Salem Church
Unstoppable Kingdom
Globally: Fear Not
Locations & Times
Clove Lakes Campus
634 Clove Rd, Staten Island, NY 10310, USA
Sunday 8:00 AM
Sunday 9:45 AM
Sunday 11:30 AM
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Unstoppable Kingdom
Globally: Fear Not
Acts 25:1-27
Fear is a part of life. People are afraid of all sorts of things. We’re familiar with different kinds of fears: Arachnophobia (spiders), Claustrophobia (tight spaces), and Acrophobia (heights). But, maybe you’re not so familiar with Globophobia (balloons), Chicle-phobia (chewing gum), or Omphalo-phobia (belly buttons).
We can laugh, but one of the strongest emotions that human beings face in life is fear. It is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. In some cases, fear is just a few butterflies in our stomach and in other cases it is totally debilitating. In some cases, we can press through our fears to do what is right and in other cases fear causes us to give up, give in, or worse. Fear is not sinful, in fact it is commanded throughout the Scriptures.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…”Proverbs 1:7a
“And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” Luke 1:50
“Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!”Psalm 33:8
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
“The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.” Oswald Chambers – Our problem isn’t fear, but mis-placed fear!
Main Idea: The Unstoppable Kingdom Calls us to Fear the King, and Nothing Else
As we are following the Apostle Paul’s life as a missionary, church planter, and theologian we are amazed at how fearless he appears to be. Today, we will look at yet another moment where his life hangs in the balance and yet, he remains steadfast in his faith in and fear of God alone.
“Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. ‘So,’ said he, ‘let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.’ After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. Paul argued in his defense, ‘Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.’ But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, ‘Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?’ But Paul said, ‘I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.’ Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, ‘To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.’ Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, ‘There is a man left prisoner by Felix, and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.’ Then Agrippa said to Festus, ‘I would like to hear the man myself.’ ‘Tomorrow,’ said he, ‘you will hear him.’ So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. And Festus said, ‘King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.” Acts 25:1-27
Five Things that Kingdom Citizens Need Not Fear in Acts 25:1-27
I. Fear of Change – Acts 25:1-5
Paul was in a season of having very little control over where he was, where he was going, and what he would be doing under arrest by the Romans. He knew that powerful forces were in play, trying to position themselves to take his life, and that other powerful forces had ulterior motives.
“Asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.”Acts 25:3
About one third of all people have a significant fear of change. Many of us just want things to stay the same. Many live in fear of fully surrendering themselves to the Lord for what it means…what will change.
“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”Deuteronomy 31:8
Citizenship in the kingdom will change things, but you’re never alone!
II. Fear of Being Misunderstood – Acts 25:6-8
Paul never intended to harm his Jewish neighbors or do damage to the Jewish people. To the contrary, he was trying to help them see that Jesus was their Messiah and was their only hope! Yet, they did not understand or want to understand. That is why they were pushing for his execution. But…
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16
Christians are constantly misunderstood in our culture. You just want to control me…you just want my money…you’re just a bigot…etc.
Believers do not want anything FROM YOU, but something FOR YOU!
You will never be likable enough for the world to love you. Never! The world misunderstood the Old Testament prophets, Jesus, the apostles, the Church Fathers, and they will misunderstand you. Expect it! But don’t fear it!
III. Fear of Death – Acts 25:9-12
Paul’s concern was not freedom, or even his own life. He was willing to die, if necessary or just. His concern was the Unstoppable Kingdom of God!
“If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death…”Acts 25:11a
People say that they are not afraid of dying, they are just afraid of the WAY they are going to die. That makes sense. Approximately half of the population maintains a fear of dying, but not Paul.
“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”Philippians 1:21
As we fear God, we lose our fear of death. God changes our priorities.
“Not death but sin should be a great fear.”A.W. Tozer
IV. Fear of Powerful People – Acts 25:13-23
Festus, Agrippa, Bernice, the Jewish Leadership, and Caesar (Nero) were all involved at some level. Paul showed respect, but never fear to these powerful people. The pomp and ceremony surrounding the arrival of this earthly king was not impressive to Paul whatsoever. He knew the future!
We are a society enamored with fame, fortune, power, & beauty, but, why?
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my name’s sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.”Matthew 10:16-19
Citizens should not fear those whose power is temporary!
V. Fear of Large Crowds – Acts 25:24-27
The bigger the crowd, the greater the kingdom opportunity.
There was one study that showed that people fear public speaking more than even death. So, we would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy!
We should not pursue large crowds, or huge platforms. But if God chooses to give us one then we should leverage it for the Kingdom!
Conclusion: What made Paul fearless and everyone else fearful? Festus explains,
“Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.”Acts 25:19 – This is what separates Fearless and Fearful
“Because he lives, I can face tomorrow. Because he lives, all fear is gone. Because I know, he holds the future. And life is worth the living, just because he lives.” Bill & Gloria Gaither
I don’t know what you’re afraid of. But Jesus is alive, his Kingdom is Unstoppable, and you do not have to fear…
Main Idea: The Unstoppable Kingdom Calls us to Fear the King, and Nothing Else
Sources and Further Reading Opportunities:
CSB Study Bible – Trevin Wax, General Editor (2021)
The Bible Exposition Commentary – Warren Wiersbe (1996)
The New American Commentary: Acts – John B. Polhill (1992)
Acts: Bible Study Commentary – F.F. Bruce (2017)
Acts for Everyone – N.T. Wright (2008)
Acts: The Church Afire – Kent Hughes (1996)
Acts - John MacArthur (1994)
Acts – K.O. Gangle (1998)
The Kingdom of God – Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1992)
The Message of Acts – John Stott (1994)
Kingdom First – Jeff Christopherson (2015)
The Acts of the Apostles – William Barclay (1976)
Unstoppable Kingdom
Globally: Fear Not
Acts 25:1-27
Fear is a part of life. People are afraid of all sorts of things. We’re familiar with different kinds of fears: Arachnophobia (spiders), Claustrophobia (tight spaces), and Acrophobia (heights). But, maybe you’re not so familiar with Globophobia (balloons), Chicle-phobia (chewing gum), or Omphalo-phobia (belly buttons).
We can laugh, but one of the strongest emotions that human beings face in life is fear. It is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. In some cases, fear is just a few butterflies in our stomach and in other cases it is totally debilitating. In some cases, we can press through our fears to do what is right and in other cases fear causes us to give up, give in, or worse. Fear is not sinful, in fact it is commanded throughout the Scriptures.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…”Proverbs 1:7a
“And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” Luke 1:50
“Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!”Psalm 33:8
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
“The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.” Oswald Chambers – Our problem isn’t fear, but mis-placed fear!
Main Idea: The Unstoppable Kingdom Calls us to Fear the King, and Nothing Else
As we are following the Apostle Paul’s life as a missionary, church planter, and theologian we are amazed at how fearless he appears to be. Today, we will look at yet another moment where his life hangs in the balance and yet, he remains steadfast in his faith in and fear of God alone.
“Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. ‘So,’ said he, ‘let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him.’ After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove. Paul argued in his defense, ‘Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.’ But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, ‘Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?’ But Paul said, ‘I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.’ Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, ‘To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.’ Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and greeted Festus. And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, ‘There is a man left prisoner by Felix, and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews laid out their case against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him. So when they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought. When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed. Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.’ Then Agrippa said to Festus, ‘I would like to hear the man myself.’ ‘Tomorrow,’ said he, ‘you will hear him.’ So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city. Then, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. And Festus said, ‘King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And as he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to go ahead and send him. But I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that, after we have examined him, I may have something to write. For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him.” Acts 25:1-27
Five Things that Kingdom Citizens Need Not Fear in Acts 25:1-27
I. Fear of Change – Acts 25:1-5
Paul was in a season of having very little control over where he was, where he was going, and what he would be doing under arrest by the Romans. He knew that powerful forces were in play, trying to position themselves to take his life, and that other powerful forces had ulterior motives.
“Asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.”Acts 25:3
About one third of all people have a significant fear of change. Many of us just want things to stay the same. Many live in fear of fully surrendering themselves to the Lord for what it means…what will change.
“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”Deuteronomy 31:8
Citizenship in the kingdom will change things, but you’re never alone!
II. Fear of Being Misunderstood – Acts 25:6-8
Paul never intended to harm his Jewish neighbors or do damage to the Jewish people. To the contrary, he was trying to help them see that Jesus was their Messiah and was their only hope! Yet, they did not understand or want to understand. That is why they were pushing for his execution. But…
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16
Christians are constantly misunderstood in our culture. You just want to control me…you just want my money…you’re just a bigot…etc.
Believers do not want anything FROM YOU, but something FOR YOU!
You will never be likable enough for the world to love you. Never! The world misunderstood the Old Testament prophets, Jesus, the apostles, the Church Fathers, and they will misunderstand you. Expect it! But don’t fear it!
III. Fear of Death – Acts 25:9-12
Paul’s concern was not freedom, or even his own life. He was willing to die, if necessary or just. His concern was the Unstoppable Kingdom of God!
“If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death…”Acts 25:11a
People say that they are not afraid of dying, they are just afraid of the WAY they are going to die. That makes sense. Approximately half of the population maintains a fear of dying, but not Paul.
“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”Philippians 1:21
As we fear God, we lose our fear of death. God changes our priorities.
“Not death but sin should be a great fear.”A.W. Tozer
IV. Fear of Powerful People – Acts 25:13-23
Festus, Agrippa, Bernice, the Jewish Leadership, and Caesar (Nero) were all involved at some level. Paul showed respect, but never fear to these powerful people. The pomp and ceremony surrounding the arrival of this earthly king was not impressive to Paul whatsoever. He knew the future!
We are a society enamored with fame, fortune, power, & beauty, but, why?
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my name’s sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.”Matthew 10:16-19
Citizens should not fear those whose power is temporary!
V. Fear of Large Crowds – Acts 25:24-27
The bigger the crowd, the greater the kingdom opportunity.
There was one study that showed that people fear public speaking more than even death. So, we would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy!
We should not pursue large crowds, or huge platforms. But if God chooses to give us one then we should leverage it for the Kingdom!
Conclusion: What made Paul fearless and everyone else fearful? Festus explains,
“Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.”Acts 25:19 – This is what separates Fearless and Fearful
“Because he lives, I can face tomorrow. Because he lives, all fear is gone. Because I know, he holds the future. And life is worth the living, just because he lives.” Bill & Gloria Gaither
I don’t know what you’re afraid of. But Jesus is alive, his Kingdom is Unstoppable, and you do not have to fear…
Main Idea: The Unstoppable Kingdom Calls us to Fear the King, and Nothing Else
Sources and Further Reading Opportunities:
CSB Study Bible – Trevin Wax, General Editor (2021)
The Bible Exposition Commentary – Warren Wiersbe (1996)
The New American Commentary: Acts – John B. Polhill (1992)
Acts: Bible Study Commentary – F.F. Bruce (2017)
Acts for Everyone – N.T. Wright (2008)
Acts: The Church Afire – Kent Hughes (1996)
Acts - John MacArthur (1994)
Acts – K.O. Gangle (1998)
The Kingdom of God – Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1992)
The Message of Acts – John Stott (1994)
Kingdom First – Jeff Christopherson (2015)
The Acts of the Apostles – William Barclay (1976)
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