Acts 18: The Blessing of Being Teachable

Acts 18:14 – 19:7

Summary

Apollos, a man of character, with a passion for the scriptures, strengthened and helped other believers by speaking the scriptures boldly and through grace.  

Notes and Reflection Questions

Here are some notes and questions to guide you in reflection through this week’s sermon. (The sermon begins at 50 minutes in this live video recording on Facebook above.)

Paul traveled through Galatia and Phrygia

Acts 18:23: After spending time in Antioch, Paul went back through Galatia and Phrygia, visiting and strengthening all believers.

Apollos

Acts 18:24: Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos…

1. Who is Apollos?
2. Describe his character

Acts 18:25: Apollos was teachable

1. Apollos had been instructed
2. He was fervent in the Spirit
   • Fervent- passionate, bubbling over, filled with the Spirit
   • Application– Are you teachable? No matter your age or stage in life, do you remain coachable? Reference – Proverbs 8:33-34
3. He spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord
   • What do you know of the Lord? What is your testimony?

Share Your Testimony

When you share the things of the Lord, speak your testimony.  No one can refute a changed life.  It is an accurate telling of Jesus changing a life. (Revelation 12:11)

Acts 18:26: Apollos spoke boldly

• Aquila and Priscilla heard him speak. They took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately

Application– When someone speaks of the things of God incorrectly, how do you approach them with correction?

Helping Others Through Grace

Acts 18:27: Apollos greatly helped those who had believed through grace

1. Helped- indicates that God used Apollos in other believers’ lives
2. Through grace- he gave them understanding by grace (unmerited forgiveness) GRACE = God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense

Application– How can you help another believer by grace to understand God?

Using Scripture to Share and Understand

Acts 18:28: Apollos vigorously refuted the Jews publicly

1. Vigorously refuted- with powerful arguments
2. Using the scripture, he explained to them the Jesus was the Messiah (2 Timothy 3:16 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”)

Application-Ministry requires believers to get their hands dirty.  You must love well even in presenting the truth of scripture, the heart of sharing the gospel must be rooted in love and communicated for the purpose of equipping believers for every good work.  It is not your word, it is the Word of God that moves people to repentance.

1. Do you apply yourself to knowing the Word of God?
2. The most profitable book to apply your heart to, is the Bible. 

Prayer

May you take the example of Apollos and use it in your own life.  May you be a man or women that is fervent in spirit, always teachable, confrontational with love and purpose to glorify God. 

May you be honest before God sharing your heart, asking for the Spirt of God to fill you and cause you to be “bubbling over” for Christ.

May your heart be ignited for revival within realizing that you may have to get your hands dirty as you seek to be a doer of God’s word and not just a hearer.