17th Jun 26 | 05:17
Daily Study
We are messengers, and the message
Acts 15 - Series 3/Episode 06 - Tue, 12th May 2026 - We are messengers, and the message - Acts 15:36-41 - THE SEPARATION OF PAUL AND BARNABAS - I Thessalonians 01:05
Act 15:36-38 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing." (37) Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. (38) But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.
The ministry that Paul and Barnabas wanted to do was good and right before God. Yet, it is not just the ministry that we do but how we do the ministry that matters before God.
Paul, Barnabas and John Mark all had to learn the ways of God, and it took them several years before they learned the lessons of God for themselves. We will later examine the lessons that each of them learned in their life journeys.
Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, reminds them of how Paul and his team conducted themselves among them. I Thessalonians 2:10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; / I Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
Our behaviour is a part of our ministry. Paul explains to Timothy how the Lord has patiently worked on him to change him. I Timothy 1:15-16 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. (16) However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
The Lord showed great longsuffering toward Paul so that his life would become a pattern for those who would believe in Jesus and have everlasting life. This is what the Lord is accomplishing in each of us. He is patiently working into our lives so that our lives and the Gospel that we preach will resonate with each other.
We must work out our salvation with God. Philippians 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (13) for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
The doctrine of God, which is our theology, must be taught and preached with great accuracy; it also must be adorned in us. Titus 2:7-8 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, (8) sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. / Titus 2:10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
We are messengers of God, but we are also the message. I Peter 2:12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, *they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God* in the day of visitation.
Paul taught Timothy that he must watch his life and doctrine closely. In so doing, he would save himself and others. I Timothy 4:15-16 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. (16) Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Christ is being formed in us. This is the journey to which we must all give ourselves. Galatians 4:19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, It is the Spirit of God, who is always with us, and He is shaping us into the character and nature of Christ. II Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
God has given us His word so that we may be partakers of His divine nature. II Peter 1:3-4 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,(4) by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
We commend ourselves to all as ministers of God by not offending in anything. II Corinthians 6:3-4 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. (4) But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,
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