Strength for the journey

Introduction

Paul’s dilemma—his challenges—a conflict with a friend, new ministry in Europe

Intro: When did you last take a trip?

Journey of 6 weeks with friends. What went wrong? Journeys can get complicated.

—Paul and Barnabas beginning planning for second journey.

Where did he find strength for the journey? Where will you find strength for yours?

Three challenges they faced right off the bat. very common

1. Challenge of INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT

John Mark bails on the journey

Paul wants to revisit the new churches. Barnabas wants to take John Mark. Major conflict (37-38). They couldn’t iron it out

“Sharp disagreement”—they break up

They separate and there are two different directions.

Later on there is a mending—col. 4—Paul calls John mark a dear worker.

Feelings of betrayal. Love puts heart at risk. Painful. Happens in churches, non-profit organizations,

SAY: “I’m not alone.”

To love is to put yourself at risk.

Challenge of Repetition

Journey of going back to old places ()

Timothy—spiritually mixed family

verse 2—second missionary journey is really a first follow-up trip. They are

We are a culture that is allergic to boredom. addicted to what is new.

Excitement/Effectiveness—Excitement is something always new; Effectiveness often require going back to old things.

It doesn’t have to be new to be good. A long ministry; parenting;

We need to master the mundane. Rather than looking for new tasks, ask God to strengthen you for old tasks.

Section ends with verse 5—the ministry was growing in numbers. This is the power of repetition

Challenge of Uncertainty

Verse 6—Paul was probably headed to Ephesus. God said no

They did not know what to do. Can be negative education—flunk a class, friend moves. future is uncertain.

Paul has a vision—Macedonian vision

Sometimes a challenge of certainty is followed by a time of uncertainty. They landed in Neapolis which is ten miles from Philippi.

Jeff shares story of his daughter’s daughter who before born was found to have heart issue and Downs Syndrome