Boldly Preaching: God's Assurance in Our Challenges
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Liberty family! Today, we continue our series on the journeys of Paul, focusing on Acts 18. Tammy and I recently returned from a trip tracing Paul's missionary journeys, and I want to bring that experience to you. Paul traveled to cities like Corinth, spreading the gospel, planting churches, and writing letters to encourage believers. Corinth was a city known for its immorality, filled with temples and over a thousand temple prostitutes. Despite the city's reputation, Paul found the strength to keep on preaching the gospel.
In Acts 18, Paul arrives in Corinth and meets Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers who had been expelled from Rome. Paul preached in the synagogue every Sabbath, but faced resistance and blasphemy from the Jews. He then turned to the Gentiles, following a vision from the Lord who told him, "Do not be afraid. Keep on speaking, and do not be silent." This message is not just for Paul but for all of us. In times of fear, exhaustion, or failure, we must remember that God is with us and we should keep on keeping on.
Paul's journey in Corinth was marked by significant challenges, but also by divine encouragement and support. God assured Paul that He had many people in the city and that no harm would come to him. This promise was fulfilled as Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, writing important letters like 1 and 2 Thessalonians and Romans. The Lord provided help through people like Aquila, Priscilla, Silas, and Timothy, showing that we are not alone in our mission.
God's message to Paul is a reminder to us all: Do not be afraid, for God is with us, and help is on the way. We are called to be bold in our faith, to keep preaching the gospel, and to trust that God will provide the support we need. As we face our own challenges, whether they be personal, professional, or spiritual, we must lean on Jesus and remember that He is with us every step of the way.
### Key Takeaways
1. Do Not Be Afraid: Fear is a common human experience, even for someone as bold as the Apostle Paul. The Lord's message to Paul, "Do not be afraid," is a timeless reminder that God is with us in our moments of fear and anxiety. Whether we are facing new challenges, transitions, or uncertainties, we must remember that God commands us to be courageous and trust in His presence. [43:54]
2. God is With You: The assurance of God's presence is a powerful source of comfort and strength. In Acts 18:10, God tells Paul, "For I am with you." This promise is not just for Paul but for all believers. When we are sick, heartbroken, burdened, or confused, we can find solace in knowing that God is with us, guiding and protecting us through every trial. [51:17]
3. Help is On the Way: God provides the support we need through various means, including people and resources. Paul's encounter with Aquila and Priscilla, and later Silas and Timothy, shows that God places the right people in our lives at the right time. We are not meant to walk this journey alone; God sends help to ensure we can fulfill our mission. [56:02]
4. The Importance of Community: The early church thrived because of the collective efforts of many individuals. Paul, Aquila, Priscilla, Silas, Timothy, and others each played a vital role in spreading the gospel. This teaches us the importance of community and collaboration in our spiritual journey. We need each other to accomplish God's work. [01:04:32]
5. Eternal Perspective: Our actions and decisions have eternal consequences. Paul reminds us that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ to account for our lives. This should motivate us to live faithfully, using our gifts and opportunities for God's glory. We must hold everything with an open hand, recognizing that all we have comes from God. [01:05:56]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:29] - Introduction to Paul's Journeys
[38:09] - Paul's Arrival in Corinth
[39:00] - The City of Corinth
[39:52] - Corinth's Immorality
[41:34] - Paul's Ministry in Corinth
[42:21] - Resistance and Blasphemy
[43:54] - Do Not Be Afraid
[44:25] - Keep on Speaking
[45:29] - Paul's Struggles
[46:39] - Facing Fear and Anxiety
[47:25] - God's Assurance
[48:04] - Testimony of God's Power
[49:51] - Exciting Yet Fearful Times
[51:17] - God is With You
[52:32] - God's People in the City
[53:58] - Paul's Year and a Half in Corinth
[55:26] - Advancing the Gospel
[56:02] - Help is On the Way
[58:33] - The Role of Community
[59:43] - God's Provision
[01:00:31] - Galio's Role
[01:03:32] - The Judgment Seat of Christ
[01:05:56] - Eternal Perspective
[01:09:35] - Invitation to Prayer
[01:11:15] - Call to Action
[01:12:08] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 18:1-11
- 2 Timothy 2:2
- 1 Corinthians 2:3
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the cultural and moral environment of Corinth when Paul arrived? ([39:52])
2. Who were Aquila and Priscilla, and how did they come to meet Paul? ([41:34])
3. What specific message did the Lord give to Paul in a night vision, and how did it impact his ministry in Corinth? ([43:54])
4. How did God provide support for Paul during his time in Corinth? ([56:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul experienced fear and anxiety despite his boldness in preaching the gospel? ([44:55])
2. How does the assurance of God's presence ("For I am with you") change the way believers face challenges and opposition? ([51:17])
3. In what ways did the community of believers, including Aquila, Priscilla, Silas, and Timothy, play a role in Paul's ministry? ([58:33])
4. What does it mean to have an "eternal perspective" in our actions and decisions, as Paul emphasized? ([01:05:56])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt afraid or anxious about a new challenge. How did you handle it, and how might remembering God's command to "not be afraid" change your approach in the future? ([43:54])
2. When facing personal, professional, or spiritual challenges, how can you remind yourself of God's promise, "For I am with you"? What practical steps can you take to lean on this assurance? ([51:17])
3. Think about the people God has placed in your life to support you. How can you show appreciation for them, and how can you be a source of support for others in your community? ([56:02])
4. How can you be more intentional about sharing the gospel in your daily life, even when facing resistance or indifference? ([44:25])
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to "keep on keeping on" despite feeling exhausted or discouraged. What steps can you take to persevere with God's help? ([46:01])
6. How can you cultivate a sense of community and collaboration within your small group or church, similar to the early church's collective efforts? ([01:04:32])
7. Reflect on your current actions and decisions. How can you ensure they align with an eternal perspective, recognizing that all you have comes from God? ([01:05:56])
Devotional
Day 1: Courage in the Face of Fear
In Acts 18, Paul faced significant opposition and fear while preaching in Corinth, a city known for its immorality and resistance to the gospel. Despite these challenges, God spoke to Paul in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid. Keep on speaking, and do not be silent" (Acts 18:9). This divine encouragement was crucial for Paul, reminding him that God was with him and that he should continue his mission without fear. This message is timeless and applies to all believers. When we encounter fear, whether in our personal lives, professional endeavors, or spiritual journeys, we must remember that God commands us to be courageous and trust in His presence. [43:54]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What specific fears are you facing today? How can you remind yourself of God's command to "fear not" and trust in His presence and strength?
Day 2: Assurance of God's Presence
The assurance of God's presence is a powerful source of comfort and strength. In Acts 18:10, God tells Paul, "For I am with you." This promise was not just for Paul but for all believers. When we are sick, heartbroken, burdened, or confused, we can find solace in knowing that God is with us, guiding and protecting us through every trial. This divine assurance helped Paul to continue his mission in Corinth despite the challenges he faced. Similarly, we can draw strength from the knowledge that God is always with us, no matter what we are going through. [51:17]
Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV): "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of God's presence? How can you actively seek to feel His presence more deeply in those areas today?
Day 3: Divine Support and Provision
God provides the support we need through various means, including people and resources. Paul's encounter with Aquila and Priscilla, and later Silas and Timothy, shows that God places the right people in our lives at the right time. These individuals played a crucial role in supporting Paul and advancing the gospel in Corinth. This teaches us that we are not meant to walk this journey alone; God sends help to ensure we can fulfill our mission. We should be attentive to the people God places in our lives and be open to receiving their support and encouragement. [56:02]
Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Who are the "Aquila and Priscilla" in your life? How can you show gratitude for their support and also be a source of support for others?
Day 4: The Power of Community
The early church thrived because of the collective efforts of many individuals. Paul, Aquila, Priscilla, Silas, Timothy, and others each played a vital role in spreading the gospel. This teaches us the importance of community and collaboration in our spiritual journey. We need each other to accomplish God's work. Being part of a faith community provides us with encouragement, accountability, and opportunities to serve and grow together. We should actively seek to build and strengthen our relationships within our faith community, recognizing that we are stronger together. [01:04:32]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you contribute to your faith community this week? What steps can you take to build stronger relationships with fellow believers?
Day 5: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Our actions and decisions have eternal consequences. Paul reminds us that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ to account for our lives. This should motivate us to live faithfully, using our gifts and opportunities for God's glory. We must hold everything with an open hand, recognizing that all we have comes from God. Living with an eternal perspective helps us prioritize what truly matters and align our lives with God's purposes. It encourages us to invest in things that have lasting value and to live in a way that honors God. [01:05:56]
2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV): "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."
Reflection: What changes can you make in your daily life to live with a more eternal perspective? How can you use your gifts and opportunities to glorify God and impact others for eternity?
Quotes
1. "Do not be afraid. Look at it. Verse 9. The Lord said to Paul, In a night vision, don't be afraid. Keep on. Everybody say, keep on. That's where the title came from. The power to keep on. Keep on speaking, and don't be silent. We know the boldness of the Apostle Paul. He preached the gospel. He preached Jesus, his life, his death, his resurrection, that he was the only way to be saved. He was bold in his preaching. And he said, don't be afraid, Paul. You just keep on speaking. Keep on preaching. Keep on preaching, and don't be silent. And that's what God's calling us to do. In a culture that resists, in a culture that don't want to hear it, we got to keep on preaching Jesus, and he is the only way to God." [43:54] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Now, I don't know about you, but I don't think about the Apostle Paul as someone who struggled with fear or anxiety. That makes me feel better. He was human too. That he struggled with anxiety. Sometimes your emotions can get the best of you, am I telling the truth or not? Now, why was Paul afraid? I believe several reasons that he came to them in weakness, fear, and in trembling. First of all, he was alone in Athens. Remember last week? Alone. And when you're alone, you can easily become afraid. Now he's alone in Corinth, which is a sinful city. He's exhausted, walking all throughout Greece and traveling. He's out of money. You ever been fearful when you can't pay the bills, when the money is low? And so he had been in Athens. He's alone. He's without money. He's tired, physically exhausted. And he saw little results in Athens. Very few people believe. So he feels like he's a failure. He's dealing with failure, frustration, fatigue. And what does the Lord say to him? You keep on keeping on. Don't be afraid." [45:29] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Maybe for the first time you're going to have an empty nest at home. Just the two of you left. It may be that you're going through a health challenge or death of a loved one. Whatever it is, hear God's Word to you. Do not be afraid. I really believe this. I worked on that for two years. And it's just coming out now. I told you about it about a month ago and gave you an opportunity to receive it. And I began to get word this week that it's going into racks at Choice Books. And I got a picture from Wal-Mart. And I got a picture from a truck stop on 480. I hadn't seen it before. I haven't seen one yet. Every time I go to Walgreens to get medicine or pick up something, I'm looking for it. So I want you to tell me when you see it. Send me your picture at pastor at libertylive.church. And I'll know it's out there. You might even see your picture up here on the big screen. All right. But here's what I love about it. It sends this message. God's not giving you a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind. And it is a, listen, it's an audience that is unchurched. In other words, it's not a church audience that we're getting this book out." [47:25] (85 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So many people struggle with fear. And have you ever noticed this? What should be exciting times in life can also be fearful times. You know, you're starting school. Oh, you're excited. Oh, you're fearful. You know, you're getting married. You're having a child. You're changing jobs. You know, you're going through some type of transition. The exciting times in life can be fearful. I remember growing up in church. As a little boy, I remember hearing these words. What have I to dread? What have I to fear? Leaning on the everlasting arms. I have blessed peace with my Lord so near. Leaning on the everlasting arms of God. Here's the question today. Are you leaning on Jesus? Are you leaning on Jesus? If you're struggling with fear and anxiety, lean hard on him." [50:27] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Now, the Bible says if God be for us, who can be against us, right? People. I'll answer it. If God's for us, who can be against us? People. And Paul knew it. And so he gives this promise here that God's going to be with him. That's good to know that people are with you. You want people to be with you. Let me tell you what's more encouraging than knowing people are with you. Knowing God's with you. Emmanuel, God with us. Let me tell you, when your body's sick, he's with you. When your heart is broken, he's with you. When the burdens are heavy, he's with you. When your mind is confused. He is with you. I'm telling you, when the money's low, he's with you. When your strength is gone, he's with you. He gives you the power to keep on keeping on. When we go through the valley of the shadow of death, the 23rd Psalm says what? I'll fear no evil because you're with me." [51:17] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "He gives you gifting. He gives you talents. He gives you ability, opportunity. Over time, you serve for weeks and months and years and you get good at it. But be careful. Note your neighbor right now and say, wake up. Be careful because you get so good at what you do and what God's given you, you get to thinking you're self-made. And that's when you're in trouble. Even in the service of God, we can hold things so tightly. This is my position. This is my area of ministry. Let me tell you, you better hold everything with an open hand because if you hold on to it, it's going to cut you like a knife. Whatever you have, it came from God. We use it for his glory. We hold it with an open hand. And even though we serve, listen, on a team and we have the same value, we have different roles. We have different titles. We have different positions. And we're going to give an account. Listen. Not for what somebody else was supposed to do but what you were supposed to do. We give an account for our own lives." [01:05:16] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The reason we go to the judgment seat of Christ, listen, because this is encouraging, is once and for all, every sinful, shameful thing that you've ever done, it will be burned up never to be brought up again. Somebody say glory. And then we'll be made like him. We'll see him. We'll be as he is. And he will have finished what he started that I just read to you from Romans chapter 8. So the Bible says, 2 John 1, 8, look to yourselves that we do not lose those things that we've worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. Are you with me? Revelation 14, 13, Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them. Revelation 22, 12, Jesus said, Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me to give to everyone according to his work." [01:07:56] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "How did Paul end his letter to the Corinthians? In 1 Corinthians, here's what he said. Maranatha. What does it mean? It means come, Lord. Come. And I'm just telling you, the Lord's coming. And it matters how you live your life and what you do with what God's given you. And one day we're all going to give an account for it. We're going to stand before him. And I want to hear him say, Well done. Don't you? And so right here, Behold, I come quickly. Maranatha, he's coming. But watch this. His reward is with him to give to everyone according to his work. So the real question is this. What are you doing with your life? What are you doing with what God's given you? And I ask you this question. Knowing the Lord is coming, are you ready? If he called you home today or returned today, do you have a relationship with him?" [01:08:54] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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