's friend just because he's kidnap Paul's friend just because he's kidnap Paul's friend just because he's his friend and who's hosting him in his his friend and who's hosting him in his his friend and who's hosting him in his house, who kidnap him and bring him in house, who kidnap him and bring him in house, who kidnap him and bring him in front of the city officials, that they front of the city officials, that they front of the city officials, that they would then have the audacity to point to would then have the audacity to point to would then have the audacity to point to the officials and say, "Hey, listen. the officials and say, "Hey, listen. the officials and say, "Hey, listen. These guys are causing trouble. They are These guys are causing trouble. They are These guys are causing trouble. They are the ones who have caused trouble. the ones who have caused trouble. the ones who have caused trouble. The jealousy has blinded them. You might The jealousy has blinded them. You might The jealousy has blinded them. You might be thinking, I'm not a jealous person. be thinking, I'm not a jealous person. be thinking, I'm not a jealous person. I'd beg you to reconsider. I'd beg you to reconsider. I'd beg you to reconsider. We are. I'm jealous every day. I don't We are. I'm jealous every day. I don't We are. I'm jealous every day. I don't like to see it. But when I am jealous, I like to see it. But when I am jealous, I like to see it. But when I am jealous, I am blinded because as I become jealous, am blinded because as I become jealous, am blinded because as I become jealous, I hoard my life. I say, "I don't want I hoard my life. I say, "I don't want I hoard my life. I say, "I don't want you to rule it, King Jesus. I want it. I you to rule it, King Jesus. I want it. I you to rule it, King Jesus. I want it. I want the glory. I want the influence. I want the glory. I want the influence. I want the glory. I want the influence. I want the strength. I want the power.

want the strength. I want the power. want the strength. I want the power. Could it be whether you believe in Jesus Could it be whether you believe in Jesus Could it be whether you believe in Jesus or not? Could it be that some of the or not? Could it be that some of the or not? Could it be that some of the reason that you resist the message of reason that you resist the message of reason that you resist the message of Jesus is because you might be jealous to Jesus is because you might be jealous to Jesus is because you might be jealous to you don't want to surrender the control you don't want to surrender the control you don't want to surrender the control that you have over your life. that you have over your life. that you have over your life. Some receive God's word and accept the Some receive God's word and accept the Some receive God's word and accept the message that Jesus is Messiah. and message that Jesus is Messiah. and message that Jesus is Messiah. and others reject God's word and deny the others reject God's word and deny the others reject God's word and deny the message that Jesus is Messiah. message that Jesus is Messiah. message that Jesus is Messiah. As we leave today, I want to cons I want As we leave today, I want to cons I want As we leave today, I want to cons I want to put two things before you depending to put two things before you depending to put two things before you depending on which camp to actually consider as on which camp to actually consider as on which camp to actually consider as you walk out. The first thing is this. you walk out. The first thing is this. you walk out. The first thing is this. To the one who has received God's To the one who has received God's To the one who has received God's message about Jesus, I want to encourage message about Jesus, I want to encourage message about Jesus, I want to encourage you to gratefully reflect in the days you to gratefully reflect in the days you to gratefully reflect in the days ahead on what Jesus has accomplished as ahead on what Jesus has accomplished as ahead on what Jesus has accomplished as your Messiah. Isn't it again, isn't it a your Messiah. Isn't it again, isn't it a your Messiah. Isn't it again, isn't it a good thing to know that your sins have good thing to know that your sins have good thing to know that your sins have been forgiven? Isn't it a good thing to been forgiven? Isn't it a good thing to been forgiven? Isn't it a good thing to know that as you navigate this life, you know that as you navigate this life, you know that as you navigate this life, you walk through this terrible world that we walk through this terrible world that we walk through this terrible world that we call life? It's scary. Isn't it a good call life? It's scary. Isn't it a good call life? It's scary. Isn't it a good thing to know that your savior Jesus thing to know that your savior Jesus thing to know that your savior Jesus Christ sits on the throne of God and Christ sits on the throne of God and Christ sits on the throne of God and watches over you? Isn't it a good thing watches over you? Isn't it a good thing watches over you? Isn't it a good thing to know that every spiritual blessing to know that every spiritual blessing to know that every spiritual blessing has been handed over you, handed over to has been handed over you, handed over to has been handed over you, handed over to you because you have Jesus? Isn't it a you because you have Jesus? Isn't it a you because you have Jesus? Isn't it a good thing to know that Jesus's good thing to know that Jesus's good thing to know that Jesus's inheritance as our king has now become inheritance as our king has now become inheritance as our king has now become yours? Isn't it a good thing to know yours? Isn't it a good thing to know yours? Isn't it a good thing to know that the peace that is promised in the that the peace that is promised in the that the peace that is promised in the Messiah is now yours? The joy, the joy Messiah is now yours? The joy, the joy Messiah is now yours? The joy, the joy in God's presence, everlasting. That it in God's presence, everlasting. That it in God's presence, everlasting. That it has now become yours. Why? Not because has now become yours. Why? Not because has now become yours. Why? Not because we deserve it, but because Jesus has

we deserve it, but because Jesus has we deserve it, but because Jesus has given it to us by grace. Isn't that a given it to us by grace. Isn't that a given it to us by grace. Isn't that a wonderful, wonderful message? wonderful, wonderful message? wonderful, wonderful message? I would beg you if you call upon the I would beg you if you call upon the I would beg you if you call upon the name of the Lord, let your heart be name of the Lord, let your heart be name of the Lord, let your heart be stirred to devotion. Let your heart be stirred to devotion. Let your heart be stirred to devotion. Let your heart be stirred to gratitude because your King stirred to gratitude because your King stirred to gratitude because your King Jesus Christ reigns. Jesus Christ reigns. Jesus Christ reigns. The second thing I'd encourage you to The second thing I'd encourage you to The second thing I'd encourage you to consider if you have not yet received consider if you have not yet received consider if you have not yet received Jesus in this message about Jesus, I'd Jesus in this message about Jesus, I'd Jesus in this message about Jesus, I'd encourage you to thoughtfully consider encourage you to thoughtfully consider encourage you to thoughtfully consider what Jesus offers as the Messiah. what Jesus offers as the Messiah. what Jesus offers as the Messiah. There's a lot of things There's a lot of things There's a lot of things that might keep us from receiving that that might keep us from receiving that that might keep us from receiving that message about Jesus. There's a lot of message about Jesus. There's a lot of message about Jesus. There's a lot of things that make us want to reject him. things that make us want to reject him. things that make us want to reject him. But I'd love for you just to focus and But I'd love for you just to focus and But I'd love for you just to focus and think about what he offers you. think about what he offers you. think about what he offers you. Remember, Jesus is not just a king. He Remember, Jesus is not just a king. He Remember, Jesus is not just a king. He is a king and he rules over our lives. is a king and he rules over our lives. is a king and he rules over our lives. But he's not simply a king. He is the But he's not simply a king. He is the But he's not simply a king. He is the Messiah, the suffering servant who takes Messiah, the suffering servant who takes Messiah, the suffering servant who takes away our sin, our shame, and our pain.

away our sin, our shame, and our pain. away our sin, our shame, and our pain. And he offers us a new life. Won't you And he offers us a new life. Won't you And he offers us a new life. Won't you let Jesus serve you today? Yes, he will let Jesus serve you today? Yes, he will let Jesus serve you today? Yes, he will call you to serve him in response, but call you to serve him in response, but call you to serve him in response, but you can't serve Jesus enough to make him you can't serve Jesus enough to make him you can't serve Jesus enough to make him serve you. No, he serves us first and serve you. No, he serves us first and serve you. No, he serves us first and then enables us to serve him. What a then enables us to serve him. What a then enables us to serve him. What a gift it is to be served by the risen gift it is to be served by the risen gift it is to be served by the risen Lord, the son of God, Jesus Christ, the Lord, the son of God, Jesus Christ, the Lord, the son of God, Jesus Christ, the righteous one. righteous one. righteous one. I'm not asking you to change your mind I'm not asking you to change your mind I'm not asking you to change your mind first and foremost. I'm asking you to first and foremost. I'm asking you to first and foremost. I'm asking you to meet my friend, to talk with him, and to meet my friend, to talk with him, and to meet my friend, to talk with him, and to know that he offers to serve you by know that he offers to serve you by know that he offers to serve you by giving his life. Let me pray for us. giving his life. Let me pray for us. giving his life. Let me pray for us. Father, would you bring to mind the Father, would you bring to mind the Father, would you bring to mind the things that might inhibit us from things that might inhibit us from things that might inhibit us from knowing you, from trusting you, from knowing you, from trusting you, from knowing you, from trusting you, from loving you, from following after you? I loving you, from following after you? I loving you, from following after you? I pray Lord that you would help us receive pray Lord that you would help us receive pray Lord that you would help us receive the message about Jesus and not just the message about Jesus and not just the message about Jesus and not just receive it but also not reject it. Lord receive it but also not reject it. Lord receive it but also not reject it. Lord I pray that you'd help us see more and I pray that you'd help us see more and I pray that you'd help us see more and more of what those things are in our more of what those things are in our more of what those things are in our heart that prevent us from accepting.

heart that prevent us from accepting. heart that prevent us from accepting. And Lord, as we follow after you and as And Lord, as we follow after you and as And Lord, as we follow after you and as we seek you, I pray that we would always we seek you, I pray that we would always we seek you, I pray that we would always remember that the reason we can the remember that the reason we can the remember that the reason we can the [snorts] reason we can know you and [snorts] reason we can know you and [snorts] reason we can know you and follow you is because Jesus Christ, our follow you is because Jesus Christ, our follow you is because Jesus Christ, our Messiah, has enabled it in us. Thank Messiah, has enabled it in us. Thank Messiah, has enabled it in us. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Jesus, that now you, Lord. Thank you, Jesus, that now you, Lord. Thank you, Jesus, that now that you sit at the throne of God, you that you sit at the throne of God, you that you sit at the throne of God, you live to make intercession for us. We live to make intercession for us. We live to make intercession for us. We love you. We praise you. In your name we love you. We praise you. In your name we love you. We praise you. In your name we pray. Amen.