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

1. What is the assignment God has for you?
   
   
2. Read Acts 18:2-8: We adapt and adjust for God’s assignment.
   
   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?
   
   
3. Read Acts 18:9-10. God assures, accompanies, and affirms our assignment.
   
   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 WILL YOU DO

Take a moment to take stock of your kingdom assignment.  

• What is it that God has called you to do?  
• How has your life been aligned to your assignment? How have you needed to adjust and adapt to the circumstances as you pursue your assignment?
• Are there areas of your life that you need to bring into submission to the Lord? Has God asked you to sacrifice something? 
• How has He encouraged you to persevere, either through His Word, through the community of believers, or in any other way?

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)