We Are the Church: Part 4

 We Are the Church: Part 4 - Devoted Discipleship

Tonight, Pastor Matt Tyson brought our "We Are the Church" series to a close by focusing on "Devoted Discipleship" through the inspiring story of Apollos in Acts 18:24-28. This passage reveals key principles about what it means to be a devoted disciple within the body of Christ.

Pastor Tyson began by reminding us of the foundational truths explored in the previous parts of our series, setting the stage for understanding our role in making and growing as disciples.

His first point centered on Apollos being Available (Acts 18:24-25). Apollos was presented as a man who was educated, highly trained in the Scriptures, and fervent in spirit, actively teaching and proclaiming the power and love of Jesus Christ, even with an initial partial understanding. Pastor Tyson emphasized that Apollos had a deep desire to be used by God and that, like him, we must surrender ourselves to God to cultivate true trust and be effective in our service.

The second point challenged us directly: "Are you available for God? The way of God." Just as Apollos actively preached in the synagogue and sought to effectively communicate the Gospel, we are called to make ourselves available to God's purposes. However, as the scripture reveals, even Apollos, with all his eloquence and knowledge, had gaps in his understanding. He was preaching as though Christ was still with them in His earthly ministry and was unaware of Jesus's death and resurrection. This highlights a crucial aspect of being available: being advisable. Priscilla and Aquila, recognizing his zeal and potential but also his incomplete understanding, took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26). This demonstrates the importance of humility and a willingness to learn and be corrected by others within the church.

3. Be Available and Advisable Before Appointment (Acts 18:26-28)

Pastor Tyson then moved into his third point, emphasizing that before we can step into the specific appointments God has for us, we must first be both available and advisable. The story of Apollos perfectly illustrates this. Though he was eloquent and knowledgeable, he had an incomplete understanding of the Gospel, particularly regarding Jesus's death and resurrection. Priscilla and Aquila, recognizing this, took him aside and "explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26). Apollos's humility and willingness to receive this correction are a powerful example for us. It highlights that being advisable – open to learning, correction, and the wisdom of others in the body of Christ – is crucial for our growth and effectiveness in God's service.

Only after Apollos had a more complete understanding, nurtured by Priscilla and Aquila's guidance, did his ministry flourish. Acts 18:27-28 describes how he then went to Achaia, where he was a great help to the believers and powerfully refuted his Jewish opponents, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. 

This demonstrates that God's appointments often come after a period of being both available and teachable. We must be willing to learn and grow before we can effectively serve in the ways God intends. We shouldn't get ahead of God, thinking we are appointed when we are not yet ready. True appointment often follows a time of being available, being advisable, and being faithful in the foundational commands, like loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind.

Our Takeaway: Be Available and Advisable for God's Appointment

Tonight’s powerful takeaway from Pastor Matt Tyson’s message is clear: you must be available and advisable in order to be appointed to what God has for you. This means cultivating a willing heart to serve, remaining open to learning and correction (like Apollos), and trusting in God’s timing for the specific roles He has prepared for us within His church.

This concludes our "We Are the Church" series. We pray that this journey has been encouraging and has equipped you to live out your vital role in the body of Christ.

If you are in town, we would love for you to join us at The Lovewell Center, located at 605 Cotton Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101, every Saturday. Doors open at 4:30 PM, and church starts at 5:00 PM, with dinner following. Come and get fed both spiritually and physically!

If you would like to watch videos about the 3:18 Church, you can find their YouTube channel link is provided to you here!

Have a wonderful rest of your day, and God bless you all.

Yours in Christ, Captain Hedges