The Christians at Antioch were on fire for the Lord. What does it mean to be really on fire for God? What causes a Christian to be on fire for God?

1 – They were saved (vs. 19-21)

Antioch was the third most populated city in the Roman Empire. It was known for its affluence and “night clubs”.

• The persistence of the saints (vs. 19-20) – See Acts 8:4. Persecution broke out in Jerusalem and many Christians were forced to scatter. As they went, they preached about Jesus to those they met. It was part of their everyday life. It was a one on one evangelism. You talk about the things you enjoy. We are to make disciples. Everyone has a right to hear the Gospel.
• The power of the saviour (vs. 21) – The hand of the Lord was with them as they witnessed. When you get interested in what God is interested in, then God will get interested in what you are interested in. Have you ever felt the hand of God upon you? The hand of God was with the believers. See Psalm 139:5. Christians should be gossiping the gospel. Is light walking in the midst of darkness? Our lives should be different from those in the world.

2 – They were satisfied (vs. 22-26)

These people were filled with joy in their heart. The church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas to check things out at Antioch. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith (vs. 24). There were three ingredients for their satisfaction:-

• Grace (vs. 23) – It is a spiritual intangible. See Mark 2:5. Faith is an intangible as well. You can see grace in the life of those who have been saved. Our lives are supposed to be a living picture of the grace of God. For too many people it is a picture of grief rather than grace! God will change the arrogant into the humble. That is grace.
• Gladness (vs. 23) – Barnabas could hardly contain himself. See Psalm 9:2. Too many Christians are serious all the time. The grace of God will bring gladness to your heart. We have much to be glad and happy about.
• Growth (vs. 23) – We need to stay close to Jesus. The word is “glue”. We are not to stand still in the Christian life. See 2 Peter 3:18. We are to grow. Anyone who wants to grow can grow. For a whole year Saul and Barnabas taught the Word of God at Antioch. The Church was first called “Christians” at Antioch. As a reward for their efforts, however, those early Christians were beaten, stoned to death, thrown to the lions, tortured and crucified. Every conceivable method was used to stop them from talking. Yet, they laid down their lives as the ultimate proof of their complete confidence in the truth of their message.

3 – They were selfless (vs. 27-30)

If you get your mind off yourself you can get your mind on fire for the Lord. We need to deny ourselves. Watch out for too many words like “I” and “me”. Are you on fire for God? Are you saved, satisfied and selfless?

Categories: Acts