Liberated for Mission

Big Idea: The pouring out of the gift of the Spirit does not merely liberate us from fear and unworthiness but does so in order to set us on the infinitely great mission of expanding the borders of the kingdom of God. God’s grace draws us out of the corner and sets us mission for him.  Vigilant (vv. 1-8) God demonstrates his loving care for us by the way he takes note of those who seek to harm us. Three particular ways the devil tries to keep us in a corner are by scattering us, dividing us, and dehumanizing us. As Christians, we have an eternal home in Heaven, so we can afford to root ourselves here on earth by loving the place where we live. We can be vigilant against anyone or anything that causes division among us, and we can stand up for the vulnerable who are oppressed and dehumanized.    Victorious (vv. 9-16) We can also be encouraged to come out of our corner and join in God’s mission by the fact that God will be victorious. We work in the power of a God whose weapons are infinitely more powerful than any used by the devil against his kingdom.  Vindicates (vv. 17-21) Ultimately, every event in history, every phenomenon in nature, and every aspect of reality, seen and unseen, is for this purpose: “that we may know that Christ is Lord.” Whatever setbacks we face, and whenever it seems that evil has won, we must remember God’s zeal for his glory and that no other power will ever prevail against his kingdom. With that confidence, we can come out of our corner and join him in his kingdom work.  Discussion Questions:  Which of the three ways the devil seeks to keep us in a corner – scattering, dividing, dehumanizing – most resonated with you? How so?  How does God’s vigilant care for us supply what we need when we are scattered, divided, or dehumanized?  How do you see the devil scattering, dividing, and dehumanizing others in the place you live? What is one way you can join God in his work of vigilance to bring love and grace to those around you?