Flannelgraph Faith: The Power of Purpose

2018-07-29

Pastor Jonathan Falwell Key Verses: Acts 18:9-10 9

Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; ¹⁰ for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”

1. Reputation Matters Acts 18:1-3

After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. ² And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. ³ So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.

– Priscilla and Aquila were Jewish Christians thrown out of Rome

– Paul sought them out because of their trade, but they became key workers in the ministry

– He talked about them in Acts 19 and Romans 16 (“all of the churches are grateful for them”)

– Your reputation as a Christian, both within the church and without, are vital if you are going to fulfill God’s purpose for your life

2. Solidarity Matters Acts 18:6-11

But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” ⁷ And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. ⁸ Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. ⁹ Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; ¹⁰ for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” ¹¹ And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

– The Jews came against Paul for his teaching

– In verse 6, he “gave up” on them

– Justus, Crispus, Aquila, Priscilla and others stood with him

– God told him “DON’T QUIT I WILL BE WITH YOU”

– Today, I believe many Christians are silent because they feel they are alone

3. Commitment Matters Acts 18:18-21

So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. ¹⁹ And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. ²⁰ When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, ²¹ but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.

– Priscilla and Aquila left Corinth and sailed to Ephesus with Paul

– They had served with him in Corinth but now they commitment to Christ led them to GO!

– They helped plant churches in Ephesus

– They were passionate about carrying on the work of the Gospel and even stayed in Ephesus as Paul traveled on

4. Growth Matters Acts 18:24-28

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. ²⁵ This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. ²⁶ So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. ²⁷ And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; ²⁸ for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

– Apollos preached the Gospel powerfully but needed to grow in his understanding

– Priscilla and Aquila came alongside and discipled him in the truth of the Gospel

– What a great lesson for all of us! We must all continue to grow in our understanding of the Word and the Way

Priscilla and Aquila were largely unknown when they connected with Paul. Yet through their commitment to Christ and willingness to do what He called them to do, God used them to impact many cities for Christ.

This all happened because they knew and understood that it was the Gospel of Jesus Christ that brought hope for the world. Jesus is the only way.