Many in This City

Many in This City

Many in this City

  • Acts 18:1-17

Context of Paul’s journey so far

    • Barnabas left with John Mark
    • Desire to go to Asia, denied
    • Beat and put in prison in Philippi
    • Jews from Thessalonica, because of petty jealousy, form a mob and though Paul escapes, his friend and brother, Jason gets dragged and fined because of Paul
    • Those same Jews disturb what seemed to be a beautiful reception of the Gospel in Berea 
    • The idolatry of Athens… and the message being filed away by the masses as one of many interesting philosophies 
    • And now Corinth.
      • 1000 temple prostitutes tempt you into the city
        • To be “Corinthianized” meant to be sexually immoral. 
    • Vs. 18:6 Same ol, same ol. Rejected & reviled by his countrymen. 

Could easily tell the context of his journey thus far in a different light. 

His new companion Silas, Lydia, her hospitality and continued support, how God set them free from prison and the Philippine jailer who him and his whole family got saved! And on and on it could go… BUT 1 Cor. 2 sheds light on how Paul entered Corinth. In dire need of some encouragement. 

And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 1 Corinthians 2:1–3

  • Discouragement, a sadness of the soul, an angry edge, Debbie downer,  Negative Nancy, Krabby Patty,
    • Like Paul, if we focus on our circumstances, past or present, it’s easy to go there…  
    • We need something to get our eyes off ourselves. A greater purpose… 
  • Many in this City the are my people. 
    • A word from the Lord 
    • VS. 9 & 10
  • Scripture interprets Scripture 
    • Be careful to take a narrative (Story) and claim the promise for yourself. 

“Do not be afraid, 

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15 

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.  2 Timothy 1:7

but go on speaking and do not be silent, 

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? Romans 10:13–14

for I am with you, 

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20

and no one will attack you to harm you, (great to claim this one) 

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,  2 Timothy 3:12

Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.  John 15:20a

The Word (First) a word (Second). 

for I have many in this city who are my people.” 

  • According to Barna Institute the 805 is the 2nd highest city in the NATION for people who are classified “never churched”—meaning they have never in their lives regularly attended a church.
    • Based on the percentages, thats 116,000 people that need Jesus in our counties and just under 20K in our immediate area. 
  • for I have many in this city who are my people.”
    • When we take our eyes off ourselves and fix them on Jesus and what he has called us to, it lifts us, motivates us 
    • And when a community of people move this direction, it changes everything! 
      • Paul, stumbles into Corinth, weak, discouraged, ready to give up but then meets Aquila & Pricilla, he finds some help. 
      • Then Silas & Timothy show up with good news about the church in Thessalonica, AND an offering from Philippi. 
    • Fruit focused. Look what the Lord is doing. 
    • Titius and Justus gets saved.
  • Our encouragement towards each other isn’t about each other.

Lead into confession to prepare hearts for communion 

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