Key Passage: Acts 14:21-28

Topic: Christian Living

When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith. (Acts 14:21-22, ESV)

Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith was important work for Paul and Barnabas.

Paul and Barnabas had been on a missionary trip preaching and teaching the message of Christ. And they'd returned to the cities where men and women had heard the Gospel and believed in Jesus as God's Son. They returned in order to strengthen and encourage the new believers.

And that's still important work today--not only for pastors but for all Christians. And each of us can do it.

We strengthen each other with our presence when we gather together for corporate worship. We strengthen each other when we read and study the Word in small or large groups. We strengthen each other when we support a fellow believer going through a difficult trial; when we share personal stories or testimonies; when we pray for one another.

Having friends who are Christians encourages us to continue in our faith. From more mature believers, we learn what to expect so we're not blindsided by temptation, those times when God seems far away, or the trials of life. Not only that but we learn how to deal with those trials, temptations and moments of spiritual barrenness when we hear how someone else dealt with the same issue.

It's important and worthwhile work, strengthening and encouraging believers and looking ahead with them to that day when we'll stand beside Jesus in heaven.

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Key Passage: Acts 14:8-20

Topic: Pride/Humility; Evangelism

"Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them." (Acts 14:15, ESV)

It's a feeling we love--that combination of affirmation, importance and being valued. Wanting to be special isn't some childish longing that wears off with time. To feel significant--to get that pat on the back--is a common need. Recognition validates us as having something to offer. For having nothing to offer is a very low place to be.

But while it's part of human nature to enjoy attention, Paul and Barnabas didn't accept the hype that came their way as they allowed God's power to work through them.

It's easy to understand why people began making sacrifices in their honor. Seeing a man who'd been crippled from birth get up walk isn't your everyday event!

But Paul and Barnabas were just living their passion, telling people about God, the real miracle worker. Their job was to point people to God by planting evidence and truth. It wasn't their aim to see how cool they could look using God's power.

Only God has the ability to make people aware of their need for Him. Paul and Barnabas understood that and made sure to direct all the attention to the One who deserved it--God.

As you wonder if your life is significant, know that only God can fill that need. And when it comes to accepting praise and appreciation from others, make sure they know God is the reason for any good that comes from your talents and efforts.

Key Passage: Acts 14:1-7

Topic: Obedience/Discipleship; Evangelism; Speech/Words

So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the people of the city were divided. (Acts 14:3-4, ESV)

Speaking boldly for the Lord is an awesome mission. It takes courage and confidence in the message of Jesus Christ. But beware--not everyone will be happy about it.

Paul and Barnabas had plenty of courage, confidence and boldness. They were eager, even driven to bring people the life-giving news that Jesus had died for their sins and had risen again. They spoke to Jews and Gentiles, in the synagogues and marketplaces, and many people believed.

Like Paul and Barnabas, we have this good news to deliver too. And we need to speak boldly. Your lifestyle may show that there's something's different about you, but you need words to explain what's different! Like Paul and Barnabas, we have the Holy Spirit to give us the words and the boldness. And we also have the Word of God to point the way.

But don't expect this to be a peaceful process. The message of Jesus Christ divides people. In Iconium, that division affected everyone: Jews, Gentiles, common people, government officials. The whole town was divided and eventually, Paul and Barnabas left as marked men.

This is just what Jesus said would happen. In Matthew 10, Jesus warned his followers, "Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake" (Matthew 10:17-18, ESV).

He said His message would split families, "Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake" (Matthew 10:21-22, ESV).

While we can now have peace with God, we won't always have peace with others. "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34, ESV).

Bold speaking brings the message of Jesus to people in need. But be ready for division and trouble too. Jesus told us it would; Paul and Barnabas show us it does.

Key Passage: Acts 13:44-52

Topic: Faith/Trust; Obedience/Discipleship; Jesus

"But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles"...And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed (Acts 13:45-46,48, ESV).

Call it sour grapes; call it stubbornness, call it short-sightedness or even stupidity. It really comes back to jealousy.

As Paul preached in Antioch Pisidia, many people were drawn to the message of Jesus Christ. And they wanted to know more and more. As the crowds grew, so did the conflict. For the Jewish leaders in the town weren't happy with this new message, one they'd rejected.

To add insult to injury, this message was now given to the Gentiles. The Jews were jealous that God chose to work with people they considered as unclean, not worthy of God's attention. Like selfish children, they were angry God had taken what they'd turned down and given it to others.

For the Gentiles, this message was a matter of rejoicing. Salvation through Jesus Christ, new life under the power of the Holy Spirit, and hope for a future with God, was now theirs for the asking.

This Gospel brought meaning and purpose to their lives. And a new church grew in this community, even after Paul and Barnabas were driven out of town.

You know, sometimes we do that too. When we're not on good terms with God because of our disobedience or indifference and we see Him doing great things in someone else's life, so we get angry and jealous.

Instead, we ought to rejoice that God is at work, that a life is being changed. We need to make sure we're right with God in our heart and actions and then join in His work.