Let's look the title for the sermon this afternoon is model church members model church members and in acts 18
We're introduced to a couple
Quilla and Priscilla and if you can keep your finger there come with me to Hebrews 13 come with me to Hebrews 13
Hebrews 13
Look, I am it'd be wonderful if our church can as examples
We can all be model examples of what it means to be a church member
I'm trying to be a model example of a pastor
Help me out guys. You can be model examples of church members and there is an advantage to this if you come with to Hebrews 13
Hebrews 13 verse number 17 Hebrews 13 verse number 17, you know, sometimes churches are known for their pastors
I I know that I I mean, I guess this is how it is, right?
You often think about oh, you know, have you heard of that church down?
You know down in Brisbane or have you heard that church down in Sydney somewhere and you're like, ah, what's up?
Who's the pastor a pastor? Oh, yeah
You know, I'm familiar that church and and often churches are associated with the pastors and you know
What I've always wanted when I started in your life out of the church, obviously, I've got the rule
I've got the authority
I've got this position, but I never wanted to it to be just like pastor Kevin's church
And I've always wanted my church members to say hey, this is my church
This is my church or this is the Church of Christ and you know
I belong to him and and I you know
I feel any like a valid and important part and member of this church and you know
Last thing I want is for the pastor to just get all the all the praise and the in fact
I don't want the praise of man. Give me the praise of God. That's that's worth much more than anything
But look, I won't understand there is an advantage of being a great church member
Okay, and it says here in Hebrews 13 verse number 17
Obey them that have the rule of you and submit yourselves
Yeah, that's what the Bible says
Together for church. I've got the rule of you when it comes to the house of God and to me yourselves
It's as for they watch for your souls as they must give accounts
I often talk about this, you know
The one if our church is failing the one that God's going to address is the pastor the one that has a rule
Okay, I need to give an account to God for our church
I want to make sure I always have a clear conscience before God when it comes to running this church
But it says they that they must give an account
So one day all pastors have to give an account for the church to Jesus Christ and then says here that they may do it with
joy and
not with grief
So I want you know when Christ says alright pastor Kevin tell me about new life Baptist Church
Well, tell me about blessed or Baptist Church during these years while you're the pastor. I want to be like, yes
I can't wait
It's my turn to tell you about my wonderful church members because then it says here
For that is unprofitable
So if I tell if I if I grief about it
It says for that is unprofitable for you meaning that if I do it with joy, it's profitable for you
Okay, remember being being a great church member this profit for you. Okay, we know that one day
We're all are going to give individual accounts for our life and service before God and Christ is going to reward us
For those things but also as a church also as a group together, you know
If you guys are great church members faithful church members moral church members
I want to be able to go to Jesus a yes, you know
I can't wait to tell you about brother so-and-so and sister so-and-so
I can't wait to tell you about the work that we've done for you as a church because that'll be profitable to for you
Christ is going to reward us as a church also for the things that we've done together as one body
so that brings us back to acts 18 come back with me to acts 18 acts 18 and
we are introduced to
Aquila and Priscilla a married couple and the reason I wanted to bring out these names is because not only do we not only are
We introduced and hear about them in acts 18
But the book of Romans mentions them the book of first Corinthians and second Timothy mentions Priscilla and Aquila
Okay, they're they're very faithful
Church members and faithful workers together with the Apostle Paul, but let's start there in acts 18 verse number one
it says after these things Paul departed from Athens and came to Corinth and
Found a certain Jew named Aquila
born in Pontus
lately come from Italy
With his wife, so they were from they were in Italy. In fact, they were in Rome because it says here with his wife Priscilla
Because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome and came unto them
So Claudius decides look the Jews are causing us issues
What are those issues are I want you guys to get out of Rome and so they depart and they come into Corinth
And this is where they meet the Apostle Paul
Now, I'm not sure I can't say I was trying to think about this
I can't be sure that Priscilla and Aquila were saved already saved
I know if you just ask me for my opinion
I would think they were probably already saved and I'll explain to you in a minute. Why okay
But when they interact with Paul, of course Paul as an apostle
Was able to then teach them and guide them much more. So in the things of the Lord now
it says here in verse number three and because
He was of the same craft
So because Paul was of the same craft or trade he abode with them
So he lived with them and wrought or they worked for by their occupation
They were tent makers. So Paul comes to Corinth. He comes across
Aquila and Priscilla he finds that man Aquila. You're a tent maker like me and
Look, and he goes look. I'm trying to find a place to stay they agree
Hey Paul come and stay with us. Hey, you got the same profession. Let's work together. Let's start a business together
We can work together as tent makers and you know and further your cause whatever it is
Now the reason I do believe Priscilla and Aquila were already saved is because I find it hard for me to
think that Paul
Got into business and got into someone's house that were unbelievers
I doesn't unless he just got them saved suddenly and all Sunday the great, you know brethren
But you know in second Corinthians chapter 6 verse number 14 14
It says but be unequally be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship have righteousness with
Unrighteousness and what communion have light with darkness
So it may very well be that Aquila and Priscilla were already saved
And we'll see later on in this chapter that a man named Apollos appears on the scene and all he knows is up to
The baptism of John this man's already saved
But he's not really familiar with the ministry of Christ and then Priscilla and Aquila later on they guide him and teach him about Christ
And this man's already saved you must remember that even though Christ came they were already saved people
They're already saved Jews in the Bible, but then when Christ comes they automate it. That's Messiah. That's the voice of the shepherd
This is the Messiah
This is what we're meant to believe in and for them use an automatic
Transition to go from being saved under the old covenant to trust in Christ and and it may be something similar for Aquila and Priscilla
But I'm pretty confident
They were already saved and they found that that in common with with Paul not only their faith in common
But also their jobs in common
And so what I want to pull out of this as we keep going through this chapter
Because Aquila and Priscilla are such a model church members
They're mentioned so many times in scriptures that I think they can set us a good example of how we can be
Great church members as well in our church and the first thing I want to notice is hey he abode with them
They opened up their house for Paul as Paul was traveling right as he's conducted his ministry this couple said hey Paul
Come and stay with us
Alright, so you can make yourself, you know a base here in Corinth and you can go about conducting your ministry
So the first point that I have for you Brethren is you know in order for you to be model church members
Be open to receiving God's people be open to receiving the Brethren
And say well pastor that mean I've got to make sure my house is available
Look, there are many ways to receive the Brethren if you can keep your finger there and come with me to Matthew chapter 10
Matthew chapter 10 and of course this has to do with hospitality doesn't it being hospitable toward God's people
Matthew chapter 10 please in verse number 41 come with me to Matthew chapter 10 in verse number 41
These are the words of Christ and I want to really think about this it's I love these verses
I really love them because it says in Matthew 10 41
He that receiveth a prophet
So this is like Priscilla and Aquila right they're receiving that him into his house into their house
He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward
Now you might say I'm never gonna be a pastor and we saw it this morning ladies
You can't be a pastor, but you want to get a prophets or preachers reward
You don't have to get behind the pulpit. All you have to do is be hospitable to the preacher
All you have to do is receive the preacher and the reward the preacher gets with the same reward that you get
Isn't that great that's awesome why because you're
Enabling that man to be able to do the work that God is instructing him to do
And then it says to keep going there it says and he that receiveth a righteous man
You know you're just you know hospitable to other brethren in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward
Wow so we know that righteous. You know you if you do righteous works for God
We're not that Christ is going to reward them. Let's say you're not doing very well faithfully
Let's say you're struggling in your walk with the Lord, and you go man. You know. I'm not really gaining rewards for the Lord right now ah
But there's righteous brother so-and-so over there, and I can be hospitable toward him I can receive him
He's you know either something I can do to help him with his life
Well God says well you'll receive a righteous man's reward
Isn't that awesome?
You're kind of like what's the what's the saying you know you're you're holding on to the coat
The coattails of someone else you get the reward I get the reward too, that's awesome
What else how else can we receive people it says there in our verse number 42 and who service shall give to drink unto?
one of these little ones
Look when you start to see the kids trying to get water, and they're making a mess and getting frustrated
You know you know what you do you go there. Hey, let me help you
Let me get you a cup of cold water all right. Why you say well
What kind of reward is a little one gonna get surely nothing worthwhile? What's a little kid going to get from Jesus?
But then it says here
Until one of the little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple
Verily I said to you. He shall in no wise lose his reward
You know the same if you give a cup of water in a little ones a little child
Struggling making a mess dropping the cups, and you step in hey
Let me help you that you're gonna get a disciples reward. You're not going to lose. There's a reward to be had in that scenario
So instead of getting frustrated how about you say hmm?
Here's a chance to earn some rewards in heaven a disciples reward in heaven
By just giving a cup of water a little child okay, so look obviously a Priscilla and Aquila
Had the ability to open their doors and welcome Paul in okay, but there are many ways to receive
The brethren I wish I could open my house up to people, but I've got a big family
I barely have enough bedrooms for my family
Thinking about maybe making another bedroom in the garage if we need to write
But look there are other ways you know and other ways that I've tried is you know for me personally is if someone needed
Vehicle you know I've been able to offer my car at certain times
or maybe there are times that someone needs a
Financial help right and you're able to step in and be a
Financial help to that brother-in-the-lord at that particular time he may not be necessarily opening your house
But you know we brother with the pond family some of us stepped in we're able to unload that
Container right unload that container move those things into that and by the way, that's gonna happen again soon isn't it brother?
You know and these are these are ways that we can be hospitable and receive the brethren and there's a reward for this
I
What about
Maybe helping someone find work
Alright, I mean some people have moved here
I wish I had a business like I wish I was I was operating some other business on the side and when people like
Hey past I'm thinking of coming to the new life ever since I'm like yeah
I've got a job for you as well
You know you know come and work for me if you can offer someone work
And you know help them in that progress of life
You know that that's receiving people so there there are many ways to be able to receive
the Brethren and this will make you a model church member and greatly rewarded by Jesus Christ and
What else do we learn about come back to me with me to acts 18?
It says verse number three again acts 18 verse number three because he was of the same craft
He abode with them and wrought for by their occupation. They were tent makers so the next thing brethren a strong look
Look I'll tell you something I
So I've been going to church a lot my whole life. I
Never heard my preachers my pastors preach on the importance of working hard
Or the importance of finding work getting yourself a trade right a craft if like it says here
You know I've never really heard that taught and growing up in church. I always thought work was like
This thing that is separate
from
serving Christ
Okay, it wasn't till and because of that. I just didn't have this like as a young person. I didn't have this great work ethic
Okay
But when I wanted to get married. I'm like oh man. I want to get married
I bet I got a I got a pay for a roof for food
I can barely afford to feed myself there. You know I bet I got to get moving in this category
I need to you know get striving toward this and
We see the next thing that I have for you brethren is that you know if you want to be a model church member
You need to work a job men. I'm talking about men primarily right work a job. It's actually
Once I've understood this idea because like I said I grew up in church never really hearing it behind the pulpit thinking okay
That's work. That's
Secular job that's not for Jesus, but when I come to church
That's for Jesus, and I always struggle with this because I would hear preachers say you know
You know this you know you know what I say
You know commit yourself to the service of Christ and and I was like yeah
But how do I do that because I also got to work a job?
That's a good eight hours. Maybe nine hours ten hours, and we're not serving the Lord am I am I serving flesh here?
I was struggling to understand the idea until I came across those passages
And I really meditated upon them that when it comes to work in a job
You are serving Christ right there that is your service for Jesus. You just have to remember look
I'm serving Jesus in the job that I've been given and I'm gonna be faithful right here right now
And look when it comes to Jesus Christ choosing
you know the fishermen I forget their names Peter and and James and and and
Peter and Andrew and like what were they doing though fishing they were busy working in their blue-collar
Fishing job then Christ comes across and says hey, you know come and follow me. I'll make you fishes of men
Okay, and I started to really start to understand
This was something I had to build in my understanding like change my mindset
Okay, you know what when God you offer me work
That's you you've provided for me, and I'm just gonna give my best, and it changed my outlooks life
I actually liked going to my dead-end
Low-paying job because I was doing it for Jesus and everything changed all right. It made it
As I understand okay, it's not just church
I can serve Jesus in every area of my life in my relationship with my wife in
In the raising of my children in going to work and even my drive
We've heard about driving and whatever area of life. I can serve Christ. I can serve Christ full-time
even if I'm not in the ministry and
I truly believe if you want to get into the ministry one day
Christ has to see that in your heart at whatever area of my life
It's for you Jesus, and then just all right good. You've learned that lesson
Let's get you serving here. Maybe more faithfully in a capacity in church potentially, okay?
But work in a job. You know man was created to labor
And you know the idea is I just want to be at home and just lays around, but that makes you depressed
Because man's been created. It's now DNA
To be productive it's now DNA to go in and labor and it feels good
All right and to get a paycheck and to provide for your needs and to provide for your wife
It's right for your children. It feels good because that's how God's program man to be it gives you satisfaction
It gives you contentment
You know it also makes you desirable for marriage
You know if there's a young lady interested in you right and she sees hey this guy can provide for me this guy
I know he's going to work hard and and labor and it's going to make sure that you know my needs are met and my
Children needs are met you're going to be more desirable for marriage
alright
Other things that I learned just working a job was having better time management skills
Because when you're just lazing around you're like man
It seems like you have no time when you're lazy
It seems like but then when you get busy, and you're like man
I got eight hours at work now
I've got less time to do these other things you start to really value time
I've only got this much time to do X Y & Z I've only got that much time
And I've got to be and then there are other things that look I just can't do they're low priority
I have to set them aside. Maybe I need to mature and grow up
Okay, but I remember going to work it taught me good time management skills
Other things that it taught me was to appreciate the value of money
Because when you're not working
You don't understand how much time and effort has gone into making those dollars
And so you're more likely to just be wasteful with what you've earned or what with what you've received
But for those of you that work, and you know you work this many hours
And you get this much pay you now measure that pay by the blood sweat and tears well
Maybe not blood, but you measure it, and there's a certain value not the number on the paper
But how much work you've put to make that a reality and you don't want to waste it on things that just
You know you like man that took me
One and a half days to save up was it worth is buying this item worth that one and a half days of blood
Sweat and tears so it helps you
value money
Work also helps you to be punctual and dependable
You've got to be somewhere at a certain time and my employer is expecting me to get this job done
By the end of the day and it teaches great qualities of it
But you know we've been individual teaches you communication and collaboration sometimes you have to work with other people
Problem solving decision-making skills all right and again. I'm just thinking personally here if I didn't work a job I
Would not have been ready for the ministry
Like being a pastor. I'm glad I made the mistakes in my secular job where I learned the lessons
So I'm not making so many mistakes as a pastor okay, because there's a lot of similarities
Okay, that there are there are people and and our personality things issues and and there are issues that come up
Well, you can't accomplish the work that you're trying to achieve
You've got to be trying to be influential and encourage and and all these things and you can if you learn that stuff in
The job how you're gonna be more effective as a as a church member and if you want to get some mystery
It'll help you you know become the pastor or whatever position you're hoping to to get but hey we see that
Aquillas got no problem working a job Paul's got no issue working a job these things build great character
Can you come with me to second Thessalonians?
Second Thessalonians, please chapter 3 second Thessalonians chapter 3 verse number 10 second Thessalonians chapter 3 and verse number 10
I
Should have said to keep a finger in Acts 18. I hope you did. But anyway second Thessalonians chapter 3 verse number 10
Paul says for even when we were with you this we commanded you that if any would not work
Neither should he eat
alright, so
Obviously there are times in church where you're going to come together and eat food eat lunch, you know share a fellowship lunch together
Okay, well sometimes people just turn up to church for a feed
They don't want to work. They don't want to contribute to the service of the house of God
But all they do want to do is eat
Well, look this is laid down in God's Word. If someone doesn't refuse to work. They shouldn't eat
They shouldn't be in fellowship with God's people
It says in verse number 11 for we hear that some which walk among you this orderly work in not at all
But are busybodies
Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that we've quietness they work and eat their own bread
okay, so that's instruction if you're an
Unemployed man look the instruction from God just quietly go to work. All right, don't make a big issue about it
That's just what God expects of you right and eat your own bread
Verse number 13, but ye brethren be not weary in well-doing. Hey be not weary in well-doing
Man, you go into your dead-end job
That you're tired of
Jesus God says it's well-doing you're doing well
Okay, it pleases the Lord and I want to remember this
My job is a place where God wants me to faithfully work hard and I'm pleasing him
It's well doing in his sights. It says in verse number 14
and if any man obey not our word by this epistle notes that man and
Have no company with him that he may be ashamed. I
Don't want to do that I don't be like brother you've not been working like come on now
It's been our six months seven months eight months. You're going unemployed for this long
The Bible says I've got we got a note you and have no company with you. Look you're not permitted in the church
You say that's harsh pastor. That's that's the word of God
All right, that's God's Word
But then it says this in verse number 15 in case you think it's too harsh yet counts him not as an enemy
Okay, it's not an enemy. All right, but admonish him as a brother
Understand he look as a brother
He just needs to get this fixed in his life and then is welcome to be amongst God's people in fellowship rejoicing, etc
Work a job guys, you know, it teaches you so much so many great lessons in life
It helps you to obviously provide for your needs
But not only that I'll just quickly read some other passages to you first Timothy chapter 5 verse number 8
but if any provide not for his own and
Especially for those of his own house he have denied the faith and is worse than an infidel and
Infidel is an unbeliever if a man refuses to work for his family. The Bible says he's denied the faith
Okay, it's not saying that he's not saved but he's not working faithfully in how God commands and is worse than an infidel
He's worse than unbeliever. Why is an unbeliever in God's house? Well, he's even worse than that
You know we're talking on this morning about um
The book of Revelation I said how some people follow after C.I. Schofield
Very popular preacher. Okay, the Schofield reference Bible
But not many people know that he deserted his family. He left his wife. He left his kids
I if I remember correctly, he stole his mother-in-law's inheritance that was going to her children
He left that deserted his family
Okay, refused to labor for them refused to take care of them God says he's worse than an infidel
But then you've got so many churches with the Schofield reference Bible
Let me tell you what C.I. Schofield taught on on scriptures that guy's worse than an infidel
worse than an unbeliever
I'd rather hear an unbeliever tell me about God than someone that's worse than an unbeliever and how many people oh man
What's C.I. Schofield saying in his reference Bible?
It's just it's crazy to me. How easily as churches and God's people we've been deceived by these wicked false prophets
Just some other passages
Let me see
Come with me to Luke chapter 6 please come with me to Luke chapter 6
While you turn into Luke chapter 6, I'll read to you from Acts 20 35
You see when you work a job, and you're able to have some resources behind you it says in Acts 20 35
I have showed you all things how that's so laboring you ought to support the weak
You know when you when you work your labor and someone has a need God says look you can go and support that brother
Again Aquila and Priscilla they saw Paul. Hey we can take care of you Paul come and stay with us
What a great thing and then it says and to remember the words of our Lord Jesus
How he said it is more blessed to give than to receive
You'll understand that at some point go no no I'd like to receive I want the gifts yeah
Yeah, but at some point you only when you do this you'll understand when you have more than you need
And a brother has a need and you're able to step in and help them in that area
And it just makes you feel so good
Like you've just done something great for your brother that you love you've done something great for God
And so that's so much better than being the one that received that gift or that reward right?
During Luke chapter 6 verse number 38 my point is brethren like a prince like Aquila
Working a job when you do that you can be a blessing to other people we're talking about being model church members
We're not just looking out for our own needs. We're looking out for the needs of others
Okay, hey and also of course the tithe you pay your tithe to your local church
It's gonna allow the church to function and operate and do something great for God
But Luke 6 38 says words of Jesus give and it shall be given unto you
Whatever you give for the cause of Christ God says you're gonna get it back in return all right good measure
Press down and shake it together and running over
Shall men give in to your bosom, but with the same measure that you meet with all it shall be measured to you again
I'll just try to give an example without getting too messy. Here's a cup of water
Goes hey brother. Here's some water for you don't drink. I drank it from it. Let's pretend right and then God's saying look if you give
It's gonna be given back to you right press down
This is gonna be like packed right shaking together and like literally running over like oh, man
I can't contain like everything that I'm getting back. That's a promise of Jesus. I've ruined it now anyway
Jesus
Right press down shaking together running over
Shall men give in to your bosom for the same measure that you meet with all it shall be measured to you
It's right brother measure to you again
Come back with me to acts 18, please. We're talking about being great church members. Hey look out for the needs of others
He said who's gonna look after me
Well your brothers your brothers and sisters are gonna look after you well you look out for the needs of your fellow man
But acts 18 verse 18, please acts 18 18 and Paul after this
Tired there yet a good while and then took his leave of the brethren so now he's leaving Corinth and sailed vents into Syria
but who's coming along with Paul and
With him Priscilla and Aquila having shorn his head in centria for he had a vow
Next thing that you notice there brethren. It says that and with him Priscilla Aquila
You know we know that Paul was on his missionary journeys
He was going from place to place preach on the gospel studying churches now a quill and Priscilla like hey Paul
We'll come along with you. We'll help you on your journey
Okay, next thing brethren is hey see if you can help your pastor on the journey
Okay, look I
Have ambitions we've got a church in Sydney. We need a pastor I
Know we can start a church in Brisbane. I know it okay at the right time
The Lord's leading I know we can start a church in in Melbourne
I know there are other places in Australia that we can serve faithfully brothers sisters that are looking for a church like ours
Hey wonderful if they can all make it here, but I know that's not realistic for everybody
And you know what being great church members is understanding that hey there are needs not just amongst our church
But there are brethren out there okay, and Paul says look
I'm going and Aquila and Priscilla say we'll come along with you Paul. We'll help you on the journey
They're willing to accompany Paul on his ministry journey now again
I'm not saying that all of you need to do this
Could you imagine like ah pastor said let's be faithful model church members so when pastor goes down to Sydney
We're all going with him. Oh, there'll be nothing left here
We need this church continue as well
But what I'm trying to say is obviously and this comes with working a job you can start setting things aside
To be part of the journey we've done so winning marathons in other places
You know I believe early next year. I've got to talk to brother not brother anymore pastor Matthew Stuckey in the Philippines
We might be doing a soul win trip in the Philippines
So if you want to be part of that start a work a job put that money aside
Get yourself ready to go to the Philippines, and you're gonna have a great time guaranteed going solely in a very receptive area
I
You know and and also what we do with other people
It's not so lonely like it's like you got like the encouragement right. It's it's just fun the fellowship is great
You know I really appreciate some brethren when I went to
It was in 2020. I went to the u.s.. To preach at a missions conference and some of the brothers were like hey
We'll come along with you pastor. We'll be there with ya like great. Yeah, that's awesome
And I've been able to be there amongst many other believers that I don't know
But also seen some of my faithful church members coming along for the ride all of that's wonderful
That's exciting right and again. I don't expect that to be everybody's position
But these are some things that we see with the qualities of Aquila and Priscilla their faithfulness to the ministry and work of Paul
Now what I also like about this in verse 18
Let me read it again Paul after this chariot there
He had a good while and then took his leave of the brethren and sailed then to Syria and with him
Priscilla and Aquila
The couple are going together
Okay, and this is really important now look some of our soloing trips have been a few days
Probably no more than a week something like that right obviously
I don't expect that every married couple to go together, but obviously in these days
They didn't have planes and trains and that kind of stuff okay
This was a long journey for them, and I love the fact that no we're a married couple. We're going together
It's important okay because I've seen
Pastors destroy their ministry because they're doing things without their wives
You know and I'll just share again. I know I've said this story, but it still saddens me to this day my first IFB pastor
That taught me so many great truths. I'm still thankful for everything that I've learned okay
And in fact the reason I'm a pastor today is because of the influence of this man
Decided to go to China be a missionary
But it left his wife in the u.s.
He'd be gone for weeks
multiple weeks and before you know it
adultery
divorce
Ministries finished
Okay, it happens
Look, you know I love the fact that now Priscilla and Aquila. We're going together Paul if we're coming on this journey
We're going together with you as a family
Okay, and I love the fact that now Priscilla and Aquila
So that's a that's a great quality and look
You say what are you looking for in a past like when you think about blessed up Baptist Church pastor?
What are you looking for?
I'm looking
For somebody whose heart is willing to go you know what I'm willing to leave the comforts of my home
And go where we need to start a church or go where the brethren are
That's the heart of the pastor that I'm looking for
Okay, I don't know not everybody's got that ability and not everybody's got that heart
But when I decide on a pastor one day for a church or a future church
I'm looking for someone to say hey, where do I have to go if I have to leave my comfort zone?
Where do I have to go?
And look, it's going to be a great help to the ministry of our church
You know and you can be utilized for that purpose. We've got brethren other places in Australia
I'm just i'm letting you guys know if someone wants to be a pastor one day
I'm letting you know i'm waiting for someone to say hey pastor thinking of going for a family holiday
Go into Melbourne because there are brothers there that are lacking a church
That haven't gone soul winning that need an encouragement. I'm going down there and for me that goes. Oh nice
I can see a great heart that you're willing to pack up
Temporarily or permanently to go and be a blessing to other people
Now let's keep going then verse number 18 or 19 acts chapter 18 verse number 19
And he came to Ephesus, so this is the the Ephesian church, right?
So this is the start of the Ephesian church. He came to Ephesus and left them there
Paul left Aquila and Priscilla in Ephesus
But he himself entered into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews
Now what I love about this is that Paul had such confidence in Aquila and Priscilla that as they started the Ephesian church
The couple was so trustworthy that Paul was able to say you know what I'm going to
I'm going to leave you guys in Ephesus while I continue and carry on in my work
And so as we look at these model church members
Hey, these are people that had matured to a point that Paul was able to trust them with a newly established church
You know the Paul knew that the church would be safe in their hands
They would be responsible church leaders, okay
During this transition and during the start of the new church and again
This is what I want when I'm when I'm looking for a pastor when I'm looking for someone with a pastoral material
I want to know that when this person has a ministry it's going to flourish in their hands
They're able to make that ministry more
Than what it began and of course we know the great story of the Ephesian church eventually they became a great church
Come with me to Acts 18 drop down to verse number 24
Acts 18 24 it says in a certain Jew named Apollos born at Alexandria an eloquent man
And mighty in the scriptures came to Ephesus
So again Aquila and Priscilla are in Ephesus Apollos turns up to the scene. All right
And it says in verse 25, this man was instructed in the way of the Lord
So Apollos is saved. Amen
But then it says this and being fervent in the spirit
He spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord
Knowing only the baptism of John
So this is a man that knows the Old Testament scriptures
And he knows about John the Baptist and obviously I assume he heard John the Baptist preach
But look, he's not he wasn't from Judea and so he probably missed all the ministry of Christ
His knowledge goes all the way up to John the Baptist. John the Baptist said hey, um
You know, um
John the Baptist was the one that was you know proclaiming the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world
And so if he knew the teachings of John the Baptist
He obviously knew messiah is coming the lamb of God is coming
All right his sacrifice but he didn't he didn't know much of Christ
And so what happens verse number 26 and he began to speak boldly in the synagogue whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard
They're like hey, who's that guy? That guy that guy knows the scriptures
This guy sounds like he knows what he's talking about. They took him unto them again being hospitable
And expanded unto him the way of God
more perfectly
They're like hey Apollos, you know, yeah, you heard of John, but let me tell you about Jesus
It happened, you know, it really took place
All right, and so they teach him more perfectly and so another thing that we see with these great church members
Is that they are able to train up others?
They are able to train up others now you say to me pastor. I can't do that. That's fine
Because we all have to grow we all get saved and we're all babies in Christ and we need others to feed us
Right, we need others to clothe us. We need others to help us when we're babies in Christ
But what I would like
everybody
It's not just Aquila. Priscilla's helping out in this process of maturing and growing and helping Apollos know
these great truths
I would like to see my church members and I've seen this
But I'd like to see it continue my church members growing in the knowledge of God
You know growing in your understanding of the scriptures
To the point where it's overflowing and you're able to be a help to other people
You might come across an Apollos you might come across another brother in the Lord. That's just not quite
Tuned into the right doctrines might be a little confused here and there but you're able to come alongside them
And teach them God's word more perfectly
If you can keep your finger there and come with me to
Hebrews chapter 5 please Hebrews chapter 5 and verse number 12 Hebrews chapter 5 and verse number 12
And by the way again, I just want to say if these qualities are missing in your life
It doesn't mean you're a bad church member
Like I said, we're growing
All right, and you might say hey, you know
That's an area of my life that I'm just not that keen on or maybe ask God to help you grow
So you can develop that in your in your life, right?
We don't want to stay as we are we want to grow and develop
We're seeing these great examples of Aquila and Priscilla Lord. Maybe I can be more like them
Now look I don't know maybe Aquila and Priscilla had no children they're not they're not listed
Maybe that's why they're easily able to go and travel with Paul
Or maybe they're an older couple and their children have already grown up and they've got their own families and what have you
That could be the case. We're all at different stages
Okay, but I want to think about hey, you know, I want to be a model church member
I want to be rewarded by Christ, you know
I want my pastor to give a good account when he has to speak to Christ about the service of the church
What areas of my life can I improve?
What example can Aquila and Priscilla provide me so I can be a little bit more like them in their faithfulness toward the ministry of Paul
I got you to turn to where Hebrew chapter 5 verse number 12
Hebrews 5 12
It says here for when for the time you ought to be teachers
You have need that one teach you again
Which be the first principles of the oracles of God and have become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat
Look when it comes to these Hebrew believers that are reading this epistle
They're being criticized
Look, you should
Have a greater knowledge of the things of God. You should be able to take the strong meats the deeper doctrines
And then it says in verse number 13 for everyone that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness
For he is a babe
a babe a baby
And again, there's nothing wrong with being a baby if you're newly saved
If you say pastor, I've only been saved the past year. Look you're a baby
I've been saved for one year. You're a one-year-old baby
I don't expect you to have the great knowledge of the bible
And somehow you're letting down the church because your wisdom isn't all there you are growing
You're growing
And let absorb as much milk of God's word as possible
If you say pastor, there are some things you preached. I just I don't understand it's too don't worry about it
You're a babe take on the things that are easy
You know apply the things in your life that are easy and work your way up
And eventually you'll be able to take on that strong meat with gravy and potatoes and peas and you'll be just fine
But it continues in verse number 14
But strong meats belongeth to them that are of full age
Even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil
What i'm trying to say to you is that Aquila and Priscilla got to the point where they matured enough
Okay, with the help of Paul they were able to understand some of the deeper doctrines
To the point where they can take Apollos a great preacher
But limited in his understanding and they were able to use him to train him and guide him more perfectly in the ways of the Lord
so
To be a great churchman think about it think about other people. How can I be a help?
You know if someone's struggling in their faith if someone's struggling in their understanding of the scriptures
Maybe I can be the one that comes alongside and help them in their understanding
Back to um acts 18, please
Verse number 27 acts 18 verse number 27 again speaking of Apollos
Apollos
It says and when he was disposed to pass into Achaya the brethren wrote exhorting the disciples to receive him
That's received Apollos. Hey, look when Apollos arrives to Achaya
Hey, he's one of ours like he's one of our guys right receive him take him take him on board
And when he was come helped them much which had believed through grace. So now he's helping others
All right
For he mightily convinced the jews
And that publicly showing by the scriptures that jesus was christ
Now, you know what's interesting about this chapter
Paul is trying to convince the jews
And they're rejecting him like they drive him out of the synagogue, right?
But say paul trains aquila and priscilla
And they train apollos and apollos is having the success preaching christ to the jews
Like you think about that that that chain, all right, and he's doing a better job than than paul is with the jews
So I've got no problem
And you know inviting other men to come behind this pulpit and teach I want people to grow
Hey, and if someone in this church is a better teacher than me, praise god
And if you're able to teach someone else and that person teaches someone else and they become greater preachers than us
Praise god
Praise god, you're more effective. Yeah, that's awesome, right?
Because again, we're doing things for the glory of christ not for man
I love how apollos was able to be such a great leader and then later on back in Corinth when you read first corinthians
We know that paul would send apollos sometimes to even teach that church
Come with me now to
Romans 16 please romans 16 and verse number three
romans 16
And verse number three
Look I don't know what god's plan is
Putting your life at this church
five years from now ten years from now
I my my desire when I started this church was always i'll pass this church till the day I die
But is that god's will
I don't know i'm telling you that's my will that's my desire
But I would have no problem if a man in this church rises up
All right, faithful in the lord
Great preacher great leader and under that man, we're going to see more success and greater growth
I'm more than happy to go. Hey
Either you go inside the church or whatever whatever the lord leads
All right, or you can lead
In your life at this church or you can lead blessed up at this church
or you can lead
The church in melbourne or you can lead the church in brisbane
However, the lord leads
But we need to train people
This is why preaching can't be shallow
Preaching just can't be a feel-good message and you walk away. I don't know what that sermon was about last week
We need to get into god's word. We need to train
You know, i've seen pastors say oh you want to get serious in god's word go to bible college
Why don't we get serious at church
The pillar and ground of the truth
Why do we need to go and pay money to get serious with god's word?
And I
Be careful what i'm going to say here we have been both honestly i'm not trying to be boastful
But the teaching you're getting behind this pulpit
Is better than the teaching you're getting in the bible college
higher quality
I'm telling you the truth. I've seen those courses i've done those courses
It's not worth the money
The church is the pillar and the ground of the truth I would love to train men
I'd love you to be look not everybody can be leaders. I understand we understand that okay
But how are you going to get there if that's going to if that's your heart?
I want to be a leader one day. I want to be a pastor
I want to be a deacon one day. I want to start a church one day
Start by being just a model church member
Start by just working a job men
Be a fisherman if that's what you have to be
Be a tent maker
Just just get busy
Slowly one step at a time when god sees your faithfulness. Okay, he'll give you more and more and before you know it
You may very well be leading the biggest church in australia ifb church soul winning church candlestick church
in australia
But let's uh, did I get to turn to our roman 16?
Roman 16 verse number three just one more point here roman 16 free roman 16 free
Reads great priscilla and aquila my helpers
in christ jesus
Why was paul able to do such great work because he had great helpers
like aquila and priscilla
You know if you want to if you want this pastor to do something great for god
I need helpers
I need you guys to say hey pastor. I can do that. I'll take care of that. Oh
Oh with my hand and with the help of god, we can cause this ministry to flourish
All right, we can do a great work together brethren but then he says in verse four who have for my life
Laid down their necks
Unto whom not only I give thanks, but also
all
the churches of the gentiles
What?
Because not only do I give thanks to aquila priscilla, but all the churches
Every church we've planted they're giving thanks to aquila and priscilla. What a great honor
To have that in your in in the in the bible recorded forever
But I want to notice what it says they have laid down their their own necks
The way we would use it today. We would say like this. They they risked they risked their necks
For paul and the ministry they risked their necks
And the idea there is when it comes to ministry
And again, god knows all things we need to walk by faith not by sight
But many times you are taking a great risk
And it's not easy to take risks
Okay, but there's something about doing god's work that you know, it's really not risky
Right, because because if god is in it, he'll bless it if god is in it he'll provide
But it's still hard for man. It's still ah, man's a bit of it is a bit of a risk
The idea there of course is that aquila and priscilla were willing to be sacrificial
They're willing to take that risk. They're willing to go. Hey, you know what paul will pack up our house here
We'll come along with you on that journey
And the point that I wanted to bring out of this brethren in order for you to be that model church member
You have to think when you come to church not what is best for me, but what is best for others?
Not what is best for me
Ah, sorry guys
There is a lot of risk, you know, I could take step out of faith say god you got to make this work
No
It's hard. It's emotional. It's straining
You don't know
It's gonna work out
And i'm gonna be able to take care of my family. Just don't know
And this is why people don't do it when they measure the risk it's like it's not worth it
It's not worth it
But i'm telling you it's worth it
I'm telling you, you know, even even the the sacrifices that you give what did we see earlier?
That christ is going to return it back to you. Press down shaking together overflowing
The blessings are going to be great if you do it for the lord
You know, let church be a place where you go, you know what?
I can't wait to be in church
I can't wait to hear what god will do for me and and how it's going to work for me
But have the mindset. How can I serve others?
Maybe my brother or sister are downcast today. I'm going to encourage them
Maybe i've not seen brother so-and-so for the last two weeks. I'm going to call them up. I'm not going to wait for the pastor
I'll do it. I'll encourage them
You know, maybe I see my brother a little just upset i'm going to come alongside him and tell him I love you brother
I'm praying for you
You know, it's great to see in church
You know, you know, somebody's going through some difficulty. What can I do?
How can I give instead of always receiving?
But it's risky, isn't it?
You're not sure is it going to result is it going to work out?
Look, I want to start other churches, but it can't be me. It's got to be other men
You've got that heart. You're going to have to take risks
You're going to have to be sacrificial. You're going to have to lay down your necks
Oh, man, if this doesn't work out
Sometimes that's what's required
But one thing at a time one step at a time just be a faithful member
Please please be an encouragement you are an encouragement
You know those of you that have traveled the last few weeks months
You've been such an encouragement
Not just to me, but to the whole church
you know, i've been going for some difficult times and and seeing you guys at church has just
Empowered me and you know lord you are doing a work here at new life Baptist church
Model church members and you are you really are like you're a great church
I appreciate you guys, you know, but let's appreciate what we do have
I know i'm not the best pastor
And you know deep down, you know the best church members, but we can be better
We can serve jesus
All right. Hey, we can receive the brethren and by receiving the brethren. We know that christ is going to reward us greatly
Model church members. I hope you can see some great examples in aquila and priscilla
How they were there supporting paul on the journey in the ministry
And if there's something that you can take away from those people, please apply that to your life. Okay, let's pray