World Upside Down | Encouragement for Weary Christians (Acts 18:1-18)

Acts 18:1-18

“The road to the Kingdom is not so pleasant, and comfortable, and easy, and flowery, as many dream. It is not a bright sunny avenue of palms. It is not paved with triumph, though it is to end in victory. The termination is glory, honor, and immortality; but on the way, there is the thorn in the flesh, the sackcloth, and the cross. Recompense later; but labor here! Rest later; but weariness here! Joy and security later; but here endurance and watchfulness – the race, the battle, the burden, the stumbling block, and oftentimes the heavy heart.” – Horatius Bonar

The Christian life, while joyful and fulfilling, is also hard and wearisome, and thus we must avail ourselves of the revitalizing resources God supplies:

– Communion with Jesus, who promises us all of the grace we need AND ultimate victory in His mission.

2 Timothy 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 12:9

– God-ordained friends who get us and go with us to help and encourage us.

Acts 18:26; Romans 16:3-5

Christians can always ‘keep going’ because of the future-oriented nature of grace and the ultimate hope of eternity.

Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58