Verses 1-4
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Paul was faithful to work, to make his own money, and he found time to preach the gospel.
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Understand that you are able to work a full-time job and win souls. Paul did it. You can too!
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Verses 5-6
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Verse 5. The Holy Spirit can compel or move you to speak to people.
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But remember that this does not mean that they will respond positively. No matter how people react, obey what the Spirit moves you to do.
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As a starting point, take action that agrees with the Word.
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Verses 7-11
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Paul took his time in places to preach the gospel thoroughly, to win as many people as he could.
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Be patient, and do not move on from people just because you spoke to them once or twice. Continue to see them, if you can, and keep teaching the Word.
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Verses 9-10. Never be afraid to preach the gospel. It will be comforting, as a believer, if you remember that Christ is always with you, and that God always has people in your region who are helping (1 Kings 19:18). Remember that you are not alone!
Verses 12-17
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Verse 14. Although Paul was wanting to speak in his own defense, this turned out to be unnecessary, as Gallio refused to get involved. He was a governor charged with punishing evil behavior (Romans 13:4), but he knew that Paul had done no moral wrong, so he was not to be under judgment.
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As with Paul, let no one accuse you of violating governing laws (1 Peter 2:13-15). Be a law-abiding citizen, but be accused of preaching the gospel!
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Verses 16-21
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Verse 20. Do not be swayed in your decisions by the preferences of people. Make sure that you live your life planned and according to the Word.
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Verse 21. When you tell someone that you will do something, remember that you depend on the will of God for those plans to succeed. Do not think that you are in control of how all circumstances will unfold.
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Do everything in your power to do what you say; but trust God for the outcome (James 4:13-16).
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Verses 22-23
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Be intentional in greeting believers, and in your time with them, to strengthen them.
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Remember that spending time with believers, to encourage them or be encouraged, is an activity that is always worth your time.
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Believers need to be strengthened as well as unbelievers saved.
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Believers can be strengthened by:
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Being helped in areas where they are weak (Revelation 3:2),
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Being exhorted with words that encourage them to press on (Acts 14:22).
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Verses 24-28
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Although you may be well-spoken and accurate in the Word, there is always the need to become more accurate.
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Always welcome sharpening and correction from other believers.
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- Aquila and Priscilla sharpened Apollos from the motive of making him more effective, not proving him wrong or showcasing their greater understanding out of pride.
- If you're going to correct or teach someone, do it humbly, and see it as a means of making them more effective, not merely rebuking a wrong, or worse, boasting of knowledge.
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Also notice that part of what made Apollos so effective in his teaching was that he was fervent in both his words and his demeanor. He spoke energetically and with conviction.
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Purpose, when you speak about the Word, to not only be accurate, but also to be enthusiastic. Focus on being accurate; and what you do know accurately, preach enthusiastically!
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Verse 27-28. It is a great help to believers to hear accurate teaching from the Word, especially for those who are confused in any area.
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The Jews at this time were likely confusing the new believers with their teaching. But when Apollos came along, he was able to clearly and powerfully explain where the Jews were wrong, and this brought clarity and confidence to the believers.
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Understand that strong teaching will help believers clear up their confusions. Value teaching, and draw upon it more during times when believers are being confused by wrong information.
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