Pastor's Sunday School Blog
Sunday School Lesson
“The Setting: On Mission Wherever You Are”
February 25, 2018
Acts 18:1-4, 24-28; 20:17-38
Pastor’s Notes:
Every believer’s primary calling, no matter his vocation in life, is to “know Christ, and make Him known.”
Redemption by Christ, and a relationship with Christ, brings with them the responsibility to share the roadmap of redemption, and our relationship with Christ to others
See your occupation as a platform for proclaiming the Gospel (Acts 18:14).
Aquila and Priscilla, instead of being discouraged by their situation, used their situation to share Christ.
Forced to flee Rome, they sought how God might use them. As believers we should strive to see every situation as an opportunity for the advancement of the Gospel.
Instead of complaining about whatever it is that is going on in your life, look for God …
God is always working … find Him in your situation so that He can use you.
It is not “God get me out of this, but rather, God, how can you use me in this.
The Apostle Paul was, by his choice, a bi-vocational minister… He didn’t complain about his situation, but used his situation to open doors to the Gospel.
Quit complaining and look for what God is doing.
Find ways to mentor and strengthen those around you (Acts 18:24-28).
Avoiding the argument/debate about Apollos; what it meant that “he only knew John’s baptism,” focus on Aquila and Priscilla’s willingness to mentor him in his faith.
Absent any professional jealousy, Aquila and Priscilla invested their lives into the life and ministry of Apollos. For the sake of the kingdom, they mentored Apollos in the faith. What God had given to them they gave to another.
This is what is missing in many churches today … whether you call what they did discipleship or mentoring it is to be a part of our Christian DNA.
We are to introduce people to Jesus, then instruct them in the Words and ways of Jesus.
How can someone succeed in the Christian life apart from being taught how to live?
His success was their success.
Leave a legacy of faithfulness behind you (Acts 20:17-38).
The background: Paul’s journey to Jerusalem which will result in his arrest and eventual captivity.
Meeting with the Ephesian leadership Paul:
1) Affirmed his faithfulness to serve in the face of adversity (17-19)
2) Affirmed his faithfulness to share the Gospel/plan of Salvation (20-21)
“repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ”
3) Affirmed his commitment to Christ (22-24)
4) Affirmed his willingness to share the Gospel with everyone (25-27)
5) Charged the leadership of the church (28-31)
6) Prayed for the leadership of the church (32)
7) Affirmed his motivation (33-35)
Paul’s farewell (36-38).
Note – While Paul taught them many truths, he affirmed that he initially taught them what was necessary for salvation: “repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Note – Paul chose the life of Christ rather than his own life.
Note – Paul warned the elders/pastors in Ephesus against those who would come in sheep’s clothing, preaching a gospel which would save. Discuss Galatians 1:6-9 and 1 Timothy 4:1 as it relates to this passage.
Read Ezekiel 33:1-11 and relate to Paul’s testimony in verses 26-27.
Discuss the awesome responsibilities of pastors as it relates to verses 28-31.
Discuss the difference between a full-time and bi-vocational pastor … and what Paul meant in 1 Timothy 5:17-18.
Theological Theme: Missions is the mandate of God.
Christological/Christ Connection: Paul’s sacrifice and service was tied to Who Christ was and what He had done for him (See: 2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
Missional Application: See your circumstances not as an obstacle, but an opportunity to share the Gospel.