Mon, 16 April 2018
April 15: Open Doors and Opposition I Corinthians 16:7-9, 13-14 INTRODUCTION “Take the path of least resistance.” That’s a common piece of wisdom that many of us have used in making decisions. We have a tendency when faced with important choices to make the one which is easiest … the one that requires the least effort … the one that appeals to our personal desires. But be careful because often the door through which God leads us is one which is accompanied by great challenges. CONTEXT Paul is given an invitation to visit his friends in Corinth. He’s wanted in Corinth. He’s been used by God in Corinth. However, he chooses to stay in Ephesus. He chooses to stay in a church that has been riddled with problems and full of challenges. His obedience to God led him through a door that was demanding and difficult. CONTENT
#1 External Challenges Acts 14:19-20, 17:6
#2 Internal Challenges Fear Num 13 Near-sighted Jer 29:10-11
Final Advice on Going through Open Doors vv13-14 Focus — “watch” v13, Heb 12:2 Foundation — “stand firm” v13, I Cor 3:11 Live out of the center of Who You Are — “love” v14, I Jn 4:7
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