Part 06 | Find Us Faithful
Sermon Summary
This sermon wraps up our House to House series and focuses on the often-overlooked but essential quality of faithfulness in Christian leadership, particularly within Acts 2 communities and Lifegroups.
Pastor Carl Gulley begins by honoring the Lifegroup and Section Leaders who faithfully serve week after week, comparing them to the lesser-known biblical figures like Nympha, Apphia, and Archippus who opened their homes for church gatherings. These individuals may not be household names, but they are forever inscribed in Scripture because the church Jesus is building relies not on the talents of a few, but on the sacrifices of the many.
The sermon explores how spiritual leadership differs from worldly leadership, emphasizing that it requires different qualifications and operates by eternal rules. Using 1 Peter 5:1-4, Pastor Carl highlighted that spiritual leaders should shepherd God's flock willingly, not for personal gain, but as examples to others. The reward for such faithful service is not earthly recognition, but a crown of glory that will never fade away when the Chief Shepherd appears. This eternal perspective motivated the early church and should motivate believers today.
Key Scriptures
1 Peter 5:1-4 (NIV) "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."
Colossians 4:15 (NIV) "Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house."
1 Timothy 3:1 (NIV) "Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task."
2 Timothy 2:11-13 (NIV) "Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself."
Acts 1:21-22 (NIV) "Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us."
Discussion Questions
Instructions for groups: Choose a few of these questions from the various categories to go deeper in the sermon and put the truths of Scripture into practice.
Scripture Study & Deeper Understanding
1. Read 1 Peter 5:1-4. What are the characteristics of Christ-centered leadership that this passage highlights?
2. The sermon mentioned that the apostles' first act after Jesus' ascension was to replace Judas, and their main qualification was "he has been with us the whole time" (Acts 1:21-22). What does this reveal about God's values in choosing leaders?
Encouragement
3. Pastor Carl highlighted lesser-known biblical figures like Nympha, Apphia, and Archippus who simply hosted church in their homes but are forever inscribed in Scripture. How does this encourage you about the eternal significance of faithful leadership?
4. The message emphasized that "when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." How does this promise of eternal reward encourage you during seasons when faithful service feels unnoticed or unrewarded here on earth?
Challenge
5. Pastor Carl noted that faithfulness might seem "boring" compared to qualities our culture celebrates like success, boldness, or achievement. What specific ways has our culture's emphasis on spectacular results challenged your commitment to simple, steady faithfulness?
6. In what specific areas of your life (work, community, family, etc.) might God be calling you to step into greater influence or leadership? How can we pray for each other in this?
Personal Testimony
7. Pastor Carl shared how reflecting on his family's multi-generational story of God's faithfulness moved his heart toward greater surrender. Can you share a story from your own life or family history where you've seen God's faithfulness, even through difficult circumstances?
8. Think about the most faithful person you know personally. What specific ways has their consistency and reliability impacted your life or faith journey? How did their faithfulness "incarnate the gospel" for you?
Putting it into Practice
9. The sermon challenged us to create a "ritual of remembrance" by charting how God has moved in our lives and families across generations. What practical steps will you take this week to recount and document God's faithfulness to you, and how might you share this with others?
10. Whether or not you're currently in a formal leadership position, everyone has influence in some sphere. What is one specific way you can demonstrate faithful, Christlike leadership in your current relationships and responsibilities this week?