Embracing Community and Courage in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Presence and Encouragement in Our Mission

Even the most faithful can feel fear or discouragement when stepping out to serve God, but He promises His presence and encouragement. Just as Paul received a vision reminding him not to be afraid and to keep speaking, God assures us that we are not alone in our calling. He surrounds us with a community of believers and gives us the strength to continue, even when the task feels overwhelming. When we step out in faith, God meets us with His assurance, protection, and the reminder that He has many people ready to walk alongside us. [31:33]

Acts 18:9-10 (ESV)
And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel God calling you to step out in faith, and how can you trust His presence and encouragement in that area today?

Day 2: Be an Influencer for Christ, Not Conformed by the World

We all face the choice of being influenced by the world or becoming influencers for Christ. Paul’s transformation from persecutor to missionary shows the power of letting God renew our minds and direct our actions. When we offer ourselves as living sacrifices and refuse to conform to worldly patterns, we gain clarity about God’s will and become agents of change in our communities. The challenge is to examine whether we are shaping our environment for Christ or being shaped by it, and to intentionally choose to influence others toward God’s purposes. [35:15]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: In what specific situation this week can you choose to influence others for Christ rather than be influenced by the world’s values?

Day 3: Security and Peace Are Found in Christ Alone

True security and peace cannot be found in popularity, possessions, or worldly approval, but only in Christ. The world offers fleeting comfort, but God gives us a foundation that cannot be shaken. When we trust in Him, we overcome the anxieties and insecurities that come from seeking acceptance elsewhere. God’s peace is not like the world’s; it is deep, lasting, and available even in the midst of uncertainty. He invites us to rest in His victory and to let go of the need for worldly validation. [39:21]

John 14:27 (ESV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Reflection: What is one area where you are seeking security outside of Christ, and how can you surrender that to Him today to experience His peace?

Day 4: Take Risks for Christ—Don’t Settle for Playing It Safe

God calls us to step out of our comfort zones and take risks for the sake of the gospel. Paul’s missionary journeys and willingness to face danger are examples of faith in action, not timidity. We are not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. Whether it’s sharing your faith, serving in a new ministry, or reaching out to someone in need, God invites you to trust Him and experience the joy and growth that come from taking bold steps. Playing it safe may feel comfortable, but it often means missing out on the adventure God has for you. [42:41]

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Reflection: What is one specific risk you can take for Christ this week, and how will you rely on His strength to do it?

Day 5: Embrace God’s Dreams—Live for His Purposes, Not Just Your Own

God’s vision for your life is greater than anything you could dream for yourself. The enemy wants to distract you with lesser goals, but Jesus came to give you life to the full. Like Paul, you are invited to pursue God’s calling, even when it feels audacious or scary. God surrounds you with a community to support you, and He promises to be with you every step of the way. Embracing His dreams means letting go of your own limited ambitions and trusting that His plans will lead to true fulfillment and impact for His kingdom. [44:38]

John 10:10 (ESV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Reflection: What is one area where you sense God calling you to pursue His bigger dream instead of settling for your own, and what step can you take toward that today?

Sermon Summary

Today, we celebrated the relentless pursuit of God’s grace and the power of community in our journey of faith. We recognized the faithful service of those who pour into our children and our community, like the Strong Ballers basketball ministry, which not only teaches skills but also shares the love of Christ with kids from all backgrounds. This is a living example of how intentional outreach can break barriers and invite people into God’s family, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Reflecting on Acts 18, we see that God’s mission is not a solo endeavor. Paul’s journey was filled with ordinary people—Aquila, Priscilla, Silas, Timothy, Titius Justus, Crispus, and Apollos—who each played a vital role in encouraging and supporting him. Their presence reminds us that God surrounds us with community for strength, encouragement, and accountability. Just as Paul needed friends and fellow workers, so do we. Our life groups and ministries are not just programs; they are lifelines where we find encouragement, share struggles, and grow together.

I shared a personal story from my youth, chasing after the fleeting security of popularity, only to find emptiness. It’s a reminder that true security and identity are found in Christ, not in the approval of others or the world’s standards. God calls us to be influencers for His kingdom, not to be shaped by the world’s patterns. Romans 12 urges us to be transformed by renewing our minds, so we can discern God’s will and live it out boldly.

God’s encouragement to Paul—“Do not be afraid. Keep on speaking. Do not be silent. I am with you”—is a call for us as well. We are invited to take risks for Christ, to step out in faith, and to embrace His dreams for our lives rather than settling for our own limited ambitions. Whether it’s starting a Bible study, serving in a ministry, or simply sharing your story with a neighbor, God promises His presence and peace. He has placed people around us to walk with us, and He uses our obedience to impact lives in ways we may never fully see.

As we move forward, let’s remember that everything God does in us is meant to overflow into the lives of others. We are called to be bold, to support one another, and to trust that God is with us every step of the way.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Mission Is a Community Effort God never intended for us to walk the journey of faith alone. Just as Paul was surrounded by friends and fellow workers, we are called to lean into the community God provides—life groups, ministry teams, and friendships that encourage, challenge, and support us. Our growth and effectiveness in God’s mission are multiplied when we walk together, sharing both our struggles and our victories. [20:50]
2. True Security Is Found in Christ, Not in the World Chasing after the world’s approval, whether through popularity, success, or acceptance, ultimately leaves us empty. Real peace and security come from knowing who we are in Christ and trusting in His promises. When we rest in God’s love and faithfulness, we are freed from the anxiety of seeking validation elsewhere and can step out in faith with confidence. [39:21]
3. Be an Influencer for Christ, Not Merely Influenced by the World We are constantly faced with the choice to either shape our environment or be shaped by it. Paul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle is a powerful example of how God calls us to influence others for His kingdom. By renewing our minds and aligning our lives with God’s will, we become agents of change, bringing light and hope to those around us. [35:15]
4. Faith Requires Risk and Obedience God’s call often leads us beyond our comfort zones, inviting us to take risks for the sake of the gospel. Whether it’s sharing our faith, serving in new ways, or stepping into leadership, faith is about trusting God with the unknown. When we obey, even in fear, God meets us with His presence, equips us, and uses our steps of faith to accomplish His purposes. [42:41]
5. God’s Encouragement and Presence Are Our Strength When we feel afraid or inadequate, God’s word to Paul is also for us: “Do not be afraid. I am with you.” God knows our hearts and meets us in our weakness, providing the encouragement and assurance we need to keep going. He surrounds us with people who will walk with us, and He promises to use our lives for His glory when we trust Him. [48:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[03:10] - Dismissing Kids to Worship
[04:20] - Strong Ballers Ministry Video
[17:22] - Celebrating Community Outreach
[19:35] - Invitation to Serve and Get Involved
[20:50] - The Power of Community in Acts 18
[23:16] - Personal Story: Chasing Popularity
[28:11] - The Importance of Life Groups
[31:33] - God’s Encouragement to Paul
[32:50] - Learning from Positive and Negative Examples
[35:15] - Are You an Influencer or Being Influenced?
[39:21] - Finding Security in Christ
[41:16] - Peace and Courage in Christ
[42:41] - Taking Risks for the Gospel
[44:38] - Impacting Lives Through Faith
[48:36] - God’s Presence and Our Mission
[50:16] - Setting the Example for the Next Generation
[54:17] - Introducing New Deacon Candidates
[56:35] - Church Leadership and Unity
[60:26] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 18:1–11 (ESV) — After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
...
And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) — I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

John 14:27 (ESV) — Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Observation Questions

Who are some of the people mentioned in Acts 18 that God brought alongside Paul, and what roles did they play in his ministry?
According to the sermon, what specific encouragement did God give to Paul in his vision, and why was it significant for Paul at that moment? [31:33]
In Romans 12:2, what does Paul say is necessary for us to discern God’s will for our lives?
What is the difference between the peace Jesus gives and the peace the world offers, according to John 14:27 and the sermon? [41:16]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God chose to surround Paul with a community of ordinary people rather than letting him do ministry alone? What does this reveal about God’s design for the church? [20:50]
The sermon shared a story about chasing popularity and finding emptiness. Why does seeking security in the world ultimately leave us unsatisfied, according to both the sermon and the Bible passages? [39:21]
What does it look like in real life to be an “influencer for Christ” instead of being influenced by the world? How does Romans 12:2 help us understand this? [35:15]
When God told Paul, “Do not be afraid. I am with you,” what does this teach us about how God responds to our fears and weaknesses? [48:36]

Application Questions

The sermon highlighted the importance of community and life groups. Are you currently leaning into Christian community for encouragement and accountability, or are you trying to walk your faith journey alone? What is one step you could take to connect more deeply with others? [28:11]
Think about a time when you chased after approval, popularity, or success. Did it bring you lasting security? How can you remind yourself this week that your true identity and security are found in Christ? [23:16]
The pastor shared about being influenced by the world versus influencing others for Christ. In what area of your life are you most tempted to “fit in” with the world? What would it look like to be an influencer for Christ in that area? [35:15]
God told Paul, “Do not be afraid. Keep on speaking. Do not be silent. I am with you.” Is there a specific risk or step of faith God is inviting you to take right now—maybe starting a conversation, serving, or sharing your story? What is holding you back, and how can you trust God’s presence as you move forward? [42:41]
The sermon mentioned that everything God does in us is meant to overflow into the lives of others. Who is one person God has placed around you that you could encourage, support, or invite into community this week? [44:38]
The Strong Ballers ministry was highlighted as an example of intentional outreach. What is one practical way you could get involved in outreach or service, either inside or outside the church? [19:35]
When you feel afraid or inadequate, what specific promise from God can you hold onto? How can you remind yourself of God’s presence and encouragement in those moments? [48:36]

Sermon Clips

For me at 13, all I wanted was the security and the comfort of being approved of. I just wanted to be liked. I wanted people to think I was cool. I wanted to walk into a building where people knew my name, and they wanted to hang out with me, and they wanted to talk to me, and I was accepted. My security was in something that didn't exist, and I kept trying to make it happen, and many of us, we do that all the time. We are reaching for security and things that are never going to fulfill that for us. [00:38:35] (43 seconds) #RiskForChrist

What that means to me is that anything I could possibly desire that would bring me peace, that would bring me comfort, God overcomes that. That is the least, most important thing in my life now. He has overcome the worldly things that are in me, and this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith, our trust, our stepping forward and going, God, I know you've got this, and I know that you are the security and the foundation that I'm stepping out on. [00:39:48] (32 seconds) #CalledToCourage

Playing it safe is walking in here on Sunday, sitting down and walking out. And that's the extent of your Christianity and your involvement with Christ. But I want to tell you, if you're willing to take that risk, and that's part of the test to ask yourself today, how am I doing? Am I in tune with God? If you're willing to step out and start taking some risk, you're going to have so much fun. I don't mean to make a lie of it, but you are. You're going to have so much fun in going out and beginning to share Christ with people and see changes in people's lives and make a difference and make an impact. [00:44:00] (38 seconds) #PurposeBeyondSelf

God will strengthen you he will give you peace and where you don't see that you can do something he'll make a way for you to do it I just want to encourage you to not miss out on what Christ can do in and through you if you'll give him a chance to do that. [00:46:13] (19 seconds) #FaithThatMovesMountains

Everything that God does in your life is not just for you. It is always with his purpose in mind to win souls and to invite other people. And everybody that you see in this room as you look around today, your friends, your church family, they're all here to walk with you through that and to encourage you in that. [00:48:15] (21 seconds)

``God is with you and he wants to encourage you to go out and do amazing things for him. I hope that God's having to have those kinds of pep talks with you this week and in the future. And part of how I know that that's going to be happening is that people are going to continue to pour through these doors. You're going to come up and you're going to tell me these stories of you're not going to believe what happened to me this past week. We stepped out on faith and we did this. And as a result of that, I got to see God move in a big way. I was scared to death. It was so nerve wracking, but God was with me. [00:48:55] (43 seconds)

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