Walking in Faith: Lessons from Paul’s Journey in Ephesus
Walking in Faith: Lessons from Paul’s Journey in Ephesus
Barry Matthews
From Jan 5, 2025 Worship Service
The journey of faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God’s leading. Through examining Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, we can learn valuable lessons about evangelism, trust, and sharing God’s love with others.
What Was the Significance of Ephesus?
Ephesus was one of the most important cities in the ancient world, second only to Rome. With a population of 250,000 people, it was a major center of:
Culture and commerce
Religion (particularly worship of Artemis)
Philosophy and learning
Trade through its harbor
How Did Paul Minister in a Hostile Environment?
Despite facing significant opposition in Ephesus, Paul:
Boldly preached in public spaces
Confronted the worship of Artemis
Faced riots and persecution
Continued sharing the gospel despite risks
Built a thriving church community
What Can We Learn About Evangelism?
Paul’s example teaches us several key lessons about sharing our faith:
We don’t need to be perfectly qualified
God equips those He calls
Simple acts of sharing God’s love matter
Our past doesn’t disqualify us from ministry
Fear shouldn’t stop us from speaking truth
How Can We Overcome Common Barriers to Sharing Our Faith?
Many Christians face these common obstacles:
Feeling unqualified
Fear of rejection
Worry about being treated badly
Uncertainty about what to say
Lack of confidence
Paul’s example shows us that these barriers can be overcome through:
Trusting God’s equipping
Focusing on others’ needs
Starting with simple acts of kindness
Sharing personal experiences
Relying on God’s strength
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to:
Share God’s love with someone through a simple act of kindness
Tell someone about how God has worked in your life
Invite someone to church or offer to pray for them
Ask yourself:
What holds me back from sharing my faith?
How can I step out of my comfort zone this week?
Where is God calling me to be bold in sharing His love?
Remember, evangelism doesn’t require grand gestures – it starts with simple acts of sharing God’s love and being willing to walk in faith, just as Paul did in Ephesus.