Acts 20:19-24
“I have done the Lord’s work humbly—yes, and with tears—and have faced grave danger from the plots of the Jews against my life. Yet I never shrank from telling you the truth,either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Gentiles alike—the necessity of turning from sin to God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love.”
*When you’re a servant of God, you go where the Spirit leads, embrace whatever may happen, and know, that the only thing that really matters, is your faithfulness to the mission of God which is to share the Good News.
Matthew 10:17-18
“Be on your guard. You will be handed over to local councils, and flogged in the synagogues. On my account, you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.”
Matthew 10:34
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to Earth.”
“I didn’t come to bring peace but the sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be members of your own household. Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. Anyone who loves a son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” Jesus goes on to say, “Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciple.”
*What do we give up when we choose not to follow Jesus?
1st is Eternal life, which is forever.
2nd is the Joy that Jesus brings.
3rd is Peace, an inner peace, that comes during trouble and tribulation.
4th is Unconditional love from God.
*If you try to get your needs met by anyone or anything else, but Jesus, you will always be left disappointed.
5th is Purpose and meaning.
*How do you keep doing Jesus’ mission?
1st, Always, be alert. Jesus said, “I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves.”
*“Therefore be shrewd as snakes, and innocent as doves.”
2nd, Take risks. Don’t get comfortable in your faith –step out into new places.
“I was with Moses, so I will be with you, I will never leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous….Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
3rd, Depend on the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 10:18-20
“On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
*Pray this prayer to be a risk-taker for Jesus.:
Lord, help me to take the risk, by sharing with others, my faith in You. Help me to demonstrate faith with my life that allows others to see God clearly. Help me to have hope that stands firm to the challenge. Give me the power to do right, in the face of evil. May I allow You to speak through me, and to complete Your mission for my life. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
