Faithful Servants: Embracing God's Calling with Love
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound calling and responsibilities of being a servant of God, drawing from the examples of Barnabas and Saul in Acts 13 and the exhortations of Paul to Timothy. The essence of our journey as believers is to remain centered in God's will, obedient to His calling, and to serve with a heart full of love and humility. We are reminded that our roles, whether as pastors or laypeople, are not about us but about being instruments in God's hands, fulfilling His purposes.
The passage from 1 Peter 5 emphasizes the attitude of a shepherd, urging us to lead not out of obligation or for personal gain, but with a sincere desire to serve. This is a call to be examples to the flock, reflecting Christ's love and humility. Similarly, in 2 Timothy 2, Paul encourages Timothy to be strengthened by the grace in Christ Jesus, to pass on the teachings to faithful men, and to endure hardships like a good soldier, athlete, and farmer. These analogies highlight the dedication, discipline, and perseverance required in our spiritual journey.
Moreover, we are reminded of the importance of focusing on Christ, our ultimate shepherd, and not getting entangled in worldly distractions. Our mission is to make disciples, to teach and guide others in the faith, and to endure for the sake of the gospel. The message concludes with a call to remember Jesus Christ, His resurrection, and His eternal glory, which motivates us to endure and remain faithful, knowing that even when we falter, He remains faithful.
Key Takeaways:
1. Obedience to God's Calling: Our journey as believers is about being obedient to God's calling, just as Barnabas and Saul were set apart for His work. This requires us to be attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance and to act as instruments in God's hands, fulfilling His purposes with humility and love. [08:39]
2. The Heart of a Shepherd: Leading others in faith is not about personal gain or obligation but about serving with a sincere heart. As shepherds, we are called to be examples to the flock, reflecting Christ's love and humility, and guiding others with a genuine desire to serve. [12:36]
3. Strength in Grace: Paul encourages us to be strengthened by the grace in Christ Jesus, emphasizing that all the resources we need are found in Him. This strength enables us to endure hardships and to pass on the teachings of faith to others, ensuring the continuity of the gospel message. [16:47]
4. Focus on Christ: Like a soldier, athlete, and farmer, we are called to remain focused on Christ, avoiding worldly distractions. Our mission is to please our commanding officer, Jesus, and to engage in His work with dedication and perseverance, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. [22:58]
5. Faithfulness in Trials: Even when we falter, God's faithfulness remains. Our identity is now in Christ, and He cannot deny Himself. This assurance encourages us to endure, knowing that our hope and motivation are found in Jesus, who is our life and our strength. [42:59]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [06:23] - Sending in the Church
- [07:16] - The Calling of Barnabas and Saul
- [08:39] - Obedience to the Holy Spirit
- [10:12] - The Role of a Shepherd
- [12:36] - Attitude of a Pastor
- [15:50] - Strengthened by Grace
- [19:07] - Making Disciples
- [22:15] - Analogies of Soldier, Athlete, and Farmer
- [25:17] - Engaging in God's Work
- [28:13] - Focus on Christ
- [31:43] - The Hardworking Farmer
- [35:42] - Remembering Jesus Christ
- [39:30] - Faithfulness in Trials
- [45:13] - Communion and Reflection
- [51:27] - Living Sacrifice
- [56:17] - Prayer and Sending Off
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 13:2-3 - "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."
2. 1 Peter 5:1-4 - "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."
3. 2 Timothy 2:1-7 - "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops."
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did the Holy Spirit give to the church in Acts 13:2-3 regarding Barnabas and Saul? How did the church respond to these instructions? [07:16]
2. According to 1 Peter 5:1-4, what attitudes and behaviors are elders encouraged to exhibit when shepherding their flock? [10:12]
3. In 2 Timothy 2:1-7, Paul uses three analogies to describe the Christian life. What are these analogies, and what do they signify about the nature of our spiritual journey? [19:07]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the calling of Barnabas and Saul in Acts 13 illustrate the importance of being attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in our own lives? [08:39]
2. What does 1 Peter 5:1-4 suggest about the motivations and responsibilities of those in leadership within the church? How might these principles apply to laypeople as well? [12:36]
3. In 2 Timothy 2:1-7, Paul emphasizes the need for strength in grace. How does this concept of grace empower believers to endure hardships and remain faithful in their calling? [16:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a clear calling from God. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to be more obedient to His calling in the future? [08:39]
2. Consider the role of a shepherd as described in 1 Peter 5. How can you serve others in your community with a heart full of love and humility, regardless of your position? [12:36]
3. Paul encourages Timothy to be strengthened by grace. Identify a current challenge in your life where you need to rely more on God's grace. What practical steps can you take to seek His strength? [16:47]
4. Like a soldier, athlete, and farmer, we are called to remain focused on Christ. What are some worldly distractions in your life that you need to address to maintain this focus? [22:58]
5. Reflect on a recent trial or hardship. How did you experience God's faithfulness during that time, and how can this assurance motivate you to endure future challenges? [42:59]
6. Identify one person in your life who you can disciple or guide in their faith journey. What specific actions can you take this week to support and encourage them? [19:07]
7. How can you ensure that your motivations for serving in the church or community are aligned with the sincere desire to serve, as described in 1 Peter 5? [12:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience to God's Call
Our journey as believers is marked by a profound obedience to God's calling, as exemplified by Barnabas and Saul in Acts 13. They were set apart for God's work, demonstrating a willingness to listen to the Holy Spirit and act as instruments in His hands. This obedience requires humility and love, as we align our lives with God's purposes rather than our own desires. It is a call to be attentive to the Spirit's guidance, allowing Him to lead us in fulfilling His divine mission. [08:39]
Acts 13:2-3 (ESV): "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off."
Reflection: What specific area of your life is God calling you to surrender to His will today? How can you actively listen and respond to the Holy Spirit's guidance in this area?
Day 2: The Heart of a Shepherd
Leading others in faith is not about personal gain or obligation but about serving with a sincere heart. As shepherds, whether in formal ministry roles or in everyday interactions, we are called to be examples to the flock, reflecting Christ's love and humility. This involves guiding others with a genuine desire to serve, prioritizing their spiritual growth over our own ambitions. The heart of a shepherd is one that seeks to nurture and protect, leading with compassion and integrity. [12:36]
1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."
Reflection: Who in your life can you serve with a shepherd's heart today? What practical steps can you take to reflect Christ's love and humility to them?
Day 3: Strength in Grace
Paul encourages us to be strengthened by the grace in Christ Jesus, emphasizing that all the resources we need are found in Him. This strength enables us to endure hardships and to pass on the teachings of faith to others, ensuring the continuity of the gospel message. Like Timothy, we are called to rely on God's grace as our source of power and resilience, equipping us to face challenges with courage and faithfulness. [16:47]
2 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on God's grace for strength? How can you actively seek His grace to empower you in this area today?
Day 4: Focus on Christ
Like a soldier, athlete, and farmer, we are called to remain focused on Christ, avoiding worldly distractions. Our mission is to please our commanding officer, Jesus, and to engage in His work with dedication and perseverance. This focus requires discipline and intentionality, as we prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else, knowing that our efforts in His service are not in vain. [22:58]
2 Timothy 2:4-6 (ESV): "No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hardworking farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops."
Reflection: What distractions are currently hindering your focus on Christ? What practical steps can you take to eliminate these distractions and prioritize your relationship with Him?
Day 5: Faithfulness in Trials
Even when we falter, God's faithfulness remains. Our identity is now in Christ, and He cannot deny Himself. This assurance encourages us to endure, knowing that our hope and motivation are found in Jesus, who is our life and our strength. In times of trial, we are reminded of His unwavering faithfulness, which sustains us and empowers us to remain steadfast in our faith journey. [42:59]
2 Timothy 2:11-13 (ESV): "The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness in the midst of your current trials? What specific promise from Scripture can you hold onto as a source of hope and strength today?
Quotes
Mientras ministraban al Señor y añinaban, el Espíritu Santo dijo, aparten a Barnabé y a Saulo para la obra a la que los he llamado. Dios llama. Verso 3. Entonces después de ayunar, orar y haber impuesto las manos sobre ellos, los enviaron. Después de orar y orar, les pusieron las manos sobre ellos y los enviaron. La iglesia trabaja en obediencia a lo que Dios está haciendo. [00:07:24]
Ellos, pues, enviados por el Espíritu Santo. Así que, siendo enviados por el Espíritu Santo, nosotros simplemente somos instrumentos en las manos. Él está trabajando en todo. Y cuando nosotros mantenemos nuestros ojos en Él, cuando mantenemos nuestros ojos en Él y somos obedientes a lo que Él nos quiere hacer, nosotros tenemos. [00:09:01]
Pastoreen el rebaño de Dios entre ustedes, velando por él, no por obligación, sino voluntariamente, como quiere Dios. No por la avericia del dinero, sino con sincero deseo. Tampoco teniendo señorío sobre los que les han sido confiados, sino demostrando ser ejemplos del rebaño. [00:11:13]
Tú, pues, hijo mío, fuertalécete en la gracia que hay en Cristo Jesús. Tú, entonces, mi hijo, sé fortificado por la gracia que está en Cristo Jesús. Eso viene primero. Sé fortificado en Cristo. Toda la recursos que necesitamos, la tenemos en Él. [00:16:14]
Sufre penalidades conmigo como buen soldado de Cristo Jesús. El soldado en servicio activo no se entrega en los negocios de la vida diaria a fin de poder agradar al que lo reclutó como soldado. También, el que compite como atleta no gana el premio si no compite de acuerdo con las reglas. [00:20:22]
El labrador que trabaja debe ser el primero en recibir su parte de los frutos. Considera lo que digo. Pues el Señor te dará entendimiento en todo. Versículo 3. Compartir los sufrimientos como buen soldado de Cristo Jesús. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. [00:21:00]
Acuérdate de Jesucristo resucitado de entre los muertos descendiente de David conforme a mi Evangelio. Recuerda a Jesús Cristo nacido de los muertos el nacido de David como le dijo en mi Evangelio por el cual sufro penalidades hasta el encarcelamiento como un malhechor. Pero la Palabra de Dios no está presa. [00:35:59]
Por lo tanto, enduremos todo por el bien de la Iglesia, su Iglesia, que también puedan obtener la salvación que está en Cristo Jesús con la gloria eterna. Oh, espera. Esquivé. Versículo 9 Por lo que sufro con las cadenas como criminal pero la Palabra de Dios no está presa. Dios no está preso. [00:38:40]
Si somos infieles, Él permanece fiel, pues no puede negarse a Él mismo. Si somos infieles, Él permanece fiel, porque no puede negarse a Él mismo. En el primer punto, ¿recuerdan lo que dijimos? hemos muerto, Él te cuenta. Él no puede negarse. Su identidad ahora está en Cristo. [00:43:14]
Versículo 1 Tú, pues, hijo mío, fortalécete en la gracia de Dios. Tú, pues, hijo mío, fortalécete en la gracia que está en Cristo, Jesús. Podemos ir a llamar a los niños. Vamos a tomar el Sufro del Señor juntos. Vamos a recordarnos de Él. [00:44:30]
Lord, we are here as a living sacrifice. our lives be used for your glory. it's at work or being called a pastor. or with friends. every area of life you have called us, God. serve you. up your name. You are worthy. We love you, Lord Jesus. [00:55:26]
God, when a family like this puts their trust so greatly in you, the fruit of it, God, is eternal, and it deeply impacts us. And so, God, we thank you for how you have used them. Now, Lord, go before them. Lord, we know that the battle in the kingdom is full of difficulties, full of challenges, but, God, in you, they have everything they need, and so we just confess that truth. [01:09:33]
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