Antioch: A Model for Ministering and Global Mission

Devotional

Day 1: Prioritizing Spiritual Needs Over Material Losses

The believers in Antioch exemplified a selfless approach to ministry, focusing on the spiritual needs of their city despite their own material hardships. They recognized that the spiritual poverty around them was more pressing than their personal losses. This perspective allowed them to minister effectively to local sinners, sharing the gospel with those in greater need. Their actions remind us that true ministry often involves sacrifice and a willingness to put others' spiritual well-being above our own comfort. [14:38]

Acts 11:19-21 (ESV): "Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord."

Reflection: Who in your community is in spiritual need, and how can you prioritize their needs over your own material concerns today?

Day 2: Generosity and Unity in the Body of Christ

The Antioch church demonstrated remarkable foresight and generosity by responding to a prophetic warning of famine, choosing to support the persecuted church in Jerusalem. This act of kindness highlighted the importance of unity and mutual care within the body of Christ. By prioritizing the needs of others, they showed a deep commitment to the broader Christian community, reminding us of the power of collective support and the impact of generosity. [33:57]

2 Corinthians 8:1-4 (ESV): "We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and support of your church community, especially in times of need?

Day 3: Selfless Worship and Divine Revelation

The ministry of the Antioch church to the Lord was marked by selfless worship and fasting, seeking nothing in return. This pure devotion led to divine revelation, as the Holy Spirit called them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a greater mission. Their example emphasizes the importance of ministering to God without seeking personal gain, trusting that such devotion will lead to a deeper understanding of His plans. [52:18]

Acts 13:2-3 (ESV): "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off."

Reflection: In what ways can you engage in selfless worship this week, seeking only to honor God and listen for His guidance?

Day 4: Sacrificial Leadership and Obedience

The Antioch church's willingness to release Barnabas and Saul for apostolic ministry demonstrates the importance of sacrificial leadership. By prioritizing God's mission over their own comfort, they set a powerful example of faith and obedience. This act of releasing their most gifted leaders for the sake of the gospel challenges us to consider how we can support and empower others in their callings, even when it requires personal sacrifice. [59:04]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Who in your life can you support or release into their calling, even if it means sacrificing your own comfort or resources?

Day 5: Embracing the Global Mission of the Church

The Antioch church's commitment to spreading the gospel to the Gentile nations initiated a missionary movement that would impact the world. Their understanding of the global mission of the church serves as a reminder of our responsibility to reach the unreached with the message of Christ. This call to global mission challenges us to look beyond our immediate context and consider how we can contribute to the spread of the gospel worldwide. [01:01:22]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: What steps can you take to participate in the global mission of the church, whether through prayer, giving, or going?

Sermon Summary

In our exploration of the Church of Antioch, we delve into the profound nature of what it means to be a ministering church. The believers in Antioch were not merely recipients of God's grace; they were conduits of His love, forgiveness, and truth. This church was marked by its active ministry in four distinct ways: to local sinners, to the saints in Jerusalem, to the Lord, and to the unreached Gentile nations.

The believers in Antioch, despite being persecuted and displaced, prioritized sharing the gospel with those in greater need than themselves. They understood that the spiritual poverty of the city was far more severe than their own material losses. Their ministry was not confined to their immediate surroundings; they extended their support to the church in Jerusalem, which was suffering under persecution and facing a prophesied famine. This act of generosity and foresight demonstrated their commitment to the broader body of Christ.

Moreover, the Antioch church's ministry to the Lord was characterized by selfless worship and fasting, seeking nothing in return. This pure devotion led to divine revelation, as the Holy Spirit called them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a greater mission. This call to sacrifice their most gifted leaders for the sake of the gospel exemplified their willingness to prioritize God's plans over their own comfort.

The Antioch church's ministry extended beyond their local context, initiating a missionary movement that would impact the world. Their willingness to release Barnabas and Saul for apostolic ministry to the Gentile nations was a testament to their understanding of the global mission of the church. This sacrificial spirit and commitment to spreading the gospel serve as a powerful example for us today.

Key Takeaways

1. Ministry to Local Sinners: The Antioch church exemplified a selfless approach to ministry, prioritizing the spiritual needs of the city over their own material losses. They understood that true ministry involves sharing the gospel with those in greater need, even when facing personal trials. [14:38]
2. Support for the Jerusalem Church: The believers in Antioch demonstrated foresight and generosity by responding to a prophetic warning of famine. Their decision to support the persecuted church in Jerusalem highlights the importance of unity and mutual care within the body of Christ. [33:57]
3. Ministry to the Lord: The Antioch church's ministry to the Lord was marked by selfless worship and fasting, seeking nothing in return. This pure devotion led to divine revelation and a deeper understanding of God's plans, emphasizing the importance of ministering to God without seeking personal gain. [52:18]
4. Sacrificial Leadership: The willingness of the Antioch church to release Barnabas and Saul for apostolic ministry demonstrates the importance of sacrificial leadership. By prioritizing God's mission over their own comfort, they set a powerful example of faith and obedience. [59:04]
5. Global Mission: The Antioch church's commitment to spreading the gospel to the Gentile nations initiated a missionary movement that would impact the world. Their understanding of the global mission of the church serves as a reminder of our responsibility to reach the unreached with the message of Christ. [01:01:22]
** [61:22]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to the Church of Antioch
[01:20] - Understanding Ministry
[02:40] - The Scattered Believers
[05:15] - Being a Channel of Blessing
[06:31] - Receiving and Giving Ministry
[09:53] - The Importance of Passing On
[12:36] - Ministry to Local Sinners
[14:38] - Prioritizing Spiritual Needs
[19:26] - Preaching Jesus
[27:40] - Ministry to Jerusalem
[33:57] - Responding to Prophecy
[47:46] - Ministry to the Lord
[52:18] - Selfless Worship and Fasting
[59:04] - Sacrificial Leadership and Global Mission

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Church of Antioch

Bible Reading:

Acts 11:19-30
Acts 12:25
Acts 13:2

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Observation Questions:

What were the four distinct ways the church at Antioch ministered, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:53]
How did the believers in Antioch respond to the prophecy of a coming famine? [33:57]
What was the significance of the church at Antioch setting apart Barnabas and Saul for ministry? [55:11]
How did the Antioch church's ministry to the Lord differ from their ministry to others? [52:18]

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Interpretation Questions:

Why did the Antioch church prioritize ministering to local sinners despite their own hardships? How does this reflect their understanding of spiritual needs? [14:38]
In what ways did the Antioch church demonstrate unity and mutual care within the body of Christ through their support for the Jerusalem church? [33:57]
How does the Antioch church's willingness to release Barnabas and Saul for apostolic ministry exemplify sacrificial leadership? [59:04]
What does the Antioch church's commitment to a global mission teach us about the church's responsibility to reach the unreached? [01:01:22]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you prioritized your own needs over the spiritual needs of others. How can the example of the Antioch church inspire you to shift your focus? [14:38]
The Antioch church responded to a prophetic warning with action. How can you be more responsive to the needs of others within your church community? [33:57]
Consider the concept of ministering to the Lord through selfless worship and fasting. How can you incorporate this practice into your spiritual life without seeking personal gain? [52:18]
Sacrificial leadership often requires letting go of comfort for the sake of God's mission. What is one area in your life where you can practice sacrificial leadership? [59:04]
The Antioch church initiated a missionary movement that impacted the world. How can you contribute to the global mission of the church in your own capacity? [01:01:22]
Think about a time when you felt spiritually stagnant. How can you become a channel of God's blessing rather than a stagnant pool? [09:53]
Identify one person in your life who is in spiritual need. What specific steps can you take this week to share the gospel with them, following the example of the Antioch church? [19:26]

Sermon Clips

"Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phineas and Cyprus and Antioch preaching the word to none but on to the Jews only and some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene which when they were come to Antioch spake unto the Grecians preaching the Lord Jesus." [00:02:40]

"Father we love you we thank you God for that Ministry of your Holy Spirit to us we thank you for the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ we thank you for your ministry thank you Father Son and Holy Ghost for that constant Ministry thank you there's no break in it there's no lapse There's No Lack we are literally having poured into our lives encouragement and Grace and kindness and love from from from God the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost the Lord God we praise you tonight." [00:04:20]

"Here they are persecuted they don't have a house they don't have possessions they have lost so much who was in Greater need an Antioch you know the city and Antioch was very prosperous it was very safe it was a very tolerant City it had Mega religion it had Emerald immorality sex was everywhere this was a contemporary City so who was in Greater need than these persecuted suffering Christians do you know who he was the sinners in Antioch." [00:15:01]

"Do you know what the word debtor means you owe somebody something it means an outstanding debt that you have not yet paid something you need to pay back a responsibility that moves you to action that's what a debt is Paul the Apostle is saying I am a debtor to all men all men barbarians Greeks Romans every sinner every person who doesn't know Jesus I feel indebted to them." [00:24:58]

"Then the disciples every man according to his ability determined to send relief onto the Brethren which dwelt in Judea the disciples not the leaders not Soul not Barnabas the entire church made a decision they've heard the prophecy a prophet is spoken things are being revealed what's just about to happen they're hearing of the persecution all of their hearts are moved all of them act together." [00:37:08]

"As they ministered to the Lord and fasted this is indeed the highest form of ministry that we're going to deal with here tonight but without Ministry to Sinners and other Christians your ministry to the Lord can be filled with hypocrisy if you actually don't minister to others think of others if you don't minister to the Lost don't tell me you're Minister under God." [00:46:25]

"Do you know why you answer that because that church would release them he's not asking the men he's asking the church he's asking the brothers and the sisters give me your two greatest preachers give me them you're finished with them I know I can trust you this is going to hurt you it's a sacrifice it means you lose out they're not going to be in the Pulpit every week." [00:59:33]

"Do you know what this church done it's sacrificed Barnabas and sacrifice soul and what a sacrifice see as soon as they get sent out they become apostles see if you sacrifice to God whatever you sacrifice as a church God will enlarge it God will bless it while they're in the church Barnabas is a prophet while they're in the church Saul's a teacher as soon as they release them let them go release them the call of God these two men become apostles who are going to raise up churches." [01:01:22]

"Do you know what happened as they're in this meeting right in the middle is making listen carefully what happened in chapter 2 verse 3 as they ministered unto the Lord nor would something's going to happen as they ministered unfasted the Holy Ghost said God speaks like he did through Barnabas and warning about the famine right in this ministry we are here we have no plans we Have No Agenda we're not telling you what to do we're just ministering under you." [00:54:39]

"Do you know what fasting can be a pure Ministry unto the Lord Jesus Christ it reveals something about your heart this word ministry used here is the word liturgio it's where we get the word letter j do you know denominate National Church they have liturgy it means we do this we say these prayers we do this then we bow We Stand we say these prescribed prayers that's liturgy what a load of trash and rubbish this is where they get the word get rid of the Liturgy liturgy isn't in the Bible Ministry and worship is in the Bible." [00:52:18]

"Do you know what the grace of God is is the ability of God the influence of Heaven he commonly went man these persecuted Christians they're just going everywhere they're stirring up the entire city thousands are coming to Jesus these persecuted Christians are not selfish they're not caught up in their own problems you know know what they're going got to tell somebody they've got to evangelize gotta share about the love of God God loves you Jesus died for you he'll forgive you he'll change your entire life it's so so real." [00:23:01]

"Do you know what the word relief is the word diaconia remember it's the word for Deacon it means to help to serve us Ministry or to act like a servant the entire church every disciple according you know what they're doing now this church in Antioch is ministering to another church this Gentile church this church saved out of paganism is now ministering to the mother Church they're Gathering money it says and to send it onto the brethren." [00:39:49]

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Antioch: A Model for Ministering and Global Mission

Devotional

Day 1: Prioritizing Spiritual Needs Over Material Losses

Day 2: Generosity and Unity in the Body of Christ

Day 3: Selfless Worship and Divine Revelation

Day 4: Sacrificial Leadership and Obedience

Day 5: Embracing the Global Mission of the Church

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Antioch: A Model for Ministering and Global Mission

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