Faith Promise - Vision Week Day 04
Day 04 - Thursday, November 23
Read Acts 18:1-11
Highlight
Paul describes his own arrival to Corinth in 1 Corinthians 2:3 as him coming “in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.” This missionary journey that Paul has been on has not gone at all as he originally expected. He has met fierce opposition and been forced to leave converts in previous cities earlier than he wanted. Taking Paul’s own words from 1 Corinthians, it’s safe to say that Paul was feeling dejected, frustrated, maybe even depressed. And who does Paul immediately meet up with? Aquila and Priscilla, two ethnically Jewish Christians who had been thrown out of their homes in Rome because of unrest in the city blamed on Jews. This doesn’t read like the start of the formation of a dream team.
Yet they were faithful, and God brought comfort, encouragement, and ultimately fruit! It would be understandable for Paul to wonder if the same thing that had happened in the last couple of cities was about to happen again - would there be some conversions followed by major unrest and suffering? Would he have to leave this city before he wanted to? Surely Paul was anxious, which is why in verses 9-10, the Lord visits Paul and soothes his fears. Paul is no coward, but wounds pile up and so does fatigue on even the strongest of us. Jesus knows this, and he assures Paul of his presence, his protection, and his power to lead people to salvation. This is one of several times that God brings comfort to Paul through a vision (Acts 23 + 27 as examples), helping to strengthen Paul in times of weakness and need.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Acts 18:1-11
Highlight
Paul describes his own arrival to Corinth in 1 Corinthians 2:3 as him coming “in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.” This missionary journey that Paul has been on has not gone at all as he originally expected. He has met fierce opposition and been forced to leave converts in previous cities earlier than he wanted. Taking Paul’s own words from 1 Corinthians, it’s safe to say that Paul was feeling dejected, frustrated, maybe even depressed. And who does Paul immediately meet up with? Aquila and Priscilla, two ethnically Jewish Christians who had been thrown out of their homes in Rome because of unrest in the city blamed on Jews. This doesn’t read like the start of the formation of a dream team.
Yet they were faithful, and God brought comfort, encouragement, and ultimately fruit! It would be understandable for Paul to wonder if the same thing that had happened in the last couple of cities was about to happen again - would there be some conversions followed by major unrest and suffering? Would he have to leave this city before he wanted to? Surely Paul was anxious, which is why in verses 9-10, the Lord visits Paul and soothes his fears. Paul is no coward, but wounds pile up and so does fatigue on even the strongest of us. Jesus knows this, and he assures Paul of his presence, his protection, and his power to lead people to salvation. This is one of several times that God brings comfort to Paul through a vision (Acts 23 + 27 as examples), helping to strengthen Paul in times of weakness and need.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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