Discouragement on the Way

Introduction

Today, we catch up with our brother Paul as he heads to the city of Corinth. (show map; 2nd missionary journey)

Today we he comes to Corinth.

“In Roman times, the city was notorious as a place of wealth and indulgence.” As one Bible dictionary puts it... “To live as a Corinthian” meant to live in luxury and immorality.” Moisés Silva and Merrill Chapin Tenney, The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, A-C (Grand Rapids, MI: The Zondervan Corporation, 2009), 1009.

Corinth was a playground for the elites; and vacation spot; a city of commerce and trade; and the Captial of the Roman region of Achaia. A place infamous for its pleasure seeking. It was the Las Vegas if its day. It was a place where Paul did what he always did when coming to a new town...take the gospel to the Jews first and then the gentiles.

But in today’s scripture...we find Paul...finally fed up with the lack of response from the Jews. Acts 18:5-6

Acts 18:5–6 ESV

When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Acts 18:5–6 MSG

When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was able to give all his time to preaching and teaching, doing everything he could to persuade the Jews that Jesus was in fact God’s Messiah. But no such luck. All they did was argue contentiously and contradict him at every turn. Totally exasperated, Paul had finally had it with them and gave it up as a bad job. “Have it your way, then,” he said. “You’ve made your bed; now lie in it. From now on I’m spending my time with the other nations.”

Human Response

Now I don’t know about you...but I’ve had jobs in my life that have made me say “Ah to heck with it!!” “I don’t care anymore.” Have you ever been there? When the frustrations of your day-to-day job...the monotonygets to be too much....that you just can’t take it anymore?

That’s not only in our jobs...but in our relationship...our chores around the house...and yes...even our service for the Lord. Paul was literally called out by Jesus on the road to Damascus back in Acts 9...this was his calling by God and he was filled with the Holy Spirit!!! You mean to tell me that even he got frustrated and ready to give up on an entire population of people? YEP!

And he’s not alone...this is such a human response to frustration...I’m grateful the Holy Spirit inspired the authors of the Bible to include times like this in the lives of great men of women. It makes the people in scripture much more relatable to you and me.

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In Greek mythology there is a character known as Sisyphus. Sisyphus is a figure in Greek mythology known as: “the cunning king of Corinth”; who was punished by the gods for his deceitfulness. Does anyone know what his punishment was? it was this...(show Kahty’s video gif)

His eternal punishment involves rolling a boulder up a hill, only for it to roll back down each time he nears the top, symbolizing futile and endless labor. Ever felt like poor sisyphus?

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We can all feel this way at times...when we get discouraged.

In Acts 16 Paul and Silas are in jail, praying and singing hymns to God...praise God in the storm.

In Acts 18? Paul feels like the mythical Sisyphus...he says “what’s the use, the Jews will never receive the gospel.”

There are people today that I say to myself, how can they ever possibly receive the gospel if this is the worldview? What’s the use? Paul felt that way. He had had enough.

Are you Discouraged today?

What about you today? Are you in the middle of discouragement? Are you questioning why or simply ready to give up?

If so...the Lord has a word for you today from our passage. Paul’s fed up and he retreats to a safe place...a gentile’s house. Acts 18:7-11

Acts 18:7–11 ESV

And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.

...and then...v.9

Acts 18:7–11 ESV

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Closing

When the Lord encourages us at our momenst of discouragement...we feel revitalized. Paul stayed there another year and half. Do you think he spoke to the Jews during that time? Yes. The Lord not only provided Paul with the consolation that many people did repent, believe, and were baptized, but the Lord himself came to Paul one night in a vision. Now I’ve never had a vision...but many in the Bible did. Maybe you have. It’s different from a dream...it’s a vivid and specific encounter with God that carries direct and specific instructions. In this case...The Lord Jesus...himself...came to Paul’s aide...and told him to... suck it up? No. (gentle)

Not to suck it up, but to take heart. The Lord encouraged Paul at the height of his frustration at the lack of response to the gospel by the Jews. He tells him to keep speaking...keep sharing the gospel...keep going in what God has given him to do; even when it is frustrating. It’s the same for me and you.

Are you discouraged today? The psalmist states clearly in Psalm 34:18

Psalm 34:18 ESV

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

In Romans 15 Paul calls God the God of endurance and encouragement.

God will see you through your moments of frustration...God can make a way where there seems to be no way. Seek the Lord...ask for the Lord to guide you and encourage you...continue in the ministry He has called you to...and wait on the Lord. He is always faithful.

Thanks be to God...AMEN.