April 19, 2009: “Essential Features of Apostolic Ministry (and Ours, Too)” from Acts 14:1-28

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Paul told believers to imitate him as he was an imitator of Jesus Christ. In this text, we see three primary features of the ministry of Paul and Barnabas that we should emulate in our own ministry, corporately and personally, as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to faithfully proclaim the gospel.

1. Gospel proclamation – Paul and Barnabas tailored their presentation of the gospel to take into account their hearers at Iconium and Lystra. Likewise, our gospel proclamation must not be a canned presentation that hits the same points every time, but should be a presentation that drives at the needs of the hearer, thus opening the door to the full presentation of the gospel.

2. Gospel opposition – Proclaiming the gospel may bring physical and/or spiritual opposition. While many of us have never experienced physical opposition to the gospel, we are likely to face spiritual opposition in presenting the gospel because the gospel causes division – some will accept the gospel and some will reject the gospel. If we are not currently experiencing some level of opposition for the sake of the gospel, we are probably not being faithful in proclaiming it.

3. Gospel growth – Even in the midst of opposition, it is God’s design that gospel proclamation will bring growth. While growth is not the sole benchmark of our faithfulness in proclaiming the gospel, it is one way God may bless our faithfulness. Growth may come in the form of new converts or in the continued sanctification of believers.