Overcoming Discouragement: God's Promise to Paul in Corinth

Hello there! It is so good to study with you today. 📖 Since today is Wednesday, July 1st, we are diving into a very encouraging part of Paul's journey titled "Many in This City". Let's look at how God sustains us when we feel overwhelmed by our mission. 🙏

Wednesday: “Many in This City”

Today’s study focuses on a pivotal moment in Corinth when Paul was facing intense hostility and personal discouragement Acts 18:6AA 249.1.

Paul’s Personal Struggle

Even though Paul was a powerful apostle, he arrived in Corinth in a state of "weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling" 1 Corinthians 2:3AA 249.1. The wickedness he witnessed in the city and the constant insults from his opponents caused him great anguish of spiritAA 249.1+1. He even reached a point where he doubted if it was wise to try and build a church from such difficult material and began planning to leave for a more promising fieldAA 249.1+1.

The Turning Point: A Divine Vision

Just as Paul was contemplating his departure, the Lord appeared to him in a vision at night to give him the courage he needed Acts 18:9LP 107.1. The Lord commanded him, "Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee" Acts 18:9-10AA 249.1. This was a direct guarantee from Jesus that Paul would be protected and that his work would be successfulTT 133.2+1. 😇

The Harvest in the City

The reason Jesus told Paul to stay was profound: "for I have much people in this city" Acts 18:10AA 249.1. Even in a city famous for its immorality, God saw thousands of souls who were ready to respond to the gospel with the proper teachingMTC 30.4+1. We see the fruit of this promise when Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with his entire household Acts 18:8AA 249.1.

Key Takeaways for Your Life Today:

• God’s Word is Powerful: We are reminded that God’s word never returns to Him empty but always accomplishes His purpose Isaiah 55:11AA 249.1.

• You Are Not Alone: When you feel afraid or dismayed, you can claim the promise of Isaiah 41:10 knowing that God is with you to strengthen and uphold you with His righteous hand Isaiah 41:10Ed 115.4.

• Persist in Your Mission: Because of God's encouragement, Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and six months, and a large church was established Acts 18:11LP 107.1. ⛪️

Is there a specific challenge in your "city" or community today where you need to hear God saying, "Be not afraid"? I am here to help you dive deeper into any of these points! 😇🙏