Sermon Summary
Big Idea: I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
One of the most well-known and quoted bible verses comes from Philippians 4:13. The apostle Paul states that he is able to do all sorts of things because of the strength he receives from Jesus Christ. The often overlooked context of Philippians 4 clarifies what Paul means by “all things.” He explains that he can endure various trials and situations because of the power of Jesus’ promises. This is clarified even further by the historical context of the events that are recorded in Acts 18:1–23.
This week we pick up where we left off our in our series through the book of Acts by examining the church planting efforts of Paul in the city of Corinth. The story that the author, Luke, records for us recounts the various things Paul is able to do and endure because of the promises Jesus gives him. Therefore, the goal of this message is to receive the same strength that Paul received by listening to and trusting in the promises of Jesus.
Sermon Outline
“I can do all things” (Acts 18:1-8)
“Through him” (Acts 18:9-10)
“who strengthens me” (Acts 18:11-23)
Sermon Text: Acts 18:1-23
After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 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.”
And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.
And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” And he drove them from the tribunal. And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.
After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus. When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
Discussion Questions
How have you seen God use you to accomplish amazing things for his kingdom?
How has God given you strength when you have been weak?
How have you seen God provide partnerships in life and ministry in surprising ways?
How does Philippians 4 (and the message of Philippians as a whole) help us better understand God’s provision and teach us to trust him regardless of our circumstances?
Tell someone about a time when God provided generously for you or for the church.
What are some practical ways we can give generously to the work of God?
How have people responded when you have shared the truth about sin and the gospel with them?
How has God worked through fear in your life to accomplish his work?
How does God’s presence enable us to do hard things?
In what ways has God’s Word shown you, in the midst of difficulty, that he provides protection, power, and his presence?
In what ways do we fall into the mindset that the church exists to serve us? How is God calling us instead to serve him and others?
What does it look like to trust God when you cannot see what he is doing and are experiencing opposition?
How does 1 Corinthians 1:1–2:5 help us better understand Acts 18:1-23 and God’s sovereign work through the seemingly foolish act of proclaiming the gospel?
