How can we apply Apollos' example of waiting for the right opportunity? Apollos’ Wise Timing (1 Corinthians 16:12) “Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to go now. He will go when he has the opportunity.” Why Apollos Waited • Personal conviction: though Paul “strongly urged” him, Apollos discerned the Lord had not opened the door yet. • Submission to God, not people: he honored Paul, yet placed the Spirit’s timing first (cf. Galatians 1:10). • Confidence in divine timing: he trusted the principle “There is a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Key Principles We Can Imitate • Listen before leaping – John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice.” – Prayerful listening guards us from good ideas that are still outside God’s timing. • Resist pressure—even from respected voices – Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.” – Honor counsel, but obey God’s leading above all. • Value preparation time – Luke 2:52 shows Jesus Himself grew before public ministry. – Use waiting seasons to deepen Scripture knowledge (Acts 18:24 highlights Apollos’ grasp of the Word). • Trust God to reopen the door – Revelation 3:7: Christ “opens and no one will shut.” – Apollos believed the opportunity would return—and it did. Practical Ways to Wait Well 1. Daily seek the Lord (Psalm 27:14—“Wait for the LORD; be strong…”). 2. Confirm guidance through Scripture alignment and inner peace (Colossians 3:15). 3. Keep serving where you are; waiting is active, not idle (Matthew 25:21). 4. Guard against envy when others move ahead; celebrate their season (Romans 12:15). 5. Maintain readiness—skills sharpened, heart humble—so when God says “Go,” you can. Scriptures That Echo the Lesson • Proverbs 3:5-6—trusting the Lord directs our paths. • Psalm 37:5—commit, trust, and He will act. • Galatians 5:25—“keep in step with the Spirit.” • 1 Peter 5:6—humble yourselves; He will exalt you “in due time.” Living Out Apollos’ Example Today • Before accepting a new role, ministry, or move, ask: Has God clearly prepared the way? • When urged by others, weigh counsel but submit to Scripture and the Spirit’s peace. • Use delay as God’s classroom—study, serve, mature. • Believe that the Lord who guides also controls the calendar; His timing is never late. God honored Apollos’ patience, and Corinth still received his ministry—at the right moment. Following that pattern protects us from rash moves and positions us for fruit that lasts. |
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