Introduction: Years ago, just before flying overseas on a mission trip and while standing and praying in an elderly Christian lady’s home, a sign on the wall said the following:

“The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God cannot keep you.”

Paul learned that truth in the nineteenth chapter of the book of Acts.

1. Paul’s ministry in Ephesus! (Acts 19:1-8)

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples…. And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.”

It appears that the Holy Spirit led Paul to Ephesus. Are we being led by the Spirit?

2. Paul faced demonic activity in Ephesus! (Acts 19:14-20)

“14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.”

This was a good sign that God was up to a work in Ephesus. Are you facing opposition?

3. Paul faced hostility! (Acts 19:24-27)

“And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; 25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. 26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.”

Satanically driven people hated the work of the Holy Spirit; it intrudes on their domain. 

4. Paul was brought to safety! (Acts 19:35-37)

“35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. 37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.”

Did you notice how God can even use anyone to accomplish His will, in this case the town clerk?

Conclusion: When you are facing opposition, know this, that you must be in the will of God. Also be assured where the Lord guides, He provides.