Sovereign Fuel for Faithfulness (Acts 18:1-11)

In Athens, Paul had engaged with the great thinkers in the Areopagus. He had understood their culture and connected with their understanding. He quoted their poets to show that their religion would only condemn them. He showed that God is the Creator of the world, the Sustainer of life, the Ruler of all nations, the Father of human beings, and that one day He will judge the world through the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ (v16-34).

What did he have to show for it? Many believed, including members of the Areopagus. So, did he stay to lead the church in the most influential city of the world?

No, he moved on to a much worse city. He sacrificed the opportunity to be the pastor of an influential church in an important city. For Paul, success was not building a large congregation. His task was to lay the foundation of Jesus Christ on which others would build (1 Corinthians 3:10-11, Ephesians 2:20).

But what does that have to do with us? None of us is Paul, the apostle. But we are all “ambassadors for Christ”, representing Jesus and His kingdom in a foreign land (2 Corinthians 5:20).

What does God expect of you and me? If we believe in Jesus, what are we supposed to do?

  1. Work Hard and Sacrifice (v1-5)
  2. Say What Needs To Be Said (v5-6)
  3. Depend on God’s Promises (v7-11)

God requires faithfulness not success (Matthew 25:21 & 1 Corinthians 4:1-5).

Sunday 14th July 2019

Review questions:

  • God requires ____________________ not success (Mathewt 25:21, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5)
  • Paul’s task: lay a _________________ which is ____________ (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)
  • Who welcomed Jesus (Matthew 9:10-11)?
  • Why did Paul choose to make tents (v3-5, 1 Corinthians 9:4-9)?
  • What am I sacrificing (Romans 12:1-2)?
  • People are responsible for rejecting Jesus (v6): True/False
  • I can summarise the Gospel (v5):
  • Jesus promises His ________________, ____________ & ________________ (v10)
  • A question I have:
  • A truth to share:
  • Something to pray about:
  • How I should live:

Published by Stephen McDonald

Christian, preacher, broadcaster