From Failure to Profitable

Acts 12:25, 13:5, 13

I.                   Excitement breeds excitement

a.      Many times decisions are made based on emotions or excitement to do something for God

b.      Remember John Mark’s home was where they had the prayer meeting that God Peter out of Jail 12:12

c.      Peter may have personally led Mark to the Lord I Peter 5:13

d.      The work and wonder of God was so much in front of John Mark that he might have thought it was his only option

                                                              i.      Go to the mission field

                                                             ii.      Get in a support role

e.      Barnabas and Saul come in victorious from the mission field bringing an offering 12:25

f.       Now Barnabas and Saul are leaving to go back to Antioch and it had to seem exciting

g.      They took John Mark with them 12:25

II.                 Reality sets in once you are in the ministry

a.      It doesn’t take long for the romance to rub off

b.      John was serving as a minister 13:5

c.      God’s work is work and not very romantic

d.      There was open conflict 13:10

e.      There are demonic attacks 13:8, 10

f.       He may have missed his family (mother) and home

g.      He got tired of the work 15:37-39

III.              Steps taken to get back on track

a.      Barnabas was willing to give him another chance to the point of breaking a long term friendship and working relationship 15:37-39

b.      Mark obviously had to be humble enough to recognize his error and determine to live the disciplined life of a servant of God

c.      Both Paul and Mark had to forgive the other for attitudes and words almost surely

d.      The fight about Mark had been public enough that Paul spoke to the church to not hold it against Mark Colossians 4:10

e.      Mark becomes useful

                                                              i.      Paul’s co laborer Philemon 24

                                                             ii.      Paul considers Mark to be profitable to the ministry II Timothy 4:11

IV.               Lessons to be learned by missionaries, pastors and servants of God

a.      Don’t make emotional decisions about serving God that you will not be diligent and disciplined to keep

b.      Realize that there are many ministries and opportunities to serve God

c.      Know now that it is not as romantic and beautiful as you think

d.      Be prepared for conflict and demonic attacks

e.      Know that you will get tired in the work but not of it

f.       Know that you will miss your parents and home

g.      Be willing to help those who have failed, fallen, or gone back

h.      Be willing to receive correction for your mistakes

i.        Be a big enough disciple to forgive and to work together with those you so desperately differed with or were angered by before