Acts 18:9-17 - Go with Confidence in God this Year.
God encourages and strengthens us at just the right time. We need Jesus’ encouragement for the year that lies before us. God himself watches over your life and keeps you from all harm (Psalm 121). God’s love is unfailing (Psalm 119:64).
At this time of the year (New Year’s Eve), we have no idea what the year ahead will bring. We may think we do, but we don’t. Think about Christmas 2019 - who would have imagined the last three years? Crazy stuff. Yet this year, I am optimistic. God willing, the Church will see revival in the year ahead. I’m confident God will give us opportunities to share His Grace, make amazing friends, work hard, and have successful ventures. We can learn from Paul’s example in Corinth. Paul went into challenging settings and did the hard work. He led by example. Paul preached that Jesus was the Messiah and made it clear that the responsibility to accept or reject Jesus is on those who hear the Gospel (18:6). Paul explains that he was innocent of the eternal judgment of those that rejected God’s message. May we be able to say the same thing. May we not shirk our duty. May we be honest and faithful this year in the opportunities God gives us. May we not miss opportunities to work and share and serve.
No matter your situation at the end of this tumultuous year, I hope you find incredible encouragement from Acts 18. It shows us how much Jesus is for us. He knows what we’ve gone through. He knows what’s ahead. We may be demoralized by recent setbacks, but we must push on. As Paul did. Paul had tremendous success in Corinth (18:7-8). Many heard the Gospel, believed, and were baptized. With Jesus watching over us, we will succeed. That’s my prayer for this year. That we, the Church, take up the call that Jesus gives us to win souls for Christ. May we truly love God and not the things of this world. And may we not burden Christ, but instead, please Him. Lord Jesus, please revive this nation for You. May men and women find new life in you and freedom from all the burdens of sin. May that revival start with us.
Notice in the Bible the importance of making good friends. Paul started in Corinth with nothing but trust in God; in other words, everything. But he soon made critical friendships with people who suffered persecution and hardship. We don’t know much about Aquila, but we know he was starting anew, having been forced out of Italy. Maybe you are starting something new this year. Trust that Jesus is with you and that it is the beginning of something great. It is.
We see Paul and his new friends working hard as tentmakers. It’s hard to picture them all working together, but we know they were Holy Spirit-filled. Holy Spirit-filled people are energetic, strong, and hard-working. They care for their families and for those in need. And their ventures are profitable (Proverbs 31). May that be how we are characterized this year.
And like the Acts Church Christians that we see in this passage, may we be serious about hospitality this year. Invite people into your home for rich fellowship and friendship. Paul made critical friendships in Corinth. He mentored Aquila, Priscilla, Titius Justus, and Crispus. Friendship is critical. Evangelism is teamwork, and teamwork requires solid relationships and friendships.
We see a much different cycle in the Bible than what the world preaches today. Today the world preaches ever-increasing happiness and a march toward History - whatever that means. The world teaches that we should save and then enjoy a boring retirement sipping shandies with barns full of grain. That’s not a biblical message. Yes, we need to be good stewards. And yes, as Wesley preached, we must make, save, and give as much as possible. But the Bible says that we fight to the finish. We train spiritually and physically. And we do not quit. There are cycles of adversity, challenge, suffering, success, and continued challenge. And joy, and friendship, and deep relationships, and goodness, and richness in Christ. Make an effort to be a great friend this year. Be interested. Call people. Take the initiative. Buy them lunch. And a glass of wine. Study together. Work together. Serve together. Confess your sins to each other. And encourage each other through whatever the year brings.
And sadly, but honestly, opposition and heartache are part of the reality of life. They’ll be part of the year before us. We see that in this story. Despite the evangelistic success, Paul also had significant opposition. Sosthenes and others wanted Paul gone, dead. Yet, just as Paul was about to face a massive storm, Jesus spoke to Paul in a vision (v. 9). Jesus encouraged and emboldened Paul not to be afraid. To speak out. To not be silent! For Jesus was with Paul and would not let anyone harm him. Jesus clarified that he had many believers in Corinth and that Paul was to soldier on. God willing, that’s the message for you today and for me. Do not be afraid. Speak out. Do not be silent!
Despite the tumult and uncertainty, God always has his men and women. He will bring together precisely who we need to help us this year. That’s what happened here for Paul when he was accused of breaking the law. Without needing to speak a word in his defense, God showed up and brought a tremendous victory through the governor, Gallio (v. 14). The same will happen for God’s people this year. Incredible success, revival, unlikely allies, and deliverance against formidable odds and wicked opposition.
I am in awe of God. I am not worthy of being his child. And yet I know He loves me completely. And you as well! I am so thankful to be a child of God.
Oh Lord, let me represent you well this year. Please give us many opportunities to share your love and to work hard for you. With enthusiasm, concern, and passion for those you direct us to. Amen.
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