When the Work Feels Too Hard: Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon explores Acts 18:1-17, focusing on Paul's ministry in Corinth when he was feeling weak, fearful, and worn down from repeated persecution. Despite experiencing success in ministry - with many Corinthians believing and being baptized - Paul was afraid because he knew that gospel success often led to more suffering and persecution. In this moment of weakness, God appeared to Paul in a vision with encouraging words. The sermon examines how God cares for His discouraged servants through three key elements: a gentle rebuke ("do not be afraid"), a strong mandate ("keep speaking and do not be silent"), and sovereign promises (His presence, protection, and fruitful ministry). The message emphasizes that God doesn't abandon His servants when they feel weak and fearful, but instead draws near to strengthen and encourage them to continue in faithful ministry.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together to study Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit's leading and to see how Your truth applies to our lives. Just as You encouraged Paul in his weakness and fear, we pray that You would speak to each of us in our own areas of need. Give us courage to be honest about our struggles and faith to trust in Your promises. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's one thing that requires courage for you to do, but once you do it, you usually feel glad that you did?
Key Verses
Acts 18:9-10
1 Corinthians 2:3-4
2 Corinthians 12:9
Joshua 1:9
Matthew 28:19-20
Questions
Paul was experiencing success in Corinth with many believing and being baptized, yet he was still afraid. Why do you think success in ministry can sometimes lead to fear rather than confidence?
The sermon mentions that Paul was 'in weakness and in fear and much trembling' when he was in Corinth. How does this human picture of Paul encourage or challenge you in your own faith journey?
God told Paul 'do not be afraid' as a gentle rebuke rather than harsh correction. How have you experienced God's gentle correction in your own life, and how did it affect you?
The Lord commanded Paul to 'go on speaking and do not be silent.' What are some reasons Christians today might be tempted to stay silent about their faith? What fears hold us back?
The sermon states that 'weakness is the secret strength of God's most effective servants.' How does this truth challenge our culture's emphasis on strength and self-sufficiency?
God promised Paul 'I have many in this city who are my people.' How does believing that God has prepared hearts in our community change how we approach evangelism and outreach?
Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and six months - longer than anywhere else. What role do you think God's promises played in Paul's decision to stay? How do God's promises affect our perseverance?
The sermon compares ministry to a quarterback taking hit after hit. What 'hits' do Christians face today when trying to live faithfully, and how can we encourage one another to keep going?
Life Application
This week, identify one specific way you can 'keep speaking and not be silent' about your faith. This could be sharing your testimony with a friend, inviting someone to church, or simply being more open about your relationship with Jesus in everyday conversations. Remember that God's power is made perfect in weakness, so don't wait until you feel strong or eloquent - step out in faith this week and trust God to work through you.
Key Takeaways
God doesn't abandon His servants when they feel weak and fearful - He draws near to comfort and strengthen them
Success in ministry often brings increased opposition and suffering, which can lead to fear even in faithful servants God's gentle rebuke 'do not be afraid' reminds us that His perfect love casts out fear
We are called to keep speaking about Jesus even when we feel inadequate, because God's power is made perfect in weakness
God's sovereign promises include His presence ('I am with you'), His protection (according to His will), and fruitful ministry ('I have many people in this city')
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us through Paul's example that even Your most faithful servants experience weakness and fear. We're grateful that You don't leave us in those dark moments but come near with Your comfort and strength. Help us to remember that when we feel weak and inadequate, that's often when You want to use us most powerfully. Give us courage to keep speaking about You and not remain silent, trusting that You have prepared hearts to receive the Gospel. May we cling to Your promises of presence, protection, and fruitful ministry as we serve You faithfully. In Jesus' name, Amen.