Perseverance, Partnership, and Purpose in Discipleship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the power and presence of God in our lives. We began with some important announcements, including upcoming events and opportunities for fellowship and service. We also took a moment to pray for those in need and to lift up our community in prayer.
Our focus today was on the book of Acts, specifically chapter 14, where we see the incredible work of the Holy Spirit through Paul and Barnabas. We explored the theme of perseverance in ministry, noting how Paul and Barnabas faced significant opposition but continued to preach the gospel with boldness. Their perseverance was bolstered by their partnership and mutual support, highlighting the importance of community in our spiritual journeys.
We also discussed the three essentials for discipleship: reading Scripture, asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, and reporting our learnings to one another. This framework encourages us to seek truth, listen for God's direction, and support each other in our faith journeys.
Reflecting on Psalm 145, we were reminded of God's faithfulness and the importance of giving thanks and proclaiming His mighty deeds. This ties into our call to be witnesses, sharing the good news and the work of God in our lives with others.
In Acts 14, we saw the pattern of Paul and Barnabas' ministry: preaching to the Jews first, facing opposition, and then turning to the Gentiles. Despite the challenges, they continued to proclaim the gospel and make disciples. Their story teaches us the importance of perseverance, partnership, and the power of the Holy Spirit in our ministry.
We also emphasized the importance of rest and rejuvenation, noting that even Paul and Barnabas took time to rest and build up their strength. This is a crucial aspect of our spiritual health, ensuring that we have the energy and focus needed for our ministry.
Finally, we discussed the role of leadership in the church, encouraging each of us to consider how God might be calling us to lead and serve in our communities. As we closed, we were reminded of the importance of partnering with others, reaching out to encourage those we've discipled, taking regular times of rest, and stepping into leadership roles as God calls us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Perseverance in Ministry: Paul and Barnabas faced significant opposition but continued to preach the gospel with boldness. Their perseverance was bolstered by their partnership and mutual support, highlighting the importance of community in our spiritual journeys. When we face challenges, having a partner in ministry can provide the encouragement and strength we need to keep going. [24:22]
2. Three Essentials for Discipleship: The framework of reading Scripture, asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, and reporting our learnings to one another encourages us to seek truth, listen for God's direction, and support each other in our faith journeys. This process helps us grow spiritually and stay accountable to one another. [18:34]
3. The Importance of Rest: Even Paul and Barnabas took time to rest and build up their strength. This is a crucial aspect of our spiritual health, ensuring that we have the energy and focus needed for our ministry. Regular times of rest and rejuvenation are essential for maintaining our spiritual and physical well-being. [32:15]
4. Sharing God's Work in Our Lives: Sharing what God has done in our lives can be an incredible encouragement to others. When we testify to God's faithfulness and mighty deeds, we build up the faith of those around us and remind ourselves of His goodness. This practice strengthens our community and glorifies God. [31:31]
5. Leadership in the Church: God calls each of us to lead and serve in different ways. Whether through formal roles or informal acts of service, we are all called to contribute to the health and growth of our church community. Reflect on how God might be calling you to step into leadership and take action to serve others. [35:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:11] - Announcements
[02:23] - Upcoming Events
[16:30] - Prayer for the Community
[17:41] - Introduction to Acts 14
[18:34] - Three Essentials for Discipleship
[19:31] - Breaking Bread Together
[20:25] - Psalm 145 Reflection
[21:17] - The Pattern in Acts 14
[23:06] - Perseverance in Ministry
[24:22] - Importance of Partnership
[25:29] - Healing in Lystra
[26:41] - Opposition and Perseverance
[27:14] - Returning to Encourage Disciples
[28:57] - Encouraging Others in Faith
[30:52] - Appointing Elders and Leadership
[32:15] - Importance of Rest and Rejuvenation
[35:02] - Call to Leadership
[35:52] - Closing Prayer and Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 14:1-28
2. Psalm 145:10-18
3. Acts 2:46
#### Observation Questions
1. What pattern do we see in Paul and Barnabas' ministry in Acts 14? How did they respond to opposition? [21:59]
2. According to Psalm 145:10-18, what are some of the attributes of God that are highlighted? How do these attributes encourage us in our faith?
3. In Acts 2:46, what daily practices did the early Christians engage in? How did these practices contribute to their community life?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How did the partnership between Paul and Barnabas help them persevere in their ministry despite significant opposition? [24:22]
2. What does the framework of reading Scripture, asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, and reporting our learnings to one another teach us about discipleship? [18:34]
3. Why is rest and rejuvenation important for spiritual health, as seen in the example of Paul and Barnabas? [32:15]
4. How does sharing what God has done in our lives build up the faith of others and glorify God? [31:31]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition in your faith journey. How did having a partner or community support you during that time? How can you seek or offer such support now? [24:22]
2. How can you incorporate the three essentials for discipleship (reading Scripture, asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, and reporting learnings) into your daily routine? What steps will you take to start this practice? [18:34]
3. Do you have a regular rhythm of rest and rejuvenation in your life? If not, what changes can you make to ensure you have time for spiritual and physical rest? [32:15]
4. Think of a specific instance where you can share a testimony of God's work in your life with someone this week. How will you approach this conversation? [31:31]
5. Consider how God might be calling you to step into a leadership role in your church or community. What steps can you take to explore and respond to this calling? [35:02]
6. Identify someone from your past whom you have encouraged in their faith. How can you reach out to them this week to offer further encouragement and support? [29:30]
7. Reflect on the attributes of God mentioned in Psalm 145:10-18. How can you incorporate giving thanks and proclaiming His mighty deeds into your daily life?
Devotional
Day 1: Perseverance Through Partnership
Paul and Barnabas faced significant opposition but continued to preach the gospel with boldness. Their perseverance was bolstered by their partnership and mutual support, highlighting the importance of community in our spiritual journeys. When we face challenges, having a partner in ministry can provide the encouragement and strength we need to keep going. Reflect on how Paul and Barnabas' partnership enabled them to overcome obstacles and remain steadfast in their mission. Consider the role of community and mutual support in your own spiritual journey and how it can help you persevere through difficult times. [24:22]
Acts 14:19-20 (ESV): "But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe."
Reflection: Who in your life can you partner with for mutual support in your spiritual journey? How can you intentionally encourage and strengthen each other in your faith?
Day 2: Essentials for Discipleship
The framework of reading Scripture, asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, and reporting our learnings to one another encourages us to seek truth, listen for God's direction, and support each other in our faith journeys. This process helps us grow spiritually and stay accountable to one another. By engaging in these three essentials, we can deepen our understanding of God's Word, be more attuned to His voice, and build a strong community of believers who uplift and challenge each other. [18:34]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the three essentials of discipleship into your daily routine? What steps can you take to ensure you are consistently reading Scripture, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, and sharing your learnings with others?
Day 3: The Importance of Rest
Even Paul and Barnabas took time to rest and build up their strength. This is a crucial aspect of our spiritual health, ensuring that we have the energy and focus needed for our ministry. Regular times of rest and rejuvenation are essential for maintaining our spiritual and physical well-being. By prioritizing rest, we can avoid burnout and be more effective in our service to God and others. Reflect on the importance of rest in your own life and how it can help you stay spiritually and physically healthy. [32:15]
Mark 6:31 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can incorporate rest and rejuvenation into your weekly schedule? How can you ensure that you are taking time to recharge and maintain your spiritual and physical health?
Day 4: Sharing God's Work in Our Lives
Sharing what God has done in our lives can be an incredible encouragement to others. When we testify to God's faithfulness and mighty deeds, we build up the faith of those around us and remind ourselves of His goodness. This practice strengthens our community and glorifies God. Reflect on the ways God has worked in your life and consider how you can share these testimonies with others to encourage and uplift them. [31:31]
Psalm 66:16 (ESV): "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."
Reflection: Think of a specific instance where you experienced God's faithfulness. How can you share this testimony with someone in your community to encourage and strengthen their faith?
Day 5: Leadership in the Church
God calls each of us to lead and serve in different ways. Whether through formal roles or informal acts of service, we are all called to contribute to the health and growth of our church community. Reflect on how God might be calling you to step into leadership and take action to serve others. Consider the unique gifts and talents God has given you and how you can use them to build up the body of Christ. [35:02]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What unique gifts and talents has God given you? How can you use these gifts to serve and lead in your church community? What steps can you take today to begin or continue serving others in a meaningful way?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "As 1 Timothy. 2, 3 through 4 says, God, our Savior, desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. And so we pray, as we pray for these people, we commit our hearts to continuing to pray for them, that we get opportunities to share and be witnesses through the power of the Holy Spirit." [17:41] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "They spoke in such, in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers, a great number. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. So they remained for a long time speaking boldly for the Lord who testified to the word of his grace by granting signs and wonders to be done through them." [23:06] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So they continued undaunted. So this is one of my, my first observation is perseverance. Now, how do they have such perseverance? Perseverance. And it came to me that one of the key ways was they had each other. They weren't doing it alone. If you feel called to a particular vision or ministry, share it with another. Find other people to partner with you." [24:22] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When they arrived, they called the church together and related all that God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith for the Gentiles. And they stayed there with the disciples for some time. Now, verse 27, when they arrived, they called the church together and related. All that God had done. So one of the lessons we get from that verse is the importance of sharing what God has done in our lives. And that can be an incredible encouragement to others when we share the work of God in our lives." [32:15] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so I'm encouraging, we're going to try to do this discipleship initiative with our church. And so we're encouraging people to get involved in that process. So we'll be kicking that off soon. But if you're interested in being a part of this, get one of these sheets. And we'd love to have everybody be a part of it. And I think of, in the sense of this discipleship initiative that we're looking at, and I thought of, of Acts 2, 46. Every day, they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts." [18:34] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Now, observation number two. They returned to the towns they had already gone. And I thought about that. I thought they go back where they had been persecuted, but there are disciples there. And it shows the importance of not forgetting the good news to that city. Those you have discipled, but to continue to go back to them and find ways to encourage. And I thought, what might that mean to us today? Maybe there's somebody from your past that you can think of that you used to have either an accountability or encouraging or discipling relationship with. Maybe write down the person's name even now and think, I need to email or text or call someone you haven't talked to in a long time." [29:30] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Now, this is a really interesting verse. Both, I thought about the prayer and fasting and how much that is a key component of the church. And then also the fact that they appointed leaders and then they entrusted them to the Lord. Verse 24, then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. I think I said that good. When, I'm pretty proud of my way I said that one. When they had spoken, when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Italia. Italia? From there, they sailed back to Antioch where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had completed." [31:31] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so the question I have is, do you have a rhythm in your life for your own Sabbath? Now, today, many times we think of Sunday as our Sabbath as the Christians did. And that change came from what was Saturday to Sunday because of Easter. And so that became a tradition of Christians. And Sundays became a traditionally day of rest. Now, today, a lot of people have to work on Sundays. I have to work on Sundays. But, you know, a lot of people have to work on Sundays. But so one of the most important things that we have to do is find another day." [32:55] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It is interesting to notice here a cycle, a period of intense activity and then rest. They stayed a long time in Antioch. They rested. They built up their strength. They were encouraged. The pressure was off for a bit. That is interesting. In terms of Christian mission, you have to build in times where you are trying to achieve certain targets and times when you are consolidating and resting. The same applies to us as individuals. We can't be on macros. Maximum energy and output, giving at all times. There have to be times of being built up. Paul and Barnabas knew that." [34:22] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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