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Other Lessons
FUNCTIONS OF AN APOSTOLIC & PROPHETIC CHURCH
&
BEING SEPARATED UNTO THE CALL & WORK OF GOD
I. Text: Acts 13:1-5
A. The setting: The Local Church
1. Local Church Leadership
was involved:
a. Acts: 13:1 “There
were in the church...prophets and teachers.”
(1) Barnabas &
Paul who were Apostles were also “in the church” (see
Acts 14:15)
2. Apostles and Prophets
are the Governmental Gifts within the local church Cor.
12:28
a. It is God who sets
these gifts within the church
(1) Def “SET”:
TO BE APPOINTED TO AN UPRIGHT AND ACTIVE POSITION
II.
Keys for receiving DIRECTION: focus on The Lord &
not be filled with worry and anxiety:
A.
Acts 13:2 “As they ministered to The Lord”
1. Def Ministered:
worship, obey
a. What is God’s
foremost need? Jn 4:23 “Father seeketh such to worship
Him..”
B.
They PREPARED themselves to receive from the Holy
Spirit by Prayer & Fasting: Acts 13:2-3
III.
Next: Prophetic Ministry manifested confirming the work
& call of God:
A.
Acts 13:2 “The Holy Spirit said” (speaking through the
prophets who were present)
B.
Barnabas & Paul had already been active in ministry: Acts
11:20-22 (Barnabas) / Acts 9:13-30 (Paul)
1. But, now The Holy
Spirit was separating Barnabas & Paul unto the
divine plan & purpose of God
a. Acts 13:2 “Separate
unto me (God) Barnabas & Paul unto the work whereunto I
have called them”
(1) Def Work:
labor Def Called: summons
C.
Everyone has a “call of God” upon their
lives & “work” to do for The Lord:
1. Five Fold Ministry
Gifts Eph 4:11
2. “Helps”
within the church 1 Cor 12:28
3. The Market Place
a. Your calling: 1
Cor. 1:26, 1 Cor 7:20, Eph 1:18. 2 Thess 1:12, Heb 3:1-2, 2 Pet 1:10
D.
Acts 13:2 “Now SEPARATE unto Me” / Def
Separate: to dedicate, to set apart
1. Note: Barnabas &
Paul (as well as you & I) are to separate ourselves unto God
2. Separation demands a
personal setting apart: 2 Tim 2:4 “ Def Entangle:
entwined, involved with
IV.
Due Order of separation: 1 Chron 15:13 “ we
sought him (God) after the due order”
A.
Due Order requires every ministry & person is to operate
from the home base of a local church
1. Acts 14:21, Acts 15:30,
Acts 18:22-23, Acts 15:35
B.
We are to SUBMIT OUR REVELATION TO Leadership: Gal 2:1
C.
Leadership LAID HANDS upon Barnabas & Saul: Acts
13:3 (confirming their calling & ministry)
D.
Leadership SENT Barnabas & Paul: Acts 13:3
1. You may be called &
anointed of God, but SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY to function in our
ministry is released to us through Leadership / Example
Joshua: Numbers 27:18-20
E.
Results: Acts 13:4 “So, being SENT BY THE HOLY
SPIRIT”
1. Examples of those who
do not follow this biblical pattern: 1 Jn 2:19
2. When properly
separated, Leadership speaks a “Good Report” of
us: Acts 22:12, 1 Tim 3:5, 3 Jn 3 12
a. We should promote
ourselves: Prv 27:2, & 18:16
V.
Most difficult phase of “separation”: Acts 13:4
“Went out” / have to take steps of faith
A.
Acts 26:19 “Not disobedient unto the heavenly vision”
VI.
What is hindering you from being separated unto your work & call?
A.
Spiritual ignorance Hosea 4:6
B.
Fear 2 Tim 1:7
C.
Cares of Life Mk 4:19
D.
No Interest, lukewarm Rev 3:16
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