How do we apply these principles?
- About the mission. . . Paul begins with God’s authority, not his own (v. 1; cf. 1 Timothy 6:13-16). How does knowing that our work is for and from God shape our attitudes? Our methods? How does knowing that God assures victory and grants rewards change us?
- About the message. . . Why is proclaiming truth so important (vv. 1-5)? Why don’t people respond positively to truth? Why are many teachers so quick to tell folks things they want to hear? What happens when we listen only to those things we want to hear?
- About the methods. . . Today we hear much about “networking,” but by that many mean only creating relationships which will further their careers. What is the difference between that and what you see Paul practicing (cf. Romans 16)? How are his methods of preparing and placing workers similar to Jesus’ ways? Why can it be tempting to work alone and forget about training others? Why is it hard (at times, for some) to trust others?
- About the ministry. . . One of our greatest enemies is our own set of faulty expectations. We expect people to welcome us, like us, be like us, listen to us, and cooperate with us. Paul’s experience and Jesus’ experience should cure us of that. Why do we make these faulty assumptions? Why are we surprised when people “jump ship,” misunderstand, or betray? How does Paul deal with his reality that no one stood with him at his first trial (vv. 16, 17)? How does Jesus prepare us? John 16:1-4