“I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.”
I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.
Paul sensed personal inadequacy to minister in Greece, especially since he did not receive a warm welcome in Athens (Ac 16:22-17:32). His fear and trembling had to do with how the gospel would be accepted in Corinth.
PRINCIPLE:
Trust in God’s presence, dispels self-confidence.
APPLICATION:
As Paul indicated his inadequacy to minister, so should we. No one has the sufficiency to do eternal work by finite means. Confidence in the power of God, and the Word of God will loosen our tongue to share Christ. Self confidence will tie it up.
Note the Lord’s encouragement to Paul while he ministered in Corinth:
Ac 18:1-10, 1After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
5When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
9Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”
