In this message, we look at the Macedonia journey that Paul and Silas took in the first century, as recorded in Acts 17. From their life we can see the importance of conviction when facing opposition. The Christian life is not a life of complacency or laziness but one of transformation and resolve.

5. We hold on to things
that hold us back.

6. Those who stand for nothing
fall for anything.

8. Conviction is the human response
to a sovereign call from God.

13. Romans 12:2

14. Conviction gives way to faithfulness
and welcomes opposition.

15. THE GOSPEL AT WORK BRINGS:
Faith in God
Fellowship
Fortitude

16. “For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ
Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your
own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord
Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and
oppose all mankind by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that
they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins.
But wrath has come upon them at last!”
— 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

17. “These men who have turned
the world upside down”

18. God’s works His purposes through
circumstance and conviction.

20. “Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left
behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's
coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your
faith”
— 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2

21. Conviction beats complacency every time.

22. “I have been driven many
times upon my knees by the
overwhelming conviction that I
had no where else to go. My
own wisdom and that of all
about me seemed insufficient
for that day.”

23. The Call of the Gospel
is one of conviction.

24. TWO WAYSTO HANDLE PRESSURE
COMPLACENCY
Reaction: Selfish, Pride, Serve Me
NATURAL RESPONSE
How can this
be happening?
Becomes about me
• My reputation
• My expectations
• My needs
• My rights
• My space
• My schedule
James 1:19-20

25. TWO WAYSTO HANDLE PRESSURE
COMPLACENCY
Reaction: Selfish, Pride, Serve Me
NATURAL RESPONSE
CHRIST-LIKE RESPONSE
How can this
be happening?
Becomes about me
• My reputation
• My expectations
• My needs
• My rights
• My space
• My schedule
James 1:19-20
Becomes about God
•God’s reputation
•God’s will
•God’s glory
Ephesians 4:26
CONVICTION
Reaction: Selfless, Humble, Serve Others
How can I use this
for God’s glory?