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Book of Acts • Sermon • Submitted
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I want to welcome you again this morning.
First, to those joining us online, we are so thankful for our online technology that allows you to be a part of our church family today.
I also want to welcome those who may be joining us for the first time today. I hope your time with us today is encouraging and helpful, and I look forward to meeting you.
I would also say if you are new to our church today, it would be helpful for you to know that we practice a form of preaching called “Expository Preaching”.
What that means, is we believe the Bible is best taught by taking books of the Bible and then breaking them down from beginning to end, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. Our goal, to better understand not only what God’s Word says, but what it means in our lives today.
With that said, we are currently doing that through the NT book of Act. A book written by a First Century disciple named Luke, who wrote it for a couple of reasons:
First, to give us a history of the church. How it started, who was there, and the circumstances that surrounded it.
Second, to give us a template of sorts. A template that teaches us how to accomplish the mission Jesus gave us to take the Gospel into the rest of the world.
So, if you haven’t been with us, I would encourage you to go online to mcf.life where you can listen to all of the messages leading up to today.
Today however we are picking back up in Acts 18.
You may recall when we were last in Acts, Paul was in the city of Corinth. A city where despite the persecution he faced, Paul had great success as over the course of a year and a half he established a thriving church.
But as we’re going to learn today, despite his success, Paul decides its time to move on, and so after accomplishing his mission of starting the church at Corinth, Paul eventually took leave. Luke puts it like this:
18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
Luke says once Paul had finished his work at Corinth, he and his ministry companions, Priscilla and Aquila, set sail for Syria, and then eventually came to the city of Ephesus. And it’s at this point that Luke gives us some key details.
First, he tell us that on their way to Ephesus, Paul took a vow and decided to get a haircut, which seems like an odd detail for Luke to give us.
So, a great question would be, “What’s that all about?”
To be honest, we don’t really know for sure, but most theologians speculate that Paul may have taken what was known as a “Nazarite Vow”. Which in a nutshell was a special OT vow of dedication to the Lord. A vow that would have required Paul to abstain from certain foods and actions for a predetermined period of time.
In addition to that , the Nazirite was not to cut his hair for the length of the vow. Which meant his hair would usually grow extremely long.
And finally he was not to go near a dead body, because that would make him ceremonially unclean.
In a way, this vow would be similar to the Daniel Fast that we have done as a church. A fast where we take 21 days to dedicate ourselves to the Lord as we abstain from eating certain foods and drink.
And so what theologians speculate is that prior to taking the Nazarite vow, Paul shaved his head in anticipation that he wasn’t going to get a haircut for awhile.
So, that’s the fist thing Luke points out. Which leads us to the second detail Luke gives us:
Second, Luke says when Paul arrived in Ephesus with Priscilla and Aquila, he left them there.
Which means at this point Paul parts company with Priscilla and Aquila. Why? Again we don’t know for sure, but more than likely it’s because of the vow that he has taken. And we base this on the fact that at this point Paul doesn’t stay long in Ephesus. In fact, Luke says that while he does spend some time sharing the gospel with the Jews at the Synagogue, it’s short lived. Because Luke writes:
20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.
Luke says Paul is in a hurry too leave? So, what’s the rush? Well, again theologians speculate that because of this vow, Paul may be trying to make his way back to Jerusalem for one of the feasts or festivals which would may mark the end of his vow. This speculation is based on what Luke tells us next:
22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch.
Luke says that Paul when up and greeted the church, which is the literal way of saying, “He went up to the church at Jerusalem.”
All that to say, after leaving Corinth, Paul commits himself to a spiritual vow that requires him to go back to Jerusalem before he continues on the mission God has given him. And continue he will because Luke writes:
23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Luke says after spending some time in Jerusalem, Paul returns to the mission field where he will begin his third missionary journey.
Now, at this point you might be thinking, “Ok Pastor, this is all very interesting. But why are these details important?”
They’re important for a couple of reasons:
#1 - It’s a reminder that as Christ followers there will be seasons of ministry that God takes us in and out of. Seasons where we focus on a specific mission that God has given us. Seasons where God is actively using us to accomplish His plan and purpose. Seasons that we need to be conscience and aware of.
#2 - Along with seasons of ministry, there will be transitions within those seasons. Transitions where God is preparing us for something new. Or transitions where God is refocusing our direction. Or transitions where God provides a time for us to be refreshed and spiritually rejuvenated.
An example of this would be Pastor Jacob and Joy, our Family Life Pastor and Kid’s Director. Because prior to coming to MCF they spent a year in transition. A year where they stepped out of full time ministry, took a break, and allowed the Lord to refresh and redirect them. A time of transition that eventually led them to their next assignment here at MCF.
I also think of Bob and Cathleen Huff who came to MCF a few years ago and have played a vital role in our community and the mission of our church. But God is now transitioning them as they move to Springfield, MO where they will be used for the Kingdom in a different way.
And what was true for Jacob and Joy and Bob and Cathleen is true for all of us. The fact is, there are times we are transitioning from one aspect of spiritual growth to another. Or transitioning from one area of spiritual focus to another. Or transitioning fro one ministry focus to another. Or even transitioning from one job to another.
For example, a few years ago my wife, Denise, felt the Lord calling her to something new. A transition that resulted in her leaving occupational ministry and embracing a new opportunity outside of the church. A transition that has opened new doors of ministry for her.
So, along with seasons of ministry, there will also be seasons of transition.
And what’s true for individuals is also true for churches. Because sometimes churches have transitions. Transitions that may involve a new pastor. Transitions that may involve a new direction for the church. Transitions that prepare the church for the next chapter.
This would have been true in 2011 for our church when Pastor Rick resigned and for seven months the church went through a transition until Denise and I came in 2012. A transition period that prepared MCF for a new direction and new growth.
And since then there have been other transitions within our church. Transitions of staff. Transitions of people. Transitions of spiritual direction.
To be honest, I believe the Daniel Fasts have often served as transition periods as the Lord prepares us for what is to come.
For example, looking back on the Daniel Fast this past February, I believe it represented a transition that prepared us for what was about to happen with Covid.
And I think the same will be true for the fast we just finished. That through that fast God was preparing us to get ready for what is to come.
All that to say, at some point in our faith journey we are going to face transitions that prepare us for a new work, a new level of growth, or a new direction in our spiritual journey. And that’s exactly what is happening with Paul as he transitions out of his second missionary journey and God prepares him for what will be his third and final journey. A journey we will pick up on next week.
You might ask, “Why next week?” I say next week because before Luke introduces us to Paul’s next journey, he wants to direct our attention to another story. A story that coincides with Paul’s transition to his next journey, and in a way helps lay the foundation for what Paul will accomplish.
And so to set up and transition us into this next story, I want to begin by building some framework that I think will help us get our minds around where Luke is now taking us. And I want to do that by tapping your science fiction movie knowledge.
How many of you are familiar with the Star Wars movies? You know, movies that star characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leah, Darth Vader, and Yoda. Most of us, right?
To be honest, I’m a big Star Wars fan. And one of the things I like about each Star Wars movie is how the story is told and how everything is interweaved together. In fact, every star wars movie uses the same story telling structure. Let me give you an example of what I’m talking about.
For example, if you ever watch a Star Wars movie, what you’ll discover is in every movie there is an overall problem that needs to be taken care of or a mission that needs to be accomplished. But in order to solve the problem or accomplish the mission, it’s going to take more than one person. It’s going to take everybody working together. And so as the story unfolds, there are like 3-4 different story lines that are taking place simultaneously int he movie, all of which are working together towards the final victory.
For example, in the Star Wars movie, Return of the Jedi, the ultimate mission is to destroy the Death Star. But for that to happen a number of things need to take place.
For one, the force field protecting the death star needs to be taken out. Because as long as its in place, the death star can’t be touched. So, somebody has to take it out. Who will it be? Well, in the movie that will be accomplished by Han Solo, Princess Lea, and Chewbacca.
But just taking the force field out isn’t enough. Because once the force field is down, somebody needs to destroy the death star in the sky above. So, who will do that? That mission will be handled by Lando Calirrisian and the rebel fleet.
At the same time though, somebody is going to have to take out Darth Vader and the Evil Emperor who are on board the death star, otherwise they’ll escape and just build another one. So that will fall on none other than the Jedi Master Luke Skywalker.
And so as the movie unfolds, we get glimpses into each story line as everything is coming together for the ultimate victory.
Which is important for us to see, because each story line is dependent on one another. In other words, if Han and Chewie don’t do their job, then Lando won’t be able to blow up the death star. And if Lando can’t blow up the death star, then more than likely Luke isn’t going to be able to take out Darth Vader and the evil Emperor. Exciting stuff, right?!
In way that’s what’s going on in Acts 18 as Luke, and I’m talking about Luke the writer of Acts, not Luke Skywalker, cuts away from Paul and directs our attention to an event that is simultaneously taking place. An event that will eventually tie in with Paul’s third missionary journey. An event that is important because it highlights a couple of important facts concerning how the mission to win people to Jesus is ultimately accomplished. Facts that we need to be aware of.
And so as we come back to Acts 18, I have two goals today:
Goal #1 - To introduce you to this coinciding story line and in doing so highlight these two important facts.
Goal #2 - As we identify these facts, to determine how they apply to us as we work to lead people to Jesus.
Everybody with me so far?
And so with that as our basis, let’s jump back into Acts 18 as Paul introduces us to this coinciding story line. Beginning in verse 24 Luke writes:
24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.
I want to stop right there for a second, because based on what Luke just told us, I want to highlight the first fact. And I would state it like this:
Fact #1: In order to reach people for Jesus, it takes more than one story line.
Here’s what I want you to notice first. As Luke introduces us to this coinciding story, he does a couple of things:
First, he verifies that this is a coinciding story. We know that because he begins by saying, “Now a Jew named Apollos...” Which could also be translated, “Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos...”
Which verifies that this is a story coinciding with another story. Which story? Paul’s story. Which means you could state it like this, “Meanwhile, while Paul was in transition and fulfilling his vow, a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, arrived in Ephesus.”
Second, along with verifying this is a coinciding story, Luke begins by identifying one of the key Characters in this coinciding story, and in doing so gives us some key pieces of information about this person. So, let’s see what we can discover about this new Character.
#1 - Apparently the new character is a Jew named Apollos. Which tells us right away that Apollos has at least one similarity with Paul because Paul is a Jew as well.
#2 - Luke says Apollos is from the city of Alexandria. So, why is that important? It’s important because in the 1st century, Alexandria was a city located in Egypt and was the second leading city of the Empire and the greatest city of the East. In fact, some even ranked it with Rome.
But more than being a city comparable to Rome, Alexandria was largely known for its learning opportunities and was home of the famous library of Alexandria. A library that some considered to be even more prestigious than the ancient school of Athens.
Which means if you were from Alexandria, that was kind of a big deal. Because Alexandrians were known for two things:
First, for their education in philosophy, geometry, and grammar.
And second for their vocal vigor. Which means they were vocally passionate about what they knew or believed.
Now, some might say, “Ok, that’s great pastor, but just because Apollo is from Alexandria doesn’t mean he represents all that.” You’re right, it doesn’t. Which is why what Luke tells us next is so important, because Luke says, “He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.”
Which is Luke’s way of saying that Apollos was a highly educated and powerful speaker, who was especially educated the scriptures. Which means, when it came to preaching, this guy was like the Billy Graham of his day. Someone who caught your attention when he started speaking. Someone who knew the Bible backwards and forwards. And so by adding this detail, Luke confirms that Apollos represents what Alexandria was known for.
So, why is this an important detail? It’s important for a couple of reasons.
First - It paints an important contrast between Paul and Apollo. Because unlike Apollo, Paul is not an eloquent speaker in teaching the scriptures. Instead, Paul is an expert in teaching the scriptures through writing. Which means Paul is a theologian. He’s the one who is writing theology textbooks.
The one writing the commentaries for others to study. How do we know that? We know because Paul tells us that’s what he’s known for. Listen to how he puts it in 2 Corinthians 10:
10 For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.”
Paul says, “Here’s what people say about me. They say I have a lot of insight and ability in my writing, but I’m weak in my presence and my ability to verbally communicate.”
Which tells us, Paul’s strength is in his ability to write and not in his ability to speak.
This is further confirmed by Paul because listen to what he says about himself to the church in Corinth:
1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Paul says, “Listen, I’m not the most eloquent speaker. In fact, I get nervous when I get up in front of people. I get the shakes. And the only thing that gets me through it is the Holy Spirit working in and through me because I get weak in the knees when you put a mic in front of me.”
So by giving this detail about Apollos, it paints a contrast between Paul and Apollos. Because yes, they are both Jewish Christians, but they possess entirely different skill sets when it comes to sharing the gospel.
Second - It highlights that Paul isn’t the only one who is going to have a powerful impact in Ephesus. Because that’s where Apollos is right now. In the city Paul was just in. The city Paul first presented the gospel too before he headed for Jerusalem. The city that Paul will eventually return too. But meanwhile, Apollos is in Ephesus.
Which means, when it comes to reaching Ephesus, as great as Paul is, Paul’s not the only one God is going to use to reach this city. And we know this because look at what Luke goes on to tell us about Apollos ministry there:
“He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus... Acts 18:25a ESV
Luke says not only is he an eloquent speaker, he’s an eloquent speaker who is enthusiastically teaching people about Jesus.
Third, because he has different gifts than Paul, Apollos is reaching them in a way Paul couldn’t.
Reaching them in a way that Paul wasn’t very good at. In way that was needed at this point in Ephesus.
So, not only does this highlight the contrast between the gifts of Apollo and Paul, but it also highlights the fact that it takes more than one set of gifts and abilities to reach people for Jesus. That it not only takes a Paul, it also takes an Apollos.
So, a great question at this point would be, “What does this mean and what is it saying to you and me?”
I think it’s saying a few things:
First, It’s a reminder that when it comes to reaching a city, county, or region for Jesus, it takes more than one bible believing church to do it. Because the fact is, no one Bible teaching church has everything it takes to reach an entire city, country, or region for Jesus. Why? Because we aren’t the only characters in the story. The fact is, there are other churches that God is using to accomplish the greater mission.
Which means, we aren’t and can’t be the only game in town. Because in order to reach the 4000 unchurched in Marshall County, it’s going to take more than one church. It’s going to take other churches doing their part as well. And that’s a good thing.
Now, does that mean we need to try and partner with other churches? Not necessarily. But what it does mean is that we need to recognize that each of our efforts are working together simultaneously in God’s ultimate plan to reach this city, country, and region.
Second, I think it’s also a reminder that within the mission to reach this city, county, and region, each of us have our own coinciding storylines.
Here’s what I mean by that. The reality is, many Christians often look to a building on Sunday and the pastor behind the pulpit as the one who will have the greatest impact in reaching people for Jesus.
It’s kind of like in the Star Wars movie as the focus tends to be on the main Character to win the day.
But the fact is, without other people doing their part, the building wouldn’t matter and the pastor wouldn’t stand a chance.
Because at the end of the day, it takes more than this building and me up on this platform to reach this city, county, and region. It takes you doing your part. It takes a coinciding story. It takes a meanwhile.
Because meanwhile, Monday-Saturday, you are playing a part in building the church. Each of you are playing a part in leading somebody to Jesus. Each of you are playing a part in helping MCF reach this city, county, and region for Jesus.
Which highlights a third reminder. The reminder that in order to reach people for Jesus, it takes more than one gift set.
Because while my gift might be leading the church and passionately preaching the gospel, those gifts have limitations and won’t reach everybody that needs to be reached. That’s why there’s 6 other days in the week where God isn’t going to use my gift sets, He’s going to use yours.
Six days where you are playing a part in your coinciding story line.
Six days where you are contributing to the mission.
Six days where your gifts, skills, and passion will be at work.
Six days where with every conversation, interaction, decision, and action you are helping to move our church and the Kingdom of God forward into victory. Where you are making it possible for the church to become the powerhouse God desires it to be in this community.
Because at the end of the day, each of you have gifts I don’t have. And each of you have gifts that others don’t have. And the fact is, it takes all the gifts working simultaneously together to do what God has called us to do. The Apostle Paul puts it like this:
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
Paul says it takes all of us working together, doing our part, and functioning in the gifts God has given us to do what He’s called us to do. The idea being, it takes more than just a Paul, it takes an Apollos as well. It takes somebody like you.
Because at the end of the day, if a church truly wants to reach this city, county, and region for Jesus, there has to be more than one story line in play.
This leads us to the second fact for leading people to Jesus:
Fact #2: In order to reach people for Jesus, it takes a teachable spirit.
Following Apollos’s arrival in Ephesus and his passionate preaching, look at what Luke says happened next:
25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Luke says as Apollos taught and preached around Ephesus, he drew the attention of none other than Priscilla and Aquila.
So, who are Priscilla and Aquila? As you may recall, they were a married couple that Paul met while ministering in the city of Corinth. A couple who, by day were tent makers, but during the evenings and on the weekends were lay ministers. Lay ministers that eventually joined the Apostle Paul in his ministry and then followed him to Ephesus.
And so Luke says at some point as Apollos shows up in the Synagogues to preach, Priscilla and Aquila are there. And after hearing him speak about Jesus, Luke says they pulled him aside and gave him deeper instruction concerning Jesus.
So, a great question would be, “What’s going on here and why is and important detail?”
What’s going on is that while Apollos’s teaching concerning Jesus is accurate, apparently there’s some missing pieces. What missing pieces? The truth is, we don’t know. But it’s enough that Priscilla and Aquila feel obligated to say something to him and hopefully give him a more accurate understanding of who Jesus is and what He’s done for us.
Which is awesome that they would do that. But as you can imagine, there could be some potential obstacles in trying to give Apollos a deeper understanding concerning Jesus. What obstacles? Well for one:
Obstacle #1 - Pride & Arrogance
I say pride because if you recall, Apollos is from Alexandria, the education center of the world. Not only that, but Apollos is an expert in the scriptures. Which means he’s studied the Bible inside and out and frontwards and backwards. He's taken more Bible classes than you can shake a stick at.
And now there’s a couple who make tents for a living who want to give him instruction. A couple of nobodies who probably don’t have any kind of formal education. Two strangers that want to critique his sermon. Just who do they think they are trying to instruct me.
Do you see how that could happen So, that’s one obstacle. Pride and Arrogance.
Another obstacle could be:
Obstacle #2 - Sexism
Look again what Luke tells us in verse 26:
26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
What I want you to notice is when Luke mentions Priscilla and Aquila, he mentions them by putting Priscilla’s name before her husband. In other words, he doesn’t say Aquila and Priscilla, he says Priscilla and Aquila.
Now, that might not seem like a big deal in passing, but the literary implication speaks volumes. Because by listing their names in this order, Luke is basically stating that Priscilla is the lead disciple here. Which means, the instruction they are giving to Apollos isn’t primarily coming from Aquila, but Priscilla. In other words, Apollo is being instructed by a woman.
Now, in our context that may not seem like a big deal, because women teach men all the time. But in the world of the 1st century, that was a major no no. Because for the most part women weren’t allowed to receive a high level of education, and even if they did, it was never to be used to instruct men, because that would be degrading to the man.
And so here you have not only a tent maker with no education trying to instruct Apollo, but a woman at that.
And to be honest, those two obstacles alone would have kept most men as educated and accomplished as Apollo, from listening to anything that Priscilla and Aquila had to say.
But apparently, Apollos isn’t like most men from Alexandria. Because based on the context of what we read next, Apollos listened and learned from what they had to say. Because listen to what Luke says happened next:
27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
What Luke is implying here, is not only did Apollos listen to what Priscilla and Aquila had to say, but he recieved their instruction and applied it to his learning and his preaching. And as a result a couple of things happened:
#1 - His spiritual reputation grew and developed.
In other words, because he humbly recieved the instruction from Priscilla and Aquila, he became known as a man with a teachable heart and someone that could be trusted. That’s why Luke says, “And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him...” Acts 18:27a ESV
Luke says Apollo became a person of good reputation, who when he desired to expand his ministry, had the blessing and support of others. Why did he have their support? He had it because he wasn’t prideful and arrogant. he had it because when instructed by somebody that culture and society would have deemed less than him, he received it with an open heart.
#2 - He became a greater blessing to others.
27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed,
Luke says after leaving Ephesus and going to a new city, Apollos became a great blessing to those he ministered to as he further helped them develop in their faith. Something that he was able to do because of the instruction he had recieved from Priscilla and Aquila.
#3 - He became an unstoppable preacher of the gospel.
Luke puts it like this:
28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.
Luke says when Apollos started preaching in Achaia, his deepened understanding that came from the instruction he recieved from Priscilla and Aquila, equipped him to become such a force for that gospel that nobody could refute him.
You see, Apollo wasn’t like most educated men of his day. Apollos had a teachable spirit.
Now, you might be thinking, “Ok pastor, that’s great, but what does this apply to us?”
It applies in the same way. Because if we are going to be effective in sharing our faith, like Apollos, we need to be open to receive instruction from others. We too have to have a teachable spirit. We might even have to be willing to take instruction from somebody that we deem spiritually less. But the truth is, there may be some obstacles that keep us from doing that. What obstacles? There are many, but I think you could some up most of them with the obstacle of Pride and arrogance.
The fact is, none of us in the room are as spiritually educated and eloquent as Apollos was. However, many of us do base our faith on some sort of spiritual foundation, knowledge, experience or heritage. That’s true, right?
For example, some of you grew up in church and you’ve been a Bible believing Christian for 10, 20, 30, 40, or maybe even 50 some years. The truth is, it’s all you’ve known. And as a result you know all the Christian verbiage and you can quote scriptures frontwards and backwards.
And then there are some here, and maybe church hasn’t been what you’re all about, but you do have a spiritual heritage of some sort. Because maybe you grew up Catholic, Lutheran, or Presbyterian. And while it hasn’t always been the most important thing in your life, you have an attachment to those roots.
And then there are some here who are fairly new to the faith. New to going to church. New to a relationship with Jesus. And the truth is, you’re still trying to figure it out. You’re still trying to understand what following Jesus is all about.
And then there are some, and you’re still undecided. You’re not sure what you believe about God or this Jesus stuff.
The fact is, we all come from different timeframes, heritages, backgrounds, and knowledge of who Jesus is and what He should represent in our life. And not only that, we are all at different stages of spiritual growth.
And what I’ve discovered is that when you throw a group of people like that together, pride and arrogance can be an issue.
For some, the issue comes because of their longevity as a Christian. And it’s that longevity that keeps them from being open to instruction from somebody that hasn’t been a Christian as long as they have.
And as a result, when somebody comes along that maybe has some knowledge or understanding that they don’t have, or challenges what they believe, they get defensive and refuse to listen. And then they say things like:
“Well, I’ll have you know, I’ve been a Christian for 30 years. I don’t need you trying to teach me anything I don’t already now”.
“Who do you think you are, challenging my belief system. Challenging my upbringing. Challenging my spiritual heritage. I’ll have you know I’ve been a Christian longer than you’ve been alive. Just who do you think you are?”
And in the process they refuse to listen and maybe receive something that would have grown them spiritually.
I’ve seen this as well when somebody gets saved, and in their excitement and fervor they challenge the faith of seasoned believers.
And the challenge comes when the new believer, who has a lot of spiritual fervor, brings a fresh perspective or understanding to light. Because for them this is all new and exciting and they can’t wait to share what their learning with others. And yes, sometimes they’re a little over the top.
But because they are baby Christians, more mature Christians dismiss what they say or the insight they might provide. Why? Because of pride. Because of arrogance. Because I’ve been a Christian longer than them.
But you know what I’ve learned about new believers. That often times their fervor and fresh insight into scripture is just what some of us mature Christians need to awaken us from our spiritual slumber.
In fact, that’s why many churches are dying today. They’re dying because at some point they thought they knew better and thought church should only be a certain way, and so along time ago they stopped receiving instruction. They stopped reaching lost people. And as a result, they quit birthing new Christians. And now their church is dying. Why? Because of pride and arrogance.
You see here’s what we need to understand. If were’ going to reach a city, community, or region for Jesus, we have to have a teachable spirit. We have to be open to the Biblical instruction and insight of others. We have to stop thinking we have it all figured out and that maybe somebody else knows something we don’t.
Because I’m telling you, the more we are open to biblical instruction in our faith ,regardless of who it’s coming from, the more that God is going to use us, and the greater the impact we will have not only as a church, but individually. But it requires us to have a teachable spirit. Because for a Christian, that’s the only way growth will take place.
Thankfully Apollos had a teachable Spirit, because as a result, he not only grew, but he was able to help others grow, and eventually paved the way for Paul. Because as Apollos leaves Ephesus, listen to what Luke tells us:
1 And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples.
Luke says with Apollos’s work done in Ephesus, Paul now arrives to pick up where Apollos left off as the story continues.
As we close this morning, I think it’s important we consider our part in the story. Because I believe more than ever that God is using MCF in a powerful way to reach this city, county, and region for Jesus. Are we the only one’s doing it? No. But I believe we play a major role. But in order for us to do our part, we have to be willing to play our part. So, as we close, I’d like to leave you with three questions that I think we all need to consider:
Question #1 - Are you committed to doing your part in reaching this city, county, and region for Jesus?
In other words, do you recognize that it takes more than a building and pastor to reach people for Jesus. That it actually takes a body of believers who Monday-Saturday are doing their part. Christians who are seeking direction from God. Christians who are engaging in ministry opportunities. Christians who understand that their work isn’t just a place to earn a paycheck, but a ministry field that God has called you to.
Question #2 - Are you committed to seeking, discovering, and using your spiritual gifts?
The fact is, God has equipped you to reach people in a way that somebody else can’t. For some, he’s given you the gift of empathy. A critical gift that allows you to love people that others struggle to love.
For others, you have the gift of teaching. You’re able to explain aspects of faith that others struggle to understand. For some, you have the gift of mercy. And as a result you have a compassion for people that others struggle to give.
And the list goes on of differing gifts that are represented in this room. Gifts that day to day will help you share your faith, demonstrate the love of Jesus, and lead people to saving faith. Gifts that I don’t have. Gifts that others don’t have. Gifts that only you have that God wants to use to bring people to Him.
But in order to use those gifts, you have to be committed to discovering and using those gifts.
You might ask, “How do I discover those gifts? I’m going to encourage you to talk to Pastor Jackie about that and she can direct you to some resources that will help you begin that journey.
Question #3 - Do you have a teachable Spirit?
What I mean by that is, despite how long you’ve been a Christian or they’ve been a Christian, are you open to the instruction of others? Are you open to the idea that there is more for you to learn about Jesus? More for you to learn about what it means to be a Christian. More that you need in order to grow.
The fact is, we all have something to learn from one another. I now for me that’s true. Because I would say on a weekly basis I get a text or message from someone in the church who wants to share something they learned from reading their Bible. And believe it or not, sometimes it’s insight I’ve never seen before. A nugget of truth that somehow I missed. Something that encourages me and strengthens my faith. And sometimes it comes from a person that others might dismiss.
Do you have a teachable spirit? Because if you don’t, your growth is going to be stifled. But if you do, the sky is the limit on what God may do in and through you.
Let’s Pray