After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.
Acts 15:36- 41 (NLT)
1. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT EVERYONE EXPERIENCES REJECTION.
Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly…
Acts 15: 37, 38a (NIV)
Demas has abandoned me…
2 Timothy 4:10a (GW)
He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him.
John 1:11 (NLT)
2. I ASK “WHY WAS I REJECTED?”
Am I being rejected because I did something wrong?
Paul did not think it wise to take him (John Mark), because he had deserted them….
Acts 15:38 (NIV)
Barnabas wanted to take John along…. But Paul wouldn’t have him; he wasn’t about to take along a quitter who, as soon as the going got tough, had jumped ship on them in Pamphylia.
Acts 15:38 (MP)
Am I being rejected because I did something right?
How terrible for you when everyone says good things about you! Their people treated the false prophets the same way long ago.
Luke 6:26 (NIrV)
Am I being rejected because of something out of my control?
An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious.
Titus 1:6 (NLT)
3. I ACT RESPONSIBLY, REGARDLESS OF THE SITUATION.
If, like John Mark I have lost trust, I work to regain trust.
What you have heard me teach publicly you should teach to others. Share these teachings with people you can trust. Then they will be able to teach others these same things.
2 Timothy 2:2 (ERV)
… he (an elder) must have a good reputation…
1 Timothy 3:7a (HCSV)
If, like Paul I obeyed Jesus, I must continue to obey Jesus.
Am I now trying to get people to think well of me? Or do I want God to think well of me? Am I trying to please people? If I were, I would not be serving Christ.
Galatians 1:10 (NIrV)
But Peter and John spoke right back, "Whether it's right in God's eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there's no question--we can't keep quiet…
Acts 4:19, 20 (MP)
4. I ACQUIRE ASSISTANCE TO ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP ME.
Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus.
Acts 15:39 (NLT)
Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care.
Acts 15:40 (NLT)
5. I ANTICIPATE GOD USING MY REJECTION FOR HIS GLORY.
Demas deserted me … for he loves his own life… That leaves only Luke with me, so find Mark and bring him with you, for he is a tremendous help for me in my ministry.
2 Timothy 4:10a, 11 (TPP)
The church in Babylon, who was chosen like you, sends you greetings. Mark, my son in Christ, also greets you.
1 Peter 5:13 (NCV)
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah] the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
Mark 1:1(NIV)