Bible Study Project Application Assignment
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
BIBL104
Subject
Religion
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by AmbassadorSealPerson1032
BIBL 104
Name: Jeffery Taylor
B
IBLE
S
TUDY
P
ROJECT
: A
PPLICATION
T
EMPLATE
Passage: Acts 19:11-22
1.
The Question of Duty:
In Acts 19: 11-22, disciples of Jesus Christ are reminded of the church’s duty to effectively evangelize. We see that Paul was used by God in unusual or extraordinary ways such that many people were healed and delivered. The application here is that we must be willing to trust and allow God to perform His ministry through us at His discretion. We must also take the Gospel to hurt people and not simply rely on hurt people to walk through the doors of our local churches. Meeting people wherever they are in life establishes trust and secures permission for us to minister. We must remember that Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel unto every creature” (Mark 16: 15). This passage is a clear example of the action word “go” that Jesus used in Mark 16. This passage also establishes that we, as the church, possess the
good news of Jesus Christ and that this Gospel is indeed “the power of God unto salvation for everyone that believes” (Romans 1: 16). As we proclaim the Gospel through effective means of evangelism, we become imitators of Christ and His ministry. As Paul said, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher” (Romans 10: 14)?
2.
The Question of Character
This passage in Acts 19: 11-22 is a key passage that provides insight into the importance of checking our motives and intentions while in ministry. Consider the itinerant Jewish exorcists who took it upon themselves to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. We can deduce from the phrase “we exorcise you by the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches” (Acts 19: 13) that these exorcists did not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. We must remember that worshiping God always precedes serving God. As Jesus reminded Satan in the wilderness, “Away with you Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve” (Matthew 4: 10). Second, the seven sons of Sceva demonstrate that we cannot rely on our power and resources to minister as they tried and were defeated. Consider, Acts 10: 38 – “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Our character must be transformed by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit before we engage in effective evangelistic ministry. This is the prescription
that Jesus provided moments before His ascension as recorded in Acts 1: 8 – “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me…”
3.
The Question of Goals
This passage in Acts 19: 11-22 paints a vivid picture of what the goal should be in every ministry. As we effectively minister through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit our goal should
BIBL 104
be to witness the redemption of those we are ministering to. I am reminded of Paul’s words as recorded in 2 Corinthians 4: 3-4 – “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” I think too often we create, develop, and implement church-growth programs that are too heavily focused on putting people in pews. Although this seems noble in nature, it lacks the New Testament directive given by Christ. Notice what Jesus said in the Great Commission – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28: 19 NKJV). The New Testament hinges on the action word “go.” Our goal is to go into our homes, neighborhoods, cities, and beyond effectively proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We can Paul obeying the New Testament directive within the city of Ephesus. He is actively preaching and yielding himself to the use of the Holy Spirit such that repentance and deliverance are clearly witnessed.
4.
The Question of Discernment
This passage in Acts 19: 11-22 provides an opportunity for us to consider or discern the motives of certain characters within the passage. The itinerant Jewish exorcists were motivated by or at least influenced by the working of the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul. The fact that they “took it upon themselves to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19: 13 NKJV) indicates that they failed to understand that the miracles were acts of the Holy Spirit and not acts of Paul. In addition, the seven sons of Sceva also attempted to perform ministry with wrong or misunderstood intentions. As we minister we must be careful to check our intentions and motives
such that all glory and honor is bestowed upon Jesus Christ. Ecclesiastes 12: 14 – “For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Knowing that God examines the intentions of our hearts should influence us to reflect all praise, honor, and
glory back to Him just as this passage indicates in Acts 19: 17 – “and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.” Matthew 5: 16 – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help