Preach for a Year

The Most Valuable Men in Town Acts 4:12–14 I. Introduction A. The Priests and Their Evaluation of Peter and John 1. Called them ignorant and unlearned 2. They would do more to change the world than all in Jerusalem 3. Thirteen men who changed the world a. One doctor, one intellectual, and the rest unlettered b. Look at a map of the world and see the impact of their lives B. Why they were the most Valuable Men in Town II. Body A. They were not unlearned and Ignorant about the Savior (v. 10) 1. They had been with Jesus 2. The world needs people who have been with Jesus a. Many know about science, but few know the Savior b. Many know about mathematics, but few know about the Master c. Many know about space, but few know about grace d. Many know about politics, but few know about God’s plan e. Many know about psychology, but few know the One who solves all problems 3. The mystery to the priests a. The educational background of these fishermen b. Suddenly they were public speakers and theologians 4. What God will do with one who is completely surrendered to Him B. They were not Unlearned and Ignorant about the Scriptures (vv. 10–12) 1. The knowledge explosion 2. p 72 Sadly our increased knowledge has but deepened our dilemma 3. These men did not know books, but they knew the Book a. Lincoln: “Better to have a knowledge of the Bible than other books” b. Their knowledge of the Bible equipped them to serve 4. Most great universities in America founded to teach the Bible a. Man foolishly gets too wise for God’s Book b. Psalm 2: “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh” 5. These men had a knowledge of the Old Testament 6. Their knowledge of the Bible let them know what was happening C. They were not Unlearned and Ignorant about Salvation (v. 12) 1. “Salvation”—The importance of the word 2. To Noah, the ark meant salvation while others perished 3. To Israel at the Red Sea: “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exod. 14:13) 4. People are trapped by problems and perplexed a. These men could tell people how to get rid of their sins b. These men could tell people how to get to heaven III. Conclusion A. You can be the most Valuable Person in your Area B. The need is Great. Give your Life to Christ for his Service 1. Take time to be with Jesus 2. Saturate your mind and heart with the Bible 3. Carry the message of salvation to others C. God will use you to Change Your World Roger F. Campbell, Preach for a Year (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications, 1988-). 71-72.