I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been looking forward to this passage in Acts. Maybe you’ve been thinking: ‘Oh great! Stephen has to preach about not preaching long sermons!’
And I’ve been thinking: ‘Oh great! I get to preach about not falling asleep in church!’
But that’s not the main reason this account is here: If I asked you to describe Paul in one word, what would it be? Probably “Missionary”? He went on all these missionary journeys, telling people the good news about Jesus.
But actually, telling unbelievers about Jesus is only one part of what Paul did. He was a missionary because he was a pastor. And we see that clearly here.
When his 2 and a bit years in Ephesus came to an end, he visited the churches he had already established in Turkey and Greece (v1).
We should do much more evangelism than we do. But Christian ministers and elders should also be guiding and teaching those who believe already.
So, what should that look like? What kind of ministry will strengthen our faith? What will equip us to love and serve God and each other?
What should we expect our elders and ministers to do? And how can we minister to each other?
- Give Gospel Encouragement (v1-2)
- Face Active Opposition (v3)
- Build a Team (v4-6)
- Show Personal Affection (v7-10, 12)
- Keep Teaching Relentlessly (v11)
Sunday 18th August 2019
- Paul was a missionary because he was a ________________________ (v1-2)
- Encouragement means (v1-2)
- What encourages God’s people (2 Timothy 4:2)?
- Is opposition normal (Acts 14:22, 1 Peter 4:12, John 15:18-20)? Yes/No
- Where did Paul’s helpers come from (v4)?
- Who is responsible to train Gospel workers?
- When do Christians gather (v7)? Why (John 20:19, 26)?
- Why did Eutychus live (v10, 12)?
- What does God use to grow His Church (v11)?
- A question I have:
- A truth to share:
- Something to pray about:
- How I should live:
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