Anyone who has been in ministry for any length of time has asked a question like this: “How do I know if _______is God’s will for my life?” This question almost always comes in the form of determining whether God is calling somebody into something deeper (i.e., missions, church planting, etc.). Perhaps the best answer to this question is another question” What is God calling me to do right now, and am I doing it?” The point is that it is impossible to steer a ship while it’s docked. God will activate the active. Knowing what God wants you to do next is always preceded by doing what He’s already called you to do. This is very true in Church Planting.
In our passages for this week, we will see this truth at work in the lives of Paul and his team. Paul’s intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit allowed him to discern exactly how, when and where a church should be planted. The Holy Spirit is an expert church planter because He knows the will of God completely and is a partner in our labors. As we minister before the Lord, our actions fit into His plans and purposes in everything we say and do.
Consider the following questions:
- How important is the phrase “As they ministered” in 13:2 and what bearing does it have on God giving clear(er) direction to Paul, and to the Church in Antioch?
- According to Acts 13:2-3, who calls and who sends the missionary church planter?
- Explain how the Holy Trinity is working in Acts 16:6-10.
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