Acts 18.1-17 "Do Not Be Afraid, But Speak"

"Do Not Be Afraid, But Speak" -

There are no brave men or women only ordinary people who overcome their fears to do brave and courageous actions. Paul was afraid in Corinth. He was shaken by the idolatry in Athens (). Fear believes man is more powerful than God. The command God gives the most is “Fear not” ().

I. Faithfulness Overcomes Fear -

A. Paul served quietly

1. Tent-making -

2. Paul provided for his own necessities by working with his hands - ;

B. He attended worship weekly -

1. He was compelled by the Spirit to speak -

2. Just like Jeremiah - the fear of God overcomes the fear of men -

C. The opposition was severe -

1. But Jesus opened up another place to teach - the home of Justus

2. Crispus the ruler of the synagogue believed with all his household - compare to .

3. A missionary principle taught by Ralph Winter. seek to convert the authority figure in the tribe or community.

II. The Word of the Lord Overcomes Fear -

A. Personal counseling session from God

1. Do not be afraid but speak

2. We would like to hear God’s voice but God’s Word is better -

B. God has spoken

1. God’s written Word is better than physically hearing God’s Word reverberating in our ears -

2. “I will fear no evil for You are with me” -

III. Patient Obedience Overcomes Fear -

A. Paul taught for a year and a half -

1. The opposition took Paul to civil court

2. He is viewed as a bad citizen -

B. God is my defense -

1. Gallio the city official defended Paul freely -

2. Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, was beaten for instigating this false charge -

3. This Sosthenes became a believer and is in the greeting to the Corinthian church as a helper to Paul -

Speak the truth as you know it in Jesus, as the Lord told Jeremiah, “Do not be afraid of their faces . . .” - “Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you …” -

a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is

in you …” -