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