Called by God
Christ-followers in Berea and Antioch illustrate growth in Christian maturity. Berean believers began at the same point as those in Antioch, just like you. How could believers in Antioch become as mature as those in Berea? Who helped you grow in Christ’s knowledge and faith (Ephesians 4.13)? Whom are you helping? How? Perhaps you can pick up some pointers from this study.
Believers in Antioch
- Acts 11.19-26 tells of the planting of a new church of Christ-followers in Antioch.
- Barnabas was sent by the apostles and Jerusalem church to ensure that the fundamentals were being correctly taught. [Note that what is revealed about Paul probably could be written about Barnabas, as they might have been fellow students of Gamaliel and were called and trained by the Holy Spirit, Who would send them out together (Acts 13.1-3).]
- Apostle Paul discussed these fundamentals in Hebrews 5.12–6.2. Note, first, his criticism for his readers’ lack of growth beyond the fundamentals. Illustrated in 1 Corinthians 3.1-4.
- Fundamental 1: works will not save (Hebrews 6.1) – Hebrews 9.14; Ephesians 2.8-9; Romans 4.1-4; Galatians 3.21-22.
- Fundamental 2: baptism of repentance (Greek: Bapto – to rinse) differs from baptism into Christ (Greek: Baptizo – to saturate and transform) (Hebrews 6.2) – Acts 19.4-5; Romans 8.14; 12.1-2.
- Fundamental 3: receiving the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 6.2) – Acts 8.14-17; Acts 19.6; Ephesians 1.13-14.
- Fundamental 4: resurrection of the dead (Hebrews 6.2) – Luke 24.5-7; Acts 17.31-32; 1 Thessalonians 4.13-18.
- Fundamental 5: eternal judgment (Hebrews 6.2) – Acts 10.42; 17.31-32; Hebrews 9.27-28.
- Believers in Antioch were taught the fundamentals as a foundation for building a Christian life (1 Corinthians 3.11; Ephesians 2.20-22; 1 Peter 2.4-6).
- Who taught them? Acts 11.25-26. Could you have taught them?
Believers in Berea
- Acts 17.10-12 tell about believers on a fast-track.
- They were like other believers in the new territories of Paul’s travels (Romans 15.20; Philippians 2.19-24).
- Paul combined teaching these fundamentals in his preferred protocol that he wrote in 1 Corinthians 2.4-5. He taught, and the Holy Spirit confirmed his words with Scripture and by demonstration (Ezekiel 34.10; John 15.24, 14.12).
- Notice, in Acts 17.10-11, another, probable, characteristic of Paul’s and Barnabas’ teaching methodology. Their Berean students searched the Scriptures to confirm what they heard (John 5.39; Isaiah 34.16a). Paul emphasized the need for and benefit from study in 2 Timothy 3.15-17. See 2 Peter 3.18, too.
- How did they [and should you] ‘study’ the Scriptures? Read the Bible for knowledge (Proverbs 1.7, 2.5; Psalm 119.9-11). Meditate upon your reading for understanding (Proverbs 9.10; Joshua 1.8; Psalm 1.2, 119.15). Pray for wisdom to apply it in your life (Psalm 111.10; Isaiah 8.20; Jeremiah 8.8-9; Deuteronomy 6.6-9).
- The goal of your study is to mature you into Jesus’ knowledge (John 12.49-50) and His faith (John 5.19-20).
- Teachers must be more knowledgable than their students. Study like Jesus! This is what Paul wrote in Ephesians 4.11-13.
Who calls the teachers to teach?
- Jesus; see Ephesians 4.11.
- The professions named have specific functions in instructing believers. Jeremiah 1.5, 7-10 illustrate Jeremiah 29.11-13 and relate to this in that the Holy Spirit will give you the gifts you need to perform the function He has assigned to you (1 Corinthians 12.4-11). Your part is to ask for clarity of your assignment and His wisdom to perform it.
- Jesus’ plea in Matthew 9.35-38 reveals to you the need for leaders with varying passions and abilities, all given by the Holy Spirit.
- Notice in verse 35 what Jesus was doing: teaching, preaching, and healing.
- In verse 36, Jesus gives you the right perspective for the masses you view every day. They are like sheep being harassed by satan (1 Peter 5.8; Ephesians 4.14-16; Colossians 2.8-10).
- [Perhaps, Jesus view of the many was like Moses’ view of the 600,000 men lined up daily for his wisdom before Jethro gave him a better way (Exodus 18.13-24).]
- Jesus’ appeal was to His disciples (verse 35) for leaders to step forward for training and assignment (verse 38). God identified 12 that Jesus called (Luke 6.12-16) to lead and teach the others (Acts 6.1-4).
- Is Jesus calling you to step forward to a deeper maturity in His knowledge and faith and to lead other believers to a deeper maturity in Him? Ask Him; He will tell you (James 1.5-8). Depend upon Him (Luke 12.12, 21.15; John 14.26).
- Proverbs 3.5-6.
Wherever He leads, you MUST follow!
Praise God!!! Copyright © by Maurice L. Painter, 2014. www.sozoclass.com