Empowered Mission: The Church's Role in Outreach

In Acts 13, we witness a pivotal moment in the early church's mission, marking the beginning of a deliberate outreach to the Gentile world. The church at Antioch, a model assembly, is characterized by its diversity and the presence of multiple gifted leaders, including Barnabas and Saul (Paul). This chapter highlights the transition from a gospel spread by persecution to a planned mission, emphasizing the church's central role in God's plan. The Holy Spirit directs the church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for a specific work, not tied to a geographic location but to the task of spreading the gospel to the Gentiles.

The church at Antioch exemplifies a biblically gathered assembly, with a plurality of leaders rather than a single pastor. This diversity reflects the church's universal nature, transcending national and cultural boundaries. The mission to Cyprus, Barnabas's homeland, underscores the importance of leveraging existing connections for gospel work. The encounter with Sergius Paulus and the sorcerer Elymas illustrates the spiritual battle inherent in missions. Sergius Paulus, a Roman official, desires to hear the word of God, while Elymas opposes it, highlighting the reality of opposition in gospel work.

Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronts Elymas, demonstrating the necessity of spiritual empowerment in ministry. The blinding of Elymas serves as both a judgment and a potential means of grace, reminiscent of Paul's own conversion experience. Sergius Paulus's conversion is attributed not only to the miraculous event but also to the profound doctrine of the Lord, emphasizing the power of the gospel message.

This chapter challenges us to consider our role in the Great Commission, urging us to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and to remain astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. It reminds us that while we will encounter opposition, there are those who are eager to hear the gospel. The wonder of God's grace should continually inspire and motivate us in our mission.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The church at Antioch serves as a model for a biblically gathered assembly, emphasizing the importance of a plurality of leaders and the church's central role in God's mission. This diversity reflects the universal nature of the church, transcending cultural and national boundaries. [08:35]
• 2. The transition from a gospel spread by persecution to a planned mission highlights the church's proactive role in fulfilling the Great Commission. The Holy Spirit's guidance is crucial in identifying and sending out workers for the task. [06:06]
• 3. The encounter with Sergius Paulus and Elymas illustrates the spiritual battle inherent in missions. While some are eager to hear the gospel, others will oppose it, highlighting the need for spiritual empowerment and discernment. [34:29]
• 4. Paul's confrontation with Elymas demonstrates the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit in ministry. Spiritual empowerment is essential for overcoming opposition and effectively proclaiming the gospel. [37:45]
• 5. The conversion of Sergius Paulus underscores the power of the gospel message. While miracles may capture attention, it is the doctrine of the Lord that truly astonishes and transforms lives. [44:19]
  ** [44:19]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:14] - Introduction to Acts 13
• [00:51] - The Holy Spirit's Call
• [01:24] - The Mission to Cyprus
• [03:12] - The Spread of the Gospel
• [04:39] - Preparing for the Gentile Mission
• [06:06] - Planned Mission vs. Persecution
• [07:14] - The Church's Role in Missions
• [08:35] - Antioch: A Model Assembly
• [10:04] - The Importance of Gifted Leadership
• [12:24] - Breaking Cultural Barriers
• [15:05] - Ministering to the Lord
• [17:13] - The Holy Spirit's Direction
• [22:00] - Sent by the Holy Spirit
• [27:10] - Preaching in Synagogues
• [31:26] - Sergius Paulus and Elymas
• [37:45] - Filled with the Holy Spirit
• [44:19] - The Power of the Gospel

1. What was the role of the Holy Spirit in the church at Antioch's decision to send out Barnabas and Saul? ([00:51])
2. How does the diversity of leaders in the church at Antioch reflect the universal nature of the church? ([08:35])
3. What was the reaction of Sergius Paulus to the events he witnessed, and what ultimately astonished him? ([44:19])
4. How did Paul confront Elymas, and what was the outcome of this confrontation? ([37:45])

1. How does the transition from a gospel spread by persecution to a planned mission in Acts 13 illustrate the proactive role of the church in fulfilling the Great Commission? ([06:06])
2. In what ways does the encounter with Sergius Paulus and Elymas highlight the spiritual battles inherent in missions? ([34:29])
3. How does the blinding of Elymas serve as both a judgment and a potential means of grace, similar to Paul's own conversion experience? ([42:05])
4. What does the conversion of Sergius Paulus reveal about the power of the gospel message beyond miraculous events? ([44:19])

1. The church at Antioch was characterized by a plurality of leaders. How can your church or small group encourage and develop diverse leadership? ([08:35])
2. The Holy Spirit directed the church to send out Barnabas and Saul. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in your personal mission or calling? ([17:13])
3. Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit when confronting Elymas. What steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually empowered in your daily life and ministry? ([37:45])
4. Sergius Paulus was astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. When was the last time you were truly astonished by the gospel, and how can you recapture that wonder? ([44:19])
5. The church at Antioch leveraged existing connections for gospel work. What existing relationships or connections can you use to share the gospel in your community? ([25:21])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of being proactive in missions. What is one specific action you can take this week to be more proactive in sharing your faith? ([06:06])
7. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition while sharing your faith. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently in the future? ([34:29])