Great Days Ahead | Acts 13:1-12

Summary

In this message, we looked at the church in Antioch, one of the most influential churches in the first century, and the birthplace of foreign missions. As we examine what marked this church, we're reminded that it's the same God, the same gospel, the same Spirit, and the same mission today. Through four questions, we were challenged to be fully present, fully expectant, and eager to join God in what he wants to do in and through his church.

Key Takeaways

• Are we a diverse group of people unified by the gospel? The church at Antioch was made up of people from different ethnicities, skin colors, social statuses, and conversion stories. Yet they were unified by the gospel. The gospel reaches into the lives of those who are dead and makes them alive by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. Those who were dead and are now alive are saved into a family with one another. May we look more and more like heaven. (Acts 13:1)
• Are we a people marked by a simple and expectant devotion? The church in Antioch was influential because of the Holy Spirit's leadership in their lives and their response to his leadership. The Spirit's work through them was preceded by a simple and expectant churchwide devotion. While they were worshipping, praying, and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke. The entire church was leaning in the same direction toward the Lord and positioning themselves for a move of the Spirit. (Acts 13:2-3; Matthew 6:6; Matthew 6:17-18)
• Are we a people committed to sending and being sent? The church at Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas, and Paul and Barnabas embraced being sent. In verse 3, it is the church that sends them. In verse 4, it is the Holy Spirit who sends them. Every follower of Jesus is called to participate in sending and being sent. (Acts 13:3-4)
• Are we a Spirit-filled people who stand for truth for the sake of the lost? Paul and Barnabas encountered Elymas, who was seeking to turn Sergius Paulus away from the faith. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul confronted what was false and clarified what was true. The goal was not simply to win an argument but to remove barriers keeping someone from Jesus. We want to be a people who boldly, courageously, graciously, lovingly, and compassionately clarify what is true and what isn't. The end goal isn't for our stances to be known but for the lost to be found. (Acts 13:8-10; Acts 13:12)

Discussion Questions

• The church at Antioch was a diverse group of people unified by the gospel. Have you experienced that kind of unity in the church? Who might God be inviting you to welcome or learn from more intentionally?
• The church was worshipping, praying, and fasting together when the Holy Spirit spoke. Which of those practices is most present in your life right now, and which one needs more attention?
• Where are you tempted toward complacency in your relationship with God?
• What would it look like to live more intentionally as someone who has been sent by the Holy Spirit?
• How can you speak truth with both conviction and compassion in a relationship or conversation you may have this week?