These opening verses show us the purpose behind Luke's work and invite us to consider the story that has been passed down through the generations of church history. Luke seeks to strengthen the convictions of a man named Theophilus and in turn invites us to consider the question: "Where do I go when I doubt?"

Sermon from 11/06/22

In this stand-alone message, we will be looking at Exodus 33:1-17. The Israelites are at Mt. Sinai and have just built a golden calf to worship. Following the people’s idol worship and intercession from Moses on their behalf, God tells the Israelites to leave Sinai for Canaan. But there is bad news, God is not going to go to the land with them. Moses intercedes again for God’s chosen people as he knows if God is not with them, there is no sense in entering the Promised Land. This begs the question of us today: Would I want God’s provision without His presence?

Self-examination is often a rigged proposition. Mental introspection rarely validates and affirms that we are who we hope to be. In the final chapter of the book, Paul encourages us to "test ourselves" and discover the genuine nature of our faith. In a world that relies on feelings, Paul says when our faith rests on the truth of the crucifixion, we find great confidence.

Paul has done miracles among them. Paul has refused to take money from them. Paul has gladly suffered and served them. All of these things Paul has done for their good, hopeful that when he arrives, he finds spiritual strength and godliness - which begs the question, how would you respond to an apostle?

No one likes to be weak, insufficient, or unable. Our culture prizes strength and accomplishment. How do these values translate to our spiritual lives? Paul shows that his weakness is the reason for boasting precisely because it demonstrates God's power to work through the weak. More than this, it's only weakness that invites God's grace to strengthen and sustain us.

Proving that "success" looks far different than we might expect for an apostle's ministry, Paul "boasts" of his credentials. Remarkably sarcastic, Paul gives examples of what it costs him to be an apostle, which demonstrates, ultimately, that a true gospel ministry is for the weak, not the strong.

Paul's sincere motivations result in principled sacrifice on the Corinthian's behalf. Fearing that they're falling for the same temptation Eve did, Paul recounts the sacrifices he's made for them. It's his sacrifice and love that prove his motivations are pure. Paul fights to eliminate all opportunity for criticism and all opportunity for comparison with the false apostles who masquerade as God's workmen.

How does Paul deal with criticism while confident in his calling as an apostle? Showing that he understands our desire for recognition and validation, Paul refuses to compare himself to others. Trusting in the certainty of his calling and God-given influence, Paul roots his confident boasting in what God alone has graciously done through him.

We're at war. No matter if we want to admit it, we want to avoid it, or we understand what's at stake, every Christian is in the midst of a spiritual battle. Facing the critics of his ministry in Corinth, Paul shifts his tone from spiritual father to spiritual soldier and shows us that the war we fight is with divine weapons on the battleground of our minds.

In one of the greatest promise passages of the New Testament, Paul shows that God will meet us in our willing cheerful generosity. His promises guarantee to supply all our needs, to provide for his people, and to increase the glory of God. With all of these promises, why wouldn't you give?