The Power Of Perseverence Persistence And Progress - Member

THE POWER OF PERSEVERENCE, PERSISTENCE AND PROGRESS

THE POWER PROGRESS

OF

PERSEVERANCE, PERSISTENCE

YOUNG ADULT CELLS JULY 2006

AND

I. Introduction In Acts 18, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. You will recall that prior to this, Paul was attacked by a mob at Philippi, where he was beaten with rods, flogged severely and thrown into prison. He was also attacked in Thessalonica and ridiculed in Athens. This is perhaps one of Paul’s lowest points in life. There were not much success from all his evangelistic efforts, only scar marks, difficulties and discouragements. Yet, a greater challenge awaits him in Corinth. You will learn that despite these challenges, Paul was able to establish the church at Corinth against the problems faced within and without. How did Paul turn around from his discouragements and problems and breakthrough in the spiritual realm to plant the church in such a corrupt society like Corinth?

Member’s Notes

Objective: At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

1.

2.

Discover 3 keys and apply them in your life as to how you can have an effective and enduring ministry and Christian walk. Take practical steps to help others in being effective and enduring in their ministry and Christian walk.

Paul’s discouragement came mainly from 3 factors: overwhelming load of work at Corinth, little results/ success from his work, lonely service in his work. Were there times in your ministry where you identified with Paul? How have you responded to God in those times?

II. Keys to an Effective and Enduring Ministry/ Christian Walk There are many things in life that can keep us from being effective and enduring our ministry/ Christian walk. Stress, discouragement and difficulties can cause us to give up. In Acts 18:1-11, you will discover 3 keys that helped Paul to be effective and enduring in his ministry/ Christian walk.

A)

Partnership of Friends Read Acts 18:1-5a From this passage, in what ways do you think the 4 people mentioned were of a great encouragement and support to Paul?

What is the implication for your life? Discuss.

Who are the people in your life who had encouraged you just as they did to Paul? Share.

Who are some people whom you can be an encouragement to?

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 18:1-5

Member’s Notes Page 1 of 2

THE POWER OF PERSEVERENCE, PERSISTENCE AND PROGRESS

B)

YOUNG ADULT CELLS JULY 2006

Persistency of Purpose Read Acts 18:5b-8. Read also Acts 9:15-16, 1 Cor 9:24-27. In what ways do you see that Paul was persistent in his purpose?

Why do you think Paul could be so persistent despite the opposition he faced, remembering that he was experiencing one of the lowest points in his ministry?

What were some things that helped you to persist in your purpose during the challenging times in your ministry/ Christian walk?

What does it take to stop you from persisting in God’s purposes for you?

When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles. Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized. Acts 18:5b-8

How do you think God would want you to deal with each of these issues (if any)?

C)

Promises of God Read Acts 18:9-11 Why do you think this vision was necessary for Paul?

What assurance(s) did God give to Paul?

Are you in need of an assurance or a fresh vision from God now?

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city. So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God. Acts 18:9-11

IV. Conclusion Pray for one another in the cell if anyone is lacking these 3 keys and is going through a challenging time right now. Think of some people in the ministry whom you know are going through a difficult time right now. Write down some steps to encourage them in this week and pray for them right now. 0.5

Member’s Notes Page 2 of 2