Rob's Expository Sermon Preparation | Acts 15:36–16:10 (2)

Introduction:

· The Church’s mission — then, and now

WE’RE GOING TO LOOK AT THREE BARRIERS TO GOD’S MISSION – AND HOW JESUS LEADS US TO OVERCOME THEM.

I) Barrier One: Human Conflict (vv. 36-41)

A. God’s Mission is to Advance His Kingdom!

i. The Big Picture: The Book of Acts is about the Advance of Christ’s Kingdom

1. The book of Acts is what Jesus “continued to do & teach” – (Acts 1:1)

Acts 1:1 ESV

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,

2. The Church is continuing the mission of Jesus

3. APPLICATION: In Sunnyslope’s priority is the mission of Christ

ii. The Specific Picture: Paul desires to strengthen the Churches (vs. 36)

1. Paul’s plan: he & Barnabas strengthen churches of 1st missionaryjourney

2. ILLUSTRATION: Map

B. Though Human Conflict Interferes, God Remains Sovereign (vv. 37-41)

i. Conflict among believers might Hinder God’s mission (vv. 37-40)

1. JM deserted Paul & Silas earlier; We don’t know, why but…? (Acts 13:13

Acts 13:13 ESV

Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem,

2. The “encourager” (Mark’s cousin!) wanted to give a second chance

3. The bible is honest about human brokenness – not a moral issue but strong disagreement: We too may have differing opinions on ministry!

ii. God redeems conflict to His ultimate Purpose (vs. 41)

1. So: JM & Barnabas go to Cyprus – B’s homeland à JM becomes valuable to Paul (and, an author of a book…we call Mark)

2. Silas joins Paul and he will prove valuable in later settings (Philippi)

3. APPLICATION: We surrender our work to a sovereign & gracious God

THERE’S ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT SURFACES.

II) Barrier Two: Cultural Barriers

A. Cultural Differences Might Prevent the Spread of The Gospel

i. A Second Companion: Timothy Joins Paul (vv. 1-3)

1. In Lystra & Derbe, a young, well-respected leader is commended to Paul

2. Timothy’s mother & Grandmother had been converted by Paul on the 1st journey – and timothy himself had probably been discipled by Paul

ii. The problem of contextualization (vs. 1)

1. But, though he should have been circumcised by his Jewish Mother

2. Pharisees: “Jesus Plus…”

B. God’s Wisdom Ensures that His Kingdom Will Advance

i. Motives Matter: When to adapt

1. Paul’s motive was “How can we advance the gospel?”

2. Paul allows for circumcision as a way of honoring Jewish tradition

ii. The Practice of contextualization

1. APPLICATION: How do we have to set our “rights” aside in order to honor our listener that the gospel may gain a hearing?

2. EXAMPLE: drinking alcohol in Ukraine; A sauna? Etc.

SO: GOD’S MISSION ADVANCES IN SPITE OF HUMAN WEAKNESS; IT ADVANCES IN SPITE OF CULTURAL BARRIERS; FINALLY, IT ADVANCES IN SPITE OF GOD SAYING ‘NO!’

III) Barrier Three: God’s “No!” (vv. 6-10)

A. God’s Leading Can Often Seem Unclear

i. God often does not reveal His full plan

1. Paul a planner…doesn’t get the full story when he buys his “plane tickets”

2. APPLICATION: Some of us are planners, organizers, etc.

ii. God will often say “no” to what seemed like good plans (vv. 6, 8)

1. As Paul considers Asia, and Bithynia – God actually says “No.”

2. APPLICATION: Have you ever been frustrated at God’s “No”?

3. EXAMPLE: St. Louis in 2021, when our plans changed

B. Yet, God Orchestrates All Events to His Purpose

i. But, God reveals his plans in His time (vv. 8-9)

1. They don’t give up, but travel to Troas & a man (Luke?) calls for help

2. God’s timing is rarely ours – but it is never late.

ii. And, God will ultimately accomplish His perfect purpose

1. Because of this, the gospel went into Europe àN. America àSalem, OR…

2. APPLICATION: God will close doors

i. You don’t get in to your college

ii. Your SS lesson doesn’t go as planned

iii. The mission trip plans fall apart

3. BUT: we can fully rest in God’s perfect leading.

Transition:

Conclusion

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