Introduction:     The church at Thessalonica had been accused of turning the world upside down. There is no greater need in the world today than for the Church of the Lord Jesus to be accused of turning our world upside down for Him! Today the Church has the same resources, the same circumstances prevailing as did the first century Church. What kind of people were they? What did they have that resulted in their world being turned upside down?

I.          THEY WERE PEOPLE WITH A PURPOSE

            A.        They were Converted (v.4)   Not extraordinary people, just converted sinners saved by grace!

            B.         They were Compassionate (vv.16:40-17:3)   They were led by a man used of God to enter a pagan culture and preach the Gospel in response to a vision from God. Paul was obedient to the heavenly vision and went to Macedonia and with compassion preached the Gospel.  (Acts 20:31)  "Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears."

This man had discovered the truth in (Psa 126:5-6) “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. {6} He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."  (Illus. Aged Mother weeping for son's salvation).

            C.        They were Courageous (1Thess.2:14, 15)   These who turned the world upside down knew the meaning of courage and boldness. They were willing to stand up for Jesus! It is time for God's people to prove ourselves courageous in these last days! (Illus. Missionary during revolution in El Salvador, Central America). I wonder just how much our faith means to us. If in the same circumstances, I wonder how many would be willing to lay down their lives rather than renouncing their faith in Christ! (Eph 6:13)  "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

II.         THEY WERE PEOPLE WITH POWER (Acts 4)

            A.        They Experienced the Power (4:8)   Saved by the grace of God! Filled with the power of God! (Acts 2 - 3000). Again in Acts 4 (5000). The saints of the N.T. knew the power of the Spirit because the experienced it. Not an option, but an obligation (Eph 5:18) “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"

            B.         They Expressed the Power (4:31)   "...and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they SPAKE the word of God with boldness." People who have experienced an endowment of power from on High are bold to speak for Jesus in declaring His Word.

            C.        They were Enthusiastic About the Power (4:32, 33)   These people were not just religious, not just active; they were influencing their society. (Illus. days of Billy Sunday). (Illus. I ain't been doing anything, and I'm going to quit it).

III.       THEY WERE PEOPLE WITH A PLAN (Acts 1:8) (Strategy)

            A.        Personal in Obligation (1:8a)   "Ye shall” No need to point a finger. If you are saved, you have a personal obligation to be a filled servant.

            B.         Plain in Objective (1:8b)   "be witnesses” Jesus saith when you get His power you will be a witness. We have a responsibility to witness for the Lord.

            C.        Plentiful in Outreach (1:8c)   "...and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  The fields are white unto harvest. Would to God that before Jesus comes that we would serve with such zeal and fervor in the power of the Holy Spirit that our critics would say, "These have turned the world upside down, and here they come again!" 

Conclusion:       Today we need to prostrate ourselves before the Lord and say, "God help us to be those instruments of power that you will design and use to turn the world upside down in our generation." God help us to do it!