Who Do You Travel With?
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction
Introduction
Renewed interest in War Movies.
I believe this is because we identify with them.
All are in a battle.
Some physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
Paul certainly understood this. Struggles wherever he went!
But, Paul never gave up. He persevered.
What was the key to Paul’s perseverance in the faith?
The Bible gives us direction for strength.
Paul Emphasized Edification
Paul Emphasized Edification
All the hardships in Ephesus. And if anyone would have a reason to complain, it would be Paul.
But, instead of complaining he encouraged.
Edification = to build up.
We live in a culture driven by negativity. American culture observations.
However, our own desires are to travel with people who build us up!
Most of us just are not that good at it. Jennifer on vacation.
How can I be more positive?
How can I point people to Jesus?
Paul Featured Flexibility
Paul Featured Flexibility
Sometimes he hurried from city to city, other times he slowed down.
Three months in Acacia. Allowed for time to write Romans!
But he knew he (PAUL) wanted to get back to Jerusalem before the feast of unleavened bread, but God had other plans.
He heard of a plot: life and money (the offering he was raising up for Jerusalem).
Planned to head east to Syria, but instead he headed north to Philippi.
Paul’s 3rd Journey
Not Paul’s plan, but what God intended for Paul to do.
God will act through difficulties.
The best coaches make half-time adjustments. Not just stick to the plan.
Keep listening!
Paul Craved Community
Paul Craved Community
Loneliness is one of the most dangerous feelings for people.
And for Christians! Those who have the least enjoyable experience in church are the least connected.
It would have been easy to just send everyone away and travel alone and rest.
The key to perseverance is fellowship.
Paul knew he had to travel, so he sought to redeem the time. Not wasted on the water or in cities waiting.
This community he built, these guys he traveled with, were later launched into their own ministries.
You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,
Connect with other believers.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Be careful who your travel companions are.
Me and Captain on the beach. Had a mind of his own.
Had very little concern for what I wanted him to do or where I wanted him to go.
The best trained horses feel the reigns across the neck and immediately turn.
Connection between a rider and a horse, in sync. Because of time!
God gave the church to foster community.
If Paul needed people, so do I.
Life is difficult. Following Jesus is difficult.
But God gave us the gift of one another to encourage and strengthen one another.