Title: I Want To Be Known In Hell
Bible Book: Acts 19 : 13-16
Author: Frank Page
Subject: Witness; Commitment; Testimony
Objective:
Introduction
I Want to be Known in Hell. It is important for the believer to be aware of the weapons at his/her disposal in the area of spiritual warfare. This awareness not only comes from a study of doctrinal truth, but also from a trust in the power of the Lord, as well as a plan to make use of these weapons.
The plan has to begin with an honest commitment based on conviction. A lack of conviction to grow in the Lord, minister and witness will keep a person from being effective in all areas of spiritual warfare, whereas a strong conviction will motivate the believer in these areas. It is not enough just to give a surface, intellectual assent. There must be strength of conviction regarding these spiritual truths.
This truth was emphasized by a friend of mine whose name is David Grant, in a story he told about a witnessing encounter years ago with an atheist whom he had grown to know. The atheist questioned his belief in several Biblical accounts of God’s supernatural acts. After each question, the pastor affirmed the belief in the miracle. Then the atheist looked straight in the eye of the pastor and said, “Then I suppose you believe that there is a heaven and a hell?” The struggling young pastor answered, “I certainly do.” The atheist then pronounced an indictment on many Christians when he said, “If I believe what you say you believe I would crawl on my hands and knees day and night to keep people from going to hell and get them to go to heaven.”
I. Review Spiritual Truths Based On Eternity
Every believer needs to review his conviction as to the spiritual truths of eternity. In a day when the heresy of universalism is rampant, every believer needs to understand clearly that men and women are lost without Jesus Christ. They also need to understand that we live in a day where Satan and all his power and influence is demeaned, joked about, and relegated to mythology. As long as a person does not believe with a strength of conviction the truths that we have discussed in these past sermons, they will never grow in the Lord, and they will certainly not be an effective minister and witness for the Lord. Psalm 119:89 says, “Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”
The issue of spiritual warfare is truly a matter of life and death. Do you believe this? Are you committed to life on God’s side? It is serious business and must be dealt with on God’s terms. I am talking about passion (conviction).
Do you have passion? What are you passionate about?
II. See Results Of A Commitment To Victory On God’s Terms
One of the greatest passages in the New Testament, however obscure, that shows the end result of one’s strong convictions is Acts 19:13-16. In this passage, we see seven Jews who are trying to cast out demons and are confronted with a very poignant question. They are told by the demons themselves that they do not know them. It is obvious from the context of the passage that the only way that the demonic forces would know the names of the believer is because of a legacy of commitment, strength of commitment on the part of the disciple of Christ. They knew Jesus, and they knew Paul, but they did not know these others who were attempting to cast them out.
The preacher of yesteryear, named Leonard Ravenhill, once asked the question, “Is your name known in hell?” This question should be asked to all of us. If we truly believe what we say we believe, then there will be a strength of conviction that is known both in heaven and in hell.
When we are truly on the Lord’s side, then even the demons of hell know our name. Is your name known in hell? Do the angels of darkness tremble because of your reputation as a winner of souls . . . a prayer warrior in the kingdom . . . do they tremble because of your tireless efforts in encouraging and discipling other believers?
Exactly how do we make the angels of darkness tremble? What is it in our lives that would make them know our name this way?
A. There must be a Commitment to Kingdom Living
Matthew6:33 says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." There must be a commitment to Kingdom living. This means that the Kingdom of God must be sought out by you in your daily living. You must be a Kingdom student, a Kingdom business woman or man, a Kingdom wife or Kingdom husband. Is your life so committed to the Kingdom of God, or in other words, doing everything you do according to the plan and purpose of God, that even the demons of hell see the difference in your life?
Are you a Kingdom person?
B. There must be a Commitment to a Great Commission Lifestyle
As most of you know, I serve on a task force in our Southern Baptist Convention which is seeking ways to encourage our convention to be more intentional toward the accomplishment of The Great Commission. The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:19-20 and it says, "19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." What are you doing to be a part of The Great Commission. How is that grand intention of our Lord being lived out in your family? Are you making disciples of your children? Are they passionately in love with the Lord because of what they see in your life? What are you doing to take The Great Commission to your neighborhood? Do your neighbors know that you have a passionate love relationship with the Lord? Have you seen your love toward them? Have they experienced a touch of grace because of you living near them? Are you actively involved in this church or some church in helping making disciples of those who have recently come to Christ outside of your neighborhood?
Over the next several weeks, we are going to be talking about a new emphasis called "Growing Graduates." It is an intentional and passionate commitment to helping families raise up children and students in such a way that they become fully devoted followers of Christ. While I will talk more about that in the coming weeks, I want you to know that our church is passionate and serious about joining with parents, grandparents, and all family members in helping everyone in that family become a disciple for our Lord Jesus Christ.
The point of all this is that it is time to make a decision. Is what we have been discussing these months true or not? Is your life going to be a serious following of His victory? The time for excuses is over. Whining needs to stop.
I want my name known in heaven. I want to hear Jesus say the words of the Master in Matthew 25:23, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness!”
I also want my name known in hell. I want them to spell it right. Will you stand with me?
