Spiritual Warfare

Acts 13:4-12
There is something fascinating about the beginning of great things, Mississippi River, Pilgrims at Plymouth. Here we witness the beginning of Missions to the whole World.

I: Cyprus, Barnabas, and Saul.
1. Cyprus is a fitting place to preach, 390 miles long.
2. Barnabas had many friends and families he knew.
3. Barnabas had long recognized Saul’s worth.
4. Saul becomes Paul and Barnabas takes 2nd place.
5. The Holy Spirit knew whom to send with Saul of Tarsus to turn him in to Paul, the beloved.

II: Sergius Paulus.
1. A thoughtful man and one of prominence.
2. Dissatisfied with the Religions he knew.
3. He wanted to hear these Missionaries.
4. But Elymas withstood them.
a. He deliberately tried to stop the truth.
b. He stood too loose Material Gains.

III: Spiritual Warfare:
1. The battle lines were drawn.
2. Here we see the Forces of Darkness ranged against the Power of Light.
3. The High Stakes here are the souls of a man.
4. Here Paul would learn about Christian armor.
5. “You Son of the Devil, You enemy of all true goodness, you monster of trickery and evil! Is it not high time you gave up trying to prevent the truth of the Lord? Now listen, the Lord himself will touch you…”
6. Soul winning is a Spiritual Conflict and the Devil has his ways of keeping Christians from winning others.

IV: The Danger of “Standing in the Way of Sinners.”
1. God can’t bless this man.
2. Christians need to be very careful where they stand.
3. It can be carelessness, wordiness, pleasures, material things.
4. “It’s nobodies business if I …” “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

V: The Spiritual Battle must be Fought.
1. “Faint hear never won fair lady. Faint hearts never won lost people.”
2. We are more than willing to fight for things of life.
3. What would happen in our church if we gave God’s Work the same loyalty we give pleasures and Material Pursuits?
4. Paul was willing to enter the battle for the Souls of men.