ACCEPT YOUR ASSIGNMENT

Last several weeks largely about evangelism. Blake, an introvert ran into a talker while hiking. This is a worst nightmare for an introvert. So he thought if you're going to force me to talk I’m going to share about Church The guy couldn’t have left them alone faster! → This is a whole new strategy for your introverts!

Regardless of your personality type, you have a calling to step up into God’s mission. But what does it look like to step into your assignment?

Impact “That’s why I chose you”

Jeremiah 1:6 “Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”

God’s answer: “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you”

Exodus 3:11 “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’”

God’s answer is “I will be with you.”

We would think God might answer, “Adjust your crown queen. You are enough. Dreams really do come true. Believe in yourself. You got this.”

But He doesn’t. He doesn’t say “you got this”. He reminds these leaders He’s got this.

Spurgeon Brother, if any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him; for you are worse than he thinks you to be.

WHEN THEY MAKE EXCUSES,

GOD GIVES HIS PRESENCE.

GOD DOESN’T NEED OUR SKILL SET. WE NEED HIS SPIRIT.

Title: “Accept Your Assignment”

Acts 13:1–12 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

ANTIOCH LEADERSHIP TEAM

Barnabas Cyprian, joy of the Lord, Authentic
Simeon called Niger – Possibly Simeon the Cyrenian (Niger = Black. Cyrenian = North Africa)
Manaen – Redemptive story: Man of high position and means used to leadership. Former affiliations with corruption and evil
Saul  Former Persecutor

SIX PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP

01. God will use natural gifting for spiritual purposes.

Barnabas’ joy and encouragement was, without a doubt, an asset.

This Manaen mentioned here grew up with Herod the tetrarch. This was the same Herod who beheaded John the Baptist and presided over one of Jesus’ trials. 

Chuck Cole’s on hatchet man for Nixon watergate

Manaen’s connections, leadership training, and experience in Herod’s household likely served him well in his church leadership capacity.

02. God uses God godly fathers as leaders.

Supposing Simeon was the Cyrenian, then we know he was an incredible father. Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus’ cross and was the father of Alexander and Rufus. According to tradition, Rufus and Alexander became missionaries, and Paul commends a man named Rufus in Romans 16:13 as “a choice man in the Lord.”

Titus 1:6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.

1 Timothy 3:4–5 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?

03. Different backgrounds (not DEI) is a biblical virtue.

The ethnic diversity is part of the strength of the Antioch church leadership. As a church representing the expansion of salvation among Gentile nations in an ethnically diverse city it only makes sense that God would raise up such a diversity of leaders. 

because of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in these men, God did an incredible thing by raising up men who would be powerful assets given their diverse backgrounds.

Barnabas A Diaspora Jew from Cyprus whose family were Levites.

Simeon called Niger Latin name meaning “dark-complexioned” or “black,” which may indicate African origin.

Lucius of Cyrene He also hailed from Cyrene, a North African city. 

Manaen An “intimate friend,” “companion” or “foster-brother” of Herod Antipas, he represented Jerusalem’s aristocratic establishment.

Saul (Paul) Jewish rabbi of the Pharisees and a Roman citizen. A Tarsian Roman citizen, representing Asia Minor and Roman civic privilege.

But let’s be clear this is not DEI. Today’s modern DEI is not biblical diversity, it’s a worldly counterfeit. DEI is actually deeply problematic because it creates a system where candidates are selected not on the basis of qualification but color. Unskilled or less skilled people are purposefully chosen for jobs they’re incapable of. Because of this, DEI has ironically had the opposite effect it intended: it raises suspicion about the qualification of any person of color has been chosen on basis of race rather than real skill. That does not honor people. It undermines them.

Those who push DEI tend to miss the point of the Martin Luther King dream that people would one day be judged on the content of their character and not on the color of their skin. We shouldn’t base our evaluations of other on the color of skin, but on the content of an individual’s character and qualifications.

Ever since I was a kid I never put “asian” or whatever other race options I could have because I didn’t want a handout or to have my merit called into question. I wanted the certainty that I achieved it myself on the basis of my character, decision making and competency.

But when it comes to the work of the Lord, even that is merely secular thinking. Man-centered. Let’s take this a layer deeper: It’s not even ultimately about their skill. It’s about God’s own own Spirit!

THIS IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT: You and I are qualified for God’s work not because of DEI and affirmative action, our status as victims–heaven forbid–but we’re also not qualified on the basis of our genuine skill sets, or because of what we can offer God. We are qualified for God’s work by God’s Spirit and God’s calling! He makes us equal to the task not by our power or merit or lack thereof, but by His Spirit and His ability!

→God’s choosing is not based on RACE, it's based on GRACE!

04. God raises up former sinners as leaders.

Manean: Proximity to Herod’s house was more of a moral liability than a practical asset. Herod Antipas was the wicked ruler who killed John the Baptizer and stood over Jesus during His trial. He belonged to a demonic family line — Herod the Great slaughtered countless little boys trying to snuff out the Messiah, and later Herod Agrippa killed James and imprisoned Peter. This was not a clean résumé. This was a compromised past. And yet the grace of God is so powerful that it can take a man connected to the house of Herod and make him a leader in the house of God.

What failures haunt your past? What generational patterns 

Acts 13:2-3 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

The context here is worship and prayer. God speaks to them during prayer and worship. They were sensitive to The Holy Spirit’s leading.

Leadership involved hearing from God and following the leading of God’s spirit. Not just mere strategy and general wise planning. Especially when it comes to major moves like planting a new church.

Tina baseball and entrepreneurial endeavor

→ Are you sensitive to the Spirit’s leading for your family?

Today, God still speaks to us when we are devoted to him in prayer and worship. Often we want God’s leadership but we aren’t committed to God in worship.

When they hear from God they actually execute:

Acts 13:4-5 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.




These travels took probably 2–4 weeks. They walked about sixteen miles for a whole day’s journey from Antioch down to Seleucia. They the sailed roughly 130 miles across the Mediterranean to Salamis. Once they arrived, they preached in the synagogues — plural — which means they likely spent time working through the Jewish community there. After that, they crossed the entire island of Cyprus, another hundred-plus miles, until they reached Paphos.

They are going to almost instantly face opposition from a false prophet whispering lies to the Roman official they’re trying to reach.

Spirit-led does not mean smooth sailing. 

Following on mission and in obedience is more strenuous than we imagine. This only 3 or 4 verses but it took at roughly 4 weeks of hard walking, preaching, teaching, and sailing.

2 Timothy 4:5 But as for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

2 Timothy 2:3–4 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

05. Enduring difficulty is a feature not a bug of biblical leadership!

• Maybe you’ve been exhausted and overworked as a parent or bread-winner.

• Maybe the economy, the bills, the schedule, and the pressure of life have you feeling like you are always behind and never catching up.

• Maybe you are serving in ministry, but it feels like nothing is moving, no one is changing, and the fruit is coming slower than you hoped.

• Maybe it’s been hard to consistently serve, stay faithful in the Word, or give, or attend.

• Maybe it’s been challenging season in your marriage.

• Maybe you have been praying for someone with a hard heart — a child, a spouse, a friend, a parent — and you are disheartened by watching them resist the Lord. 

V.2 “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

You have been set apart for a work that God called you to. Maybe it didn’t turn out the way you wanted. It may not even be something you asked for. But it’s a work God has called you to! And it’s something you’re especially set apart for.. I’m here to remind you: If it’s God assignment you’ll receive God’s empowerment while your on it!

06. It’s not dependent on your skill set. It’s dependent on His Spirit.

MARTIN LLOYD JONES

God used Knox’s fire-breathing sermons to rip Scotland out of spiritual darkness and ignite a movement for Jesus.ELIJAH 

CAMP

READING

Last several weeks largely about evangelism. Blake, an introvert ran into a talker while hiking. This is a worst nightmare for an introvert. So he thought if you're going to force me to talk I’m going to share the Gospel. The guy couldn’t have left them alone faster! → This is a whole new strategy for your introverts!

Regardless of your personality type, you have a calling to step up into God’s mission. But what does it look like to step into your assignment?

Impact “That’s why I chose you”

Jeremiah 1:6 “Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”

God’s answer: “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you”

Exodus 3:11 “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’”

God’s answer is “I will be with you.”

We would think God might answer, “Adjust your crown queen. You are enough. Dreams really do come true. Believe in yourself. You got this.”

But He doesn’t. He doesn’t say “you got this”. He reminds these leaders He’s got this.

Spurgeon Brother, if any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him; for you are worse than he thinks you to be.

WHEN THEY MAKE EXCUSES,

GOD GIVES HIS PRESENCE.

GOD DOESN’T NEED OUR SKILL SET. WE NEED HIS SPIRIT.

Title: “Accept Your Assignment”

Acts 13:1–12 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

ANTIOCH LEADERSHIP TEAM

Barnabas Cyprian, joy of the Lord, Authentic
Simeon called Niger – Possibly Simeon the Cyrenian (Niger = Black. Cyrenian = North Africa)
Manaen – Redemptive story: Man of high position and means used to leadership. Former affiliations with corruption and evil
Saul  Former Persecutor

SIX PRINCIPLES OF BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP

01. God will use natural gifting for spiritual purposes.

Barnabas’ joy and encouragement was, without a doubt, an asset.

This Manaen mentioned here grew up with Herod the tetrarch. This was the same Herod who beheaded John the Baptist and presided over one of Jesus’ trials. 

Chuck Cole’s on hatchet man for Nixon watergate

Manaen’s connections, leadership training, and experience in Herod’s household likely served him well in his church leadership capacity.

02. God uses God godly fathers as leaders.

Supposing Simeon was the Cyrenian, then we know he was an incredible father. Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus’ cross and was the father of Alexander and Rufus. According to tradition, Rufus and Alexander became missionaries, and Paul commends a man named Rufus in Romans 16:13 as “a choice man in the Lord.”

Titus 1:6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.

1 Timothy 3:4–5 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?

03. Different backgrounds (not DEI) is a biblical virtue.

The ethnic diversity is part of the strength of the Antioch church leadership. As a church representing the expansion of salvation among Gentile nations in an ethnically diverse city it only makes sense that God would raise up such a diversity of leaders. 

because of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in these men, God did an incredible thing by raising up men who would be powerful assets given their diverse backgrounds.

Barnabas A Diaspora Jew from Cyprus whose family were Levites.

Simeon called Niger Latin name meaning “dark-complexioned” or “black,” which may indicate African origin.

Lucius of Cyrene He also hailed from Cyrene, a North African city. 

Manaen An “intimate friend,” “companion” or “foster-brother” of Herod Antipas, he represented Jerusalem’s aristocratic establishment.

Saul (Paul) Jewish rabbi of the Pharisees and a Roman citizen. A Tarsian Roman citizen, representing Asia Minor and Roman civic privilege.

But let’s be clear this is not DEI. Today’s modern DEI is not biblical diversity, it’s a worldly counterfeit. DEI is actually deeply problematic because it creates a system where candidates are selected not on the basis of qualification but color. Unskilled or less skilled people are purposefully chosen for jobs they’re incapable of. Because of this, DEI has ironically had the opposite effect it intended: it raises suspicion about the qualification of any person of color has been chosen on basis of race rather than real skill. That does not honor people. It undermines them.

Those who push DEI tend to miss the point of the Martin Luther King dream that people would one day be judged on the content of their character and not on the color of their skin. We shouldn’t base our evaluations of other on the color of skin, but on the content of an individual’s character and qualifications.

Ever since I was a kid I never put “asian” or whatever other race options I could have because I didn’t want a handout or to have my merit called into question. I wanted the certainty that I achieved it myself on the basis of my character, decision making and competency.

But when it comes to the work of the Lord, even that is merely secular thinking. Man-centered. Let’s take this a layer deeper: It’s not even ultimately about their skill. It’s about God’s own own Spirit!

THIS IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT: You and I are qualified for God’s work not because of DEI and affirmative action, our status as victims–heaven forbid–but we’re also not qualified on the basis of our genuine skill sets, or because of what we can offer God. We are qualified for God’s work by God’s Spirit and God’s calling! He makes us equal to the task not by our power or merit or lack thereof, but by His Spirit and His ability!

→God’s choosing is not based on RACE, it's based on GRACE!

04. God raises up former sinners as leaders.

Manean: Proximity to Herod’s house was more of a moral liability than a practical asset. Herod Antipas was the wicked ruler who killed John the Baptizer and stood over Jesus during His trial. He belonged to a demonic family line — Herod the Great slaughtered countless little boys trying to snuff out the Messiah, and later Herod Agrippa killed James and imprisoned Peter. This was not a clean résumé. This was a compromised past. And yet the grace of God is so powerful that it can take a man connected to the house of Herod and make him a leader in the house of God.

What failures haunt your past? What generational patterns 

Acts 13:2-3 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

The context here is worship and prayer. God speaks to them during prayer and worship. They were sensitive to The Holy Spirit’s leading.

Leadership involved hearing from God and following the leading of God’s spirit. Not just mere strategy and general wise planning. Especially when it comes to major moves like planting a new church.

Tina baseball and entrepreneurial endeavor

→ Are you sensitive to the Spirit’s leading for your family?

Today, God still speaks to us when we are devoted to him in prayer and worship. Often we want God’s leadership but we aren’t committed to God in worship.

When they hear from God they actually execute:

Acts 13:4-5 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.




These travels took probably 2–4 weeks. They walked about sixteen miles for a whole day’s journey from Antioch down to Seleucia. They the sailed roughly 130 miles across the Mediterranean to Salamis. Once they arrived, they preached in the synagogues — plural — which means they likely spent time working through the Jewish community there. After that, they crossed the entire island of Cyprus, another hundred-plus miles, until they reached Paphos.

They are going to almost instantly face opposition from a false prophet whispering lies to the Roman official they’re trying to reach.

Spirit-led does not mean smooth sailing. 

Following on mission and in obedience is more strenuous than we imagine. This only 3 or 4 verses but it took at roughly 4 weeks of hard walking, preaching, teaching, and sailing.

2 Timothy 4:5 But as for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

2 Timothy 2:3–4 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

05. Enduring difficulty is a feature not a bug of biblical leadership!

• Maybe you’ve been exhausted and overworked as a parent or bread-winner.

• Maybe the economy, the bills, the schedule, and the pressure of life have you feeling like you are always behind and never catching up.

• Maybe you are serving in ministry, but it feels like nothing is moving, no one is changing, and the fruit is coming slower than you hoped.

• Maybe it’s been hard to consistently serve, stay faithful in the Word, or give, or attend.

• Maybe it’s been challenging season in your marriage.

• Maybe you have been praying for someone with a hard heart — a child, a spouse, a friend, a parent — and you are disheartened by watching them resist the Lord. 

V.2 “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

You have been set apart for a work that God called you to. Maybe it didn’t turn out the way you wanted. It may not even be something you asked for. But it’s a work God has called you to! And it’s something you’re especially set apart for.. I’m here to remind you: If it’s God assignment you’ll receive God’s empowerment while your on it!

06. It’s not dependent on your skill set. It’s dependent on His Spirit.

MARTIN LLOYD JONES

God used Knox’s fire-breathing sermons to rip Scotland out of spiritual darkness and ignite a movement for Jesus.