Embracing Unity and Purpose in Spiritual Warfare

Devotional

Day 1: Surrendering Daily to God’s Purpose and Mission

Continually surrendering to God’s purpose and mission means letting go of our own agendas and embracing humility, passion, and hope, even in the midst of tears and trials. Paul’s example in Acts 20 shows that true service to the Lord is marked by a willingness to lay down our lives, to be moved by the Spirit, and to recognize that none of this is about us—it’s all about Jesus. Each day, we are called to slow down, reflect on what God is doing, and embrace where He wants to take us, regardless of the cost or the fears we may face. [37:32]

Acts 20:18-19 (ESV)
“And when they came to him, he said to them: ‘You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews.’”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are holding back from fully surrendering to God’s purpose? What would it look like to lay it down before Him today?

Day 2: Grounding Our Mission in the Gospel, Not Distraction

God’s mission for us is to be grounded in the gospel, not distracted or deterred by the culture or opposition around us. Paul did not shrink back from proclaiming what was profitable, teaching both publicly and from house to house, testifying to all about repentance and faith in Jesus. The church is not meant to hide from the world but to take the gospel out, serving, caring, and sharing with neighbors and communities. Wherever we go, the church goes, and our mission remains to glorify God and make His name known. [40:10]

Acts 20:20-21 (ESV)
“How I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Reflection: Who is one neighbor, coworker, or friend you can intentionally pray for, care for, and share the hope of Jesus with this week?

Day 3: Embracing Sacrifice and Joy in Following Christ

Following God’s purpose and mission always comes with a personal price—giving up our security, comfort, and ego, and facing painful changes and challenges. Yet, as Paul demonstrates, we are called to count our lives as nothing compared to finishing the course and testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. In the midst of sacrifice, we are also called to adopt joy as a daily lifestyle, knowing that our true home is with God and that He is our source of strength and hope. [44:39]

Acts 20:22-24 (ESV)
“And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Reflection: What is one comfort or security you sense God asking you to release for the sake of His mission, and how can you choose joy in that surrender?

Day 4: Passing the Baton—Living and Sharing a Faith Worth Following

Embracing God’s purpose and mission enables us to deal with change and to pass the baton of faith to the next generation. True faith is not about perfection or religious tradition, but about obedience and a willingness to live and, if necessary, die for the gospel. Our children and those around us need to see us living out our faith authentically—serving, sharing, and loving in practical ways—so that the mission of Christ continues beyond us. [47:36]

Acts 20:26-28 (ESV)
“Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally model and share your faith with the next generation—whether your children, grandchildren, or someone younger in the faith—this week?

Day 5: The Power of Vision and Unity in God’s Mission

Where there is no vision, people scatter and lose focus, but when we are unified in God’s purpose—to glorify Him and make His name known—we move forward together in strength. Unity in the church is not about agreeing on every opinion or preference, but about being bound together in Christ, giving grace, and keeping the main thing the main thing. As we prepare our hearts for sacred moments like the Lord’s Supper, we are reminded that our unity and mission are all about Jesus, and that we need each other to carry out His purpose in the world. [57:04]

Proverbs 29:18 (ESV)
“Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.”

Reflection: Is there someone in your church family with whom you need to seek unity or reconciliation? How can you take a step toward grace and togetherness before God today?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a family to remember that God is at work among us, giving life and calling us to a deeper unity and purpose. We celebrated the reality that spiritual battle is a sign that God is moving, not a reason for fear or discouragement. In the midst of challenges—whether personal, like illness and suffering, or communal, like opposition and spiritual warfare—we are reminded that God is greater than any foe we face. Our calling is clear: to glorify God and make His name known. This is not just the mission of a few, but the purpose of every believer and the entire church.

Looking to Acts 20, we see Paul as an example of unwavering commitment to God’s mission. He lived with humility, passion, and hope, surrendering daily to God’s purpose even when it meant facing suffering, loss, and uncertainty. Paul’s life teaches us that following Christ will cost us our comfort, security, and sometimes even our relationships, but it also fills us with a joy that the world cannot take away. Our lives are not our own; we are called to obedience, to live as worshipers whose actions and attitudes reflect the glory of God.

Passing the baton of faith to the next generation is not about transferring religious habits, but about modeling a faith worth living and dying for. Our children and those around us need to see us living out the gospel with authenticity, sacrifice, and love. We must be vigilant, for there will always be forces—both outside and within—that seek to divide, distract, or distort the mission. Unity is essential; we are bound together not by opinions or preferences, but by the blood of Christ and the shared purpose of making Him known.

As we prepared our hearts for the Lord’s Supper, we were called to examine ourselves, to seek reconciliation, and to remember the price Jesus paid for our redemption. The Lord’s Supper is a sacred reminder that we are one body, united in Christ, and that our mission is too important to be sidelined by division or complacency. Let us leave today with renewed vision, boldness, and joy, committed to glorifying God and making His name known in all we do.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual Battle Is a Sign of God’s Movement, Not Defeat When God is at work, opposition and spiritual warfare are inevitable. Rather than seeing these as signs of failure, we should recognize them as evidence that we are advancing God’s kingdom. The enemy does not bother with those who are stagnant; resistance means we are on the right path. Our response should be to draw closer together, pray fervently, and remember that God is greater than any challenge we face. [34:19]
2. The Heart of Worship Is Obedience, Not Performance True worship is not about outward expressions or rituals, but about a surrendered, obedient heart. Abraham’s willingness to lay down Isaac was the first biblical act called “worship,” showing that the greatest act of worship is giving up what we value most for God. If our hearts are not aligned with God’s will, our worship—no matter how passionate—misses the mark. Obedience is the truest form of glorifying God. [36:24]
3. God’s Mission Requires Sacrifice and Joyful Endurance Following Christ means surrendering our comfort, security, and even our personal preferences. Paul faced chains, afflictions, and the loss of close relationships, yet he counted his life as nothing compared to finishing the race God set before him. Joy is not the absence of hardship, but the presence of God’s grace in the midst of it. We are called to adopt joy as a daily lifestyle, knowing our true home is with Christ. [43:00]
4. Passing the Baton of Faith Demands Authenticity and Action The next generation will not inherit a living faith through church attendance alone, but by witnessing real, sacrificial discipleship in our lives. Faith that is not worth dying for will never be worth living for. Our children and community need to see us sharing, serving, and loving in tangible ways, not just talking about faith but embodying it. God asks for obedience, not perfection, as we model and pass on the gospel. [46:53]
5. Unity in Christ Is Essential for Fulfilling God’s Mission Division, whether from false teaching or personal preferences, undermines the mission of the church. We must guard the unity of the body, extending grace to one another and focusing on what truly matters: the gospel and the glory of God. Our differences should not distract us from our shared purpose; there is far more that unites us than divides us. The Lord’s Supper is a powerful reminder that we are one in Christ, called to love and serve together. [49:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Opening Prayer and Spiritual Battle
[07:45] - Celebrating God’s Work and Facing Opposition
[13:30] - The Importance of Mission and Vision
[18:40] - Glorifying God and Making His Name Known
[22:30] - Worship as Obedience, Not Just Music
[27:00] - Lessons from Acts 20: Paul’s Example
[34:19] - Surrendering to God’s Purpose
[36:24] - The Cost and Joy of Following Christ
[43:00] - Sacrifice, Joy, and Facing Change
[46:53] - Passing the Baton of Faith
[49:37] - Guarding Unity and Resisting Division
[52:14] - Grace, Humility, and Preparing for the Lord’s Supper
[57:04] - The Power of Vision and Unified Mission
[59:03] - Invitation to Reconciliation and Reflection
[64:04] - The Lord’s Supper: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[78:13] - Communion, Family, and the Body of Christ
[83:21] - Final Prayer and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 20:18–38 (ESV) — - Genesis 22:1–14 (ESV)
- Proverbs 29:18 (ESV)

Observation Questions

In Acts 20:18–21, what attitudes and actions does Paul describe as part of his ministry among the believers? How does he say he served them?
According to Genesis 22:1–14, what did Abraham do that was called “worship” for the first time in the Bible?
In Acts 20:29–31, what warnings does Paul give to the church about what will happen after he leaves?
According to the sermon, what is the main purpose and mission of the church? ([34:19])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize humility, tears, and trials as part of his ministry? What does this reveal about the cost of following Christ? ([37:32])
The sermon says that spiritual battle is a sign that God is moving, not a reason for fear. Why might opposition or hardship actually be evidence of God’s work? ([34:19])
In Genesis 22, Abraham’s willingness to lay down Isaac is called worship. What does this teach us about the heart of worship and obedience? ([36:24])
Paul warns about “savage wolves” and division in the church. Why is unity so important for fulfilling God’s mission, and what are the dangers of division? ([49:37])

Application Questions

The sermon says that spiritual warfare and opposition are signs that God is at work. Can you think of a time when you faced challenges or pushback while trying to follow God? How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time? ([34:19])
True worship is described as obedience, not just singing or outward actions. Is there something in your life that God is asking you to surrender or obey Him in, even if it’s hard? What would it look like to take a step of obedience this week? ([36:24])
Paul gave up comfort, security, and even close relationships to follow God’s mission. What is one area of comfort or security that you find hard to let go of for the sake of Christ? How might God be calling you to trust Him more in that area? ([43:00])
The sermon challenges us to pass on a living, authentic faith to the next generation—not just church habits. What is one practical way you can model real faith to your children, family, or friends this week? ([46:53])
Unity in Christ is described as essential for the church’s mission. Are there any relationships in your life or in the church where you need to seek reconciliation or extend grace? What is one step you can take toward unity this week? ([49:37])
Before taking the Lord’s Supper, the church was called to examine themselves and seek reconciliation. Is there anything you need to confess or make right with God or someone else before you participate in worship or communion? ([59:03])
The sermon says our purpose is to glorify God and make His name known. What is one specific way you can make God’s name known in your workplace, neighborhood, or community this week? ([34:19])

Sermon Clips

The mission and vision were essential for the early church and the same is true today. Paul knew who he was, where he came from, and who he served. Where he was going and he never veered from his eternal mission of Jesus Christ and the gospel. For God's blessing to remain, this must be true with us as a church. We must know where we're going. Our vision and our mission. [00:34:49] (27 seconds) #EternalMissionFocus

Worship is not, you know, music is an expression of worship. But the heartbeat of worship, and I've told you this before, is obedience. The first time the word worship is used in scripture is Genesis chapter 22 when Abraham takes Isaac on the mountain. He says, we're going to go up there and we're going to worship. As far as I know, nowhere in scripture does it tell us that they had a keyboard or a guitar or anything else. They weren't going up there to sing. They were going up there to lay down the most important thing in his life, which was a son. [00:36:32] (27 seconds) #WorshipIsObedience

The first thing Jesus said was he said, when a man gives up his life, he will gain it. Why? Because the greatest act of worship is to give up our life. If we're raising our hands, but our heart is not obedient to God, then we're just, we're missing the whole point. Glorify God. Make his name known. That's who we're supposed to be. [00:36:58] (23 seconds) #SacrificialWorship

Moving forward, we must continually surrender to God's purpose and mission with passion, hope, and humility. In verse 18, it says, and when they came to him and said to them, you know, that from this day, this day, I set foot in Asia, how I was with you, with the whole time, you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility, with tears and with trials that came to me through the plots of the Jews. Paul's talking about this. We must continually surrender to God's purpose. [00:37:37] (30 seconds) #SurrenderWithHumility

We do not own our own lives. Once we give our lives to Christ. it's all about him it's about us following him we must continually surrender to god's purpose and mission every single day you know serving the lord with all humility with tears what does that say it says that paul was so moved by god that paul realized it's none of this was about him it was all about jesus. [00:38:21] (28 seconds) #LifeBelongsToGod

Paul understood wherever he went satan was going to throw everything he could at him but he also understood that whatever chains they put on him we were already delivered from those the chains that we carry are the ones we choose to keep because if we surrender them to god he'll break them. [00:42:36] (20 seconds) #ChainsBrokenByFaith

If we're going to follow Christ. If we're going to glorify God and make his name known. Then you're going to give up your security. Give up your security. From now on, he says, I'm bound in my spirit. Knowing that I will encounter there. We'll give up our security. Number two. We'll give up our freedom. Accept them town after town. There were chains and afflictions waiting for him. We have to abandon our ego. Verse 24. But I count my life of no value. [00:44:01] (30 seconds) #SecurityInSacrifice

You should adopt joy as a daily lifestyle because he talks about God's grace. Joy. Come on. Just smile for a moment. I want to see y 'all smiling so much that the shine of your teeth just kind of blinds me for a moment. Come on, guys. Do you know when people have joy? Yes or no? We should be joyful people. Paul is basically telling us. Come on, guys. Last week we talked about Acts 16. They were singing hymns and praying in the middle of the nastiest, filthiest jail you could ever imagine. How can you do that? You're crazy. No. You're filled with the Spirit because this is not our home. And he is our God. [00:44:31] (41 seconds) #JoyInTheSpirit

The Lord's Supper binds us together it gives us the picture why because we're bound together in the message of jesus christ that jesus died for us he gave his life for us he redeemed us. [01:04:54] (15 seconds) #BoundByTheCross

May God bind us closer together. May the mission of our church here, may we go forward and God bless and his Holy Spirit be a part of this. May our families be stronger. May we as a family be stronger together. May we carry each other's burdens. May we walk out of here realizing we can't do this alone. We need each other. [01:23:55] (24 seconds) #StrongerTogetherInChrist

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