Wise and Innocent
The True Human Community
March 10, 2024
Rev. Dr. Gabe Sylvia
The sermon urges believers to be wise and innocent, vigilant against forces that seek to snuff out the gospel, following Paul's example of using lawful means and moral resolve to protect and advance the mission while keeping core doctrines central and participating in the Lord's Supper in faith.
Summary
Drawing on Acts and Paul's experience, the sermon calls Christians to prudence and purity—'wise as serpents and innocent as doves'—and to a repentant, committed heart that will not let the enemy or hostile powers sideline the gospel. Paul’s example of knowing and using his legal rights shows how the law can be an aid to protect the mission, while his tactic of refocusing attention on the resurrection models how to keep core doctrines central when confronted by opposition. The talk warns against gullibility and secondary distractions, encourages vigilance and prayer for the gospel’s advance, and closes with an invitation to the Lord’s Supper to remember Christ’s life, death, and resurrection and to come to the table with a little faith.
Key Points
- Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves: commit to discernment, repentance, and caution.
- The enemy seeks to snuff out our witness; spiritual hostility and opposition are real and rising.
- Paul’s situation in Acts models perseverance: he used his legal rights to protect the gospel and keep the message moving forward.
- Use the law when it serves the mission; know pertinent rights and protections to defend ministry.
- Refocus disputes on core doctrines (the resurrection, Christ) rather than getting sidetracked by secondary issues.
- Avoid gullibility and manipulation by hostile powers; maintain vigilance and pray for the advance of the church.
- Remember the Lord’s Supper as a means to recall Christ’s life, death, and resurrection and to participate in the body of Christ.
- Come to the table with faith (even a little), receiving bread and cup as a sign of Christ’s love for the church.
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