What can we learn from Barnabas and Saul's obedience to the Spirit's direction? Setting the scene “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.’ … So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.” (Acts 13:2, 4) Obedience begins with listening • The church in Antioch prioritized worship, fasting, and prayer, creating space to hear God’s voice. • John 10:27—“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • Romans 8:14—“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Prompt action, not hesitation • The Spirit spoke; they moved. There is no gap in the narrative between revelation and response. • Genesis 12:4 shows the same pattern in Abram: “So Abram departed, as the Lord had instructed.” Immediate obedience honors God’s authority. Going where the Spirit leads, not where comfort dictates • Seleucia was a seaport; Cyprus lay across the Mediterranean. Travel was risky, yet God’s direction overrode personal security. • Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Acts 16:6-10 later reveals Paul changing course again at the Spirit’s command. Obedience stays flexible. Teamwork in the Spirit • The call was plural—Barnabas and Saul together. Mission is strengthened through Spirit-formed partnerships. • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10—“Two are better than one… If either falls, one can help the other up.” • Jesus sent the seventy-two “two by two” (Luke 10:1). Community affirmation • Antioch’s leaders laid hands on them (Acts 13:3). The Spirit’s personal call was confirmed publicly. • This safeguards against lone-ranger impulses and unites the body around the mission. Confidence in God’s provision • Leaving home base meant trusting God for resources, open doors, and protection. • Matthew 6:33—“Seek first the kingdom of God… and all these things will be added to you.” • Philippians 4:19—“My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Mission focused on gospel expansion • Acts 13:5—“When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God.” The goal was clear: preach Christ. • Their obedience continues the Acts 1:8 mandate: “You will be My witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” Costly obedience, abundant fruit • Soon they face opposition (Acts 13:8-51), yet Gentiles rejoice and the word spreads. • Galatians 6:9—“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up.” • James 1:2-4 frames trials as faith-producing; Barnabas and Saul experienced that firsthand. Practical takeaways for us • Cultivate environments—worship, prayer, fasting—where the Spirit’s voice is clear. • Act promptly on God-given direction; delayed obedience quickly becomes disobedience. • Let the Spirit, not convenience, set your itinerary. • Value Spirit-formed partnerships and seek confirmation within the church body. • Step out trusting God’s provision; kingdom assignments carry kingdom resources. • Keep the mission in view: proclaiming the gospel is always the Spirit’s target. • Expect both resistance and harvest; obedience invites struggle but guarantees fruit that lasts. |
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