Living the Gospel: Mission, Discipleship, and Authentic Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, we delved into the essence of the Gospel and the church's mission, drawing from the book of Acts, particularly chapter 11. We were reminded that the Gospel is not confined to a select group but is intended for all humanity. The church's primary voice, once the children of Israel, has now transitioned to the church in the age we live in. This shift signifies our responsibility to carry the Gospel to the nations.
We explored the narrative of the early church, particularly the church at Antioch, which exemplified a model of Christian living and mission. The church at Antioch was not only a community that preached the Gospel but also demonstrated it through their actions. They were a giving church, responding to the needs of others during a famine by sending relief to the brethren in Judea. This act of giving, however, was not their primary purpose. They understood that while humanitarian aid is important, it should never replace the preaching of the Gospel.
The church at Antioch was also a teaching church. They did not stop at converting people; they invested in teaching new believers, helping them grow in their faith. This is a critical aspect of the Great Commission that is often neglected. Discipleship ensures that new believers are not just saved and baptized but are also taught the truths of Scripture, which is vital for their spiritual growth and the growth of the church.
We were challenged to examine our own lives and our church's mission. Are we living out the Gospel in such a way that it is evident to those around us? Are we giving of our time, talents, and treasures not just to meet physical needs but more importantly, to share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ? Are we actively participating in the Great Commission by going, sending, baptizing, and teaching?
In conclusion, we were called to action. To be filled with the Holy Spirit, like Barnabas, so that we can live lives of faith and be effective witnesses for Christ. To be givers, not just of our material possessions but of the Gospel itself. And to be teachers, ensuring that those who come to faith continue to grow and mature in their relationship with the Lord.
Key Takeaways:
- The Gospel is for every person, and it is our duty to ensure that it reaches every corner of the earth. We must be driven by the conviction that no one should hear the Gospel twice before everyone has heard it once. This requires a commitment to evangelism and missions, reflecting the heart of God who desires all to come to repentance. [30:19]
- The church must be a giving church, but giving must never overshadow the preaching of the Gospel. Our generosity is an expression of God's love, yet it is the message of salvation through Jesus Christ that truly transforms lives. We must balance our acts of service with the clear communication of the Gospel. [29:42]
- Discipleship is a critical component of the Great Commission. It is not enough to lead someone to Christ; we must also invest in teaching them the truths of Scripture. This ensures the longevity and depth of their faith, preventing them from falling away due to a lack of understanding and grounding in the Word. [24:57]
- A life filled with the Holy Spirit is essential for effective ministry. Like Barnabas, we must be emptied of self and filled with the Spirit to live a life of faith. This empowers us to serve God with boldness and to have an impact on the lives of others. [20:57]
- The authenticity of our faith is demonstrated in how we live. We should not need to wear a label to show we are Christians; our actions should reflect Christ to others. As the early disciples were called Christians because of their Christ-like behavior, so should our lives bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. [26:41]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 11:19-30 - The narrative of the early church at Antioch, their mission, and their acts of giving and teaching.
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission, emphasizing the importance of going, baptizing, and teaching.
3. Romans 1:16 - The power of the Gospel for salvation to everyone who believes.
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event led to the scattering of believers to places like Antioch, and how did it impact the spread of the Gospel? ([05:02])
2. How did Barnabas respond when he saw the grace of God at work in the church at Antioch? ([17:14])
3. What was the reaction of the church in Jerusalem when they heard about the Gentiles receiving the Gospel? ([14:19])
4. What role did Barnabas play in the growth and development of the church at Antioch? ([21:35])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was it significant that the Gospel was preached to the Gentiles, and how does this reflect the church's mission today? ([01:58])
2. How does the example of the church at Antioch challenge our understanding of what it means to be a giving church? ([27:49])
3. In what ways did the early church at Antioch fulfill the Great Commission, and what can modern churches learn from their approach? ([23:52])
4. How does being filled with the Holy Spirit, as Barnabas was, empower believers for effective ministry? ([20:57])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are you living out the Gospel in a way that is evident to those around you? What specific actions can you take to make your faith more visible? ([12:28])
2. The church at Antioch was known for its generosity. How can you personally contribute to meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of others in your community? ([27:49])
3. Discipleship was a critical component of the early church's mission. Identify one person you can invest in spiritually this month. What steps will you take to teach and encourage them in their faith? ([24:57])
4. Barnabas was described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. What areas of your life need to be emptied of self to be filled with the Holy Spirit? ([19:47])
5. The early disciples were called Christians because of their Christ-like behavior. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to better reflect Christ to others? ([26:03])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of balancing acts of service with the clear communication of the Gospel. How can you ensure that your acts of kindness also include sharing the message of Jesus Christ? ([29:42])
7. Consider the statement, "Why should anyone hear the Gospel twice before everyone has heard it once?" How can you be more intentional about sharing the Gospel with those who have never heard it? ([30:19])
Devotional
Day 1: Gospel Outreach: A Global Mandate
The Gospel's reach is boundless, extending beyond any single culture or people group. It is a message of hope and salvation meant for every individual on this planet. As believers, we are entrusted with the profound responsibility to share this message far and wide, ensuring that it is heard in every nation and by every ear. This task is not merely an option but a divine mandate, reflecting the heart of God who wishes that none should perish but that all should come to repentance. The urgency of this mission is clear: the Gospel must be proclaimed so that every person has the opportunity to respond to its life-changing call. [30:19]
"For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" (Romans 10:13-14 ESV)
Reflection: How can you personally contribute to the global outreach of the Gospel this week, whether through prayer, giving, or sharing your faith with someone from a different cultural background?
Day 2: Generosity Beyond Material Giving
True generosity encompasses more than the mere act of giving; it is a reflection of God's love and grace. While the church must be a beacon of generosity, addressing the physical needs of those around us, it must not do so at the expense of the Gospel's proclamation. The transformative power of the Gospel must remain central to our mission, as it is the message of Jesus Christ that brings eternal change to the hearts and lives of individuals. Balancing acts of service with the clear communication of the Gospel ensures that our generosity has both immediate and everlasting impact. [29:42]
"But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also." (2 Corinthians 8:7 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice generosity this week that goes beyond material giving, to also include sharing the hope and truth of the Gospel?
Day 3: Discipleship: The Heart of the Commission
Discipleship is the process of nurturing and equipping new believers to grow in their faith and understanding of God's Word. It is an essential component of the Great Commission, which calls for more than just evangelism; it requires a commitment to teaching and mentoring. By investing in the lives of new believers, we help to establish a firm foundation in the truths of Scripture, which is crucial for their spiritual maturity and resilience. Discipleship ensures that faith is not a fleeting experience but a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. [24:57]
"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." (2 Timothy 2:2 ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person you can begin to disciple or mentor in their faith journey, and what is the first step you can take this week to initiate that relationship?
Day 4: Spirit-Filled Living for Effective Ministry
Living a life filled with the Holy Spirit is not optional for effective ministry; it is essential. A Spirit-filled life is characterized by faith, boldness, and a deep reliance on God's power rather than our own strength. Like Barnabas, we are called to be emptied of self and filled with the Spirit, which empowers us to serve God with courage and to have a significant impact on the lives of others. This Spirit-led life enables us to be authentic witnesses of Christ's love and power in the world. [20:57]
"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance and power, and how can you actively seek His filling today?
Day 5: Authentic Faith Manifested in Action
The authenticity of our faith is most convincingly demonstrated through our actions. Christians should be recognized by their Christ-like behavior, which naturally flows from a transformed life. The early disciples were called Christians because their lives were a testament to the teachings and character of Christ. In the same way, our daily conduct should bear witness to the Gospel's transformative power, drawing others to the truth of Jesus Christ. [26:41]
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18 ESV)
Reflection: What specific action can you take this week to demonstrate the authenticity of your faith to those around you, particularly to someone who may not know Christ?
Quotes
1) "The power of the Gospel is this: it turns us from a life following sin into a life following Christ. It should change the way we live, act, talk, walk; everything about us should be changed by the power of the Gospel." [12:28] (Download | )
2) "If we want God to use us, we must be empty of self and full of the Holy Ghost, which will enable us to live a life of faith. This was the secret to Barnabas' ministry at Antioch." [20:57] (Download | )
3) "We're good at reaching, we're good at baptizing, but what we've missed more than anything that the Great Commission has commanded us to do is teaching people." [23:52] (Download | )
4) "Giving never takes the place of the Gospel. We should be givers, but not just of our treasures, but of our time and talents as well." [29:42] (Download | )
5) "Why should anyone hear the gospel twice before everyone has heard it once? That's a convicting statement. How many times have we heard the gospel over and over, which is good, but why should we get it twice when there are people around the world who have never heard it at once?" [30:19] (Download | )
6) "When Christians were first called Christians, it wasn't a term of endearment. It meant they were acting like little Christs. When people look at us, they should see us reflecting Christ." [26:03] (Download | )
7) "A man who's full of the Holy Ghost is empty of self. If we want our life to be full of the Holy Ghost, we must empty our life of us. There's not room for both of us." [19:04] (Download | )
8) "If we truly believe that the gospel is for every man, we should try to reach every man. We can't do it alone; we have to send others. That's why our church supports missionaries." [15:24] (Download | )
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