The Gospel Needs YOU!
Listen Up to the One in Charge • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Title: The Gospel Needs You!
Introduction
Text:
7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
Main Idea:
Introduction
Attention (Why should they listen to you?)
Uncle Sam - (Show picture of Uncle Sam)
According to Time Magazine...
(Show picture of Uncle Sam)
World War I produced one of the most memorable images in American history: the U.S. Army recruiting poster that depicts a commanding Uncle Sam pointing his finger at the viewer and urging young men to enlist in the war effort. Painted by noted U.S. illustrator James Montgomery Flagg, the image first appeared on the cover of the July 6, 1916, issue of Leslie’s Weekly magazine with the title “What Are You Doing for Preparedness?” The U.S. would not declare war on Germany until April of the next year, but the storm signals were clear. The image was later adapted by the U.S. Army for the poster with the new, unforgettable call to action. More than 4 million copies of it were printed between 1917 and 1918. https://time.com/4725856/uncle-sam-poster-history/
https://time.com/4725856/uncle-sam-poster-history/
Just like the USA needed soldiers, So the Gospel needs people (this is God’s way) to move it through the world.
You are those people!
What do the hearers need to know? You must understand that God uses people, ordinary people to deliver and extraordinary message to all who need to hear it!
You must understand that God uses people, ordinary people to deliver and extraordinary message to all who need to hear it!
Main Textual Idea: In Paul’s final verses, he greets a list of dear friends in the ministry. Some we know more about than others. But the fact is, God used every one of them to move the gospel from, as says...
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
You will be my witnesses! You means people! You means them and you means YOU!!
This is what I want you to see this morning! Not just a simple wrap up to a beautiful and challenging letter, but that the wrap up itself if beautiful and challenging!
God has chosen to use people to move His Word throughout His World.
And I want you to see and understand clearly that...
Main Idea: The Gospel is Constantly on the Move Through People!
Sometimes we are guilty of thinking that it is only through the super-polished, type A, Bible school trained people that God uses to do the work of the ministry thus propelling His gospel throughout the world. Wrong!
I’m sure you’ve hear this before...
"Don’t be afraid to try, Amateurs built the ark - Professionals built the Titanic.”
Does God use professionals? Of course He does. But he doesn’t ONLY use professionals! In fact, who did Jesus call to be his Apostles? It wasn’t the professional religious people of that day, it was the working class regular folk.
And what we see in the end of his letter to the church at Colossae is a final greeting to a wide spectrum of believers all doing the work of the ministry!
Take a look at the first group...
Body (Satisfaction)
1. The Gospel Moves Through Different People
Lead in...This gospel distribution thing is not a one man show!
Explanation - I’m going to walk through the list of people Paul mentions to see if there is anything we can learn...
Illustration -
Argumentation -
Application -
Review - The Gospel is Constantly on the Move Through People!
Tychicus: Pauls says that this guy is “Our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow servant (bond-servant/slave)
From Asia Minor ()
Traveled with Paul at the end of the third Missionary Journey
Delivered the letters of Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon.
It is possible he was sent to relieve Titus in so the Titus could join up with Paul for a bit ()
He covered for Timothy as well when Paul sent for Timothy at the end of Paul’s Life (, )
Being associated with Paul was not an easy thing! Paul had many enemies and so, consequently did he! And he had to travel much for the Apostle. This was a difficult task in that day. He was willing to serve the Lord, regardless the cost!
Onesimus: He went with Tychicus on this journey to deliver the letters...
He was a runaway slave that ended up finding Paul in Rome and converting to Christ!
Now Paul was sending him back to Colossae where, by the way, his owner lived. His name was Philemon.
Notice Paul doesn’t bring this up in this letter. He keeps that between Philemon, Onesimus and himself.
What does he bring up? That his “our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.” No focus on his past, just who he is in Christ!
No matter your past. If you repent and follow Christ, He can and will use you!
Aristarchus: (vs. 10a) “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you”
From Macedonia and one of Paul’s traveling companions ()
Originally from Thessalonica ()
Risked his life in the riot in Ephesus ()
Sailed to Rome and went through the shipwreck with Paul ()
Fellow prisoner - either willingly incarcerated to encourage Paul or was arrested for the same thing as Paul - preaching the Gospel!
This man was one of Paul’s greatest helpers in the ministry.
Mark:
AKA John Mark
Writer of the second Gospel - He wrote it on Peter’s behalf
It is possible that Peter lead Mark to faith in Christ ().
His mother kept her house open for the believers in Acts ().
John Mark was the cousin of Barnabas, the man that traveled with Paul on his first missionary journey ()
When you read the story in Acts you will see that it didn’t go so well. In fact, for some reason during the trip, the going got rough and Mark got going! In other words, John Mark left Paul and Barnabas high and dry.
So, when it came to the next missions journey, Barnabas wanted Mark to come and give it another try, but Paul would have none of it! In fact, their disagreement was so great that they split up and Paul went without Barnabas or Mark! Wow!
Mark
There is a good end to this story, first of all, he is back with Paul in Rome! Second, at the end of Paul’s ministry, when he is back in prison, he calls for Mark again. Look at what Paul says about this man.
11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.
That is high praise coming from Paul...
Maybe you have failed in ministry - Don’t despair ! You can be used of God again! Mark proves it!
Jesus Called Justus: Nothing is known about him. One pastor/scholar said this...
Jesus Justus represents those faithful believers who serve God but whose deeds are not announced for the whole world to know. He was a fellow worker with Paul and a comfort to Paul, and that is all we know about him. However, the Lord has kept a faithful record of this man’s life and ministry and will reward him accordingly. - Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 151.
Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 151.
Epaphras: We learned about our friend at the beginning of this series...
From Colossae - became a follower of Christ
Founded and pastored the church in Colossae
Sought Paul our while he was in-prisoned in Rome to get help for his church (hence the letter to Colossae). He was a prayer warrior for his church. More on that in a bit.
Luke: AKA Dr. Luke!
He was a Gentile and probably the only gentile writer in the Bible. His two books, The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles take up 1/4 of the New Testament!
The Greeks perfected medicine back then and so, much like today, a Doctor was held in high regard. (Even though Paul could heal people he traveled with a Doctor)!
Luke joined Paul at Troas ()
Luke traveled with Paul to Jerusalem ()
Luke, like Aristarchus was with Paul when they were headed to Rome. So he endured the shipwreck as well ()
Luke was with Paul to the very end
Luke was an amazing person.
Beloved friend
a trained physician
a careful historian
God uses professional people for the Gospel!
Demas: Paul says nothing to commend him. Perhaps he has an inkling of what is to come?
In Philemon (24), written just before Colossians, Paul calls him a fellow worker, but here he says nothing.
Demas:
And what we see in is disheartening.
10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
What can we learn? One author said it this way, “So Demas warns us of the possibility of defection, while Mark encourages us with the hope of restoration for those who have failed.” - bible.org
In addition to these individuals, Paul mentions three churches and one pastor.
Colossae:
Laodicea:
Nympha’s Home Church: God uses these “called out ones” to move the gospel forward.
15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
Archippus - Son of Philemon and probably pastoring the church in Colossae while Epaphras was with Paul! Paul encourages him to stick to the work at hand.
Explanation -
Illustration - The Capital Campaign - I’m impressed with this because this campaign is a difficult thing to do. There ares so many things to be done! It makes my head spin. Yet, it is broken up into manageable, bite-sized pieces!
Bob Curtis is leading this but he would be the first to tell you that without a bunch of God-loving people, this thing would never happen!
Whatever we do in this church, takes a team effort.
This is why I don’t call our Elders and Elder board but an Elder Team, Deacon Team. We are to work together to fulfill the will of the Lord.
None of these people on this list that Paul gives us is a bench warmer. The are ones who get up and get at it because of their love for Christ and His good news!
Application - Each one of you in this body of believers has something to offer up to the Lord. There are so many things to get done around here, if you aren’t contributing, you are missing the blessing!
After all, our goal at ABC is to Move the Gospel forward!
Review - The Gospel is Constantly on the Move Through People!
The Gospel Moves Through Different People
2. The Gospel Moves Through Diverse People
It is amazing to see the eclectic variety of people the Lord is able to use for His purposes...
11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
There is Racial Diversity
Here is the first group represented!
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
“men of the circumcision” - is a phrase that means Jewish men.
But then look at the next group mentioned...
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.
Epaphras, Luke and Demas are three gentiles.
I cannot tell you how significant this is. The Jews had little regard for the gentiles and didn’t believe God desired to save them. Now if they would have truly read their Scripture they would have seen otherwise.
1 Thus says the Lord: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath, not profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.” 3 Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord say, “The Lord will surely separate me from his people”; and let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.”
Or the entire book of Jonah! For example!
And in Revelation we see a picture of every tribe, tongue and nation worshiping and praising God!
The church doesn’t stop at racial diversity
There is professional diversity
Luke was a doctor and Onesimus was a slave.
There is educational diversity
Paul says that this letter is to be read to the entire congregation (). Why? Most likely some were not able to read!
11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Illustration - In The Compelling Community [Crossway], Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop argue that churches often create impediments to displaying our gospel-centered diversity by grouping people based on natural similarities. We organize age-graded Sunday school classes, small groups based on shared stages in life (singles, young marrieds, mothers of young children, seniors, etc.), men’s and women’s groups, etc. We design services for those who prefer traditional music and those who like contemporary music. But the danger of this approach, they argue, is “that it obscures the supernatural diversity that the gospel produces” (p. 79). They’re not saying that all such groups are wrong. Rather, they’re arguing that there should be relationships “where you’re only friends because you’re Christians, without any worldly explanation”
Paul served with a Diverse group of people and this was a big deal for a Jew who was a trained Pharisee!
What does this mean for ABC? Folks, Christians are by nature a very eclectic and diverse people because there is only one thing, one Person we have in common - Jesus Christ!
So, Make friends with people you would not normally make friends with. Take them out for a cup of coffee or have them over for dinner. Share your testimony of faith with them. After all this is what we really have in common, isn’t it? Be deliberate, be purposed in cultivating relationships with people who are not like you - “not your type.” God loves all people and so should you!
Review - The Gospel is Constantly on the Move Through People!
The Gospel Moves Through Different People
The Gospel Moves Through Diverse People
4. The Gospel Moves Through Slaves of Jesus Christ
Explanation -
Illustration -
Argumentation -
Application -
Review - The Gospel is Constantly on the Move Through People!
3. The Gospel Moves Through Prayerful People
This is a week of Prayer for the Capital Campaign and hopefully beyond! If you didn’t get one of Pastor Bob’s prayer guides for this week, please pick one up on the way out and daily pray the prayers I have listed. But notice what Bob wrote for us on the back.
When there is little prayer, there is little power.
When there is no prayer, there is no power.
When there is much prayer, there is much power.
And no this. The gospel moves powerfully through a prayerful people.
Epaphras, the founder and pastor of the church of Colossae was a prayerful man!
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
We first hear of our friend, Epaphras in ...
7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf
And this faithful minister was a faithful prayer warrior - especially for his dear church family back in Colossae...
Now I want you to notice how Epaphras prays...
28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
He always struggles for them in prayer - ἀγωνίζομαι - agony.
He agonizes that they - “may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God”
Now folks, this is a beautiful prayer to pray and to be prayed for...
Mature - Teleios Perfect, grown up!
and
“fully assured in all the will of God”
Now, my dear friends, this is a great prayer to pray for each other.
Where is God’s will revealed? In his Holy Word that is preserved in the pages of the Holy Scriptures!
What is he praying? That his dear friends would be grown up in the bible and that it would show up in their life!
Explanation -
My friends, we ought to be praying for each other. I hope you do! I do for you! I prayed this prayer for you this morning!
Pray - “Dear Father in Heaven! I pray for _________ that he/she may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.”
Do you think God might be pleased to answer a prayer like this?
What do you think might happen to this church if we all committed to praying for each other - we can work through the church directory on a regular basis and pray this to God on behalf of each other.
A church in Allendale with fully mature believers who are determined to follow the will of God as it is revealed in the Word of God? Wow! I can only imagine!
This is how Epaphras struggled in prayer for is dear church in Colossae. This is how I pray for you.
If you do not, will you start praying for each other? Figure out a way to regularly pray through the directory of our church.
After all...
Where there is much prayer, there is much power!
Review - The Gospel is Constantly on the Move Through People!
The Gospel Moves Through Different People
The Gospel Moves Through Different People
The Gospel Moves Through Diverse People
The Gospel Moves Through Prayerful People
4. The Gospel Moves to Create a New People
Explanation - What is this new people? What are they called? The ekklesia, the called out ones, the church!
What does Paul call Tychicus in verse 7? “our beloved brother”
What does Paul call Onesimus in verse 9? “our beloved brother”
Illustration -
What does Paul say to do for those who are in Laodicea (vs 15)? “Give my greeting to the brothers...”
When God saves you He make you a Part of a New People, a New family!
We are born into our new family just like we were born into our biological family...
5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
We are also adopted...
15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
So, you and I, are no mere acquaintances. We are declared to be brothers and sister in Jesus Christ.
I read this and thought it was very helpful...
“Today, we tend to think of the church as a building: “I go to church at 123 S. Beaver Street.” Or you’ll hear, “Kids, don’t run in the church! This is God’s house!” But no building is God’s house. The people who meet in the building are His temple. He doesn’t dwell in buildings, but in His people...we need to view the church as people and the people in a local church as our brothers and sisters. While we should take care of the facilities that God has given us to meet in, the buildings aren’t the church. Born again people are the church family.” https://bible.org/print/book/export/html/24411
The Church in Colossae needed to remember that they were a family because of Christ. And we need to remember this as well. The Gospel creates a new people, a family that is interested and concerned for the well being of each other. We are all in this together and we desperately need one another.
Hang on, friends. I’m going to read you a list of the “One Anothers” found throughout the new testament. Don’t try and write them down, just listen. Every one of them is supported by Scripture.
Love one another: ; , ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; , ; ; 23; 4:7, 11-12;
Love one another: ; , ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; , ; ; 23; 4:7, 11-12;
Serve one another: ; ; ; ;
Accept one another: ,
Serve one another: ; ; ; ;
Accept one another: ,
Strengthen one another:
Help one another: ;
Encourage one another: ; ; ; ; ;
Care for one another:
Forgive one another: ;
Submit to one another: ;
Commit to one another:
Build trust with one another:
Be devoted to one another:
Be patient with one another: ;
Be interested in one another:
Be accountable to one another:
Confess to one another:
Live in harmony with one another:
Do not be conceited toward one another:
Do not pass judgment on one another: ;
Do not slander one another:
Instruct one another:
Greet one another: ; ;
Admonish one another: ;
Spur one another on toward love and good deeds:
Meet with one another:
Agree with one another:
Be concerned for one another:
Be humble toward one another in love:
Be compassionate toward one another:
Do not be consumed by one another:
Do not anger one another:
Do not lie to one another:
Do not grumble toward one another:
Give preference to one another:
Be at peace with one another:
Sing to one another:
Be of the same mind to one another: ;
Comfort one another: ;
Be kind to one another:
Live in peace with one another:
Carry one another's burdens:
Strengthen one another:
Strengthen one another:
Help one another: ;
Encourage one another: ; ; ; ; ;
Care for one another:
Forgive one another: ;
Submit to one another: ;
Commit to one another:
Build trust with one another:
Be devoted to one another:
Be patient with one another: ;
Be interested in one another:
Be accountable to one another:
Confess to one another:
Live in harmony with one another:
Do not be conceited toward one another:
Do not pass judgment on one another: ;
Do not slander one another:
Instruct one another:
Greet one another: ; ;
Admonish one another: ;
Spur one another on toward love and good deeds:
Meet with one another:
Agree with one another:
Be concerned for one another:
Be humble toward one another in love:
Be compassionate toward one another:
Do not be consumed by one another:
Do not anger one another:
Do not lie to one another:
Do not grumble toward one another:
Give preference to one another:
Be at peace with one another:
Sing to one another:
Be of the same mind to one another: ;
Comfort one another: ;
Be kind to one another:
Live in peace with one another:
Carry one another's burdens:
Help one another: ;
Encourage one another: ; ; ; ; ;
Care for one another:
Forgive one another: ;
Submit to one another: ;
Commit to one another:
Build trust with one another:
Be devoted to one another:
Be patient with one another: ;
Be interested in one another:
Be accountable to one another:
Confess to one another:
Live in harmony with one another:
Do not be conceited toward one another:
Do not pass judgment on one another: ;
Do not slander one another:
Instruct one another:
Greet one another: ; ;
Admonish one another: ;
Spur one another on toward love and good deeds:
Meet with one another:
Agree with one another:
Be concerned for one another:
Be humble toward one another in love:
Be compassionate toward one another:
Do not be consumed by one another:
Do not anger one another:
Do not lie to one another:
Do not grumble toward one another:
Give preference to one another:
Be at peace with one another:
Sing to one another:
Be of the same mind to one another: ;
Comfort one another: ;
Be kind to one another:
Live in peace with one another:
Carry one another's burdens:
https://www.mcleanbible.org/sites/default/files/Multiply-Resources/Chap5/OneAnotherPassagesinScripture.pdf
This is what the new people of God, the family of God should be doing with one another.
Are you?
What causes the church to grow? Some say it’s the preacher. Some say it’s the music, Some say it’s the programs.
I say that if the church of Jesus Christ purposes to function as a new people as the family God - The church will Grow beyond our wildest expectations!
Review - The Gospel is Constantly on the Move Through People!
The Gospel is Constantly on the Move Through People!
7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
col 4 7-9
Explanation -
Explanation -
Illustration -
4 Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus.
He shows up through the new testatment and delivered Paul’s letters to several churches in southwest Asia Minor
21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
Here again we see these terms describing this man - beloved brother, faithful minister.
We all want to be loved -
Faithful minister -
Onesimus - This is an entire study unto itself. In fact the very short book of Philemon is a letter Paul wrote to Philemon regarding his friend, Onesimus.
Illustration -
Argumentation -
The Gospel Moves Through Different People
Application -
Review - The Gospel is Constantly on the Move Through People!
Lead in...What is the tension here?
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
Text -
Explanation - 3 Jews
The Gospel Moves Through Diverse People
Explanation -
Aristarchus -
Mark -
Jesus/Justus -
Illustration -
Argumentation -
Application -
The Gospel Moves Through Prayerful People
Review - The Gospel is Constantly on the Move Through People!
Moving Through Faithful People
Moving Through Specific People
3. The Gospel Moves Through Hard-Working People (vs. 12-14)
Lead in...What is the tension here?
Text -
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.
Explanation - 3 gentiles
The Gospel Moves to Create a New People
Epaphras -
Luke -
Demas -
Illustration -
Argumentation -
Application -
Review - The Gospel is Constantly on the Move Through People!
Moving Through Faithful People
Division 3 Statement: Moving Through Hard-Working People (vs. 12-14)
Lead in...What is the tension here?
Text -
Moving Through Specific People
Explanation -
Illustration -
Argumentation -
Moving Through Hard-Working People
Application -
Review -
4. The Gospel Moves Through Disciple-Making People (vs. 15-17)
Lead in...What is the tension here?
Text -
15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
Explanation -
Brothers at Laodicea -
Nympha and the church in her house -
Archippus -
Illustration -
Argumentation -
Application -
Review - The Gospel is Constantly on the Move Through People!
Moving Through Faithful People
Moving Through Specific People
Moving Through Hard-Working People
Moving Through Disciple-Making People
Conclusion (Visualization)
“I NEED YOU” This was the cry of the US Army and they used Uncle Sam pointing his finger whomever was looking at it. The implication of this poster is there was a moral obligation on behalf of any and all qualified US citizens to role up their sleeves and help in the looming war that was on their horizon.
Ladies and gentlemen, if you haven’t figured it out yet, we too are in a war. A spiritual war that all believers are called to fight in in one way or another.
This is your God-given, moral responsibility.
Many, many in this room have done so, but if you haven’t, the question is, will you sign up?
The question is, will you sign up?
Land the Plane
Connection Group Reflection Questions
God’s primary tool for moving the Gospel is you. Why do you think He desires to use people. What is the best way to get this point across to believers?
The passage covers three kinds of people (different, diverse, prayerful) that result in a new people. Which type do you relate with most? Why?
There is quite a list of people in Paul’s greeting. Which one piques your interest? Why?
Why is it important for our church to understand the diverse nature of God’s people? How diversity (as explained in the sermon) this make a body strong?
What did you learn from Epaphras’ prayer? How will it change your prayer life?