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"Troubled on every side."

Text: 2 Corinthians 7:5

RECALLING MINISTRY IN MACEDONIA

How did Paul cultivate such a strong and special spirit of faith and joy? The following text gives us a glimpse of how he developed his faith.

“For indeed, when we came to Macedonia,
our bodies had no rest,
but we were troubled on every side.
Outside were conflicts, inside were fears”
2 Corinthians 7:5

1. The Macedonian Call

a) Paul received a vision from the Lord.

b) He responded to this call to minister in Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10).

c) Two prominent cities of Macedonia:

i) Philippi

ii) Thessalonica

d) Paul and Silas were beaten and jailed in Philippi.

e) The ministry in Thessalonica was short-lived because of persecution.

2. Recalling the Macedonian ministry

a) “Our bodies had no rest”

i) The persecution was intense.

ii) Danger was very real and close at hand.

iii) There was very little rest.

b) “Troubled on every side”

i) The Jewish quarter organised campaigns against Paul.

ii) The authorities abused their power to jail Paul and Silas.

c) “Outside were conflicts”

i) Every place Paul ministered at saw conflicts.

ii) His ministry was marked by great tribulations.

d) “Inside were fears”

i) This was a candid and humble confession from Paul.

ii) He felt fear too.

iii) But in the midst of such conflicts and fears, Paul found his faith growing stronger.

Paul’s spirit of courage and joy grew amidst the sufferings he had to bear! He held fast to his faith in the Lord. His faith grew to a level where he could speak of being exceedingly joyful amidst suffering!