Ignorance Is Not Bliss

Acts 19:1-22

• Insight #1: You must possess the Holy Spirit in order to possess salvation. v.2 – “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” John 3:5-7
• Insight #2: Only through belief in Jesus Christ can you receive the Holy Spirit. v.5, 6 Ephesians 1:13-14
• Insight #3: Good intentions are not enough to gain entrance into God’s family. v. 4 - “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance.” Acts 4:12; John 1:12
• Resource: “How Good is Good Enough?” by Andy Stanley
• Insight #4: Ignorance is not bliss. v.2 – “We have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
• Insight #5: Stubbornness often prevents people from receiving Jesus Christ. v.9 – “Some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe.” Hebrews 3:12-13
• “Obstinate” means to harden like a stone, to set one’s jaw, to stand in opposition.
• “Refused” means to act in disobedience.
• Insight # 6: Dialogue is an excellent method for spreading the gospel.  v.9 – “…had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.”
• Insight #7: The world of Satan and demons is real. v.13-16; Ephesians 6:12
• Insight #8: God’s power is not in the Name of Jesus but the Person of Jesus.  v.13 – “…tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus.”
• Insight #9: God’s power is not available for your purposes. v.14 – “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” 1 Timothy 6:9-10; Daniel 4:35
• Insight #10: Life-changing confession comes in response to seeing Jesus for who He really is. v. 17-18  – “The name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed…” 1 John 1:9; Colossians 1:16-17; Revelation 1:17-18; Philippians 2:10-11
• “Confess” means acknowledge, or to agree with.