Teamwork and Adaptability in Missionary Work
Summary
In today's exploration of Acts 16, we delve into the profound workings of missions, drawing lessons from the Apostle Paul's journey to Philippi. This passage offers a comprehensive view of how missions operate, emphasizing the importance of precise biblical understanding, the health of our local congregations, and identifying our unique roles in missions. We begin by defining missions as cross-cultural evangelism, where local congregations send qualified believers to establish indigenous churches through preaching, relying on God's sovereignty, enduring persecution, praying joyfully, and loving people.
Paul's journey with Timothy, Silas, and later Luke, highlights the necessity of teamwork in missions. The narrative underscores that missions are not a solo endeavor but a collective effort, as seen in the example of the Serampore Trio. The Spirit's guidance in redirecting Paul's path to Macedonia teaches us the importance of being sensitive to God's leading, even when our plans are thwarted.
The mission in Philippi begins with a shift in evangelistic methods, as Paul speaks to Gentile women by the riverside instead of Jewish men in synagogues. This adaptability in methods is crucial, especially in diverse contexts like urban environments. The core methods of missions include preaching the Word, depending on God's sovereignty, enduring persecution, praying joyfully, and loving people. These methods are exemplified in Paul's interactions with Lydia and the Philippian jailer, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel.
The maturity of a church is marked by its ability to be self-governing, self-propagating, and self-sustaining. The church in Philippi exemplifies these traits, as seen in Paul's letter to the Philippians, where he acknowledges their leadership, their sending of Epaphroditus, and their financial support despite their poverty.
Finally, we are reminded that everyone has a role in missions, whether as planters, waterers, supporters, sympathizers, or sustainers. Each role is vital in the collective effort to fulfill the Great Commission, ensuring that churches are planted and thrive long after the missionaries have moved on.
Key Takeaways:
- The Importance of Teamwork in Missions: Missions are not a solo endeavor but require a collective effort. The example of Paul, Timothy, Silas, and Luke highlights the necessity of working together, supporting one another, and being accountable. This teamwork is essential for the success and sustainability of missions. [10:16]
- Sensitivity to God's Leading: The redirection of Paul's journey to Macedonia teaches us the importance of being open to God's guidance. Our plans may not always align with God's will, and we must be willing to follow His lead, trusting that He knows the best path for us. [13:19]
- Adaptability in Evangelistic Methods: Paul's shift from speaking to Jewish men in synagogues to Gentile women by the riverside demonstrates the need for adaptability in our evangelistic approaches. We must be willing to try different methods to reach people effectively, especially in diverse contexts. [17:13]
- The Role of Suffering in the Christian Life: The Christian journey is not free from trials and tribulations. Paul's experience of persecution in Philippi reminds us that suffering is part of the Christian life, and we are called to endure it with faith and perseverance. [27:03]
- Everyone's Role in Missions: Every believer has a unique role in missions, whether as a planter, waterer, supporter, sympathizer, or sustainer. Each role is crucial in the collective effort to fulfill the Great Commission and ensure the growth and maturity of the church. [42:19]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:59] - Introduction to Henry Martin
- [03:56] - How Missions Works
- [06:03] - Defining Missions
- [07:40] - Timothy's Background
- [09:05] - The Need for Teamwork
- [10:16] - Paul's Team Approach
- [11:56] - The Serampore Trio
- [13:19] - God's Sovereign Guidance
- [15:40] - The Mission in Philippi
- [17:13] - Adapting Evangelistic Methods
- [19:42] - Preaching the Word
- [22:37] - Effectual Calling
- [24:11] - The Golden Chain
- [27:03] - Enduring Persecution
- [28:38] - Praying and Loving
- [30:31] - The Way of Salvation
- [31:56] - Distinguishing Roles in Missions
- [33:02] - Marks of a Mature Church
- [35:35] - Philippi's Maturity
- [37:25] - Roles in Missions
- [42:19] - Sustainers in Missions
- [44:03] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 16:11-15
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the initial method Paul used for evangelism in Philippi, and how did it differ from his previous methods? [17:13]
2. How did the Holy Spirit guide Paul and his team during their mission journey, and what was the result of this guidance? [13:19]
3. Who were the key members of Paul's missionary team mentioned in Acts 16, and what does this suggest about the nature of missions? [10:16]
4. What significant event occurred with Lydia, and how did it demonstrate the concept of effectual calling? [22:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the redirection of Paul's journey to Macedonia illustrate the importance of being sensitive to God's leading in our own lives? [13:19]
2. In what ways does the adaptability of Paul's evangelistic methods in Philippi challenge our current approaches to sharing the gospel? [17:13]
3. How does the story of Lydia's conversion highlight the role of God's sovereignty in missions, and what implications does this have for our understanding of evangelism? [22:37]
4. What can we learn from the teamwork of Paul, Timothy, Silas, and Luke about the importance of collaboration in fulfilling the Great Commission? [10:16]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when your plans were redirected by God. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [13:19]
2. Consider your current methods of evangelism. Are there areas where you need to be more adaptable to effectively reach those around you? [17:13]
3. In what ways can you contribute to the teamwork necessary for missions in your local church or community? Identify a specific role you can play. [10:16]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper sensitivity to God's leading in your daily life? What practices or habits might help you become more attuned to His guidance? [13:19]
5. Think about the role of suffering in your Christian journey. How can you prepare yourself to endure trials with faith and perseverance? [27:03]
6. Identify one person in your life who might be open to hearing the gospel. What steps can you take this week to share your faith with them in a loving and effective way? [17:13]
7. Reflect on the different roles in missions mentioned in the sermon (planters, waterers, supporters, sympathizers, sustainers). Which role resonates with you, and how can you actively engage in it? [42:19]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Collective Effort in Missions
In the journey of missions, teamwork is not just beneficial but essential. The Apostle Paul's mission to Philippi, accompanied by Timothy, Silas, and later Luke, exemplifies the necessity of working together in spreading the gospel. Missions are not a solo endeavor; they require a collective effort where each member supports and holds the others accountable. This collaborative approach ensures the success and sustainability of missions, as seen in the historical example of the Serampore Trio. By working together, believers can pool their strengths and resources, creating a more effective and resilient mission team. [10:16]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that you can partner with in your spiritual journey? How can you intentionally support and be accountable to each other in your shared mission?
Day 2: Embracing Divine Redirection
The redirection of Paul's journey to Macedonia is a powerful reminder of the importance of being sensitive to God's leading. Often, our plans may not align with God's will, and we must be open to His guidance, trusting that He knows the best path for us. This requires a willingness to let go of our own agendas and embrace the unexpected directions God may lead us. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of His purpose and the blessings that come with following His sovereign guidance. [13:19]
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel God is redirecting you? How can you practice openness and trust in His guidance today?
Day 3: Adapting Evangelistic Approaches
Paul's shift from speaking to Jewish men in synagogues to Gentile women by the riverside in Philippi highlights the need for adaptability in evangelistic methods. In diverse contexts, especially urban environments, it is crucial to be flexible and willing to try different approaches to effectively reach people with the gospel. This adaptability allows for a more inclusive and impactful ministry, as it meets people where they are and addresses their unique cultural and social contexts. By being open to change, believers can better fulfill the Great Commission and share the transformative power of the gospel with all people. [17:13]
1 Corinthians 9:22 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some."
Reflection: What is one new method or approach you can try this week to share your faith with someone in your community?
Day 4: Finding Purpose in Suffering
The Christian journey is not free from trials and tribulations. Paul's experience of persecution in Philippi serves as a reminder that suffering is an integral part of the Christian life. Believers are called to endure hardships with faith and perseverance, trusting that God is with them in their struggles. Suffering can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's grace and strength. By embracing suffering as part of the Christian journey, believers can find purpose and hope in the midst of their trials, knowing that God is working all things for their good. [27:03]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you find purpose and hope in a current trial or challenge you are facing? What steps can you take to endure it with faith and perseverance?
Day 5: Recognizing Your Role in Missions
Every believer has a unique role in missions, whether as a planter, waterer, supporter, sympathizer, or sustainer. Each role is crucial in the collective effort to fulfill the Great Commission and ensure the growth and maturity of the church. By recognizing and embracing their specific roles, believers can contribute to the mission in meaningful ways, using their gifts and resources to support the spread of the gospel. This collective effort ensures that churches are planted and thrive long after the missionaries have moved on, creating a lasting impact for the kingdom of God. [42:19]
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV): "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."
Reflection: What unique role do you feel called to play in the mission of the church? How can you actively engage in this role to support the spread of the gospel?
Quotes
1. "It is my opinion that Acts 16 is the single greatest passage that teaches us how missions works. That's actually the title of our message this morning, how missions works. It's a kind of missions 101. There are other passages that may more concisely explain the mission of the church. For example, the Great Commission in Matthew 28. There are other passages that do a better job explaining the doctrine and philosophy of missions. Perhaps Romans 15. But if we wanted one passage to explain how does missions work from beginning to end, what exactly is missions? I would come to this text before us today in Acts chapter 16." ([00:04:11] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "I have three goals from our sermon today. Number one, I would like to see us become more biblically precise in our understanding of missions. My experience is that churches think the least about missions. Missions is something out there. It's something done in another land. We'll send them money perhaps, but as far as precise thinking, oftentimes missions is at the end of the assembly line. Let us not think that way. Second, I would like us as a church to analyze the health of our own church, our own local congregation, as we study Paul planting this mature church in Philippi. And finally, I would like at the end, for each one of us, if you are a believer here today, I would like each one of us to locate our unique role, roles in missions." ([00:05:02] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "The work of the local congregation to send out qualified believers into cross-cultural, needy places to establish indigenous churches by preaching the word, depending on the sovereignty of God, enduring persecution, praying joyfully, and loving people. And our message today will seek to unpack that definition. Well, before we get into our first point, let's look at the context and look at Acts chapter 16, beginning in verse number one." ([00:06:55] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "Paul always wanted to be surrounded by other believers that would help him in his task, help him with accountability, and help him with authority. We even see that at the end of Acts 15, just a few verses, earlier, when he had a disagreement with Barnabas, and they decided to depart. But there was never an option for Paul to go on his own. And when he left Barnabas, what does he do? Verse 40, and he chose Silas. And now in verse three, he chooses Timothy. Oh, how important team missions is. Jesus gave us this example. When he sent out, he sent out the 72. Do you remember that? He sent out the 72." ([00:10:14] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "It is important for us to remember that a sovereign God is in the heavens that guides us, and we need to be sensitive to his leading. The heart of man plans his way to Ghana, to Baghdad, to Japan, to Germany, but the Lord establishes his steps to South Africa. India. Let us remember that although we have our own plans, God ultimately directs our steps, and so there they are, moving to Macedonia, and now we pick up our text. As a kind of introduction, we now come to our first point in verse 11." ([00:15:11] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "There's a lesson for us to learn here, and that is we can't always use the same methods for evangelism. And I think this is an important point even for you in Joburg, because I often hear, well, you know, I know in the villages, or I know in this place, you go door to door, or you go hut to hut. Here in Joburg, the concrete jungle, we have walls and gates around our houses, and we can't evangelize. Like, you can. Okay, find another method. Seth and I, my teammate, like to use the phrase throwing darts to describe some of our methods. That is, we have a handful of a hundred darts with different methods, and we throw them all at the wall. And 90% of them fall off, but a few of them will stick." ([00:18:12] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "The Christian life is not all sunshine and rainbows, as the prosperity gospel falsely teaches. Do you want a new car? Do you want twins? Do you want a good job? Do you want money? Do you want a beautiful wife? Come to Jesus. That's a false gospel. The true gospel is this. The Lord Jesus Christ came to earth to remove the Father's wrath. Now, He brings much joy in our hearts, but there's also going to be trials and tribulation in the Christian life, which we find in the next section. Paul and Silas travel. They meet a young lady with a demon. He casts out the demon, and what happens? Persecution." ([00:27:01] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "How often have we seen in our own ministry that a person does not show interest in the gospel until we show them love. Here is Paul in prison. The gates fly open. They're free to go, and the Philippian jailer who is about to use a sword to kill himself because he knows that he will be executed for the prisoners going free, what does Paul do? Ah, this is my chance to get revenge on my greatest enemy. And remember, his greatest enemy was not free from the assault on Paul and Silas. He was active in the assault. If you look at verse 23 and 24, the Philippian jailer was the one who actually inflicted the pain upon Paul and Silas, and yet Paul showed love to this Philippian jailer and says in verse 28, do not harm yourself." ([00:29:47] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "Paul was not a pastor. This is an important distinction. He was a missionary. We're not all missionaries. I know that's popular to say, but we're not all missionaries. If we call everyone a missionary, then in the end, no one's a missionary. It's like highlighting the whole page. We're not distinguishing anything. We're not all a father. We're not all a mother. We're not all a pastor. We're not all a wife. We're not all a husband. We use terms to distinguish people. Paul, when he established this church in Philippi, did not remain. He left the church and went on to a new place. Why? Because he was a missionary." ([00:31:55] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "There is no one who can leave here this morning and say, I have no part in missions. You do. All of you have a part in missions. You have a unique role in missions that we found right here in that church long ago in Philippi Bible Church. May the Lord continue to use this church, Antioch, to bless ministries like our own and bless many other missionaries and missions places around the world as we seek to plant indigenous, mature churches for the glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." ([00:43:12] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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