Preacher: Jeremy Herbert
Text: Acts 18:1-18a
Thesis: Ministry can be difficult, draining, and discouraging–but the Lord gives us five things that keep us going.
Notes:
Context: Paul’s visit to Corinth–much different than his visit to Athens
- Athens was a city of ideas & philosophy
- Corinth was a city of commerce & pleasure
Paul’s ministry in Corinth was quite difficult–and yet so fruitful.
The Spirit ministered through Paul–and to Paul
Ministry Is Difficult
- “I will show you how many things you must suffer for my namesake” –Acts 9:6
- Some people think ministry is like a vending machine, but it is much more like farming in hard ground
- Those interested in instant gratification will not minister long
Ministry is Draining
- Serving Christ will have a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual cost
- Ministry is WAY easier if you just don’t care–but serving without caring isn’t actually ministry at all
Live It Out: Why not give up?
- Because of the reality of the resurrection — 1 Corinthians 15
- Because God’s strength is greater than our weakness — 2 Corinthians 12
- Because Christ’s love motivates us — 2 Corinthians 5
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