Perseverance and Community in Spreading the Gospel

Devotional

Day 1: Courage to Return to the Battle

Paul's return to Lystra after being stoned is a vivid testament to the courage required in our spiritual journey. Despite facing severe persecution, Paul chose to return to the very city where he was nearly killed. This act of bravery underscores a profound commitment to the mission, driven by a belief in the Gospel's power to transform lives. His resilience teaches us that our spiritual battles are not just personal trials but pivotal moments that define our faith and mission. Paul's example encourages us to confront our challenges head-on, with the assurance that God's purposes are being fulfilled through our perseverance. [17:36]

2 Corinthians 4:8-9, "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."

Reflection: Recall a time when you faced significant opposition or hardship in your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now, inspired by Paul's example?

Day 2: Fostering Spiritual Growth Through Community

Paul’s strategic approach to planting churches highlights the critical role of community in spiritual growth. By establishing churches, Paul ensured that new believers were not isolated but were part of a nurturing community that fostered spiritual development and discipleship. This method emphasizes that faith is not a solitary journey but a communal experience enriched through shared beliefs and mutual support. As believers, we are called to engage actively in our church communities, contributing to and drawing from the collective strength and wisdom of the body of Christ. [26:25]

1 Thessalonians 2:8, "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."

Reflection: How are you currently contributing to the spiritual growth of your community? What steps can you take to enhance your involvement and support others in their faith journey?

Day 3: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ

The transformative power of the Gospel not only redeems us but also redefines our identity as children of God. This new identity is a powerful catalyst for change, influencing our actions, decisions, and interactions with others. As we embrace our identity in Christ, we are called to live in a manner that reflects our transformation, showcasing the grace and love of God through our lives. This transformation is continuous and requires us to remain connected to the source of our new life, drawing strength and guidance from the Holy Spirit. [23:31]

Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to reflect your new identity in Christ? What practical steps can you take to align more closely with this identity?

Day 4: Engaging in Global and Local Missions

While not everyone is called to be a missionary in distant lands, each believer plays a crucial role in the Great Commission. Supporting global missions through prayer, finances, or active participation in local outreach reflects our commitment to spreading the Gospel. This engagement is an expression of our faith and a fulfillment of God's command to make disciples of all nations. By participating in missions, we extend the reach of the Gospel and contribute to the global body of Christ, fostering unity and mutual growth among believers worldwide. [25:22]

Acts 1:8, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can increase your involvement in either local or global missions this month?

Day 5: Finding Strength in Trials

The Christian life is marked by trials and tribulations, but these challenges are not without purpose. They are opportunities for growth and testimonies to God's sustaining power. As believers, we are assured that Jesus has overcome the world, and this promise gives us peace and courage to endure. Our trials are part of our spiritual journey, shaping our character and deepening our faith. By enduring through trials with faith, we witness to others the reliability and strength of our God. [28:18]

James 1:2-4, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Consider a current trial you are facing. How can you view this situation as an opportunity to demonstrate faith and reliance on God?

Sermon Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound impact of the Gospel through the lens of Paul's missionary journeys, particularly focusing on his experiences in Lystra as detailed in Acts chapter 14. We began by acknowledging the challenges and tribulations that come with spreading the Gospel, emphasizing that despite these hardships, the mission must continue. Paul's unwavering commitment to the Gospel, even in the face of severe persecution, serves as a powerful example for all believers.

Paul's strategy was not merely to preach but to plant and establish churches, ensuring that the new believers were not left to fend for themselves but were nurtured and discipled. This approach highlights the importance of community and continuity in faith, which is crucial for the growth and sustainability of the Christian faith. We discussed how Paul, after being stoned and left for dead, chose to return to the city, demonstrating incredible resilience and dedication to his mission. This act of returning, rather than retreating, underscores the necessity of perseverance in our faith journey.

Moreover, we delved into the theological implications of the Gospel, reflecting on its transformative power that offers forgiveness, freedom, and a new identity as children of God. The Gospel is not just good news; it's the best news, meant to be shared with all nations, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.

We also touched upon the practical aspects of missionary work, acknowledging that while not everyone is called to travel to distant lands, each believer has a role to play in the Great Commission. Whether through prayer, support, or local outreach, we are all part of God's plan to spread the Gospel.

Finally, we concluded with a call to action, urging each member of our congregation to embody the principles of the Gospel in their daily lives. By doing so, we not only grow in our faith but also contribute to the broader mission of the church, making disciples of all nations.

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Key Takeaways

1. Perseverance in Mission: Paul's return to Lystra after being stoned exemplifies the perseverance required in our Christian walk. This act of bravery and faith should inspire us to face our spiritual battles with courage, knowing that our efforts contribute to a greater purpose. Just as Paul did not shy away from his mission, we too are called to stand firm in our faith, regardless of the obstacles. [17:36]
2. The Role of Community in Discipleship: Paul’s method of planting churches and establishing community among believers highlights the importance of discipleship in Christianity. It is not enough to lead someone to faith; we must also guide them in their spiritual growth and integration into the church community. This approach ensures that the faith is lived, experienced, and sustained through relational connections. [26:25]
3. The Transformative Power of the Gospel: The Gospel offers freedom and a new identity, transforming us from sinners to sons and daughters of God. This transformation is the core of our message and should be the catalyst for our daily actions and decisions, aiming to live a life that pleases God and reflects our new identity in Christ. [23:31]
4. Global and Local Missions: While not everyone is called to be a missionary in a foreign land, we all share the responsibility of the Great Commission. Supporting missions through prayer, finances, or active participation in local outreach are all vital aspects of fulfilling this command. Our engagement in missions should reflect our commitment to the Gospel and our desire to see it reach every corner of the earth. [25:22]
5. Endurance Through Trials: The Christian life is marked by trials and tribulations, but these are to be borne with the assurance that Jesus has overcome the world. This promise provides us with peace and courage to continue our journey, trusting that our trials are not in vain but are part of our growth and testimony as believers.

### [28:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:34] - Introduction to Paul's Missionary Work
[04:10] - Paul's Perseverance in Lystra
[11:00] - The Offense of the Gospel
[15:47] - Paul's Resilience After Being Stoned
[18:17] - The Motivation Behind Paul's Endurance
[22:56] - The Transformative Power of the Gospel
[25:53] - The Need for Discipleship in Missions
[28:18] - Enduring Trials as Christians
[31:02] - Conclusion: The Open Door to the Gentiles

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What events led to Paul being stoned in Lystra, and how did he respond afterward? ([04:10])
How did Paul and Barnabas ensure the new believers were nurtured and discipled in the cities they visited? ([04:45])
What does Paul mean when he says, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase"? ([01:34])
How does Paul describe his commitment to preaching the Gospel in Romans 1:15-16? ([06:49])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul chose to return to Lystra after being stoned rather than retreating to safety? ([16:14])
How does the concept of God giving the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-9) influence our understanding of success in ministry? ([01:34])
What are the implications of the Gospel being described as "the power of God unto salvation" in Romans 1:16? ([06:49])
How does Paul's resilience and dedication to his mission serve as an example for modern-day believers? ([16:36])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge in your faith journey. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Paul's perseverance in Lystra? ([16:14])
In what ways can you contribute to the discipleship and nurturing of new believers in your community? ([04:45])
How can you apply the principle of "planting and watering" in your personal ministry or outreach efforts? ([01:34])
The Gospel offers a new identity as children of God. How does this transformation impact your daily actions and decisions? ([23:31])
Consider the role of community in your spiritual growth. How can you foster stronger connections within your church to support each other in faith? ([04:45])
What practical steps can you take to support global and local missions, even if you are not called to be a missionary yourself? ([25:22])
How can you embody the principles of the Gospel in your daily life to contribute to the broader mission of making disciples of all nations? ([32:12])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The gospel brings us to the realization that we are sinners who are dead and are trespassed in sin, who need a savior. And the only savior that can save the world is Jesus Christ, who died on the cross, was buried and rose again for us. And so the gospel had offended some people along Paul's road, and they said, hey, we've had enough. There's two ways to respond to the gospel that you either accept it or reject it." [11:00](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "Imagine that, that Jesus forgave our sins. Something that we could never have earned. But Jesus forgave our sins. Not only does it give us forgiveness, it gives us freedom. We are free, really, to do what we want. The Gospel has given us the freedom to live a life as we want. But the way that we should want to live our life is a life that pleases God." [22:56](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "The Gospel means forgiveness. And so here we see Paul, Paul writes about this to Timothy, encouraging Timothy to go on no matter what he faces. May it remind us this morning that no matter the persecution we face, we must continue to tell others about the gospel." [12:50]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "As believers, we must choose to do the same thing every day. If we want God to use us, we must endure. Endure. We must have endurance in the Christian life. Galatians 6, 9 says this, and let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." [17:36]( | | )

2. "Paul cared deeply about the salvation of people, sometimes even more than his own well-being. Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead, according to my Gospel, wherein I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even unto bonds. But the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things, for the elect's sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with the eternal glory." [19:28]( | | )

3. "Paul didn't just go to preach the Gospel and leave them to their own devices. No, Paul wanted Gospel churches to be established in every city that he went to. That was his goal. And as believers, that should be our goal. We cannot go everywhere. Washington Street Baptist Church cannot fulfill the Great Commission by its own self." [25:22]( | | )

4. "No, Paul used multiplication. His goal was to establish churches with converts. He wasn't just interested in the decision but wanted to make disciples. That was Paul's goal for all the churches. It should be the goal for our church as well. Our goal is not to just have a bunch of decision cards filled out and never see those people again. Our goal is to get those decision cards filled out and then disciple them to be more like Jesus." [26:25]( | | )

5. "Paul could never get over the Gospel. It wasn't just a phase. Right? It wasn't just a short period in his life where he said, You know what? I'm on fire for the Gospel. But as soon as they started throwing him in prison, he said, Maybe not. You know? No, it wasn't just a phase with Paul. It was a lifestyle. If we want to be a church on mission, the Gospel has to be our lifestyle. It has to be our conversation." [21:23]( | | )

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