Confrontations.pdf

of the Sermon**

This morning’s sermon was a pastoral check-in on how we, as a church, are living out our vision of “Movement”—movement toward Jesus, one another, and others. We reflected on the ways the gospel both encourages and confronts us, especially as seen in Acts 19. The message of Jesus, “The Way,” doesn’t just affirm our customs and comforts; it challenges them, offering us something far greater in return: abundant life. We explored how the gospel confronts our customs by clarifying our motivations and the necessity of the Holy Spirit, and how it confronts our comforts by exposing where we find our security and calling us to deeper trust in Christ. Ultimately, Jesus confronts not to condemn, but to lovingly redirect us toward true life, comfort, and security in Him.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. The Gospel Clarifies Our “Why” Many people live out good customs—generosity, kindness, advocacy for justice—yet miss the deeper “why” that comes from knowing Christ. Without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, even the best deeds can become transactional or self-serving, lacking the fullness God intends. The gospel invites us to move from simply doing good to living out of a response to what we’ve already received in Christ. This shift transforms our actions from mere customs to Spirit-empowered expressions of God’s love.
• 2. True Power Comes Through Surrender, Not Addition The story of the Seven Sons of Sceva warns against trying to add Jesus to our own agendas or seeking His power without surrendering to His lordship. Claiming Christ without living His way leads to emptiness and even danger, as true spiritual authority is found only in submission to Jesus. We must be discerning, recognizing that the customs of Christ are not about gaining power, but about relinquishing it for the sake of love and service. Only Christ holds true power, and He does not share His throne with our ambitions.
• 3. Comforts Are Often Counterfeit Sources of Security Like Demetrius the silversmith, we all have areas where our sense of comfort and security is rooted in something other than Christ—be it career, relationships, health, or wealth. The gospel inevitably confronts these false foundations, not to shame us, but to invite us into a deeper, more lasting security. When Jesus challenges our comforts, He is offering us a way to build our lives on something unshakeable: Himself. The confrontation is an act of love, calling us to let go of what cannot ultimately satisfy.
• 4. Transformation Is More Than Temporary Peace When our customs or comforts are challenged, our first instinct may be to seek quick fixes or temporary peace, as seen in the city clerk’s appeasement in Acts 19. But Jesus offers more than relief from discomfort—He offers transformation. The way of Christ is not about quieting the storm for a moment, but about bringing lasting change, eternal comfort, and true life. We are invited to move beyond surface-level solutions and embrace the deeper work God wants to do in us.
• 5. Confrontation in Love Leads to Restoration, Not Condemnation Jesus confronts us not to condemn, but to restore. Just as we would warn someone we love if they were heading toward harm, Jesus steps into our brokenness to redirect us toward blessing. The cross is the ultimate act of loving confrontation—Jesus took on our sin and shame so we could walk in new life. When we allow Him to confront our customs and comforts, we open ourselves to the abundant life He promises, marked by true comfort, security, and identity as children of God.

1. In Acts 19, what was missing from the lives of the disciples Paul first met in Ephesus, even though they practiced good customs?
2. What happened when the Seven Sons of Sceva tried to use the name of Jesus without truly following Him?
3. How did Demetrius the silversmith react to the spread of the gospel, and what was he most concerned about losing?
4. According to Ephesians 1:13-14, what role does the Holy Spirit play in the life of a believer?

1. Why does the gospel challenge people who are already doing “good things” or living by good customs? What is the difference between doing good out of custom and doing good out of a response to Christ?
2. What does the story of the Seven Sons of Sceva teach about the dangers of trying to “add” Jesus to our own plans or seeking His power without surrender?
3. In the story of Demetrius and the riot, what deeper issue is being exposed beyond just financial loss? How does this relate to where we find our own sense of security?
4. How does Jesus’ confrontation with the rich young ruler in Mark 10 show both love and challenge? What does it reveal about the way Jesus confronts our comforts?

1. The sermon talked about being “so close” to following Jesus, but missing the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever found yourself doing good things for the wrong reasons, or out of habit rather than out of a response to God’s love? What would it look like to shift your “why”?
2. Are there areas in your life where you have tried to “add” Jesus to your own agenda, rather than surrendering your plans to Him? What would it look like to truly surrender in that area?
3. Demetrius’ comfort and security were rooted in his career and financial success. What is one area of your life where you tend to find comfort or security apart from Christ (e.g., work, relationships, health, finances)? How might Jesus be lovingly confronting that area right now?
4. When your sense of comfort or security is threatened, what is your typical response? Do you try to protect it, ignore it, or are you open to letting Jesus redirect you? Can you share a recent example?
5. The city clerk in Acts 19 offered a temporary solution to the chaos, but the gospel offers lasting transformation. Are there places in your life where you have settled for temporary peace instead of real change? What would it look like to invite Jesus into those places for deeper transformation?
6. The sermon said that Jesus confronts not to condemn, but to restore. Is there a confrontation you are experiencing right now that might actually be an invitation from Jesus to experience more of His life and comfort? How can you respond to that invitation this week?
7. Think about one practical step you could take this week to move toward Jesus, another person in the church, or someone outside the church, in light of what you’ve heard. What is it, and how can the group support you in it?