The Church on Mission: "Spirit-Led Missions"

The Church on Mission: “Spirit-led Missions” 

Acts 13 and 14

2-24-19

Missionary: Making disciplesin a foreign country to see people love God, love others and become disciple-makers.

Missional: Making disciples where we are to see people love God, love others and become disciple-makers.

I. Calling. Acts 13:1-4

Spiritual gifts

Heart desires

Abilities

Personality

Experiences

Support from others

II. Confirmation. Acts 13:1-4, 46-48, 52 

1. Noticeable spiritual maturity in Christ.

1 Timothy 3:2-10 – “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer …an overseer must be above reproach… respectable, hospitable…”

2. Connected and faithful where planted.

Hospitable… must manage his own household well… must not be a recent convert…he must be well thought of by outsiders…

3. Teachable and able to teach others.

…able to teach…must not be a recent convert…

4. Respects authority and walks with leadership.

…must be above reproach…respectable

Deacons must be …tested first; then let them serve as deacons… 

III. Continual encouragement in Christ. (Acts 14:1-28)

2 Corinthians 5:14 - “For the love of Christ controls (compels) us…”  

Acts 13:15 – “After the reading from the Law…  (they said), ‘Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.’”

Acts 14:19-22 –  ^“…they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city …he rose up and entered the city… they preached the gospel…and made many disciples… (they were) encouraging them to continue in the faith… saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

Acts 15:31-32 -  “And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. And Judas and Silas… encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.”

Acts 16:40 – “So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.”

Acts 18:27 – “And when (Apollos) wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him… wrote to the disciples to welcome him. …he then greatly helped those who through grace had believed.”

Acts 20:1-2 – “After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples…after encouraging them, he …departed for Macedonia. When he went through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece.”

Acts 27:35-36 -  “And when he (Paul) had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves.”

Truths About Christ-Centered Encouragement:

1. Commanded. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 

2. Constant.

Hebrews 13:3    “…exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 

1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 - “… we will always be with the Lord. … encourage one another with these words.”

Colossians 4:8  -“I have sent him to you…that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts”

Romans 15:13 - ^“May the God of hope fill you …(with) the Holy Spirit … to abound in hope.”

3. Choose to be encouraged.

1 Samuel 30:6  - “ And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him... But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” 

For Discussion This Week

1. Define missionary and missional.How are you and your family living a missional life? How is your Community Group doing at living a missional life?  In what ways can your Community Group choose to support overseas missionaries this year?

2. The idea of missions shows up in the Bible, even from its first Book. Read and discuss what God is calling us to join Him doing in world missions. (Genesis 1:28, 12:1-3 and Revelation 7:9-12.)

3. How should our “sent identity” frame how we live each day in our homes, work, school and community? Read 1 Peter 2:11-21 and discuss how you are living as sent ones in your community.

4. Why did Paul re-enter Lystra after his stoning? Do you think you would have gone back? (Acts 14:19-23 & 20:24)

5. How are you at encouragement? Where do you need it right now? Who most needs it from you?

6. How does our experiencing hardship and suffering with faith and joy advance the gospel? Pray for one another to share and live out the Gospel message as well as encourage others this week. (Philippians 1:12-30)