How to Refresh a Weary Spirit

 Last time = Paul in Athens.  Very intellectual city - philosophers, elites.  Had Areopagus (council that set the morals for the society). 
Preached at the Synagogue, also in market place.  Some repentance, some believed, but also mockers.  Paul didn't stay in Athens long. 

Next stop = Corinth - 50 miles west.  Very different from Athens.  debauchery, drunkenness, immorality.  Aphrodite - love goddess.  Big temple to her.  City of vice!.  Very pagan.  Totally immoral place.  Became an insult to call someone a "Corinthian".

Interesting side note:   short time in Athens VS 1 1/2 years in Corinth.  Had for God to do anything with intellectuals but He can do a lot with dirty, rotten sinners.  We're all dirty sinners.
This is first step:  you must realize you are no good and are in need of someone to save you.

Paul was discouraged on his arrival - 1 Cor. 2:3 - before his arrival he'd been beaten, imprisoned, threatened, run out of town, mocked.   Was beat down and discouraged.  Even the Apostle Paul got discouraged.  Will happen to every Christian.

1 Cor. 2:3-5 = God used Paul's weakness to demonstrate His power.  God refreshed Paul for 1 1/2 years in the most unlikely of places.  (Corinth)  How we an be refreshed and encourage one  another.  WE NEED EACH OTHER.  

Acts 18:1-4 - Meets Priscilla and Aquilla.  Christians recently kicked out of Rome by Claudius.  Mainly over tumult about Christ.  fight was over Christ. 
Before Paul got there were already Christians there. 
Rom. 1:5-8 Rom. 16:3-4  Paul was encouraged by these new friends. 

Christian Friends are Refreshing.  1 John 4:7,  1 Thess. 5:11

Acts 8:5 - a lot happening here.   1 Thess. 3:6-10 - Paul writing to Thessalonians about what is happening here.
Good report showed that God was doing a good work in this city.  

A.  Affirmation of your work and ministry is refreshing.  All his work was not in vain. 3 John 3-4

It's good to know that God is using us and uses us in His plan.
Encourage someone and let them know.  Tell them thank you.  

Not only did Silas and Timothy bring encouragement through the report.  They brought something even better - MONEY. - 2 Cor. 11:9  Phil. 4:14-15  Certainly not end all be all, but???  

B.  Support is Refreshing.  - Paul doing work in order to not be a burden to anyone.  Philippians gift came, freed him to be more devoted. 
Is refreshing to be able to focus on ministry and not  be spread too thin.  Is good to support missionaries and ministries.  

Now Paul has lots of encouragement, and support.  Acts 18:6 - But also more opposition from unbelieving Jews. Paul is fed up!

Shake dust - Matt. 10:14-15 - Jesus - to disciples.  Did this before on 1st. Missionary journey at Pisidian Antioch.   Essentially, Paul is saying it's not the Gentiles who are unclean, but you!!

He said "good riddance", walked out of the synagogue, and right next door!
Acts 18:7-8 - Didn't totally give up on the Jews.  Led the leader of the synagogue and many other Corinthians to Lord.  Probably made that group even angrier. 
Probably considering leaving.  

Acts 18:9 - God's promises are refreshing. 
At Corinth a year and 6 months.  Won't be attacked, no harm. and
Acts 18:10 - fruitful ministry!   Good for Paul to have these promises from God. 
This is good for us as well. 
Good for Christians to hold on to truths that are in the scripture. 
Matt. 11:28   Phil. 4:6-7  1 John 1:9  Rom. 8:1

Acts 18:12-14 - didn't have to defend himself.  
Acts 18:14-17 - Sosthenes - ruler of the synagogue.  Don't know for sure what happened to him.  1 Cor. 1:1 - did Sosthenes come to Christ?  - would have made them mad.  Was God protecting Paul through all of this.  He encouraged Paul by this.  

Encourage one another!!