Big Idea: Faithfulness in the ordinary is where God does the extraordinary. 1. Faithfulness in Work Opens Doors for the Extraordinary (vv. 1–4) Then Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. 3 Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was. 4 Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue, trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. Acts 18:1-4 (NLT2) Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. 25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites. Colossians 3:23-25 (NLT2) 2. Faithfulness in Relationships Make An Extraordinary Impact (vv. 5–8) 5 And after Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul spent all his time preaching the word. He testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.” 7 Then he left and went to the home of Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God and lived next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized. Acts 18:5-8 (NLT2) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT2) 3. Faithfulness in Weakness Invites God’s Extraordinary Strength (vv. 9-18) 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! 10 For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” 11 So Paul stayed there for the next year and a half, teaching the word of God. Acts 18:9-11 (NLT2) 12 But when Gallio became governor of Achaia, some Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the governor for judgment. 13 They accused Paul of “persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our law.” 14 But just as Paul started to make his defense, Gallio turned to Paul’s accusers and said, “Listen, you Jews, if this were a case involving some wrongdoing or a serious crime, I would have a reason to accept your case. 15 But since it is merely a question of words and names and your Jewish law, take care of it yourselves. I refuse to judge such matters.” 16 And he threw them out of the courtroom. 17 The crowd then grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him right there in the courtroom. But Gallio paid no attention. 18 Paul stayed in Corinth for some time after that, then said good-bye to the brothers and sisters and went to nearby Cenchrea. There he shaved his head according to Jewish custom, marking the end of a vow. Then he set sail for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him. Acts 18:12-18 (NLT2) Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT2) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT2) Will you choose to be faithful in your everyday life? My Next Right Steps. I Will: Show up faithfully in my work Trust God when I feel Weak Invest in relationships TALK IT OVER Big Idea: Faithfulness in the ordinary is where God does the extraordinary. Opening Icebreaker: Share about something “ordinary” in your life that turned out to have extraordinary results (a small choice, a simple friendship, a routine habit). Read the Passage Together: Acts 18:1–22 Discussion Questions: 1. Faithfulness in Work Opens Doors for the Extraordinary (vv. 1–4) Paul worked as a tentmaker. How did God use his ordinary work for kingdom purposes? What does it look like to bring faithfulness into your workplace, school, or home this week? “Faithfulness in the ordinary—showing up to work with integrity—is where God does the extraordinary.” Where is one “ordinary” place you can look for God’s extraordinary opportunities this week? 2. Faithfulness in Relationships Make An Extraordinary Impact (vv. 5-8) How did Paul’s partnership with Aquila and Priscilla strengthen the mission? Has someone faithfully encouraged you in Christ? Would you like to share the impact they had on you? “Faithfulness in the ordinary—building relationships one person at a time—is where God does the extraordinary.” Who is one person God may be calling you to invest in this week? 3. Faithfulness in Weakness Invites God’s Extraordinary Strength (vv. 9–18) How do you imagine Paul was feeling when God told him, “Do not be afraid… for I am with you”? Share a time when God met you with encouragement in a season of weakness or despair. “Faithfulness in the ordinary—pressing on when you feel weak—is where God does the extraordinary.” When God uses us in our weakness or inadequacy, He gets the credit, not us. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9 Where do you feel weary or discouraged right now, and how can this group support you in prayer and encouragement? Takeaway Challenge: As a group, commit to repeating this refrain during the week: “Faithfulness in the ordinary is where God does the extraordinary.” At work, in weakness, and in relationships—look for God’s hand in the ordinary. Come ready next week to share one story of how you saw Him move. Prayer Time: Pray for God to use your ordinary work as a platform for witness. Pray for deeper, intentional relationships that multiply the kingdom. Pray for endurance and encouragement for those who feel weary.