Vision of Mission
Acts 15:36-41; 16:6-10
I.
Mission
and Methodology (15:36-41) CONFLICT
·
Sometimes Differences in Methodology are
opinions that arise so that ministry can be expanded. (Paul & Barnabas Disagreement)
·
EXP: “said
to” Paul as initiator/leader vs. Barnabas former leader; “Barnabas wanted”- desire over strategy,
John Mark cousin. “Paul kept insisting”
– Mark’s desertion in Pamphylia (see Acts 13:13), refusal to go forward (maybe
persecution –see Acts 13:50); “sharp
disagreement” politics of Jerusalem Council, Peter’s vision vs.
circumcision; Separation B & M to Cyprus (B’s home country) vs P & S to
Asia Minor.
·
Not every strategic conflict is bad.
·
ILL: Church conflict – way to handle conflict.
·
Vision quantifies Purpose.
·
APP: 4 Ways People Handle Conflict-
o Circumvention
– go around; avoid
o Competition-
fight
o Compromise
– give in
o Collaboration
to discover purpose
§ Desensitize
(Worship & Pray), Deliberate (Word & Pray), Decide (Work & Pray)
II.
Mission
and Results (16:6-8) COUNTING
·
Sometimes Attempts are made but the Metrics show
no tangible results. (Spiritual Opposition)
·
EXP: “Phrygian,
Galatian, Asia, Bithynia” “Holy
Spirit-forbidden” “Spirit of Jesus did not permit” Jesus stood in the way
of Paul’s plans. Did this mean that Barnabas was right?
·
Not every spiritual opposition is demonic.
·
ILL: Story of Tamara in Bryansk – 6 months.
·
Vision qualifies Effort.
·
APP: Know that where you are is NOT where you
are going to be. Sometimes the lesson is in the WAITING.
III.
Mission
and Devotion (16:9-10) CONCLUSION
·
Sometimes in the midst of devotion, God gives
fresh Vision. (End of
the Road in Troas)
·
EXP:
“Troas” “vision” “to Paul” “night” “he had seen” “we sought” “called us”
·
Not every Troas is a dead end.
·
ILL: Ministry dead ends: 800
IMB Missionaries returning to USA coinciding with huge wave of increased immigration from unreached people groups?
·
Vision clarifies Opportunity.
·
So what do you do when you reach your very own
personal Dead End?
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