INTRODUCTION
This week, we study Paul’s ministry to the people of Corinth in Acts 18:1-17. After his conversion in Acts 9, God aligned Paul to His purposes for him, and Paul received his assignment to preach the gospel. Single-minded in his mission, Paul provides an excellent model of an aligned believer fulfilling his assignment.
Clearly, though, being aligned and assigned did not mean that life was easy for him. In Corinth, Paul had to adapt and adjust to the various settings and audiences to whom he preached. We do not get to choose our assignments, and while we do what is needed, we will at times experience doubt, fear or discouragement. In Acts 18:9-10, we see a beautiful picture of the way God encourages perseverance in our assignment. Speaking words of affirmation, God met Paul where he was, when he most needed encouragement.
May He find you at your lowest point too, as you focus on doing His work.
DISCUSSION
a. What are the various settings in which Paul ministered? How did he adapt and adjust to the different settings?
i. What settings are there in your everyday experience? Which do you find most challenging to be on assignment? Why?
ii. How would you need to adapt and adjust to stay on assignment to this challenging setting? What would you sacrifice for the sake of the gospel?
b. Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. To which groups of people did Paul preach? How did he adapt and adjust to them?
i. To which groups of people are you assigned? Which group of people do you find most challenging to be on assignment? Why?
ii. What might you need to adjust and adapt to stay on assignment with this challenging group of people? What barriers have you set up that may hinder people from hearing you when you share the gospel? And how might you lower them?
a. How did God encourage Paul to persevere? What promise did God give Paul that would embolden him in his assignment?
i. What promise do you have to hold onto on your assignment?
b. Imagine how Paul might have felt to hear that God was with him and that God had many people in the city. How does it comfort you to know that you are not the only believer and we have the gift of community?
i. Can you share an experience of God comforting you when you were discouraged?
ii. How might we comfort each other, in light of our assignments, today?
WHAT Would YOU DO
Take a moment to take stock of your kingdom assignment.
MEMORY VERSE
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
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