8-22-21 | Run With Joy
RUN WITH JOY
Acts 20:22-23 – “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing that things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.”
Acts 20:24 – “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.”
“The reason we are still alive is that we are carrying something inside us that this generation needs.” – Wayne Cordeiro
Psalm 71:18 – “Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.”
“My motto in life is ‘Die Empty.’” – Wayne Cordeiro
Acts 20:24a – “But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy.”
Race – foot race or running track
Race – a picture of God’s assignment for his life
Acts 20:24 (NLT) – “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus.”
Finish – complete; succeed fully; bring to a successful completion
“God’s Big Dreams are meant to be released through us to meet Big Needs in the world around us.” – Bruce Wilkinson
1. DISCOVER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
Acts 20:24b – “…The ministry, which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.”
“Every believer is a missionary for Jesus Christ.” – Doug Small
Acts 20:24 (MSG) – “What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.”
How do we discover our assignment?
A. We Pray – Lord, what is Your assignment for this season of my life?
B. We Obey – We obey the promptings and leadings of the Spirit.
C. We Serve – We serve Jesus by serving others.
I was born for this!
2. PUSH THROUGH THE OPPOSITION
Acts 20:22-23 – “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing that things that will happen there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies that every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.”
The adversary of our souls will do anything he can to stop or hinder you from fulfilling your assignment.
Acts 20:24b (NCV) – “The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me…”
Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. “
Hebrews 12:2 – “Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
3. RUN WITH JOY
Acts 20:24a – “…That I may finish my race with joy.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
How do we run this race with joy?
A. We live out our assignment under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
1 Kings 18:46 – “Then the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.”
B. We seek to help others discover and fulfill their assignments.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 – “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you believe that God has assignments for each of His people?
2. What are some ways you have discovered His assignments for your life?
3. Are you walking in the assignment the Lord has for this season of your life?
4. How has the enemy tried to keep you from fulfilling your assignment?
5. What are some ways you could help another believer fulfill their assignment?