How can we avoid becoming "obstinate" as described in Acts 19:9? Knowing the Passage Acts 19:9 — “But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.” What “Obstinate” Means • Literally “hardened” (Greek: sklērynō) — a deliberate stiffening against truth • Refusing to believe, even when evidence is clear (cf. John 12:37-40) • Speaking against God’s work, influencing others to resist (cf. 2 Timothy 3:8) Roots That Produce Obstinacy • Pride — an elevated view of self that resists correction (Proverbs 16:18) • Unbelief — the willful choice to distrust God’s word (Hebrews 3:12-15) • Fear of change — clinging to old patterns or power (Matthew 23:37) • Love of reputation — valuing human approval over divine approval (John 5:44) Heart-Checks That Keep Us Tender • Daily invitation: “Search me, O God” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Quick obedience to what Scripture reveals (James 1:22) • Regular repentance before hardness sets in (1 John 1:9) • Remembering past deliverances to fuel faith (Deuteronomy 8:2) Practices That Cultivate Humility • Saturate the mind with Scripture—“All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16) • Submit to sound teaching and rebuke (Proverbs 12:1) • Serve others quietly; service breaks self-focus (Mark 10:45) • Fast occasionally; physical humility reinforces spiritual humility (Matthew 6:16-18) Staying Teachable in Community • Gather faithfully with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Invite accountability from mature Christians (Proverbs 27:17) • Listen more than we speak (James 1:19) • Celebrate testimonies of God’s work so cynicism can’t thrive (Revelation 12:11) Walking in the Spirit, Not in Stubbornness • Yield moment by moment to the Spirit’s promptings (Galatians 5:16-17) • Keep short accounts—confess sin immediately (Acts 24:16) • Pray for a “heart of flesh” rather than stone (Ezekiel 36:26) • Expect God to correct those He loves (Hebrews 12:5-11) Summary: Soft Hearts, Open Hands Obstinacy hardens when pride closes the door to truth. A teachable spirit stays soft by humbly receiving God’s Word, submitting to the Spirit, and walking in accountable community. Continuous repentance, Scripture saturation, and active service guard us from the hardness that silenced many in Ephesus and keep us responsive to the living, authoritative Word of God. |
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