Isolated, Yet On-Mission

The coronavirus has changed everything in our society. Because of this microscopic virus, thriving businesses and communities have come to a virtual standstill. Where once many of us decried the effects of modern electronic gadgets and their addictive effects over individuals and advocated limiting their use in order to increase personal interaction between people, We have all been forced to advocate isolation and avoidance of personal contact. The frequent practice of aggressive handwashing and the profuse usage of hand sanitizer would have been considered enough evidence to assign an individual the tag of obsessive-compulsive in their behavior. The same practices are now common and considered essential for self preservation purposes. The freedom to move about to work, play, recreate and have fellowship with friends and family is something that we have all taken for granted. Due to the dangers of this dreaded coronavirus – 19, instead of being able to gather together with fellow believers in Christ, the majority of people have now chosen the isolation of self quarantine. In some areas of the country, municipalities have been placed under quarantine lot down and citizens have been instructed to only leave their homes in event of emergency or the need to secure supplies for home.

In light of the facts that we just discussed, it would seem that the mission of Christ would become an impossible task. In fact you might be wondering: “as a Christian, how can I be on mission for the Lord when I cannot leave my home?” I want to give you some words of encouragement. It is possible to be isolated, yet on mission for Christ. In fact, there is an example in Scripture of a person who was unable to leave home, unable to move about freely, and yet was able to continue to make an impact for the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the Acts 28:30 – 31, the apostle Paul was in a very similar predicament. While his isolation was not due to a pandemic, it was a forced isolation nonetheless. This morning, I would like for us to take a look at these 2 short verses of Scripture in order to receive encouragement and instruction on how to be isolated, yet on mission for Christ.

Acts 28:30–31 NLT

30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.

TS: As we take a look at these verses and the situation in which Paul found himself, there are a couple of principles that we can adopt in our situation to encourage and strengthen us to remain on mission for Jesus.

I- The Mission of Christ knows no limitations.

(Acts 28:30)

Acts 28:30 NLT

30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him,

Not Limited to our comfort zone.

1- Paul’s comfort zone certainly did not include being confined to one location.

a. The apostle was used to traveling from location to location and city to city.

(1) While Paul was accustomed to persecution, he was also accustomed to great freedom.

(2) Paul enjoyed the freedom to travel, fellowship with friends, meet new people, and openly proclaim the gospel.

(3) Many times, Paul’s activities that were carried out with great freedom resulted in great personal costs.

2- You and I are accustomed to carrying-on missional activities within our comfort zone.

a. We are used to traveling about without any restrictions.

(1) We serve through our local church in the comfort of a building design for our comfort and use.

(2) now we find ourselves limited in our ability to move about and carry out life.

Not limited to our choice of people.

1. Paul

a. While Paul was accustomed to reaching out to all types of people, it would appear that his ability to reach people would be limited.

b. Paul was able to welcome and minister to all who the Lord sent his way.

2. You and I

a. While our opportunities to carry out the Lord’s mission would seem to be all but unavailable, we need to take a second-look.

b. We must remember that the mission is the same!

(Acts 1:8)

Acts 1:8 NLT

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

(Matthew 28:18-20)

Matthew 28:18–20 NLT

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Not limited to our choice of venue.

1- Paul:

a. Paul was limited to his location because of circumstances he did not choose.

(1) Paul was falsely accused and put in jail. (Acts 21:26-23:11)

(2) While there, Paul was reminded of God’s commission and given instructions . (Acts 23:11)

(3) He was sent to Caesarea because of a plot to murder him. (Acts 23:12-35)

(4) Paul appeared before the Roman governors, Felix and Festus, and was forced to appeal to Cesar. (Acts 24:1-25:12)

(5) Paul was imprisoned in Cesarea for two year and then sent toRome for another two years.

(Acts 24:24-27)

Acts 24:24–27 NLT

24 A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” 26 He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him. 27 After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.

(Acts 28:30)

Acts 28:30 NLT

30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him,

2- You and I:

a. We did not choose the circumstances that we are in.

b. The mission that we have from Jesus is not limited by our location.

Not limited to our ingenuity or strength.

1- Paul:

a. Paul was aware that the mission of Christ was not limited to his own ingenuity, cleverness or strength.

b. Paul was dependent upon the direction and power of the Holy Spirit.

( 1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 NLT

1 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. 2 For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

2- You and I:

a. Thankfully, the mission of Christ is not limited by our own inadequacies.

b. The mission of Christ is not limited to our own ingenuity or strength.

c. The same Holy Spirit that helped Paul effectively minister in his situation will help you and I.

II- The Mission of Christ knows no alterations.

(Acts 28:30-31)

Acts 28:30–31 NLT

Not altered nor suspended because of our circumstances.

1- The Mission of Christ to be his witnesses has not been suspended or altered.

2- The Mission of Christ to make disciples has not been suspended or altered.

3- The Mission of Christ to minister to, in, and through the church has not been suspended or altered.

Sometimes involves adjustments in methodology.

1- Paul had to adjust his methodology.

a. Shared when he was called before the judges.

(1) Felix

(2) Festus

(3) Ceasar

b. Shared with all Who came to see him.

(1) Onesimus (Philemon 10)

Philemon 10 NLT

10 I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison.

(2) Soldiers in the Roman Army

(Philippians 1:12-14)

Philippians 1:12–14 NLT

12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.

c. Sent letters to individuals and churches.

(1) He wrote to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

(2) He wrote to the Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians and Laodiceans, and others)

Is dependent upon the power of God.

Produces spiritual fruit.

CONCLUSION:

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