In Corinth

Introduction:

· The Diolkos: a road for transporting cargo, other, symbolizing what Corinth was all about

· Paul spent the longest time in Corinth – why? Healthy church? Lovely people? Warm climate?

LET’S LOOK AT THE EXTENT OF GOD’S MISSION, THE OPPOSITION TO GOD’S MISSION, AND THE STRENGTH FOR GOD’S MISSION.

I) The Extent of God’s Mission

A. The Pivot Point: God Extends His Mission to the Nations

i. Cosmopolitan Corinth: the Scattered Nations find a Home (vv. 1-2)

1. Corinth (750k, compared to 75k in Athens) a city of nations

2. Persecution (49 AD) is scattering believers like a snow globe (vs. 2)

ii. God’s Plan All Along: The Jews’ Loss is the Gentiles’ Gain (vv. 4-6)

1. After the Synagogue plan fails, Paul turns to the nations (vv. 4, 6)

2. God’s plan: One man, one family, one nationànations

3. APPLICATION: How will YOU share God’s mission to the nations?

B. “In the City”: God’s Desire to Save the Lost

i. God’s Presence in the Marketplace

1. As a tentmaker, Paul participates in the marketplace (vs. 2-3)

2. Many of us have an opportunity to use our place in the marketplace to advance God’s kingdom

ii. God’s Heart for the Lost (vv. 9-11)

1. Going Next door: Paul reaches the Gentiles (probably got discouraged)

2. Jesus sees this pagan, lost, rebellious city, and has compassion! (vs. 11)

3. APPLICATION: When you look at Salem, do you share this viewpoint?

MAYBE THAT ALSO HELPS US UNDERSTAND WHY THIS WORK CAN BE SO DIFFICULT.

II) The Opposition to God’s Mission

A. Messengers of Weakness: How Obedience Exhausts Us

i. Paul Arrives in “weakness” (1 Cor. 2:3)

1 Corinthians 2:3 ESV

And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling,

1. Philippi, Thessaloniki, Berea, Athens: Laughed at, tortured, imprisoned…

2. And remember: This was all in the path of seeking God’s leading!

ii. Sometimes walking the road of obedience…seems to make no sense!

1. Have you ever prayed for God for direction & life gets worse as you obey?

2. EXAMPLE: Taking a stand that is clear…then you lose a friendship etc.

B. The Resistance To God’s Message: How The World Undermines God’s Mission

i. Jewish Resistance to the Gospel Continues (vs. 6)

1. The Jewish Synagogue reviles the message that Christ is the Messiah!

2. How do you keep preaching a message when all you hear is ridicule?

ii. Secular Resistance to the Gospel Continues (or does it?) (vv.12-13)

1. Things get worse: The Jews use secular courts against the Christians

2. APPLICATION: Jack and the cake shop in Colorado

Transition:

III) The Strength for God’s Mission

A. God’s Message for His Messengers (vv. 9-11)

i. Do not be afraid, Do not be Silent: God is With us!

1. God urges Paul, and us: Don’t stop speaking about Jesus! (vs. 9)

2. Jesus’ promise to his disciples, is also for us: “I’m with you.” (vs. 10)

3. “Do Not Fear” is constantly reminding us we don’t need to worry what others think, what to say, how to say it, whether they believe it…

ii. No one will attack to Harm (vs.10)

1. The second thing is assurance that no one will attack to harm

2. BUT: Lots of people who have been attacked:

a. Paul, the next verse!

b. But Paul is not attacked to harm!

3. AND, Lots have been Harmed:

a. David Livingstone

b. Jim Elliott & his four

B. God’s Plan for His Message

i. God Brings Foolish Attacks to Nothing (vv. 14-17)

1. God uses a secular court to rebuke the Jews, and protect Paul

2.

ii. God Accomplishes His Will

1. God will redeem his elect, until every nation trib,e tongue, people, language stands before God

2. The very gates of hell itself will never prevail against the church

Transition:

Conclusion

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