Extraordinary Work in Ordinary Moments

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God often does His most significant work in the ordinary moments and places of our lives. We reflected on the stories from the book of Acts, where Peter, a central figure in the early church, performs miracles in the seemingly insignificant towns of Lydda and Joppa. These stories remind us that while we may not see ourselves as spiritual giants like Peter or Paul, God still works powerfully through us in our everyday lives.

The narrative of Aeneas, a paralyzed man healed by Peter, and Tabitha, a beloved woman raised from the dead, illustrates that God's work is not limited to grand gestures or famous locations. Instead, He delights in using ordinary people in ordinary places to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. This is a call for us to be attentive to the opportunities God places in our paths, to be willing to be interrupted by His divine appointments, and to trust that our obedience, no matter how small it may seem, is treasured in heaven.

We are encouraged to remember that our responsibility is to obey, while the results are in God's hands. As we go about our daily routines, we should be open to finding those whom God wants us to minister to and be willing to be found by those He sends our way. In doing so, we participate in God's ongoing work in the world, changing the atmosphere around us through simple acts of faithfulness and love.

As we gather at the Lord's table, we are reminded of the ultimate act of love and sacrifice that changes everything. Through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, we are brought from darkness into light, from death into life. This transformation empowers us to be agents of change in our communities, reflecting God's love and grace in all we do.

Key Takeaways:

1. God Works in the Ordinary: God often chooses to work through ordinary people in ordinary places, accomplishing extraordinary things. Our everyday lives are filled with opportunities for God to work through us, and we should be attentive to His leading. [08:39]

2. Obedience Over Results: Our responsibility is to obey God's call, while the results are up to Him. We are called to trust that our small acts of faithfulness are significant in God's kingdom, even if we don't see immediate outcomes. [15:44]

3. Be Open to Divine Interruptions: As we go about our daily routines, we should be open to being interrupted by God's divine appointments. Being willing to find and be found by those God sends our way allows us to participate in His work. [27:01]

4. The Power of Community: The stories of Aeneas and Tabitha highlight the importance of community and the impact of collective faith. Our actions, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect, changing the atmosphere in our communities. [21:37]

5. Transformation Through Christ: The ultimate change in atmosphere comes through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As we gather at the Lord's table, we are reminded of the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which empowers us to be agents of change. [29:49]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:59] - Introduction to Change the Atmosphere Series
- [04:33] - Peter's Role in the Early Church
- [05:30] - Saul's Transformation
- [07:22] - The Valley of the Ordinary
- [08:39] - God Works Through Ordinary People
- [10:25] - Peter's Healing of Aeneas
- [12:23] - The Call to Be Attentive
- [13:53] - Obedience and Results
- [14:56] - Changing the Atmosphere
- [16:54] - The Story of Tabitha
- [21:37] - Peter's Prayer and Miracle
- [24:39] - The Significance of Small Acts
- [27:01] - Being Open to God's Interruptions
- [29:49] - Transformation Through Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 9:32-43 - The healing of Aeneas and the raising of Tabitha.
2. Ephesians 2:1-5 - Transformation through Christ.

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Observation Questions:

1. What were the circumstances surrounding the healing of Aeneas and the raising of Tabitha in Acts 9:32-43? How did these events impact their communities? [07:22]

2. How does the sermon describe the significance of the locations Lydda and Joppa in the context of God's work? [07:22]

3. According to the sermon, what role does Peter play in the early church, and how does this relate to the miracles he performed? [04:33]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of God's work in "ordinary" places and through "ordinary" people? [08:39]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Aeneas and Tabitha illustrate the sermon’s point that God works through ordinary people in ordinary places? [08:39]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our small acts of obedience can have significant impacts in God's kingdom? [15:44]

3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of being open to "divine interruptions" in our daily lives? What might this look like practically? [27:01]

4. How does the transformation described in Ephesians 2:1-5 relate to the sermon’s message about being agents of change in our communities? [29:49]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there moments where you might be missing opportunities for God to work through you? How can you become more attentive to these opportunities? [08:39]

2. Think of a recent situation where you felt your actions were insignificant. How does the sermon’s message about obedience over results change your perspective on that situation? [15:44]

3. Have you ever experienced a "divine interruption" in your life? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you be more open to such interruptions in the future? [27:01]

4. In what ways can you contribute to changing the atmosphere in your community through simple acts of faithfulness and love? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [21:37]

5. How does the transformation through Christ, as discussed in the sermon, empower you to be an agent of change in your community? What specific area of your life needs this transformation? [29:49]

6. Consider the role of community in the stories of Aeneas and Tabitha. How can you engage more deeply with your community to support and uplift others? [21:37]

7. Reflect on the ultimate act of love and sacrifice at the Lord's table. How does this reminder of Christ's life, death, and resurrection inspire you to live differently? [29:49]

Devotional

Day 1: God in the Ordinary
In the book of Acts, we see God working through Peter in the towns of Lydda and Joppa, places that might seem insignificant. These stories remind us that God often chooses to work through ordinary people in ordinary places, accomplishing extraordinary things. Our everyday lives are filled with opportunities for God to work through us, and we should be attentive to His leading. We may not see ourselves as spiritual giants, but God delights in using us in our daily routines to fulfill His purposes. [08:39]

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a routine part of your day where you can invite God to work through you. How can you be more attentive to His presence in that moment today?


Day 2: Trusting in Obedience
Our responsibility is to obey God's call, while the results are up to Him. We are called to trust that our small acts of faithfulness are significant in God's kingdom, even if we don't see immediate outcomes. The story of Aeneas and Tabitha illustrates that God's work is not limited to grand gestures or famous locations. Instead, He delights in using ordinary people in ordinary places to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. This is a call for us to be attentive to the opportunities God places in our paths. [15:44]

"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a small act of obedience you can commit to today, trusting God with the outcome. What step can you take to act on it?


Day 3: Embracing Divine Interruptions
As we go about our daily routines, we should be open to being interrupted by God's divine appointments. Being willing to find and be found by those God sends our way allows us to participate in His work. The narrative of Peter's encounters in Lydda and Joppa shows us that God often works through unexpected moments and people. By being open to these divine interruptions, we can become part of God's ongoing work in the world, changing the atmosphere around us through simple acts of faithfulness and love. [27:01]

"And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?'" (Acts 9:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a time when you were interrupted in your plans. How can you be more open to seeing these interruptions as divine appointments today?


Day 4: The Power of Community
The stories of Aeneas and Tabitha highlight the importance of community and the impact of collective faith. Our actions, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect, changing the atmosphere in our communities. As we gather at the Lord's table, we are reminded of the ultimate act of love and sacrifice that changes everything. Through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, we are brought from darkness into light, from death into life. This transformation empowers us to be agents of change in our communities, reflecting God's love and grace in all we do. [21:37]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a way you can encourage someone in your community today. How can you contribute to a positive change in your community through a small act of kindness?


Day 5: Transformation Through Christ
The ultimate change in atmosphere comes through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As we gather at the Lord's table, we are reminded of the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, which empowers us to be agents of change. This transformation is not just for our benefit but is meant to be shared with others. By reflecting God's love and grace in all we do, we participate in His ongoing work in the world, bringing light to dark places and life to those who are spiritually dead. [29:49]

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on how Christ's transformation in your life can be shared with others. What is one specific way you can demonstrate His love and grace to someone today?

Quotes

God does some of his best work in the valleys of the ordinary. God does some of his best work through people like you. Jesus is continuing to do and to teach through his people, including you. God does some of his best work in and through you, me, us. Remember that. [00:08:39] (30 seconds)


So be on the lookout as you go about your regular rounds. Be on the lookout for who God might want you to find in some way and when you do find someone, ask Jesus. Ask Jesus how he wants you to respond. [00:12:23] (20 seconds)


And notice how Luke observes a real change in the atmosphere in the little village of Lydda. All those in Lydda and Sharon heard about, saw Aeneas, heard about his story, and turned to the Lord. Sure you're thinking to yourself. yourself, miraculous healing can sure change the atmosphere. [00:14:56] (23 seconds)


Things I do, not so much. And if you find yourself thinking that the things I do don't really have that much of an impact, instead of thinking that, think this, my responsibility is to obey. God's responsibility is the results. [00:15:44] (22 seconds)


I love how our friend, Valinda Brock, puts it. She's a part of our Pittsburgh campus. Valinda says, She says, I show up and let God show off. Isn't that great? [00:15:55] (14 seconds)


And then keep moving on to the next spot in your rounds, which is what Peter does. Down the road from Lydda is Joppa. A port city. The Christians in Joppa have just suffered a tremendous loss. Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, has just died. And the little church is in mourning, naturally. [00:16:54] (21 seconds)


As Peter is going about his regular rounds, he's not only willing to find and he is he's also willing to be found while in Lydda he is found by the folks from Joppa and off he goes with them maybe Joppa was his next stop maybe not we don't know but as you go about your regular round remember be willing to be found found by God found by folks that God may want to send you to that to be clear you don't need to respond to every request that comes your way awareness of the need doesn't automatically make you responsible for meeting that need at the same time be willing to have your regular rounds interrupted by God does God get to do that does Jesus have the right to interrupt you [00:27:01] (66 seconds)


So when we think about changing the atmosphere of the situations into which God is sending us, it's not heal the paralyzed or nothing. It's not raise the dead. It's do whatever Jesus tells you to do. Do it obediently. Do it faithfully. Do it as well as you possibly can, and leave the results up to Jesus, because nothing that is given to God is ever lost or forgotten by God. [00:24:39] (32 seconds)


You only do that, you only record these stories, you only remember these names when you've gotten to know Jesus pretty well. In his kingdom there's nothing small, no person who's ordinary, nothing that's done through him or for him that isn't saved and savored in the courts of heaven. [00:25:47] (23 seconds)


As you go about your regular rounds, be willing to be found, I'm sorry, be willing to find whomever God wants you to find. So be alert as you go about your regular rounds, be alert. Maybe there's an Aeneas there that God wants you to find today. [00:27:01] (19 seconds)


It's not an interruption if God invites you to join him in what he's doing. It's not an interruption if God invites you to join him in what he's doing, and he'll take care of the rest of your schedule as well. [00:27:15] (24 seconds)


What this table means, what it is about, what it invites us into, doesn't just change the atmosphere here and there from time to time. This changes everything. And then through Christ, we have been brought out of darkness and into his marvelous life. [00:29:49] (21 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?