ACTS: The Church In Action
dealing with difficulties
Chapter Eighteen

INTRODUCTION: Paul in his second missionary journey encounters increased opportunities as well as increased opposition.  In Lystra (14:8-20) he had been dragged from the city and stoned for preaching.  In Philippi (16:4-40) he had been beaten and thrown into the inner prison for casting out a demon.  In Thessalonica (17:1-9) he was accused of inciting the city to violate the Law for he was teaching grace.  In Athens (17:16-34) he had been ridiculed for his beliefs concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Now in Corinth (18:1-22) alone and facing more intense persecution Paul is battling discouragement and fear.  Here, from chapter eighteen, we learn how to Deal with Difficulties.


The circumstances were difficult
  1. Lack of Friends
  2. Lack of Funds
  3. Lack of Fruit
  4. Last of Favor 
the city was difficult
  1. Corinth was Corrupt
  2. Corinth was Cosmopolitan
  3. Corinth was Commercial

The christ in difficulty
  1. Supernaturally natural Friends
  2. Supernaturally natural Funds
  3. Supernaturally natural Fruit
  4. Supernaturally natural Favor
the prophetic word for warfare
  1. "Do not be afraid..." (vs 9)
  2. "Keep on speaking, do not be silent..." (vs 9)
  3. "I am with you..." (vs 10)
  4. "No one is going to harm or attack you..." (vs 10)
  5. "I have many people in this city." (vs 10)

A pessimist sees only the problems;
An optimist sees only the potential;
But a realist sees the potential in the problems.