Embracing Apostleship: Answering God's Call to Action

Devotional

Day 1: Apostleship as a Commission

Apostleship means being sent out with a commission to fulfill a purpose. This spiritual gift involves making disciples and bearing witness to Jesus' love and grace. Understanding the original Greek term "apostolos" helps us grasp the depth of this calling. The term "apostolos" translates to "one who is sent," emphasizing the active nature of this role. Apostleship is not a passive gift; it requires action, engagement, and a willingness to step out in faith.

In the New Testament, the original apostles were sent out by Jesus to make disciples and bear witness to His love and grace. They were commissioned to preach, perform miracles, and establish the early church. This foundational work laid the groundwork for the church as we know it today. Despite facing immense challenges, the apostles were bold and courageous in their mission, demonstrating the power and importance of apostleship. [10:57]

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: What specific purpose do you feel God is commissioning you for in your life right now? How can you actively step out in faith to fulfill this purpose?

Day 2: The Courage of the Original Apostles

The original apostles were sent out by Jesus to preach, perform miracles, and establish the early church. Their work laid the foundation for the church as we know it today. Despite facing immense challenges, they were bold and courageous in their mission. The apostles faced persecution, imprisonment, and even death, yet they remained steadfast in their calling. Their courage and dedication serve as an example for us today.

Understanding the historical context of the apostles' mission helps us appreciate the sacrifices they made. They traveled great distances, often in dangerous conditions, to spread the message of Jesus. Their unwavering faith and commitment to their mission inspire us to be bold in our own spiritual journeys. [14:53]

2 Corinthians 11:23-27 (ESV): "Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge in your spiritual journey. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the apostles' courage to apply to your current situation?

Day 3: Modern Apostleship

While the formal title of apostle is rare today, the gift of apostleship is still present. It is often seen in church planters, missionaries, and those with an entrepreneurial spirit who are driven to start new ministries and reach new people. Modern apostleship involves recognizing and using one's spiritual gifts to further God's kingdom. This gift is not limited to a specific role or title but is about being sent out to make a difference.

Modern apostleship requires awareness, boldness, and humility. Being aware of one's gifts is the first step, followed by the courage to use them and the humility to recognize that these gifts are from God. Those with the gift of apostleship are often visionaries, willing to take risks and step out in faith to start new initiatives. [22:00]

Romans 15:20-21 (ESV): "And thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written, 'Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.'"

Reflection: Do you recognize any apostolic gifts in yourself? How can you use these gifts to start something new for God's kingdom?

Day 4: Community Examples of Apostleship

Our church community is filled with individuals who have demonstrated the gift of apostleship by starting new ministries and initiatives. From middle school programs to young adult groups, these examples show how the gift of apostleship can be used to meet the needs of the community. These initiatives are often born out of a desire to serve and make a difference, reflecting the heart of apostleship.

Seeing examples within our own community can inspire us to step out in faith and use our gifts. Whether it's starting a new ministry, a small group, or a community initiative, the call to apostleship is about being sent out to make a difference. These community examples remind us that we all have a role to play in furthering God's kingdom. [26:14]

1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 (ESV): "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything."

Reflection: Think of a need in your community that is not currently being met. How can you use your gifts to address this need and make a difference?

Day 5: The Call to Action

Reflect on your own gifts and consider how you can use them to impact the world around you. Whether it's starting a small group, a new ministry, or a larger community initiative, the call to apostleship is about being sent out to make a difference. This call to action requires us to be proactive and intentional in using our gifts for God's kingdom.

The call to action is a personal invitation to step out in faith and start something new. It challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones and trust that God will guide and equip us. By reflecting on our gifts and seeking God's direction, we can find ways to make a meaningful impact in our communities and beyond. [36:05]

Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take this week to use your gifts for God's kingdom? How can you start small and build from there?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Welcome to OneChurchAtHome! Today, we explored the concept of apostleship, a spiritual gift that involves being sent out with a commission to fulfill a purpose. We began by contrasting a "couch potato" with an athlete, emphasizing the need for action and engagement in our spiritual lives. The Greek word for apostle, "apostolos," means "one who is sent," and we delved into the New Testament to understand the original apostles' roles and responsibilities. These apostles were sent out by Jesus to make disciples and bear witness to His love and grace.

Apostleship is both an office and a spiritual gift. While the formal title of apostle is rare in modern churches, the gift of apostleship is still very much alive. This gift is often seen in church planters, missionaries, and those with an entrepreneurial spirit who are driven to start new ministries and reach new people. We discussed the importance of being aware of our gifts, being bold in using them, and remaining humble, recognizing that these gifts are from God for the edification of the church.

We also highlighted examples from our own church community, where individuals have stepped up to start new ministries and initiatives, demonstrating the gift of apostleship in action. From middle school programs to young adult groups, and even ideas for food trucks and cafes, our community is filled with people who are willing to say, "Here am I, send me."

The key takeaway is that God is still calling and gifting people today to step out in faith and start new things for His kingdom. Whether it's a small group, a new ministry, or a larger community initiative, the call to apostleship is about being sent out to make a difference. So, what are you being called to start today? Reflect on your gifts and consider how you can use them to impact the world around you.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Apostleship Defined: Apostleship means being sent out with a commission to fulfill a purpose. This spiritual gift involves making disciples and bearing witness to Jesus' love and grace. Understanding the original Greek term "apostolos" helps us grasp the depth of this calling. [10:57]
2. Historical Context: The original apostles were sent out by Jesus to preach, perform miracles, and establish the early church. Their work laid the foundation for the church as we know it today. Despite facing immense challenges, they were bold and courageous in their mission. [14:53]
3. Modern Apostleship: While the formal title of apostle is rare today, the gift of apostleship is still present. It is often seen in church planters, missionaries, and those with an entrepreneurial spirit who are driven to start new ministries and reach new people. [22:00]
4. Community Examples: Our church community is filled with individuals who have demonstrated the gift of apostleship by starting new ministries and initiatives. From middle school programs to young adult groups, these examples show how the gift of apostleship can be used to meet the needs of the community. [26:14]
5. Call to Action: Reflect on your own gifts and consider how you can use them to impact the world around you. Whether it's starting a small group, a new ministry, or a larger community initiative, the call to apostleship is about being sent out to make a difference. [36:05]
### [36:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[09:07] - Couch Potato vs. Athlete
[09:35] - Spiritual Gifts in 1 Corinthians 12
[10:10] - The Gift of Apostleship
[10:57] - Greek Word "Apostolos"
[11:31] - Commissioning of the Apostles
[12:06] - Discipleship and Evangelism
[12:36] - Apostleship as Office and Gift
[13:28] - The Original Apostles
[14:06] - Apostles' Roles and Miracles
[14:53] - Paul and Other Apostles
[15:36] - Paul's Missionary Journeys
[16:53] - Paul's Challenges and Courage
[17:49] - Vision and Encouragement
[18:41] - Apostles' Sacrifices
[19:10] - Apostleship Today
[19:43] - Men and Women Apostles
[20:33] - Awareness, Boldness, Humility
[21:35] - Apostles' Impact
[22:00] - Modern Apostleship
[22:30] - Recognizing Apostolic Gifts
[23:24] - Examples of Apostolic Gifts
[24:49] - Personal Experience with Apostleship
[26:14] - Community Examples
[27:39] - Huddle Leaders
[29:07] - Missions and Community Initiatives
[30:29] - Leveraging Gifts in Careers
[31:59] - Call to Start Something New
[33:20] - Brainstorming New Ideas
[34:46] - Food Truck and Cafe Ideas
[36:05] - Working Together as a Body
[37:20] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does the Greek word "apostolos" mean, and how does it relate to the concept of apostleship? ([10:57])
According to the sermon, what were the two main tasks that Jesus commissioned the apostles to do? ([12:06])
How did the original apostles demonstrate boldness and courage in their mission? ([16:53])
Can you identify some examples from our church community where individuals have demonstrated the gift of apostleship? ([26:14])

Interpretation Questions

How does understanding the original Greek term "apostolos" deepen our understanding of the calling and mission of an apostle? ([10:57])
In what ways did the original apostles' work lay the foundation for the church as we know it today? ([14:53])
How can the gift of apostleship be recognized in modern contexts, such as church planters and missionaries? ([22:00])
What does it mean to be aware, bold, and humble in the context of using spiritual gifts, particularly apostleship? ([20:33])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own spiritual gifts. How can you become more aware of the gifts God has placed inside of you? ([20:33])
What steps of boldness can you take to use your gifts for the edification of the church and the proclamation of Jesus? ([21:02])
Think of a specific need in your community or church. How can you step up to meet that need, similar to the examples given in the sermon? ([26:14])
Are there any new ministries or initiatives that you feel called to start? What practical steps can you take to begin this journey? ([31:59])
How can you cultivate humility while using your spiritual gifts, recognizing that they are from God and for His glory? ([21:02])
Consider the idea of starting a small group or huddle. What are some challenges you might face, and how can you overcome them? ([27:39])
How can you leverage your gifts in your career or daily life to make a positive impact for God's kingdom? ([30:29])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We're looking through all the spiritual gifts that we see in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. Right? We're looking at all these different gifts and we're trying to discover what's one way this summer that we can have an impact. And we can utilize those gifts to have an impact. To have an impact in your world. Your circle of friends, families, co-workers, the people that you encounter." [10:10] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus said, therefore, go and make disciples of all nations. So we're to go. We're being sent out so that we can make disciples. So we can help other people experience Jesus. Become more like Jesus." [12:06] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God himself gifted them with this gifting of apostleship. And he used them in their own way. He sends them out to reach Jews and to reach Gentiles to change the world as we know it. Spreading the gospel of Jesus everywhere that they went." [19:43] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "What are you being called to start today? Is there something in your life that as you even hear me talk about the old apostles or even some of the people that are are doing the good things in our church right now is there something inside of you that is is kind of welling up right?" [31:59] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Paul says that when you're part of a church, you're actually part of a body, that we are all parts, right? Many parts, one body. And not one part is more important than the other, because all of us have to come together and work together for the body to be whole. That's how bodies function, right?" [36:05] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Paul was very much aware of his gifting. He knew that Jesus was calling him. He knew that Jesus was sending him out. He heard the voice of Jesus himself where he's supposed to go to the Gentiles. So we've got to be aware of our gifting. But then we've got to be bold. We've got to take steps of faith and boldness. Moving forward in courage. Right? To where we know God is calling us." [21:02] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The original apostles, man. They had all of these things. They were aware. They were bold. They were humble. And God changed the world through them. Right? So these were the apostles. They had this gifting. They had this sending by Jesus to change the world. To proclaim who Jesus is. But here's the good news guys. God ain't done." [21:35] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "I had this burning desire. Inside of me. To start something new. To start something that I felt reflected. What God's desire is. How God. What God created the church to be. Right? I had this burning desire. That I couldn't turn off. To start something. New. To create a safe place. Where we can learn together. Where we can encourage one another." [24:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I think of all these different leaders who were simply aware of a need and stepped up boldly into their calling to be sent out by Jesus himself I believe to start these huddles and because of them we now have a the beginnings of a new ministry of a ministry that's that will ultimately I think be a defining feature of our church as we start to offer more huddle groups where we can gather outside of sundays and grow together and encourage one another to be an encouragement to others and experience the beauty of community." [27:39] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I think that some of you might actually have the gift of apostleship today I think that maybe you've seen it work in your lives I think you've seen it work in your business I think it's a thing inside of you that has been that's been your driving force to be successful and I think that many of us have leveraged this gifting inside of us to expand our careers right and listen that's bound to happen that's a good thing you're living your life utilizing the gifts that god has placed inside of you I think that's a good thing to have right I wish that we would all do that probably more because that's how we receive the most fulfillment out of our jobs and out of our roles is when we're using the gifts that god placed inside of us." [30:29] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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