Do you want to make the world a better place? A large majority of people express the desire that they would like to see significant change in this troubled world, but don’t know how to accomplish it. “How can I possibly change the world for the better? I’m just one insignificant person; what can I possibly do that would have a world changing ripple effect?” The world has always been changed by single individuals, passionately driven.
The question that we as Christians must ask ourselves is this: what cause, or what purpose am I going to give my life to that will have world changing impact. Today we are going to review a pattern left by the Apostle Paul which we can use to apply to our own lives to change the world.
#1 Strengthen the Soul
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."
There are the two great purposes we must give our lives to.
We were put on this earth to Preach the Gospel.
“preach” εὐαγγελίζω means, one who shares good news.
When you tell people about Jesus, you are preaching the Gospel.
We were put on earth to make many disciples.
Preaching the Gospel is what we do to lead unbelievers to Jesus.
Making disciples is what we do for believers.
We were put on earth to strengthen the soul of the Believer.
#1 Strengthen their souls – help them to become stable.
the way you become strong is through the Word of God.
#2 Encourage them to remain faithful to Jesus.
The number one way to impart strength is to encourage people.
#3 Prepare them for difficulties and tribulation.
#2 Develop Leadership Skills 23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Once you have become a disciple, you should step up to leadership.
The world is crying out for strong leadership.
Leadership is about becoming a man or woman of character.
All Believers have been evangelized.
Many believers are disciples.
Some believers step up to leadership.
Isn’t it time you stepped out of your comfort zone and developed leadership qualities.
The world is looking for better methods, God is looking for better men.
Quality Leaders are essential if we are to Change the world
Prayer & Fasting are essential to Leadership
Better people make a better world; that is the power of leadership.
#3 Pursue Accountability
24 And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed. 27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
This is the end of Paul’s first missionary journey.
Paul reported to the Church the great things God had done.
Accountability is a key driver of success in the kingdom of God.
#1 You should be commended to the ministry.
Gain a passion to serve.
#2 You should report what God had done through the ministry.
Accountability will change your Christian life for the better.
#4 Cultivate Staying Power
28 So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.
Staying power is a powerful tool for life change.
Your life will likely never change without staying power.
1 Cor 4:2; It is required of stewards that a man be found faithful!
Heb 10:25, Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together.
Better people make a better world and that is the effect of preaching the Gospel, making many disciples, stepping up to leadership, making yourself accountable and cultivating staying power. Do you want to change the world? This is a simple yet powerful, biblical blueprint for transforming the world. Be the change you want to see in the world. Reach the World for Jesus!