Bill Acton :: Acts 19 - The Third Missionary Journey (Part 1)

Sermon Outline for Acts 19

The Third Missionary Journey (Part 1)

The Witness in Ephesus

1. The Introduction to Paul’s Witness – Act 19:1-7
   1. The disciples of John the Baptist – Act 19:1-3
   2. Paul’s question to them – Act 19:2
      1. He discerned a problem
         1. There was something missing
         2. The similar problem of Apollos
      2. “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
   3. Their answer: “No, we have not even heard about the Holy Spirit.” – Act 19:2
   4. Paul’s second question: “What baptism did you receive?” – Act 19:3
   5. Their answer: “The baptism of John the Baptist.”
   6. Paul’s reply
      1. The baptism of John was a baptism of repentance – Act 19:4
      2. He taught them about Christ
   7. The result
      1. They were baptized in the name of Christ – Act 19:5
      2. The Holy Spirit came to indwell them – Act 19:6
      3. They received two gifts
         1. The gift of languages
         2. The gift of prophecy
2. The Lessons Learned
   1. The condition of the men
      1. They were not saved
      2. They did not know the grace of God
      3. They did not have faith in Christ
      4. John’s baptism did not bring salvation
   2. The ministry of Paul
      1. What he did
         1. He taught them about Christ
         2. They were baptized in the name of Christ
      2. What he did not do
         1. He did not teach about the Holy Spirit
         2. He did not teach about the baptism of the Holy Spirit
         3. He did not teach two baptisms
         4. He did not press for a second experience
         5. He did not teach second blessing, deeper commitment, more faith, greater yieldedness or agonizing waiting
   3. The effect of that ministry
      1. Through faith in Christ the Holy Spirit came to indwell
      2. Two spiritual gifts were given
         1. The gift of languages
            1. A sign gift to unbelieving Jews
            2. An announcement that God was turning from the Jews to the Gentiles
            3. The gift was associated with the Apostles
            4. The gift ceased with the Apostles
         2. The gift of prophecy
            1. The proclamation of God’s Truth
            2. The purpose of edification
3. The Holy Spirit in Our Life
   1. Believe in the Son - the Holy Spirit lives within – Jhn 7:37-39; Rom 8:9; 1Co 3:16; 6:19; 1Jo 3:24
   2. Live and walk in the Spirit
      1. Accept His Person
      2. Acknowledge His Presence
      3. Agree with His Purpose
      4. Appropriate His Power
         1. Fresh Faith
         2. Fresh Fruit