Embracing the Gospel: Boldness, Joy, and Inclusivity
Summary
In my sermon, I began by setting the scene in Acts chapter 13, where Paul and Barnabas were invited to speak in a synagogue in Antioch. This opportunity arose unexpectedly when they were asked if they had anything to say after the reading of the Law and the Prophets. Paul seized this moment to deliver a powerful history lesson, tracing the promise of a Savior from Abraham to David, and highlighting how the Jews missed recognizing Jesus as the Messiah despite the clear prophecies.
As the sermon continued, I emphasized the importance of the word of God in Paul's preaching. It was not Paul's words that drew the crowds; it was the word of God. This distinction is crucial because it underscores the power and centrality of Scripture in our faith and outreach. The following Sabbath, almost the entire city gathered, not to hear Paul, but to hear God's word. This massive turnout was a testament to the hunger for true spiritual nourishment, which only the word of God can satisfy.
However, this gathering stirred envy among the Jews, leading to opposition and persecution of Paul and Barnabas. I discussed how envy can distort our perception and lead us away from God's purpose for our lives. It was envy that led the Jews to reject Jesus and the gospel. This rejection was not just a passive act but an active dismissal of the grace offered to them. Despite this, Paul and Barnabas responded with boldness, rooted in the truth of Scripture, emphasizing that the gospel was now being extended to the Gentiles.
In response to the Jews' rejection, the Gentiles rejoiced at the inclusion of this message for them, which led to many believing and glorifying the word of the Lord. This moment highlighted the universal scope of the gospel, which is not confined to a single ethnic group but is intended for all humanity.
Towards the end of the sermon, I reflected on the response of Paul and Barnabas to persecution. They shook the dust off their feet as a testimony against those who rejected the gospel, yet they did so with joy, filled with the Holy Spirit. This act of shaking off the dust was not a sign of giving up but a declaration that they had fulfilled their duty in proclaiming the gospel, regardless of the outcome.
Key Takeaways:
1. The word of God is central to our faith and must be the core of our preaching. Just as Paul drew the crowds not by his eloquence but by the power of Scripture, we too must rely on the divine authority of God's word to convict and convert hearts. This reliance ensures that our faith and the faith of those we teach rests not on human wisdom but on God's power. [11:59]
2. Envy can blind us to God's work in our lives and in the lives of others. It led the Jews to reject Jesus and oppose Paul and Barnabas. We must guard our hearts against envy by focusing on what God is doing through us and being content with the blessings He bestows upon us. This focus will prevent us from missing out on the blessings God has in store for us. [14:36]
3. The gospel is inclusive and universal. Paul's extension of the gospel to the Gentiles reminds us that God's plan of salvation encompasses all peoples. This inclusivity should motivate us to reach out beyond our cultural and ethnic boundaries to share the gospel with everyone, reflecting God's love for the whole world. [22:59]
4. Perseverance in the face of opposition is crucial. Paul and Barnabas did not allow persecution to deter them from their mission. Instead, they continued to preach boldly. We too must persevere in our calling, trusting that God will work through our efforts, regardless of the immediate outcomes. [26:27]
5. Joy in trials is a mark of a Spirit-filled life. Despite being persecuted and expelled, Paul and Barnabas were filled with joy. This joy comes from knowing that we are fulfilling God's purpose. As believers, we should seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to find joy even in the most challenging circumstances. [28:19]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 13:42-52
2. 1 Corinthians 15:58
3. 2 Peter 3:18
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the Gentiles when they heard Paul’s message in the synagogue? ([02:15])
2. How did Paul and Barnabas respond to the opposition and persecution from the Jews? ([04:08])
3. What was the significance of Paul and Barnabas shaking the dust off their feet? ([27:09])
4. According to the sermon, what was the primary reason the crowds gathered to hear Paul? ([11:14])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that almost the entire city gathered to hear the word of God rather than Paul himself? How does this reflect on the power of Scripture? ([11:14])
2. How does envy affect our ability to see and accept God’s work in our lives, as illustrated by the Jews' reaction to Paul and Barnabas? ([14:36])
3. What does it mean to continue in the grace of God, and how did Paul encourage the new believers to do this? ([07:03])
4. How does the inclusion of the Gentiles in the gospel message demonstrate the universal scope of God’s salvation plan? ([22:59])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt envious of someone else’s spiritual journey or blessings. How did that affect your relationship with God and others? What steps can you take to guard your heart against envy? ([14:36])
2. The sermon emphasized the centrality of the word of God in preaching and faith. How can you ensure that Scripture remains central in your personal faith journey and in your interactions with others? ([11:59])
3. Paul and Barnabas showed perseverance in the face of opposition. Can you think of a situation where you faced opposition for your faith? How did you respond, and what can you learn from Paul and Barnabas’ example? ([26:27])
4. The joy of Paul and Barnabas in the midst of persecution was a mark of their Spirit-filled life. How can you cultivate joy in your life, especially during challenging times? ([28:19])
5. The sermon highlighted the inclusivity of the gospel. Are there people or groups in your life that you find difficult to reach out to with the gospel? What practical steps can you take to overcome these barriers and share God’s love with them? ([22:59])
6. Paul encouraged the believers to continue in grace by being steadfast, growing in grace, living in alignment with God’s word, and sharing the gospel. Which of these areas do you find most challenging, and what specific actions can you take to improve in that area? ([07:50])
7. Reflect on the concept of shaking the dust off your feet. Is there a situation or relationship where you need to let go and trust that you have done your part in sharing the gospel? How can you find peace and joy in that decision? ([27:09])
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of God's Word
The centrality of Scripture in faith and preaching is not just a theological ideal but a practical necessity. When Paul spoke in Antioch, it was not his own eloquence but the power of Scripture that captivated the audience. This illustrates that the true transformation in individuals' lives begins not with persuasive human wisdom but with the divine authority of God's word. As believers, relying on Scripture ensures that the foundation of one’s faith and the faith of those taught is robust and anchored in truth, not swayed by the changing tides of human opinion. This reliance is crucial for both personal spiritual growth and effective ministry. [11:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8-xN6uiglM&t=704s)
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12
Reflection: How can you more fully integrate the study and meditation of Scripture into your daily routine to ensure it is the foundation of your faith?
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Day 2: Guarding Against Envy in Spiritual Life
Envy can subtly infiltrate our hearts, distorting our perception of God's workings in our lives and in others'. In the account of Paul and Barnabas, it was envy that led the Jews to oppose the spread of the Gospel. This teaches us the destructive power of envy, which can lead to rejecting God's blessings and purposes. To combat this, focusing on God's individual blessings and purposes for our lives is essential, fostering contentment and gratitude. By doing so, believers can embrace the unique roles they play in God's plan without falling into the trap of comparison and discontent. [14:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8-xN6uiglM&t=861s)
"Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." - Galatians 5:26
Reflection: Identify a situation where you felt envious of someone else's spiritual or material blessings. How can you shift your focus to gratitude for what God has given you?
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Day 3: Embracing the Universality of the Gospel
The Gospel of Christ is not confined to any single ethnic or cultural group; it is a message of salvation intended for all humanity. This was vividly demonstrated when Paul and Barnabas turned to the Gentiles after the Jews' rejection, leading to many Gentiles rejoicing and believing in the message. This inclusivity is a core aspect of the Gospel, emphasizing that God’s love and salvation are available to everyone, everywhere. Believers are called to mirror this inclusivity by reaching out beyond familiar boundaries to share the Gospel with all people, reflecting God’s universal love. [22:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8-xN6uiglM&t=1364s)
"And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place." - Acts 17:26
Reflection: What are some ways you can reach out to someone from a different cultural or ethnic background this week to share the love of Christ?
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Day 4: Perseverance in the Face of Opposition
Paul and Barnabas faced significant opposition and persecution but remained steadfast in their mission to preach the Gospel. Their example teaches us the importance of perseverance in our spiritual callings. Despite challenges or lack of immediate results, steadfastness in pursuing God’s work is crucial. This perseverance is not born out of stubbornness but out of a deep conviction of God’s sovereignty and the ultimate importance of the Gospel. [26:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8-xN6uiglM&t=1572s)
"But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded." - 2 Chronicles 15:7
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt like giving up on a spiritual endeavor. What helped, or would have helped, you to persevere?
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Day 5: Finding Joy in Spiritual Trials
Facing trials and persecutions, Paul and Barnabas were filled with joy, a clear indicator of a life led by the Holy Spirit. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, rooted in the knowledge of fulfilling God’s purpose. As believers, seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit is essential for maintaining joy amidst trials. This supernatural joy acts as a strength and testimony to others, demonstrating the power of a life committed to God. [28:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8-xN6uiglM&t=1684s)
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." - James 1:2-3
Reflection: How can you cultivate a spirit of joy in your current trials, and how might this change your perspective on the challenges you face?
Quotes
1. "It was envy that moved the Jews of the homeland to turn against the apostles. Now it was envy that moved the Jews of the dispersion to turn against Paul and reject the gospel both out of anger and out of bitterness. What a terrible thing to do. Because you're mad about a crowd. You reject not only Paul but you reject the gospel." [14:36]
2. "The Bible says in the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of Paul. That's not what it says. Right? We don't come to hear the word of the preacher. We come to hear the word of God. The word of God must be magnified. The word of God must be lifted up." [11:59]
3. "Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold and said it was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you. But seeing He put it from you and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles." [18:29]
4. "The Jews judged themselves unworthy of eternal life and this wasn't, when we think about this you're like hey, that makes sense. It's not exactly what you think. What are they saying? They're saying well we would never measure up, right? They're so prideful in their wickedness." [19:43]
5. "Paul then quotes Isaiah 49 verse 6. The religious leaders would have known this verse as they had read Isaiah many times. Isaiah 49 verse 6 says this, And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the preserved Israel. I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth." [22:59]
6. "And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women and the chief men of the city. And raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas. And expelled them out of their coast. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them and came a dichonium." [04:08]
7. "After Paul quotes scripture to the Jews, the Gentiles rejoice. I can imagine. Their gospel is coming to us. The gospel is for us. They were glad and they glorified the word of the Lord. And then they got saved." [23:53]
8. "The great commission was continuing. It was going from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the uttermost parts of the world and they had finally made it out. As a member of the New Testament church, as a member of any New Testament church, the great commission is still our mission." [24:55]
9. "Notice the response of the Jews to the word that first thing they did is they stirred up devout, inaudible women and the chief men of the city. What does that mean? They were like, hey, we got to get these guys out. They caused a stir in the city to try to remove Paul and Barnabas." [26:27]
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