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INTRODUCTION
Have you ever wondered why the Apostle Paul was so successful in multiplying disciples (making disciples who make disciples)? The reality is that not all of the people Paul mentored, discipled, and spent his life with followed Jesus like he did. Some even completely walked away! However, some learned, followed, and went on to have a significant impact in God’s Kingdom. This collection is the story of how they lived out Jesus’ story! We are calling them The Fantastic Five!
“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” —2 Timothy 2:2 (CSB)
Just as cosmic rays transformed Marvel’s Fantastic Four into extraordinary heroes, the early church had its own “Fantastic” men who, once transformed by an encounter with Christ, became spiritual giants who shaped the future of Christianity as the multiplication of God’s Kingdom took its first steps. The New Testament’s Fantastic Five represent different aspects of discipleship and spiritual mentorship that mirror both the challenges and triumphs we face today as we strive to multiply God’s kingdom.
July 3/6
Paul: The Making of Mr. Fantastic
July 10/13
John Mark: From Flameout to a Guiding Light
July 17/20
Timothy: A Faithful Presence and Stabilizing Force
July 24/27
Titus: Mr. Rock-Solid in Faith and Reliability
Text: Acts 9 (CSB, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: To be a multiplier, we must allow God to stretch us.
Week 1 - Paul: The Making of Mr. Fantastic
I. A MULTIPLIER
TRUTH (Acts 9:1-9)
A. There is a
“…One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I can see!” —John 9:25b
B. Obedience is the
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6-7
II. A MULTIPLIER
BEFORE HE LEADS
“When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, 24for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord.” —Acts 11:23-24
A. See in others what
B. Don’t forget their
“Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul, 26and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.” —Acts 11:25-26
C. Develop
“Each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers and sisters who lived in Judea. 30They did this, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.” —Acts 11:29-30
III. A MULTIPLIER
WHO THEY ARE
A. Understand when to
B. Know when to
IV. A MULTIPLIER DOES NOT
UP
A. Allow ourselves to be
B. Know in whose strength we are
C. When others fail, we don’t
“Make every effort to come to me soon, 10because Demas has deserted me, since he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.” —2 Timothy 4:9-10
CONCLUSION: What steps do you need to take to allow God to stretch you?
