SUNDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2024
TEXT:
Acts 19:21-41
21.
Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedo’nia
and Acha’a and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also
see Rome.”
22.
And having sent into Macedo’nia two of his helpers, Timothy and Eras’tus, he
himself stayed in Asia for a while.
23.
About that time there arose no little stir concerning the Way.
24.
For a man named Dame’trius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines od Ar’temis,
brought no little business to the craftsmen.
25.
These he gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said,
“Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth.
26.
And you see and hear that not only at Ephesus but almost throughout all Asia
this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable company of people,
saying that gods made with hands are not gods.
27.
And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute
but also that the temple of the great goddess Ar’temis may count for nothing,
and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she who, all Asia and
the world worship.”
28.
When they heard this they were enraged, and cried out, “Great is Ar’temis of
the Ephesians!”
29.
SO the city was filled with the confusion; and they rushed together into the
theater, dragging with them Ga’ius and Aristar’chus, Macedo’nians who were
Paul’s companions in travel.
30.
Paul wished to go in among the crowd, but the disciples would not let him;
31.
some of the A’si-archs also, who were friends of his, sent to him and begged
him not to venture into the theater.
32.
Now some cried one thing, some another; for the assembly was in confusion, and
most of them did not know why they had come together.
33.
Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And
Alexander motioned with his hand, wishing to make a defense to the people.
34.
But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all with
one voice cried out, “Great is Ar’temis of the Ephesians!”
35.
And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, what
man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper
for the great Ar’temis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky?
36.
Seeing then that these things cannot b e contradicted, you ought to be quiet
and do nothing rash.
37.
For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor
blasphemers of our goddess.
38.
If therefore Deme’trius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against any
one, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges
against one another.
39.
But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.
40.
For we are in danger of being charged with rioting today, there being no cause
that we can give to justify this commotion.”
41.
And when he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.
(Revised Standard Version Holy
Bible)
TOPIC:
CAREFUL PLANNING AMIDST CHALLENGES
Planning is the ability
to formulate a working scheme towards achieving a set goal. In our work or walk
with the Lord, there is the need for careful planning to successfully execute
the assignment God has given to us.
Sadly, most people do
not plan because they do not understand that anyone who fails to plan, plans to
fail.
In today’s text, Paul
executed his plan through the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit.
Demetrius tried to
convince others to stir up strife against the teachings of Jesus Christ but
failed. No matter the challenges you face in ministry, you need to listen to
reliable friends and act wisely.
Note that God will
always raise men and women that will support you to surmount all hurdles
against your ministry.
QUESTION:
Are the challenges facing your ministry making you want to quit?
PRAYER:
O Lord, help me to always commit the plans for my ministry to You and give me
reliable friends and men to assist me overcome the challenges confronting my
ministry, in Jesus name. Amen.
Remain
Blessed
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