Unstoppable Mission: Simple Acts for God's Glory

Devotional

Day 1: God Can Use Anyone and Anything to Accomplish His Will

No matter the circumstances or the people involved, God is able to work through anyone and anything to fulfill His purposes. Even in situations that seem hopeless or unlikely, such as Paul’s shipwreck, snakebite, and imprisonment, God’s sovereign hand is at work, orchestrating events for the spread of the gospel and the encouragement of His people. This truth reminds us that our limitations, setbacks, or even the opposition we face cannot stop God’s plans. Instead, He often uses the most unexpected people and moments to display His power and love, inviting us to trust Him and be available for His purposes. [37:00]

Acts 28:1-6 (ESV)
After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel limited or unlikely to be used by God? How might you offer even your ordinary circumstances to Him today, trusting that He can use anyone and anything for His will?

Day 2: The Powerful Act of Serving

Simple acts of service, even those that seem small or unnoticed, can become powerful platforms for God to work. Paul, cold, wet, and in chains, chose to gather sticks for a fire—an act of humble service that God used to open doors for miraculous healing and the spread of the gospel on Malta. Serving others, especially when it’s inconvenient or when no one asks, can soften hearts, build bridges across cultures, and point people to Jesus. When you serve, you never know how God might use your actions to reveal His love and power to those around you. [13:13]

Mark 10:45 (ESV)
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that seems hard to reach or distant from God? What is one practical way you can serve them this week to open a door for God’s love?

Day 3: The Powerful Act of Showing Up

Presence matters deeply—sometimes more than words or gifts. When Paul arrived in Rome, it was the simple act of fellow believers traveling to meet him that gave him courage and gratitude. Just showing up for someone in their moment of need, celebration, or struggle can be a profound encouragement and a tangible expression of God’s love. You don’t have to have the perfect words or solutions; your presence alone can make a difference and remind others that they are not alone. [20:56]

Romans 12:15 (ESV)
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Reflection: Who is someone facing a challenge or milestone right now? How can you show up for them this week, even if it’s just for a moment, to let them know they are seen and supported?

Day 4: The Powerful Act of an Ask

Taking the initiative to ask—whether it’s inviting someone to church, offering to pray, or starting a spiritual conversation—can open doors for God to move. Paul, even under house arrest, didn’t wait passively but called together the local leaders and asked for a meeting to share about Jesus. Fear of rejection often holds us back, but God can use our willingness to ask to reach hearts that are open and searching. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple question to begin a journey of faith for someone else. [28:11]

Matthew 7:7 (ESV)
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Reflection: What is one spiritual invitation or question you’ve been hesitant to ask someone? Will you take a step of faith and make that ask this week, trusting God with the outcome?

Day 5: The Powerful Act of Hospitality

Welcoming others—whether into your home, your church, or simply into a conversation—creates space for the gospel to be shared and for people to experience God’s love. Paul, even while imprisoned, welcomed all who came to him and shared the message of Jesus boldly and without hindrance. Hospitality isn’t about having perfect circumstances; it’s about being open and available to others, making them feel seen, valued, and loved. A simple smile, a hello, or an invitation can be the beginning of someone’s journey toward Christ. [37:56]

1 Peter 4:9-10 (ESV)
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Reflection: Where can you intentionally practice hospitality this week—at home, at church, or in your daily routine—to help someone feel welcomed and open to hearing about Jesus?

Sermon Summary

As we come to the close of our journey through the book of Acts, Acts 28 reminds us that God’s mission is unstoppable and that He can use anyone and anything to accomplish His will. The story of Paul’s shipwreck, his time on Malta, and his eventual arrival in Rome is filled with moments where God’s purposes are advanced through the most ordinary acts. Whether it’s Paul gathering sticks for a fire, believers traveling miles just to be present, or Paul simply asking for a meeting, we see that God delights in using simple, everyday actions to open doors for the gospel.

Paul’s example on Malta shows the power of humble service. Even as a prisoner, cold and wet, he chooses to serve by gathering sticks, which leads to a miraculous encounter and opens hearts to the message of Christ. The act of showing up is highlighted when fellow believers travel great distances just to be with Paul, giving him courage and gratitude in a difficult season. Sometimes, the most profound impact comes not from grand gestures, but from simply being present.

Paul also demonstrates the courage to ask. He doesn’t wait passively for opportunities but takes initiative, inviting the Jewish leaders in Rome to hear his story and the hope he has in Christ. This simple act of asking leads to conversations where some believe and others do not, but the gospel is proclaimed regardless. Finally, Paul’s hospitality, even while under house arrest, becomes a channel for the gospel to reach many. He welcomes all who come to him, teaching and proclaiming Jesus with boldness.

These four acts—serving, showing up, asking, and hospitality—are not reserved for spiritual giants. They are accessible to every believer, regardless of circumstance. The end of Acts is not a conclusion, but a handoff. The story continues with us, as we are called to be a church in action, witnesses to the ends of the earth. The main character is not Paul, but Jesus, and our lives are meant to point to Him. As we remember Christ through communion, let us be reminded that God can use our simple acts, big or small, for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

1. God Uses Simple Acts of Service Paul’s willingness to serve, even in hardship, opened doors for God’s power to be displayed. Serving others, especially when it’s inconvenient or unnoticed, can become the very platform God uses to reveal Himself. Never underestimate the spiritual impact of humble, practical acts of service in the lives of those around you. [08:11]
2. The Power of Presence: Just Showing Up Presence often speaks louder than words. When believers traveled miles just to be with Paul, their simple act of showing up gave him courage and gratitude. Sometimes, the most meaningful ministry is simply being there for someone, especially in their moments of need or uncertainty. [16:24]
3. The Courage to Ask Opens Doors Paul didn’t wait for opportunities to come to him; he took initiative and made the ask. Whether it’s inviting someone to church, offering to pray, or starting a spiritual conversation, God often works through our willingness to step out and ask. Fear of rejection is real, but obedience in asking can lead to unexpected “yeses” and changed lives. [23:47]
4. Hospitality as a Channel for the Gospel Even while under house arrest, Paul welcomed all who came to him, using his limited freedom to share Christ boldly. True hospitality is more than entertaining guests; it’s about creating space for others to encounter God’s love. Our homes, our church, and our daily interactions can all become places where people feel welcomed and open to the gospel. [31:09]
5. The Story Continues With Us Acts ends abruptly, not because the story is over, but because it’s meant to continue through us. The main character is Jesus, and the mission is ongoing. We are called to be a church in action, living out the gospel in ordinary and extraordinary ways, trusting that God can use anyone and anything—including us—to accomplish His will. [37:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Series Recap & Journal Survey
[02:45] - The Story of the Old Lady and the Atheist Neighbor
[04:46] - God Can Use Anyone and Anything
[06:30] - Paul’s Shipwreck and Arrival at Malta
[08:11] - The Power of Serving: Paul Gathers Sticks
[09:39] - Divine Protection and God’s Purposes
[11:50] - The Impact of Service and the Gospel in Malta
[14:12] - The Power of Showing Up: Encouragement in Rome
[16:24] - Presence Matters: Personal Reflections
[19:11] - The Cost of Absence and the Gift of Presence
[21:39] - The Power of an Ask: Paul’s Initiative
[23:47] - Overcoming Fear of Rejection
[28:11] - Each One, Reach One: Inviting Others
[31:09] - The Power of Hospitality
[33:08] - Everyday Opportunities for Hospitality
[37:00] - God’s Power in Our Limitations
[37:56] - The Unfinished Story: Continuing the Acts
[39:00] - Communion and Remembering Christ

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 28:1-10 (ESV) —
1 After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. 7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him healed him. 9 And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10 They also honored us greatly, and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

- Acts 28:15-16, 23, 30-31 (ESV)

15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. ... 23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. ... 30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

- Luke 10:19 (ESV)

19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.

Observation Questions

What simple act did Paul do on Malta that led to a miraculous encounter, and how did the people respond to it? ([04:46])
When Paul arrived in Rome, what did the local believers do that encouraged him, and how did Paul react? ([14:12])
What did Paul do after being under house arrest in Rome, and how did he use his situation for the gospel? ([30:03])
According to Luke 10:19, what kind of authority did Jesus say he gave to his disciples, and how might this have shaped Paul’s response to the snake bite? ([09:39])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul chose to serve by gathering sticks for the fire, even though he was a prisoner and could have let others do it? What does this reveal about his character and priorities? ([06:30])
The believers who traveled to meet Paul in Rome didn’t bring gifts or say anything profound—they just showed up. Why might their presence alone have been so powerful for Paul in that moment? ([16:24])
Paul took the initiative to ask for a meeting with the Jewish leaders in Rome. What does this teach us about the importance of taking initiative in sharing our faith, even when we might fear rejection? ([23:47])
Paul’s hospitality while under house arrest allowed him to welcome all who came to him. How does this challenge our understanding of what it means to be hospitable, especially when our circumstances are less than ideal? ([31:09])

Application Questions

Paul’s act of serving—gathering sticks for a fire—opened the door for God to work. Is there a simple, practical act of service you can do this week for someone who may not expect it? What might hold you back from doing it? ([08:11])
The sermon highlighted the power of just showing up for others. Can you think of someone in your life who might need you to simply be present with them right now? What’s one step you can take to show up for them, even if you don’t know what to say? ([16:24])
Paul didn’t wait for opportunities—he made the ask. Is there someone you’ve been hesitant to invite to church, pray for, or start a spiritual conversation with because you fear rejection? What’s one “ask” you can make this week, and how can you overcome your fear? ([23:47])
Paul practiced hospitality even while under house arrest. What are some creative ways you can be hospitable in your current situation—at home, at work, or at church? ([31:09])
The story of Acts ends with a sense of “handoff”—the mission continues with us. In what area of your life do you sense God calling you to take action for His kingdom, even if it feels small or ordinary? ([37:56])
The sermon mentioned that sometimes we focus on ourselves as the main character, but Jesus is the true focus. Are there areas in your life where you need to shift the focus from yourself to Jesus? What would that look like this week? ([37:56])
Communion was described as a reminder that God can use anything for His purposes. How does remembering Christ’s sacrifice through communion encourage you to trust that God can use your simple acts for His glory? ([39:00])

Sermon Clips

``Paul’s ship was wrecked. He’s cold, he’s wet, he’s chained, and it’s raining. And what does he do? He gathers sticks to help build a fire. No one asked him. He could have let others do it. But Paul, this great leader, goes and he picks up sticks. And through this simple act of service, God used it as a platform to show off his amazing power. [00:08:16] (26 seconds) #PowerInSimpleService

As he’s about to heal miraculously, Publius’ father, what does he do? He prays. He prays. See, think about this. Right before this, the snake bit Paul. Everybody thought he was going to die and he doesn’t. So what do they think? He’s a God. But Paul, by praying, he communicates to all of those that are watching him, to all of those that will hear about it, that he’s not God. But instead he points to them, who is God? The Lord that he is praying to. [00:11:22] (33 seconds) #PrayerPointsToGod

We don’t read about these people who showed up bringing gifts or supplies or donations. We don’t read about these brothers saying anything encouraging or profound. They just show up. And this simple act of showing up was powerful enough to encourage the heart of this spiritual giant, Paul. [00:16:11] (23 seconds) #ShowingUpMatters

After arriving in Rome, Paul doesn’t just sit back and wait for opportunities. No, he takes initiative. See, we’re told that after three days, he called together the local leaders of the Jews and he asks for a meeting. He asks to speak to them. And he asks to tell them why he’s in chains. Because it’s the hope of Israel. And you know what? Sometimes we can make sharing our faith so complicated. But often, it begins with just a simple ask. [00:23:20] (31 seconds) #EachOneReachOne

Paul is incarcerated. He’s bound and he’s shackled. But this doesn’t keep him from being welcoming to all. He could have closed himself off and been upset with the situation. He could have sat back and just complained to God. Asking God, what are you doing? Why am I here? I was out doing all this missionary work for you. Going from all these different places. And now I’m just stuck here. But instead of that, it seemed like Paul was asking another question. That question is not, God, what are you doing? But, God, what can I do? What can I do here? [00:30:49] (39 seconds) #ImpactInEverySeason

God can use anything or anyone, no matter the situation. I mean, think about Paul’s situation here. Here we see in these last two verses that Paul is in prison for two years under house arrest. And you might think that because of this, his influence, his impact would have been the least impactful and influential of his ministry time. But it actually might have been the most impactful and influential for the sake of the gospel. [00:37:10] (28 seconds) #ChurchInAction

The main character is not him. The main character is Jesus Christ. And the point of Acts was not Paul’s journey to Rome. The point of Acts is that his church, Christ’s church, would act and continue to share the gospel and the good news of Jesus Christ. [00:40:41] (17 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What acts does God use to spread the gospel?

How can serving open hearts to the gospel?

Why is showing up important in sharing faith?