Reference

Acts 14:19-28

Happy Mother's Day

Small Group Questions

Acts 14:19—28

ENGAGE

  • How do you measure success?

READ

  • Read or summarize the passage.
  • Share any observations or questions from the passage or the sermon.

REFLECT

  • Why does the reaction of the people of Lystra change from idolizing Paul and Barnabas to stoning Paul, and what does this tell us about the fickle nature of people? In Acts 9:15-16 the Lord told Ananias, Paul would be His chosen instrument to carry His name before the Gentiles, and Paul would suffer for the sake of Jesus’ name. Was Paul being punished by God here? 
  • After his stoning and near-death experience in Lystra, Paul and Barnabas moved on to Derbe, where they preached the gospel and made many disciples. They then doubled back to Lystra, Iconium and finally Antioch Pisidia. In each of these cities they had previously faced severe opposition. Why did they risk returning this way (22-23)? 

RESPOND

  • In what ways can we balance active ministry with necessary times of rest and reflection, as demonstrated by Paul and Barnabas? How can we incorporate the practice of reporting and accountability in our own spiritual journeys and within our church communities?
  • Reflecting on Acts 14:19-28, carefully examine the comprehensive multiplying missionary work of Paul and Barnabas. Why and how must we focus on each of these in our missionary efforts?
  • Initial evangelism through preaching the Word 
  • Discipleship follow up – strengthening, encouraging, exhorting/warning 
  • Establishing healthy churches
  • Appointing a plurality of elders who are committed to the Lord’s care 
  • Reporting back and giving glory to God 

PRAY

  • Adoration
  • Confession
  • Thanksgiving
  • Supplication 

 

Quotes used in the sermon

“He read, he made notes, he made a great leather globe of the world and, one day, in the quietness of his cobbler’s shop — not in some enthusiastic missionary conference — Carey heard the call: “if it be the duty of all men to believe the Gospel … then it be the duty of those who are entrusted with the Gospel to endeavor to make it known among all nations.” And Carey sobbed out, “Here am I; send me!” — William Carey

 

“We talk of the Second Coming; half of the world has never heard of the first.”

 — Oswald J. Smith

 

“If the Great Commission is true, our plans are not too big; they are too small.”

  • Pat Morely

 

“If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?”

— David Livingstone