Paul's Odyssey: Our summer series deals with the life and missionary journeys of a man named Saul, better known as the Apostle Paul.

Over the past 11 weeks we've watched as a man named Saul, who was fiercely opposed to the message of Jesus, transform into a man referred to as Paul and was tasked with taking the Gospel message to the Gentiles.

Today we'll look at the last city Paul and Barnabas visit before they start the trip back to Antioch (of Syria).
As you recall, the stops in Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, and Lystra all ended with the opposition either chasing them out of town, leaving quickly to avoid the mob, or with Paul being stoned. Any success they had was disrupted by the opposition.

Just like in baseball, not every player or team has great success. While many put forth great effort, there are always things that are out of their control. Even the best baseball players in history hit the ball only 1/3 of the time, but each of them continued to play ball.

The same thing was happening for Paul and Barnabas. When we think of the last 3 cities that they visited...you can't fault their effort, but the results of their efforts were hindered by outside influences. Sometimes our best efforts can be hindered by things out of our control and our goals and dreams can appear to not have been very successful.
Paul and Barnabas struggled in the towns we covered the last 3 weeks, but this week the tide has shifted.

This morning we're going to focus on Acts 14:21-25. We'll first look at three actions that helped Paul and Barnabas achieve success in their lives and ministry. These same three actions will enable each of us and our church to be more successful as we confront opposition and endure the tough times of life.

1. Continuing to PROCLAIM the Gospel and make disciples.
Acts 14:21a
God is the one who gives the fruit. Our job is continuing in the harvest field and not to quit.
1 Corinthians 3:6

To be a disciple is to commit to learning from another person or group of people for a period of time.

Discussion: Who has discipled you at work, at school, in sports, as a couple or parents, or even in your spiritual life.

2. Prioritizing the needs of PEOPLE in the midst of difficulties.
Acts 14:21b-22, 24-25

What would make Paul and Barnabas return to the 3 cities in which they had been met with severe opposition? People!

3. Raising up PASSIONATE people who are committed to God's directives.
Acts 14:23

The leaders that Paul and Barnabas raised up were just ordinary people who were passionate for God and who continued to teach, build, and model Christ.

Application:

1. SHARE your faith with those who God brings into your life.
Romans 1:16

2. PRAY during times of opposition.
Joshua 1:9

3. ENCOURAGE those fellow believers who are seeking to serve God.
1 Thessalonians 5:11

4. REFLECT daily on the progress you are making in your Christian journey.
Romans 14:12

It was only 5 verses this week but a lot of insight into the journey of Paul and Barnabas. We saw the struggles, the successes, and the people they poured into. Next week we'll find out how they finished this first missionary journey!