You’re Uniquely Created to Make a Difference | Tim Ross

Upset the World: Living as an “Upsetter”

Scripture References

• Acts 17:1-9
• Acts 17:3-4

Overview

The message centers on Acts 17, where Paul and Silas are accused of “turning the world upside down.” Tim Ross argues that every follower of Jesus is called to do the same—living in a way that upsets darkness and draws people to Christ. Drawing from his own dramatic conversion and life story, he lays out three characteristics of modern-day “upsetters” and invites listeners to surrender to the Holy Spirit’s daily promptings.

Context

Tim wrote the book “Upset the World” after seeing how the gospel continually overturns lives. His personal “upsetting” began on January 14, 1996, when, during worship in his parents’ small Pentecostal church, he heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “You’re a sinner,” and responded in raw surrender—long before any sermon or altar call.

Main Points

1. Upsetters are attractive

• The attractiveness has nothing to do with outward appearance; it is the Holy Spirit within.
• Acts 17:3-4 shows people—Jews, God-fearing Greeks, and prominent women—drawn to Paul’s message.
• When Christ enters a life, something changes that others notice.
• Personalities do not limit God; introverts, extroverts, gamers, book lovers—each becomes a magnet for those in their own circles.
• Story: Tim, a self-described introvert who once preferred a behind-the-scenes job, testifies how God ignored his comfort zone and placed him in public ministry because “there are people that need Jesus through you.”

2. Upsetters are destructive (to comfort zones and opposition)

• The same message that attracts some repels others (Acts 17:5-6).
• Jealous Jews stirred a mob, attacked Jason’s house, and tried to drag Paul and Silas out.
• Expect misunderstanding, criticism, and resistance—whether angry comments online or face-to-face confrontation.
• Illustration: After a conference sermon in Australia, eight listeners waited to tell Tim his message was “the worst” and “not even biblical.” He realized success is measured by obedience, not applause: “It is not your job to grade it; it is your job to declare it.”

3. Upsetters are, by definition, upsetting

• The mob’s charge—“They’ve caused trouble all over the world”—was both exaggeration and prophecy; 2,000 years later the gospel is still spreading.
• To “upset” literally means “to turn over.” American slang has twisted the word into mere anger, but the biblical sense is transformation.
• Followers who have been turned upside down should spend their lives turning others upside down.
• Everyday promptings—buying coffee, giving a hug, offering encouragement—are the Holy Spirit’s tools for worldwide upheaval.

Key Truths

• Conversion is the greatest “upset” a person will ever experience.
• The Holy Spirit in you is uniquely positioned to reach people no one else can reach.
• Faithful proclamation will always produce both attraction and opposition.
• God is not limited by personality types; He leverages them.
• An “upsetter” lifestyle is a daily partnership with the Spirit, not a one-time event.

Response

• Surrender your personality and preferences to the Holy Spirit’s mission.
• Watch for and obey small promptings—speak, give, encourage, pray.
• Welcome both applause and pushback without adjusting the message to please people.
• Identify one person this week you sense God nudging you to “upset” with love and hope, and act.

Closing

Tim challenged every believer to live intentionally “upsetting” lives, trusting the Spirit to attract the receptive and disturb complacency. Pastor Craig closed by reminding listeners that this brief window of life is God’s only chance to use their specific gifts and personalities. Hands were raised in commitment to be available, and many surrendered to Christ with the simple confession:

“I give up. I give my life to you, Jesus.”

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, upset us. Amen.”