Perseverance Through God's Presence and Community
Summary
Welcome to Risen Church! Today, we explored the profound truth that church is not merely an event to attend but a community to belong to, a gospel family on a mission. As we continue our series in the book of Acts, we delve into Acts 18, where Paul arrives in Corinth, a city notorious for its immorality. Despite the challenges, Paul perseveres, and we learn from his journey the secret to enduring trials in a godly way. Perseverance is not about isolated determination but about leaning into the joyful presence and purpose of God. We need to know the joy of God's presence with us, desire His presence for others, and experience His presence through others.
Paul's journey in Corinth teaches us that real perseverance comes from knowing that God is with us. This assurance fuels our strength and courage, allowing us to face adversity with peace and joy. The presence of God is not just a theological concept but a lived reality that empowers us to stand firm in our faith. Moreover, when we experience God's presence, it naturally leads us to desire His presence for others. Our love for one another becomes a powerful testimony to the world, drawing others into the gospel community.
In Corinth, Paul finds community with Aquila and Priscilla, demonstrating the importance of experiencing God's presence through others. This community becomes a source of strength and encouragement, reminding us that we are not alone in our mission. As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the opportunity to invite others into this community, to clear the path for them to experience the love and grace of God.
In conclusion, perseverance in the Christian life is not about gritting our teeth and pushing through on our own. It is about embracing the presence of God, sharing His love with others, and finding strength in the community of believers. As we continue to grow deeper in God's love and wider for His mission, let us remember that it is His presence that sustains us and propels us forward.
Key Takeaways:
- The Joy of God's Presence: True perseverance is rooted in the joy of God's presence with us. This joy is not just a feeling but a deep assurance that God is with us, guiding and strengthening us through every trial. It is this presence that transforms our struggles into opportunities for growth and peace. [07:39]
- Desiring God's Presence for Others: When we experience the love and grace of God, it naturally leads us to desire His presence for others. Our love for one another becomes a powerful testimony to the world, drawing others into the gospel community. This desire fuels our mission and strengthens our resolve to persevere. [16:32]
- Experiencing God's Presence Through Others: Community is essential for perseverance. Just as Paul found strength and encouragement in his community, we too are called to experience God's presence through others. This shared journey reminds us that we are not alone and that together, we can accomplish great things for God's kingdom. [23:56]
- Clearing the Path for Others: As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the opportunity to invite others into the community of faith. By clearing the path and removing obstacles, we create space for others to experience the love and grace of God. This intentionality reflects the heart of God and His desire for all to come to know Him. [49:38]
- Perseverance Through God's Presence and Purpose: Ultimately, perseverance is fueled by aligning with God's presence and purposes. It is not about our strength or determination but about trusting in His faithfulness and leaning into His mission. As we do so, we find the strength to endure and the joy to continue pressing forward. [58:31]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Introduction to Risen Church
- [04:30] - The Importance of Gospel Community
- [07:39] - Perseverance in the Face of Adversity
- [10:45] - Paul's Journey to Corinth
- [13:20] - The Secret to Perseverance
- [16:32] - Desiring God's Presence for Others
- [19:50] - Experiencing God's Presence Through Community
- [23:56] - God's Assurance to Paul
- [27:57] - Faithfulness to God's Purpose
- [31:48] - The Story of Joshua
- [35:00] - Building God's Kingdom
- [40:20] - The Heart of Evangelism
- [45:10] - Clearing the Path for Others
- [49:38] - Jesus' Passion for the Nations
- [52:35] - Preparing for Easter
- [58:31] - The Power of Community and Perseverance
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Risen Church Sermon on Acts 18
Bible Reading:
- Acts 18:1-11
- Nehemiah 8:10
- Philippians 4:12-13
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Observation Questions:
1. What challenges did Paul face when he arrived in Corinth, and how did he respond to them? [07:39]
2. How did Paul find community in Corinth, and why was this important for his mission? [16:32]
3. What assurance did God give Paul in a vision, and how did it impact his ministry in Corinth? [23:56]
4. How does the sermon describe the cultural and spiritual environment of Corinth during Paul's time? [31:48]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the joy of God's presence provide strength and perseverance according to the sermon and Nehemiah 8:10? [27:57]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that experiencing God's presence through others can help believers persevere in their faith? [52:35]
3. How does the sermon interpret Philippians 4:12-13 in the context of Paul's mission in Corinth? [58:31]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between personal perseverance and the desire for others to experience God's presence? [40:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did the presence of God or the support of a community help you persevere? [07:39]
2. Paul found strength in his community with Aquila and Priscilla. Who in your life provides you with spiritual support, and how can you strengthen those relationships? [16:32]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of desiring God's presence for others. How can you actively create opportunities for others to experience God's love and grace this week? [49:38]
4. Consider the cultural challenges you face in your own life. How can you remain anchored in your faith and avoid being swept away by societal pressures? [31:48]
5. The sermon discusses the importance of clearing the path for others to experience God. What obstacles might you need to remove in your life to better invite others into a gospel community? [49:38]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your daily life, especially during times of difficulty? [27:57]
7. Reflect on Philippians 4:12-13. How can you find contentment and strength in Christ regardless of your circumstances? [58:31]
Devotional
Day 1: The Joy of God's Presence
True perseverance is rooted in the joy of God's presence with us. This joy is not just a feeling but a deep assurance that God is with us, guiding and strengthening us through every trial. It is this presence that transforms our struggles into opportunities for growth and peace. When we understand that God is with us, we can face adversity with a sense of calm and confidence, knowing that we are not alone. This assurance fuels our strength and courage, allowing us to face adversity with peace and joy. [07:39]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: In what specific situation today can you consciously invite the joy of God's presence to transform your perspective and response?
Day 2: Desiring God's Presence for Others
When we experience the love and grace of God, it naturally leads us to desire His presence for others. Our love for one another becomes a powerful testimony to the world, drawing others into the gospel community. This desire fuels our mission and strengthens our resolve to persevere. As we grow in our relationship with God, our hearts are moved to share His love with those around us, creating a ripple effect that extends His kingdom. [16:32]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience God's presence today, and how can you intentionally share His love with them?
Day 3: Experiencing God's Presence Through Others
Community is essential for perseverance. Just as Paul found strength and encouragement in his community, we too are called to experience God's presence through others. This shared journey reminds us that we are not alone and that together, we can accomplish great things for God's kingdom. The relationships we build within our faith community become a source of strength and encouragement, helping us to persevere through life's challenges. [23:56]
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 actively engage with your faith community this week to both give and receive encouragement in your spiritual journey?
Day 4: Clearing the Path for Others
As we approach Easter, we are reminded of the opportunity to invite others into the community of faith. By clearing the path and removing obstacles, we create space for others to experience the love and grace of God. This intentionality reflects the heart of God and His desire for all to come to know Him. Our actions and attitudes can either be a bridge or a barrier to others encountering Christ. [49:38]
Isaiah 57:14 (ESV): "And it shall be said, 'Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people's way.'"
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to remove an obstacle that might be hindering someone from experiencing God's love?
Day 5: Perseverance Through God's Presence and Purpose
Ultimately, perseverance is fueled by aligning with God's presence and purposes. It is not about our strength or determination but about trusting in His faithfulness and leaning into His mission. As we do so, we find the strength to endure and the joy to continue pressing forward. Our perseverance is not a solitary endeavor but a partnership with God, who empowers us to fulfill His purposes. [58:31]
Colossians 1:11 (ESV): "May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to realign with God's purpose, and how can you rely on His strength to persevere?
Quotes
"And so you need to understand, again, when it says that these were Jews, what we actually know from about Aquila and Priscilla is that they were probably, they were Christians, that they had actually come to Christ and moved here, and he had heard about them, and he knew that they were believers. And so in this time frame, if you were Jewish, it didn't mean that you weren't necessarily Christian. It just meant it was tracking with, at this point, the fact that, okay, they had biblical values, this was their ethnicity, all of those sorts of things. And so Paul finds them, and he wants to partner with them. Because when you are in a society like this, you need to understand that if the apostle Paul realizes he's not strong enough to do this alone, you definitely aren't, right? Like, he's not strong enough to swim out of those cultural currents in this world. He needs to be anchored in gospel community. Or you're going to find yourself drifting out to sea with the same people that you're going to be." [00:15:37] (55 seconds)
"trying to reach. This is great principles that we learn here and throughout the scriptures. And so verse 5. So he's there. He gets there early. And then he's like, I don't know anybody in the city. I'm going to link up with these people because I trust them. And this is going to be great. And then verse 5, it says, when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word testifying to the Jews that Christ was Jesus. And so when they get there, he's already like, he's got his missionary team. They join him and he's full -fledged. He's not wasting any time. He's getting after it. Verse 6. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, your blood be on your own heads. I am innocent. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles." [00:16:32] (46 seconds)
"Because listen, that's a powerful vision to tap into. Your kingdom come. Like the king, the true king. I'm not talking about some political guy who's just trying to like figure it out and honestly probably has more skeletons than a tomb in his closet. I'm talking about the king of eternity, perfectly good, perfectly pure, the one in whom all of our adoration and worship is designed for and can fully receive the weight of. When you get that, when you've tasted and seen that the Lord is good, you want it for other people. And when people don't want that vision and they don't care to get behind that vision, I'm telling you, it can leave you feeling pretty alone, pretty frustrated." [00:24:42] (50 seconds)
"that's how the church has grown for thousands of years like listen praise god that his purposes are more important to us than our own conveniences amen because this thing's gonna inconvenience you it is you know what he's worth it he's totally worth it like that is a radical statement in a society that idolizes comfort and convenience right especially if you think that this church is just a business trying to sell you something then you're gonna think well i shouldn't be inconvenienced by them no that's it's upside down this is the king of eternity and we're partnering together in this great mission and i'm so thankful for the way that we do what we do but what a strange thing to relegate the god of the universe to convenience and yet this is how often people treat church itself like like again like i'll give if i have enough left over i'll come if i don't have anything else to do and i'll come back if i get something out of it like again that's not the heartbeat of this church if it was we wouldn't even have enough chairs set out for sunday morning like you'd have nowhere to sit right now you know like it's the reality but please know that it is truly an honor to partner with risen church with you in this gospel and it's all and act of worship and it's you you" [00:44:49] (88 seconds)
"Convenience had gotten in the way of the commission and it provoked Jesus's spirit. God is passionate about giving access for others to his presence. This is why we're so intentional with things like our first time guests stand outside. This is why we're so intentional with having a hospitality team. This is why that construction out there makes me crazy. I'm going to flip the damage of Samson on one of those things. Flip it over. I mean, I love that you guys get here and you show up. It breaks my heart to think of somebody being like, I don't know how to get in here. I've already argued with my spouse on the way here. There's already spiritual warfare and it's just like, I can't find my way in. What am I going to do? I don't even care. This is enough. I'm not even coming. I'm out. And so we've got Tommy, Callan and the hospitality team and they've got vests on and they're like this way. Right? Yeah. And there are signs and there are signposts throughout and there are people saying, you're welcome here. This is the way. There's a tent out there. There are smiling faces. They're saying, you're welcome here. We're glad you're here. We're keeping the outer court clear." [00:49:38] (85 seconds)
"and Joshua fell on his face he worshiped and he said what does the Lord command of me and he told him to take off his sandals because the place was holy ground the place he was taking it wasn't just lit it was holy there was something significant transcendent powerful about what he was doing so here's the question what kingdom are you building whose kingdom are you seeking do you know the joy and presence of the king along the way do you know his rest even in the race do you know his sonship even in the struggle his joy even in the sadness when things don't quite work out the way you had wanted do you know his heartbreak for the things that break his heart do you know his elation when people come to Christ if you are in Christ then this promise this purpose and his presence is with you and he is for you and nothing formed against you shall stand because he does in fact hold the whole world in his hands and he's faithful he is faithful guys listen to me we are not just pushing risen church here that's not we're not just about like the brand risen okay the brand risen if you want to call it that is about Jesus that's what we're about like this is what makes risen special is that risen is all about Jesus and his great commission that's it it's why we want to grow deeper in God's love and wider for God's mission all for God's glory and you can be sure that that is gonna require" [00:33:10] (116 seconds)
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