Scripture/Text: Acts 13:1-4;

Summary

This week's sermon from Acts 13:1-4 explores how God equips His church for mission during a season when many feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Pastor Phill examines how God provided the church in Antioch with diverse leaders, including Barnabas and Saul, and how He sends people both to us and from us as part of His global mission. This message emphasizes that faithful mission work is fueled not by self-sufficiency or striving to prove our worth, but through regular, ordinary corporate worship. Just as the Holy Spirit directed the Antioch church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work, God continues to provide everything needed for the mission He calls us to. Rather than adding another burden to weary souls, this Advent message offers rest in God's grace and assurance that the missionary God who sent His Son Jesus also empowers His church through His Spirit to breathe in His provision and breathe out His mission to the world.

Sermon Outline

1. Acts 13:1 — God Sends Men for the Mission
2. Acts 13:2-3 — Worship Fuels the Mission
3. Acts 13:4 — The Spirit Empowers and Sends

Discussion Questions

• How does the truth that “the mission God gives, He provides for” change your perspective on feeling overwhelmed or inadequate in serving Him? What specific burdens might you need to lay down
• In what ways does our culture's message of “you are enough” actually add pressure rather than relieve it? How is God's provision fundamentally different from self-sufficiency
• The sermon emphasizes both “breathing in” (receiving people and resources) and “breathing out” (sending people out). Which comes more naturally to our church or your family? What would it look like to grow in the other direction
• How comfortable are you welcoming believers who are different from you (whether ethnically, socioeconomically, or in their cultural background)? What practical steps can you take to embrace the diversity God brings to His body
• When have you experienced God speaking to you or providing for you through ordinary, regular worship rather than dramatic experiences? How does this encourage you to remain faithful in “showing up”
• What does your current rhythm of personal worship and Bible reading look like? How might incorporating practices like fasting help you “fuel up” spiritually rather than running on empty
• Are there people in your life whom God might be calling you to release or send out for His purposes? How can you practice generosity in this area
• How do you discern whether God is calling you to a specific ministry or mission? What role should the local church play in confirming or testing what you sense God is saying
• For those feeling exhausted: What would it look like practically to “rest in His grace” this week rather than striving to prove your worth? What might you need to stop doing or start doing
• The sermon connects Christmas (God sending His Son) with mission (God sending us). How does remembering that God is the ultimate “sender” motivate you to participate in His mission? Who is one person you could invite to church or share the gospel with this Advent season?