The Gospel Opposed

Sunday, February 15, 2026
Pastor Jojo Ma

Sermon Video

23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.” 28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s companions in travel.

I.          Faithful proclamation evokes angry opposition
II.        Angry opposition is rooted in realms of darkness
III.       Realms of darkness are no match for our sovereign God

I.         Faithful proclamation evokes angry opposition
28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel.

If we feel no attack, if we sense no tension with the world of unbelief, if we are comfortable in life and with our sins and just cruising, we must examine ourselves and our faith.

37 For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess.

25 These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26 And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27 And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship.” 28 When they heard this they were enraged.

The main focus should be to live godly lives that reflect the truth of the gospel and to proclaim that gospel with our mouths. 

II.        Angry opposition is rooted in realms of darkness
2 Cor 4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Jn 3:19-20 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.

28 When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

We want things too much, even good things, and those become idols of the heart. The question is not if we worship but what we worship.

III.      Realms of darkness are no match for our sovereign God
Eph 1:11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.

Satan is powerful, the realms of darkness are strong, unbelievers are blinded, but God wills the victory of His church.

God brings hardships and sufferings for at least four (4) reasons: to refine our character, to increase our faith, to humble our hearts, and to focus us on eternity.

  • Am I cruising spiritually with little opposition from Satan and the world?

  • Am I fighting my sins and confronting my idols, repenting of them and looking to Christ?

  • Am I actively praying for the lost and engaging in personal evangelism, knowing that only God can unblind the blind?

  • Am I forsaking worldly pursuits and investing in my church and global missions?

  • Am I walking with the Lord, trusting Him daily, knowing He is my protection and my provision?

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