THE POWER OF PERSEVERENCE, PERSISTENCE AND PROGRESS YOUNG ADULT CELLS JULY 2006

THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE, PERSISTENCE AND

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PROGRESS
I. Introduction Objective:
At the end of this lesson, you
In Acts 18, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. You will recall that will be able to:
prior to this, Paul was attacked by a mob at Philippi, where he was
1. Discover 3 keys and
beaten with rods, flogged severely and thrown into prison. He was also apply them in your life as
attacked in Thessalonica and ridiculed in Athens. This is perhaps one of to how you can have an
Paul’s lowest points in life. There were not much success from all his effective and enduring
evangelistic efforts, only scar marks, difficulties and discouragements. ministry and Christian
Yet, a greater challenge awaits him in Corinth. You will learn that walk.
despite these challenges, Paul was able to establish the church at 2. Take practical steps to
Corinth against the problems faced within and without. How did Paul help others in being
effective and enduring in
turn around from his discouragements and problems and breakthrough
their ministry and
in the spiritual realm to plant the church in such a corrupt society like Christian walk.
Corinth?

Paul’s discouragement came mainly from 3 factors: overwhelming load

of work at Corinth, little results/ success from his work, lonely service in
his work. Were there times in your ministry where you identified with
Paul? How have you responded to God in those times?

II. Keys to an Effective and Enduring Ministry/

Christian Walk

There are many things in life that can keep us from being effective and
enduring our ministry/ Christian walk. Stress, discouragement and
difficulties can cause us to give up. In Acts 18:1-11, you will discover 3
keys that helped Paul to be effective and enduring in his ministry/
Christian walk.

A) Partnership of Friends
Read Acts 18:1-5a After this, Paul left Athens
and went to Corinth. There he
From this passage, in what ways do you think the 4 people met a Jew named Aquila, a
mentioned were of a great encouragement and support to Paul? native of Pontus, who had
recently come from Italy with
his wife Priscilla, because
Claudius had ordered all the
Jews to leave Rome. Paul
went to see them, and
What is the implication for your life? Discuss. because he was a tentmaker
as they were, he stayed and
worked with them. Every
Sabbath he reasoned in the
synagogue, trying to
Who are the people in your life who had encouraged you just as persuade Jews and Greeks.
When Silas and Timothy came
they did to Paul? Share.
from Macedonia, Paul devoted
himself exclusively to
preaching, testifying to the
Jews that Jesus was the
Christ.
Who are some people whom you can be an encouragement to? Acts 18:1-5

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THE POWER OF PERSEVERENCE, PERSISTENCE AND PROGRESS YOUNG ADULT CELLS JULY 2006

B) Persistency of Purpose
Read Acts 18:5b-8. Read also Acts 9:15-16, 1 Cor 9:24-27.

In what ways do you see that Paul was persistent in his purpose? When Silas and Timothy came
from Macedonia, Paul devoted
himself exclusively to
preaching, testifying to the
Jews that Jesus was the
Christ. But when the Jews
Why do you think Paul could be so persistent despite the opposed Paul and became
opposition he faced, remembering that he was experiencing one abusive, he shook out his
of the lowest points in his ministry? clothes in protest and said to
them, “Your blood be on your
own heads! I am clear of my
responsibility. From now on I
will go to the Gentiles. Then
Paul left the synagogue and
What were some things that helped you to persist in your purpose went next door to the house
during the challenging times in your ministry/ Christian walk? of Titius Justus, a worshiper
of God. Crispus, the
synagogue ruler, and his
entire household believed in
the Lord; and many of the
Corinthians who heard him
What does it take to stop you from persisting in God’s purposes believed and were baptized.
for you? Acts 18:5b-8

How do you think God would want you to deal with each of these
issues (if any)?

C) Promises of God
Read Acts 18:9-11
One night the Lord spoke to
Why do you think this vision was necessary for Paul?
Paul in a vision: “Do not be
afraid; keep on speaking, do
not be silent. For I am with
you, and no one is going to
What assurance(s) did God give to Paul? attack and harm you, because
I have many people in this
city. So Paul stayed for a year
and a half, teaching them the
word of God.
Acts 18:9-11
Are you in need of an assurance or a fresh vision from God now?

IV. Conclusion

Pray for one another in the cell if anyone is lacking these 3 keys and is
going through a challenging time right now.

Think of some people in the ministry whom you know are going through
a difficult time right now. Write down some steps to encourage them in
this week and pray for them right now.
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