How can Acts 12:25 inspire us to serve diligently in our local church? Setting the Scene: The Verse in Context “ When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.” – Acts 12:25 Key Observations from Acts 12:25 • “fulfilled their mission” – they completed exactly what God assigned, no shortcuts • “returned from Jerusalem” – they stayed until the job was done, then moved on as led • “taking with them John, also called Mark” – they involved and equipped another believer for future service Principles for Diligent Service in Our Local Church • Finish what God gives you: faithfulness means completing ministries, not merely starting them (cf. 2 Timothy 4:7) • Serve where you are until released: location is part of obedience; patience honors God (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:17) • Multiply workers: bring others alongside you, passing on skills and vision (cf. 2 Timothy 2:2) • Stay mission-minded: every task, big or small, is a God-given “mission” worthy of our best (cf. Colossians 3:23-24) Practical Steps to Put These Principles into Action • Identify the ministry God has placed in your hands—greeting, teaching, maintenance, prayer—and commit to see it through • Set clear, achievable goals so you can recognize when the task is “fulfilled” • Communicate faithfully with leaders, updating them on progress and needs • Invite a younger believer to serve beside you; share responsibilities and encourage questions • Review each completed assignment with gratitude and readiness for the next call Encouragement from Related Scriptures • Luke 16:10 – “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much.” • 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” • Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Closing Reflection Barnabas, Saul, and John Mark show that diligent, mission-minded service honors Christ, strengthens the church, and raises up the next generation of workers. Their example calls each of us to finish our assignments, invite others along, and keep moving forward in faithful obedience. |
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