Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 27, 2022
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 17-18. These chapters cover the final leg of Paul’s second missionary journey. He travels to Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus. This message focuses on Paul’s evangelistic strategies in these cities, and how God encouraged Paul to stay faithful through difficult times.
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At the beginning of Acts 17, Luke tells us that Paul spent 3 Sabbaths in a row at the synagogue in Thessalonica having conversations with the Jews. However, it was not the only work Paul did while in Thessalonica. According to 1 Thessalonians 2:9, Paul worked day and night. Paul’s only evangelism was not just in the synagogue but also at work. Do the people you work with see Jesus because of you? Not that you are perfect, but that you are different, your language, the conversations you join, your character, and your actions. Spend some time asking the Holy Spirit to reveal ways you can be a light for His Kingdom at your workplace.
Are there ways you currently live, trusting in things and people of this world to be your provider, or are you living as God is sovereign and in control of all things?
When you have conversations with people about Jesus and the gospel, do you share from your experiences or scripture as the basis? We see a contrast between the way Paul evangelized in Thessalonica and then in Athens. What can we learn from him in how we share Jesus?
In Acts 17:16 Luke tells us that Paul was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw in the city of Athens. Do you see idols in our modern society? Does this trouble you?
If we genuinely treasure Jesus above all things, our heart's desire is to share Him with the world around us. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if there is anything you adore more than Jesus. And if there is, will you repent and lay it at the feet of Jesus?
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Paul shares he was with the people in Corinth “in weakness and in fear”. Going back to Acts 18, what is the first thing Luke tells us about Paul when he enters Corinth? God used a new friendship to comfort Paul. Paul didn’t run to isolation in his weakness and fear. What can we learn from Paul’s faithful obedience?
Paul was opposed and reviled in the city of Corinth. Although Paul’s response was to shake out his garments and move on, what happened in Acts 18:7-11? Reflecting on this scripture, if you are reviled and opposed, is your reaction to continue to speak the name of Jesus? That is indeed what Paul did, and we see God then came to him one night in a vision.
Spend time this week prayerfully reading 1& 2 Thessalonians, Colossians 3, and Hebrews 11. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what He has for you in His Word.