Sent

Key Takeaways

• The Holy Spirit sets apart, sends, and strengthens believers for God's mission.

• We are called to be dependent on God and open to his calling in our lives.

• The church is always either sending or being sent.

• Adding anything to Jesus subtracts from the power of his cross.

• The Spirit who empowered Jesus now empowers us for mission.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  John states that we're either sending, praying, funding, and encouraging, or we ourselves are the ones being sent. Where do you see yourself in this dynamic? How can you grow in your role?

• Question 2

  Reflect on the diversity of the leadership in the Antioch church. How can our church better reflect the diversity of our community and the global nature of the gospel?

• Question 3

  Fasting is a way to sharpen our dependence on God. How might practicing spiritual disciplines like fasting help us be more attuned to the Holy Spirit's leading?

• Question 4

  What is your current "if only" or "Jesus plus" equation? How might this be hindering your relationship with Christ or your participation in his mission?

• Question 5

  John mentions opposition when stepping into God's mission. Have you experienced this? How can we prepare ourselves and support each other in facing such challenges?

• Question 6

  How does understanding that the Holy Spirit empowers us for mission change your perspective on your role in God's work?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Set Apart for God's Purpose

READING :

Acts 13:1-3

DEVOTIONAL :

Just as the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for his work, God has a unique purpose for each of us. Today, reflect on how God might be calling you to serve to his glory. Are you open to being interrupted by the Spirit? Consider fasting from something today to sharpen your spiritual hearing. Pray for God to reveal his will for your life and for the courage to follow his leading, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

Day 2 : Sent by the Spirit

READING :

Acts 13:4-5, Matthew 28:18-20

DEVOTIONAL :

The Holy Spirit doesn't just call us; he sends us. Think about the areas of your life where God might be sending you - your workplace, your neighborhood, or even to a new location. How can you be more intentional about sharing the gospel in these places? Remember, you're not alone in this mission. The same Spirit who sends you also goes with you. Ask God for boldness and opportunities to be his witness today.

Day 3 : Strengthened in Opposition

READING :

Acts 13:6-12, Ephesians 6:10-18

DEVOTIONAL :

Opposition is inevitable when we step out in faith. Paul faced it from Elymas, and we'll face it too. But remember, the Holy Spirit strengthens us in these moments. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How did God strengthen you? Put on the full armor of God today, and pray for his strength to stand firm in the face of any spiritual attacks.

Day 4 : The Centrality of the Cross

READING :

1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Galatians 6:14

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul's intense reaction to Elymas reminds us of the centrality of the cross in our faith. It's tempting to add things to Jesus, thinking they'll bring us satisfaction. What are you tempted to add to Jesus in your life? Confess these to God, and meditate on the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross. Give thanks that you are "far more loved than you could ever hope" because of what Jesus accomplished.

Day 5 : Joining God's Mission

READING :

John 20:19-23, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

DEVOTIONAL :

Like the Moravians who were transformed by revival, we're called to join God's mission in the world. This isn't about our own strength, but about allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. How might God be calling you to be part of his mission? It could be through prayer, giving, or serving. Ask the Spirit to fill you afresh today, and to use you as his ambassador wherever you go. Pray for the courage to say, "Here I am, send me."

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

All: Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

Psalm 96:1-3

Confession of FAITH

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*catholic here means the universal church

Confession of Sin

Merciful Father, We confess that we have been content to live by the world’s script—seeking comfort, success, and security more than you. We have added to Jesus, believing that idols would satisfy our hungry hearts. We have resisted your call to be set apart, sent, and strengthened by your Spirit. Forgive us. Turn our hearts to the cross of Christ, that we may joyfully follow him into his mission. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

Acts 13:38-39

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 14:1-18