The Potter's House

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Why Plant?: Planting Seeds of Faith for Kingdom Growth [Acts 13:2-3]

Adam Dragoon

Sermon Summary

In this sermon, we explored the unique calling to plant churches, a mission rooted deeply in the early church's practices, as seen in Acts 13. This calling is not merely a strategy but a divine mandate to expand God's kingdom by sending out our best to establish new pioneer churches. We reflected on the example of Barnabas and Saul, who were set apart by the Holy Spirit for a specific work, illustrating the necessity of being open to God's direction and willing to sacrifice for the greater good of His kingdom.

Planting churches is similar to a farmer's decision to plant seeds rather than consume them. While eating the seeds might provide immediate satisfaction, planting them yields a far greater harvest over time. This metaphor underscores the long-term vision and discipline required to see the fruits of our labor in God's kingdom. It challenges us to consider whether we are willing to invest in the future by planting seeds of faith, even when it means letting go of valuable resources and people.

We also discussed the importance of each individual's role within the church. Just as every part of the body has a function, so does every member of the church. Whether through giving, administration, evangelism, or other gifts, each person is called to contribute to the mission of the church. This requires a shift from being mere spectators to active participants in God's work.

Furthermore, we emphasized the need for obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading. Just as Saul and Barnabas were called to new ventures, we too must be ready to pivot and follow God's direction, even when it disrupts our plans. This obedience is crucial for the church to fulfill its mission in these last days, as we anticipate a great revival and the outpouring of God's Spirit.

Finally, we were reminded of the cost of discipleship and church planting. It involves sacrifice, but it is a sacrifice that leads to exponential growth and the expansion of God's kingdom. As we pray and fast, seeking God's will, we are called to support this mission with our resources and our lives, trusting that God will provide and guide us in this endeavor.

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Message Study Guide

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Key Takeaways

  1. The Call to Plant: Planting churches is a divine mandate, not just a strategy. It requires us to send out our best, trusting that God will use them to expand His kingdom. This mission is rooted in the early church's practices and is essential for reaching new communities with the gospel. [01:02:05]

  2. Seeds of Faith: Like a farmer choosing to plant seeds rather than consume them, we are called to invest in the future of God's kingdom. This requires vision, discipline, and a willingness to sacrifice immediate gains for long-term growth. [57:54]

  3. Active Participation: Every member of the church has a role to play. We are not called to be spectators but active participants, using our unique gifts and skills to contribute to the mission of the church. [01:06:23]

  4. Obedience to the Spirit: We must be open to the Holy Spirit's leading, ready to pivot and follow God's direction even when it disrupts our plans. This obedience is crucial for fulfilling the church's mission in these last days. [01:10:37]

  5. The Cost of Discipleship: Church planting involves sacrifice, but it leads to exponential growth and the expansion of God's kingdom. As we pray and fast, we are called to support this mission with our resources and our lives. [01:23:02]

Bible Reading

  • Acts 13:2-3: '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 after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. '

Observation Questions

  1. What specific work were Barnabas and Saul set apart for by the Holy Spirit according to Acts 13:2-3? How does this relate to the church's mission today? [01:02:05]

  2. In the sermon, the act of planting churches is compared to a farmer's decision to plant seeds. What are the implications of this metaphor for the church's mission? [57:54]

  3. How does the sermon describe the role of each church member in contributing to the mission of the church? [01:06:23]

  4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the necessity of being open to the Holy Spirit's leading, even when it disrupts personal plans? [01:10:37]

Interpretation Questions

  1. How does the example of Barnabas and Saul in Acts 13:2-3 illustrate the importance of obedience to the Holy Spirit in church planting? [01:02:05]

  2. The sermon mentions the cost of discipleship and church planting. What are some specific sacrifices mentioned, and how do they contribute to the growth of God's kingdom? [01:23:02]

  3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that every church member can actively participate in the mission of the church, rather than being a spectator? [01:06:23]

  4. How does the sermon challenge the traditional view of church growth and expansion, particularly in the context of sending out the best people for church planting? [01:18:26]

Application Questions

  1. Reflect on the metaphor of planting seeds. Are there areas in your life where you are consuming rather than planting? How can you shift your focus to invest in long-term growth for God's kingdom? [57:54]

  2. Consider your unique gifts and skills. How can you actively contribute to the mission of the church rather than being a spectator? Identify one specific way you can get involved this month. [01:06:23]

  3. The sermon emphasizes obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading. Is there an area in your life where you feel the Holy Spirit is prompting you to change direction? What steps can you take to follow that leading? [01:10:37]

  4. Church planting involves sacrifice. What resources or comforts might you be holding onto that God is calling you to release for the sake of His kingdom? [01:23:02]

  5. How can you support the mission of church planting in your community, whether through prayer, financial support, or other means? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [01:25:48]

  6. The sermon discusses the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of prayer and fasting to better discern God's will for your life? [01:16:36]

  7. Reflect on the story of Elisha and the mantle. Is there a "mantle" or calling that God has placed on your life that you have been hesitant to accept? What steps can you take to embrace that calling? [01:30:42]

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for Daily Devotionals based on this message over the next five days.

Written with Love by Pastor Adam Dragoon

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