The Missionary Call (Acts 13-14)

2 kinds of Christians: missionaries and impostors!

1.   The LORD sends

a.      Workers- “ministers” (common work/prayer work)

                       i.      Those sensitive to God’s leading

                     ii.      Those submissive to God leading

                   iii.      Those focused on living, not leaving (As now, so then; as here, so there…not to overlook transformation, but to highlight preparation and present obedience)

b.      His Word- 13:26, they went with a message; 13:5, 42, 44, 46, 48; 14:15, 25

If and How we trust the Word will effect If and How we will teach the Word.

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel…

If and How we treasure the Word will effect If and How we will teach the Word.

2.   The LORD attends… (explicit: 13:9, 52; 14:3, 22)

3.   Implicit in what we see…

a.      The open doors (14:27, see Col. 4:3)

b.      The boldness in sharing (14:3, see Phil 6:19; Col 4:4)

c.       The salvation of souls (see Acts 4:12, James 4:12)

                                                            Only God can save souls!

4.   The LORD defends…

a.      Against distractions/dissension (13:8; 13:45)

b.      Against discouragement (13:51-52)

c.       Against pride (14:14-18; cf. Herod's death)

d.      Against pity (14:19-20)

This isn’t to say you will not face these realities; however, none of these deterred the work they had been assigned.  (14:26)

5.   The LORD extends…

JUST TO REITERATE: GOD ALONE SAVES SOULS!  He is building His church!  He is growing His kingdom!  He is annexing hearts and homes into His kingdom.

The only way we will continue to travel is if the treasure is worth more than the trouble. (14:22)

Do we value the kingdom of heaven?  Do we value God’s person more than anything else?  There are days I am willing to drive 3 miles to Chick-Fil-A because the cost of gas, energy, effort, and time is outweighed by the gain: flavor of Chicken sandwich over that of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Reality: following Christ in a world that is bent against him is difficult; not because Christ is difficult, but because our appetites have been dampened  by the dull substitutes of world pleasures.  We actually have to consider, “Is He worth it?”  We struggle with this question because we spend so little time seeing Him, and so much time immersing ourselves in the world.

6.   Thus, as God's servant who is called may we not simply be pretending; but rather depending on God, to open doors, to speak through us and ultimately to grow His kingdom for His glory!  Lord help us to value You more and love this world less each day.