Sermon Title: RISE UP

Verse Focus: Acts 19:21-41

CBS Oct 08, 2024

Central Idea:
When our faith is tested, God uses these challenges to strengthen. We are called to rise up in faith,
trusting that faith tested is faith strengthened.

Introduction:
Good evening, everyone!
It’s great to see our community gathered together this evening. As we go through life, we all face
challenges, whether in our families, our workplaces, or right here in the broader community. We
experience moments when our faith is tested.
But here’s what I want you to hold onto tonight: when your faith is tested, God is working to strengthen
it. Faith tested is faith strengthened. In the story we’ll look at tonight, Paul and his companions faced a
major challenge in the city of Ephesus. Through their experience, we will learn three key lessons about
how we can rise up when our faith is tested (—lessons about Growth, Grace, and God's Guidance.)

1. Growth Through Opposition

 Text: Acts 19:23-27
Let’s start by reading verses 23-27. Here, we see that Paul’s ministry in Ephesus was having a huge
impact. People were turning away from their idols and false gods, and this caused tension because it
hurt the local economy—especially for those who made a living selling idols.
Demetrius, a silversmith who made idols of Artemis, gathered his fellow craftsmen and stirred up a riot
against Paul. The gospel was disrupting their way of life, and when that happens, opposition often
follows.
But here’s the important truth for us: Faith tested is faith strengthened. Faith that never faces
opposition rarely has the chance to grow. It’s in the heat of challenges that our spiritual muscles are
strengthened.

Supporting Verse:
James 1:2-4 (NIV) – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many
kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its
work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
This passage reminds us that the testing of our faith is meant to produce perseverance, helping us to
grow stronger and become more spiritually mature.

Application:
In our life, we might face situations where standing up for our faith puts us in conflict with the values or
practices around us. Maybe it's a personal decision to live with integrity when others aren’t, or standing
firm on what is right even when it’s unpopular. These moments of testing aren’t there to tear us down—
they are opportunities for our faith to grow.
Illustration:
There was a man I knew who worked in an industry that thrived on dishonesty. After becoming a
Christian, he realized that staying in that environment meant compromising his faith. He chose to leave
that job, even though it was financially difficult. But over time, as he trusted God, new doors opened,
and his faith grew deeper.
Faith grows stronger when faced with challenges.. When our faith is tested, God is calling us to rise up
and grow through the challenge.
2. Grace in the Midst of Conflict
 Text: Acts 19:28-34
Next, the opposition escalated into a riot. People were shouting, chaos was everywhere, and Paul’s
companions were dragged into the theater. It seemed like everything was spinning out of control.
But in the midst of this chaos, God’s grace appeared. The city clerk stepped in, calmed the crowd, and
brought peace to the situation. Even though this man wasn’t a believer, God used him as an instrument
of peace.
The lesson for us is this: Faith tested is faith strengthened when we experience God's grace. Conflict
might be inevitable (dili malihayan), but God’s grace is always available. We may not always be able to
avoid conflict—whether it’s at home, at work, or in the community—but God’s grace sustains us.

Supporting Verse:
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s
power may rest on me.”
This verse reminds us that God’s grace is sufficient, especially in moments of weakness and conflict. His
grace gives us the strength we need to keep moving forward.

Application: in the midst of chaos of our life or

If you’re going through conflict right now, remember that God’s grace is with you. His grace will carry you
through, even when the situation feels chaotic. God’s grace doesn’t just remove the conflict; it sustains
us through it, giving us the strength to respond in love and peace.
Illustration:
I remember a woman in our community who had been in conflict with her neighbor for years. Every
interaction turned into an argument. After praying about it, she felt led to start showing kindness, even
though nothing had changed. Slowly, things began to soften between them, and eventually, their
relationship was restored.
In the midst of chaos, God’s grace shows up in unexpected ways. Just like in Ephesus, God can bring
peace where there was once hostility (kagubot).

3. Guided by God's Sovereignty

 Text: Acts 19:35-41
And also, the city clerk’s intervention in the riot shows us how God’s sovereignty was at work behind the
scenes. He calmed the crowd and helped resolve the conflict without violence. Even though it seemed
like things were falling apart, God was guiding the situation according to His plan.
Here’s the truth: Faith tested is faith strengthened when we trust in God’s sovereign guidance. God is
not absent in the storm—He is directing it for His glory and our good.

Supporting Verse:
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in
all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This familiar verse teaches us to trust in God’s guidance, even when we don’t fully understand the
situation. When our faith is tested, we can rest in the assurance that God is guiding our path.

Application:
In our community, we may face challenges that feel beyond our control—whether it’s financial struggles,
health crises, or difficult decisions. But we can rest knowing that God’s sovereignty is always at work.
When we can’t see the way forward, faith trusts in the unseen guidance of God’s sovereignty.
Illustration:
There was a family in our community that went through a long period of financial hardship. They were
overwhelmed by bills, job loss, and uncertainty about the future. But as they prayed and trusted in God’s
guidance, He provided for them in unexpected ways. Over time, they saw how God had been guiding
their steps even in the most challenging times.
God’s sovereignty is always at work, even when we can’t see it clearly. He is leading us toward His
purpose, and our faith is strengthened when we trust His guidance.

Conclusion:
As we reflect on Acts 19:21-41, remember this: Faith tested is faith strengthened. God uses the tests we
face to help us grow, to show us His grace, and to remind us of His guidance.
When opposition comes, when conflict arises, and when life feels out of control, we can rise up in faith,
knowing that God is using every test to strengthen us.

Challenge Question:
So as you leave tonight, ask yourself: When your faith is tested, do you see it as a roadblock or as an
opportunity for growth? How can you trust in God's grace and guidance in your current challenges?
Remember, God is always at work. He is growing you, showing you His grace, and guiding you every step
of the way. Faith tested is faith strengthened.

Closing Prayer:
Let’s close in prayer.
Father, we thank You that when our faith is tested, You are strengthening us for the journey ahead. Help
us to grow through opposition, to rely on Your grace in conflict, and to trust Your guidance in every step.
Give us the strength to rise up in faith and follow You more closely. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.