2013 Acts #29: an exposition of Acts 18:1-17. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, January 5, 2014.
Intro:
Do you ever get tired of doing the “right” thing? Do you ever find yourself wondering if it is worth it? During a time of reflection, have you ever tried to assess the value of your service to see if it is worth the time, the energy and the effort you give to it? It seems we are pulled in so many different directions anymore. There is always a “good cause” to give to. There is always a group needing a little volunteer support. The little league has to have volunteers to provide opportunities to your children. Schools need parental support for outings and school activities. There is always a neighbor or coworker who could use some help. Many have families that are in constant need. Then of course there is the church. Sunday School workers, nursery, Vacation Bible School, youth, senior adults who need help getting to the doctor or who need some help around the house. Then there is your responsibility to share the Gospel, live a consistent Christian witness, give yourself to prayer and Bible study so that you grow in your knowledge of the God. My question is – “Do you ever get discourage in all of that?” No? Do you lie about other things too?
I’m sure there are those “super saints” who never grow weary but for us mere mortals the task is often overwhelming. At other times we look at what we’ve done and we can see no visible sign that our labors have accomplished anything and we become disheartened. The natural tendency of our fallen nature is to look inward and to become self-absorbed and self-obsessed. And yet we are called to faithfulness. How do we do it? How do we remain faithful and consistent in the midst of disappointment? For some answers we turn to the 18th chapter of the book of Acts.
Text: Acts 18:1-17
In our text Dr. Luke tells us about Paul’s ministry in the city of Corinth. This is the first extended period of ministry on Paul’s journeys. Up to this point he is something of a “gadfly” moving here and there lighting for brief periods. But here he settles into a ministry of some 18 months. And I might add, this is a very unusual place for such an extended period!
Corinth is located on a narrow strip of land that served as a bridge from east to west.
Corinth was a major port city.
Goods would be unloaded on one side taken across Corinth and loaded on ships on the other side enabling merchandise to be shipped from the Orient to Europe without traveling around the southern edge of Greece.
Corinth’s population during NT times is estimated at 200,000 (20 times that of Athens!).
The population was made up of Greeks, freedmen from Italy, Roman army veterans, businessmen and government officials and people from the Orient. There was also a large Jewish population.
James Boice suggests there are three words to describe ancient Corinth:
- Cosmopolitan – Corinth boasted a mixed and diverse group of people. Due to its importance as a port city, people from all over the world lived in Corinth. Sailors from all over the world often spent extensive periods in the city. Corinth was known for its architectural beauty – we still talk about the Corinthian column.
- Commercial – being the main trade route east and west, as well as, north and south Corinth became the center of trade for that region of the world.
- Corrupt – Corinth was a vile place. In fact Corinth was legendary for its corruption. In the ancient world if you wanted to speak of someone’s sexual immorality, you would speak of their “corinthianizing”. Corinth boasted the temple of Aphrodite, goddess of love. The temple employed over 10,000 temple prostitutes.
And yet it is to this crowded, immoral, pagan city Paul came preaching the Gospel. It is amazing to consider Paul’s coming given the reputation of the city – or maybe that is the reason for his coming! Last time we said, corruption and perversion burdens and emboldens Gospel ministry – here is a prime example.
As we walk through this passage there are three facts about ministry that I want to call to your attention. Three things we must keep in mind if we are to remain faithful to the task.
- Ministry if often discouraging.
- In the midst of our frustration God graciously provides encouragement.
- Ultimately, the believer’s faithfulness is tied to confidence in God’s abiding presence and activity. (18:9-10)