Sunday November 23, 2025

Sermon Title: Turning The World Upside Down For Jesus

Series Big Idea: Emphasizing the culmination of God’s promises in Jesus and the Church’s mission  

Sermon Big Idea: God's promise fulfilled compels us to proclaim Jesus

Introduction:

Paul and Silas entered Thessalonica as messengers of a promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ, not simply as travelers. The story of God’s redemptive promise fulfilled in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection compels the church to declare that “This Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ” (Acts 17:3).

Acts 17:1-9

17 After they passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As usual, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and rise from the dead: “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah.” 4 Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, including a large number of God-fearing Greeks, as well as a number of the leading women. 5 But the Jews became jealous, and they brought together some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. Attacking Jason’s house, they searched for them to bring them out to the public assembly. 6 When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too, 7 and Jason has welcomed them. They are all acting contrary to Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king—Jesus.” 8 The crowd and city officials who heard these things were upset. 9 After taking a security bond from Jason and the others, they released them. 

Jesus Is the Culmination of God’s Promise (vv. 2–3)  

Paul reasoned from the Scriptures, showing that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who had to suffer and rise again. Every covenant and prophecy pointed to Jesus, and His resurrection proves God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises.

The Church Is the Carrier of God’s Mission (vv. 4–6)  

As people believed in the message, a church was born, and the gospel spread beyond the synagogue into the city. The Church isn’t static but is sent to a divided world to preach Jesus, turning the world right-side up by faithfully sharing God’s truth.

The Kingdom of Jesus Is Our Message and Hope (vv. 7–9)  

Accused of saying "there is another king—Jesus" (Acts 17:7 CSB), Paul and Silas proclaimed Christ as the true King above all rulers. Christ’s kingdom brings peace and purpose, and our task as His church is to invite others to live under the reign of King Jesus.

Conclusion

The gospel that ignited Thessalonica still transforms lives, fulfilling God’s promise through Jesus and advancing His mission through the Church. We are called to carry this message, letting God use us to turn our world right-side up for the glory of King Jesus.

Acts 17:1-9 Bibliography

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books, 1985.

Rydelnik, Michael A., and Michael Vanlaningham, editors. The Moody Bible Commentary. Moody Publishers, 2014.

Carson, D. A., et al., editors. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. 4th ed., Inter-Varsity Press, 1994.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

Cabal, Ted, et al. The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith. Holman Bible Publishers, 2007.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, editors. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Crossway Bibles. The ESV Study Bible. Crossway Bibles, 2008.

Barry, John D., et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Spurgeon. The Spurgeon Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Brown, Francis, S. R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon. Hendrickson Publishers, 2007.

Bell, James Stuart, editor. Ancient Faith Study Bible. Holman Bibles, 2019.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991.

Easley, Kendell H. Holman QuickSource Guide to Understanding the Bible. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2002.

George, Jim. The Basic Bible Pocket Guide: *Book by Book Summaries *Key Verses *Life Applications *Life Applications. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2016.

Mangum, Douglas, editor. Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament. Lexham Press, 2020.

AFTER THE MESSAGE

After hearing today's message there may be a decision you have made and you want a pastor to connect with you. We want to make it easy for you. Just scroll to the bottom of this page and fill out the form and our pastor will contact you.