Turning The World Upside Down

TURNING THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
Acts 17:1-15
In this book, it is apparent that the gospel has been turning the world upside down - from Jerusalem to a number of cities of the ancient world.
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The gospel impact in Paul's life:
1. His world always revolved around the synagogue. Now is still the same, but with a different purpose - to convert people in the Name of Christ.
2. Why does he keep sticking to this strategy where he rarely left unharmed?
Paul's custom of suffering - he doesn't care about "his" world anymore with regard to its comfort or longevity. Paul had learned that "to live is Christ, and to die is gain".
"The world gets turned upside down by people whose lives have been turned upside down by the gospel."
He so loves the church that he is willing to give up his life for them.
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- Paul reasons out with Scripture. He always does this in every city he goes to - whether before Jews or Greeks.
In this, we are reminded that it is not just zeal and passion that qualify people for evangelism but also being equipped and trained.
- When the gospel turns the world upside down, it doesn't always come in peace - yes peace to the hearts of the believers - but turmoil in the hearts of some as well.
"The good in turning the world upside down by the gospel of grace is because it's already upside down and it is just right for us to flip it back right up."
- the Bereans knew that the Scripture is the chief authority.
To fail to set aside everything that is taught you for what the Bible clearly teaches is idolatry.
To be like the Bereans is to receive the Word with all eagerness and to examine it daily to see if it is true.