The Early Church’s Mission and Guarding Against False Teachers

Devotional

Day 1: The Church is Sent by the Holy Spirit

The early church in Antioch shifted from a reactive posture to an intentional, Spirit-led mission, setting apart Barnabas and Saul for the work God had called them to. This was not a decision made in isolation, but one rooted in worship, fasting, and prayer, with the whole church body participating in the discernment and commissioning. The sending of these leaders marked the first deliberate missionary journey, demonstrating that the church is called not just to survive, but to actively pursue the mission of Jesus in the world. When the Holy Spirit prompts, the church is to respond with obedience, unity, and blessing, trusting that God will use their faithfulness to spread the gospel to new places and people. [18:21]

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: When was the last time you paused to listen for the Holy Spirit’s direction in your life or in your church community? What might it look like for you to respond in obedience to His prompting this week?

Day 2: Discernment Between True and False Teachers

Not everyone who claims the name of Jesus truly follows Him, as seen in the encounter with Bar-Jesus, a false prophet who opposed the gospel for personal gain. The difference between those who merely use Jesus’ name and those who carry His authority is revealed by their lives, their teaching, and the fruit they produce. The church is called to be discerning, recognizing that some may misuse faith for influence, power, or personal benefit. True teachers are affirmed by the church, live out the gospel, and are accountable to the body of believers. Discerning who to listen to requires both knowledge of the Word and a community that knows and supports its leaders. [26:48]

1 Timothy 6:3-5 (ESV)
"If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain."

Reflection: Who are the voices you allow to shape your faith? How can you seek out accountability and affirmation from your church community to ensure you are following trustworthy spiritual leaders?

Day 3: Guarding Against False Teaching Through God’s Word, Spirit, and People

Protection from false teaching comes through a threefold foundation: knowing God’s Word, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and participating in the life of the church. The Word provides clarity and truth, the Spirit gives discernment, and the church offers affirmation and accountability. When these three are present, believers can rest securely, discerning truth from error and standing firm even when counterfeits arise. This foundation is stable and trustworthy, allowing the church to flourish without fear, knowing that Jesus Himself guards and gathers His people. [38:27]

1 John 4:1-3 (ESV)
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already."

Reflection: Which of the three “legs” of your spiritual foundation—God’s Word, God’s Spirit, or God’s people—needs strengthening in your life right now? What is one step you can take this week to shore up that area?

Day 4: Baptism as a Visible Sign of New Life

Baptism is a public celebration and recognition of the spiritual reality that, through faith in Jesus, believers die to sin and rise to new life. It is not the act itself that saves, but it is a visible, communal declaration of what God has already accomplished in the heart. Baptism marks entry into the family of God, symbolizing burial with Christ and resurrection to a life marked by faith and righteousness. Fear or hesitation should not keep believers from this step of obedience, as it is a joyful affirmation of belonging to Christ and His people. [46:44]

Romans 6:4 (ESV)
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Reflection: If you have not been baptized as a believer, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you encourage someone else to take this step of faith and celebrate the new life Christ gives?

Day 5: Communion as a Family Tradition of Remembrance

The Lord’s Supper is a family tradition given by Jesus to help believers remember and proclaim the gospel: that salvation comes through His broken body and shed blood, not by our own merit. This meal is a tangible reminder of grace, inviting all who trust in Christ and walk in repentance to participate. It is a time to examine our hearts, turn from unrepentant sin, and reaffirm our dependence on Jesus alone for forgiveness and hope. Communion unites the church in gratitude and faith, pointing us back to the cross and forward to the hope of resurrection. [48:50]

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV)
"For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."

Reflection: As you prepare to take communion, is there any unrepentant sin or misplaced trust in your life that you need to bring before Jesus? How can you use this time to remember and rejoice in what He has done for you?

Sermon Summary

The story in Acts 13 marks a turning point in the early church. After years of simply reacting to persecution and hardship, the believers in Antioch—now a stable and diverse community—are able to pause, listen to the Holy Spirit, and intentionally send out Barnabas and Saul as missionaries. This is the first time the church proactively pursues Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations, rather than just responding to circumstances. The church’s act of laying hands on Barnabas and Saul is more than a formality; it’s a visible sign of blessing, endorsement, and accountability. These men are not lone rangers, but are sent with the full knowledge and support of a community that knows their lives and teaching.

As Barnabas and Saul travel through Cyprus, they encounter opposition from a false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who tries to turn the Roman proconsul away from the faith. This man claims the authority of Jesus, but when confronted by Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit—he is exposed and rendered powerless. The episode highlights a perennial challenge: not everyone who claims the name of Jesus truly belongs to him. Some use the name of Jesus for personal gain, influence, or to tell people what they want to hear. The early church, and we today, must discern who is truly sent by God.

Three safeguards are given: the affirmation and accountability of a local church, a deep knowledge of the Word of God, and the indwelling Holy Spirit who gives discernment. These three—God’s people, God’s Word, and God’s Spirit—form a stable foundation for Christian life and protection against false teaching. Even so, Jesus himself assures us that he knows his own, and will not lose any who belong to him, even when counterfeits arise.

Faith in Jesus is not just a private, invisible reality. It is marked by public acts—baptism and communion—that celebrate and remember what Christ has done. Baptism is a visible sign of dying to sin and rising to new life, while communion is a family meal that proclaims our dependence on Jesus’ body and blood for salvation. These practices are not what save us, but they are the family traditions that help us remember and live out our faith together.

Key Takeaways

1. The move from reactive to proactive mission in Antioch shows that spiritual stability and margin allow us to listen to the Holy Spirit and step into God’s purposes with intention. When we are not merely surviving, but thriving in community, we can discern and pursue the unique callings God has for us, both individually and as a church. [19:54]
2. True spiritual authority is not self-claimed or based on charisma, but is recognized and affirmed by a community that knows a person’s life and doctrine. The laying on of hands is not just a ritual, but a sign of accountability and endorsement, reminding us that no one is meant to serve or teach in isolation. [21:37]
3. False teachers often use the name of Jesus for personal gain or to tell people what they want to hear. The fruit of their lives—controversy, division, and self-promotion—betrays their true motives. We must be vigilant about who shapes our spiritual lives, examining not just words but the character and accountability of those we follow. [27:30]
4. Discernment is cultivated through three interlocking means: the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the people of God. Like a three-legged stool, if any one is missing, our faith becomes unstable. Immersing ourselves in Scripture, learning to listen to the Spirit, and remaining rooted in accountable community are essential for spiritual health and protection. [38:27]
5. Jesus is the true shepherd who knows his own, even when counterfeits arise. Our security is not in our own vigilance, but in his faithfulness. The church is his, and he will gather his people; our role is to remain faithful, discerning, and rooted in the gospel, trusting that he will not fail to bring his own safely home. [41:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[15:03] - Setting the Scene: Acts 13 and the Early Church
[16:18] - Jesus’ Unlikely Victory and the Growth of Faith
[17:09] - Persecution and the Spread of the Gospel
[17:53] - The Church in Antioch: Stability and Generosity
[18:21] - The Holy Spirit’s Call and the First Missionaries
[19:54] - From Reactive to Proactive Mission
[21:37] - The Sending of Barnabas and Saul
[22:48] - The Mission in Cyprus and Encounter with Bar-Jesus
[25:02] - Paul Confronts False Authority
[26:48] - The Problem of False Teachers
[30:08] - Why We Listen to False Teachers
[32:31] - Marks of True Teachers and Accountability
[34:55] - Knowing the Word and Discerning the Spirit
[38:27] - The Three-Legged Stool: Word, Spirit, and Community
[40:37] - Jesus’ Care for His Church
[44:18] - Repentance, Faith, and the Family of God
[45:46] - Baptism: The Family Celebration
[48:19] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[51:05] - Invitation to the Table

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 13:1-12 (ESV) —
> Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 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.
>
> So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Observation Questions

What was different about the way the church in Antioch sent out Barnabas and Saul compared to how believers had spread the gospel before? [[19:54]]
What did the act of laying hands on Barnabas and Saul represent for the church and for those being sent? [[21:37]]
How did Paul respond to Bar-Jesus (Elymas) when he tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith? What was the result? [[25:02]]
According to the passage, what role did the Holy Spirit play in both sending out the missionaries and in confronting false teaching? [[18:21]] [[25:02]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think it was important for the church in Antioch to move from simply reacting to circumstances to intentionally sending out missionaries? What does this shift tell us about spiritual health and maturity? [[19:54]]
The sermon mentioned that true spiritual authority is not self-claimed but recognized by a community. Why is community affirmation and accountability so important for those who serve or teach? [[21:37]]
What are some ways that people today might use the name of Jesus for personal gain, as Bar-Jesus did? How can we recognize the difference between true and false teachers? [[27:30]]
The sermon described three safeguards against false teaching: the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the people of God. Why is it dangerous to rely on only one or two of these, instead of all three together? [[38:27]]

Application Questions

The church in Antioch was able to listen to the Holy Spirit and send out missionaries because they had stability and margin. Are there areas in your life where you are just “surviving” instead of “thriving”? What would it look like to create space to listen to God’s leading? [[19:54]]
Have you ever seen someone claim spiritual authority or leadership without real accountability or community support? How did that affect you or others? What steps can you take to make sure you are both accountable and supportive in your church community? [[21:37]]
The sermon warned that false teachers often tell people what they want to hear. Are there voices (online, in books, podcasts, or in person) that you listen to mainly because they affirm your preferences or opinions? How can you test whether their teaching lines up with God’s Word and character? [[30:08]]
Of the three safeguards—God’s Word, God’s Spirit, and God’s people—which one do you tend to neglect? What is one practical step you can take this week to strengthen that area in your life? [[38:27]]
Jesus is described as the true shepherd who will not lose any who belong to him, even when there are counterfeits. How does this truth affect your sense of security and your approach to spiritual discernment? [[41:11]]
Baptism and communion are described as “family traditions” that make our faith visible. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back? If you have, how does remembering your baptism or participating in communion help you live out your faith publicly? [[45:46]] [[48:19]]
Think about a time when you had to discern whether a teaching or leader was trustworthy. What helped you make that decision? How can you help others in your church grow in discernment and accountability? [[32:31]] [[38:27]]

Sermon Clips

But Jesus accomplished all of this in a really unlikely way. It wasn't through political power or military power. But by humbling himself. And dying on a cross to take away the sin of the world. But on the third day he rose again victorious. Victorious over sin and victorious over death. [00:16:13] (24 seconds) #VictoryThroughHumility

So this was the man who had claimed the power and the authority of Jesus. But when those who actually had the authority of Jesus showed up. There was no contest. There was no question. He was struck blind. He was rendered helpless. And I think that it's it's interesting here that Paul did not blind him. This wasn't something that Paul did but rather God blinded him and Paul simply saw and spoke about what it was that God was already doing but there was no contest a man who claimed the name of Jesus and one who actually carried the name of Jesus and despite the wealth and the influence that he would have incurred or had at that point there was no contest. He was a false teacher. [00:25:48] (60 seconds) #TrueAuthorityInJesus

Now this is not just a back then problem. This is a now problem too. People are still misusing the name of Jesus. Just like this bar Jesus character did and in the Bible tells us pretty pretty clearly that there's a couple of different reasons that they do this. The first reason that people will misuse the name of Jesus is because they think that they can use the name of Jesus to get ahead. [00:27:09] (30 seconds) #MisusingJesusName

Maybe we should also trust. That it's not my church. It's not your church. It's Jesus's church. And he will care for it. He knows the difference. He knows the hearts. Of every man of every woman. And he will not fail. To gather his own. Into his barn. That's the kingdom. Of heaven. There's one savior. It is Jesus. There is one gospel. One repentance one faith. There will always be those who claim to be teachers prophets pastors. Who are really sons of the devil. But the way that we protect against them is through our participation in the body of Christ through our knowledge of the word and through. Developing our ability to rightly discern the spirit. [00:40:51] (63 seconds) #BaptismCelebratesFaith

It continues with understanding. That believing that Jesus is the son of God who's come into this world to save us from the futility of our sin through his death and resurrection. But this understanding then must produce faith in him. Faith in Jesus we must turn away from everything else. In repentance and place our faith in him. That's the walk of the believer repentance and faith. Repentance. Turning away from those other things. Faith turning to Jesus. And it is through our faith that we are saved. And it is our faith alone that saves us. [00:44:18] (52 seconds) #CommunionHopeInChrist

Baptism is essentially an adoption celebration. This person is now a part of the family of God. Now doesn't...Does that make them a part of the family of God? No. No. Their faith did that. But it celebrates and it recognizes that which has already happened. It's kind of like a birthday. Right? When you have a birthday party is it the birthday party that makes somebody 18? No. It's not the birthday party. But the party just recognizes what has already taken place or will shortly take place depending on schedules and that sort of thing. So baptism is the way that we celebrate and commemorate physically, visibly, what has happened to you spiritually. We go down into the water. We die to the things of this world. We die to our sin. We die to all the false gods that we worship. We are buried with Jesus. And then we rise again to a new life. A life that is marked by faith and righteousness rather than by sin. [00:45:51] (71 seconds)

We remember with this meal that we are saved from our sin by the death of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. His body was broken on that cross. But it is through his broken body that we are healed and made whole. His blood was poured out on that cross. But it's his blood poured out that washes us clean of all of our sins. And all of our unrighteousness. This is where our hope lies. This is how it was accomplished. It wasn't accomplished because you or I are good people. It wasn't accomplished because we've met some sort of arbitrary goal. But when we place our faith in Jesus, we say that his body and his blood is what we are depending on. That's what we are trusting in. And that if he died and rose again, then we too can be saved. [00:48:59] (58 seconds)

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