Testifying for Jesus - Acts 18:4-11 NIV - Reference - Croft M. Pentz, Sermon Outlines from Acts, Sermon Outline Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1978), 46–47.

Introduction

Have you ever shared the Gospel/”good news”?

If you had to tell someone the good news do you know what you would say...?

Ex. Sharing the Gospel with my friends from UCR - going all of over the place and not making it simpler. I’ve since learned from my mistakes.

Throughout Acts we are seeing the first disciples of Jesus “grow/flex their muscles” in sharing with others who the Messiah and Savior is in Jesus Christ. If our Gospel sharing muscles are weak we need to put them into practice.

Share image of the “presentation of the gospel” from real-life discipleship by Jim Putman.

Fellowship in Christ - Acts 18:1-4

A. Place—Acts 18:1. Corinth. Later, Paul wrote two letters to the Christians in this city.

B. People—Acts 18:2. Some feel these people were already Christians and were serving the Lord.

C. Practice—Acts 18:3. Paul worked as a tentmaker to support himself. Later, he said, “In the same way the Lord has given orders that those who preach the Gospel should be supported by those who accept it”—1 Corinthians 9:14, LB. “… Christian workers should be paid by those they help”—1 Corinthians 9:10. See also Luke 10:7.

D. Preaching—Acts 18:4. Paul ministered to both the Jews and the Greeks. He fulfilled Mark 16:15.

Faithfulness in Christ - Acts 18:5-11

A. Sorrow— Acts 18:5. Paul was “pressed in the spirit.” He preached to the Jews that Christ was the promised Messiah.

B. Stubborn— Acts 18:6. Paul leaves the Jews because they reject his message. He followed Jesus’ words—Matthew 10:14.

C. Salvation— Acts 18:7–8. The Corinthians accepted Paul’s words. They were converted and were baptized. They believed Romans 10:9–10.

D. Speaking— Acts 18:9. The Lord tells Paul not to be afraid to speak God’s Word—See Romans 10:17, Hebrews 4:12.

Application - Faith in Christ - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

A. Simplicity— 1 Corinthians 2:1. Paul advises them not to try to impress, but to make it simple for all to understand. Note these words: “He tells us everything over and over again, a line at a time and in such simple words.”—Isaiah 28:10, LB.

B. Savior—1 Corinthians 2:2. Paul wanted to know one thing: he wanted to know Christ—Philippians 3:10. He had no desire for fame or riches.

C. Shyness—1 Corinthians 2:3. Note Paul’s character: he was weak, fearful and filled with trembling. In himself he was nothing.

D. Speech—1 Corinthians 2:4–5

1. Preaching—1 Corinthians 2:4. There is no need for fancy words, just simplicity with the power of God. Note Philippians 4:13.

2. Power—1 Corinthians 2:5. Have faith in God, not faith in self, experiences or intelligence.

Share image of the “presentation of the gospel” from real-life discipleship by Jim Putman.