Occupy Until I Return
Luke 19:11-27
KEY BIBLE VERSES
Acts 27:1 through Acts 28:10 - Trusting God Through the Storms of Life
Luke 19:11-27 - Occupy Until I Come
DIGGING DEEPER
The Bible taught us that the apostle Paul went through many different difficulties. He was kidnapped (Acts 21:27), beaten (Acts 23:3), arrested (Acts 21:33), interrogated (Acts 25:24-27), ridiculed (Acts 26:24), falsely accused (Acts 21:34), forsaken by others (2 Timothy 4:10), had a thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7) and had many more trials and tribulations (2 Corinthians 11:16-33).
All through these trials and tribulations, Paul occupied the space God placed him in faithfully. Like the faithful servants in Luke 17, Paul used the resources God had given him, and he witnessed to others about Jesus. Paul boldly shared that his God was in control. He always reminded believers to be faithful and encouraged them that Jesus was coming again.
The Bible teaches us how to occupy the place we are in until Jesus comes and as we face trials and tribulations.
Know that Jesus cares about the storms that you are going through. (Matthew 8:23-27)
Keep faith that God is in control and all things work together for good for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)
Pray and listen for God's guidance. (Philippians 4:6)
Care for others when things are rough and be a positive witness. (Galatians 6:2)
Share your faith with others, encouraging them along the way. (1 Peter 3:16-18)
Sing spiritual songs. (Acts 16:25-26)
Recite Bible promises. (Isaiah 43:2; Deuteronomy 31:6)
Let us be faithful in all that we do, honoring God and bringing glory to His Kingdom in all circumstances of life.
WHAT NOT TO MISS
Trusting God Through The Storms of Life - Acts 27:1 through Acts 28:10
Key points:
Some storms we face are the result of others' poor choices.
Some storms leave us feeling completely out of control.
Some storms require someone else who is well-grounded in faith to encourage us.
Some storms tempt us to take matters into our own hands rather than trust our life into God's hands.
Waiting on the Lord in a storm opens opportunities to experience God's sustaining grace.
Occupy Until I Come - Luke 19:11-27
Key Points:
Luke 19:11-27 is a parable taught by Jesus, and in this parable, there are masters, servants and resources.
As believers, we are to occupy and be faithfully productive where God has placed us until Jesus comes.
We are to occupy the space God places us in through prayer, caring and sharing.
Our main task, given to us by Jesus as we occupy our space, is to share the Gospel with neighbors and nations.
We are to be alert for the coming of the Kingdom of God as we pray for the lost, care for those who need our help and whom God places in our path, and share the Gospel whenever we have the opportunity.
LIFE APPLICATION
This week, consider a storm of life that you are personally going through. Write down why you think God is having you weather this storm and what you are learning from it. Think about how God calls you to use praying, caring for others and sharing your faith as you go through these difficult times. Determine ways to remind yourself to trust God when facing difficult circumstances and as you occupy the place God has placed you. Think about ways to use what you are going through and where you are as a witness on mission for God, sharing your faith with neighbors and nations.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What encourages you when you are going through difficult times and helps you remain faithful?
How does Paul handle the storms he faces on this ill-fated journey in Acts 27?
What lessons does Paul teach us about weathering the storms of life in Acts 27:1-28:10?
What resources has God given you to use for His kingdom's purposes and glory?
How do difficulties we face help us to occupy until Jesus comes and as we share the Gospel with neighbors and nations?
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE PASSAGES
Day 1: Facing Difficult Situations - John 14:27; Deuteronomy 31:6; Jeremiah 32:27
Day 2: Listening to Wise Advice - Proverbs 19:20; Proverbs 15:31-33; Jeremiah 33:3
Day 3: God is in Control - Psalm 46:10; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Isaiah 41:10
Day 4: Trusting God in Difficulty - Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 46:1-3; Exodus 14:14
Day 5: Occupying Until the Lord Comes - James 1:12; 1 Corinthians 1:8; Galatians 6:9
PRAYER
Lord, I know You want me to occupy the space where You have placed me and stand firm in my faith. Sometimes, the waves crashing around me are huge, and I feel buffeted by pain, circumstances and situations that are out of my control. I don't know which way to turn except to You. In all of this, I will be like Paul and carefully assess my situation, and I will take time to seek your guidance and deliverance. Then, enable me to think about ways that I can faithfully occupy until you come that demonstrate my faith in you to those around me. Also, give me faithful brothers and sisters in the faith who can care for me, are in tune with you and can help me be faithful. Lord, I am thankful for your immense love for me and all my neighbors and nations and how you want all people to know King Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
