LESSONS TO INSPIRE I Corinthians 10:11 I. Introduction. A. Paul uses Israelites to strengthen and inspire Corinth(I Cor. 10). B. In fact: I Cor. 10:11. C. Such examples can inspire(can be negative or positive). D. Several examples recorded in New Testament. E. These are often overshadowed by the apostles, other oft-mentioned men. II. Body. A. Zacharias demonstrates power of prayer(Luke 1:13). 1. Common for faithful men. 2. Note: Luke 1:18. 3. Gabriel, arch angel, brought message. 4. Note persistence: old man--how long praying? 5. Our instructions; I Thessalonians 5:17. 6. The child: John the Baptist. B. Joseph was just(Matthew 1:19). 1. Would learn later was work of Holy Spirit. 2. It can be difficult to be just--especially if it involves personal honor. 3. Word means "righteous." 4. OT: Upright, rigid, straight. 5. At times--may feel: Eccl. 7:20. 6. Yet: Eccl. 10:6-7. C. Zacchaeus was conscientious(Luke 19:1-10). 1. His attitude: v. 8. 2. How badly needed today! 3. Sign: Love many--trust only a few. 4. Guidelines under Law of Moses taught this: Exodus 22:1 ff. 5. Note: I Timothy 1:19(A knowing with oneself). D. A victim of circumstances: Simon of Cyrene(Mark 15:21). 1. Can you imagine?...just passing by! 2. His name & service becomes familiar for generations(2000 years). Wonder what happened to him? 3. Circumstances can be good/can be bad. 4. How different would life be if a minute, hour, or day later! 5. Note: Eccl. 9:11. 6. Being a Christian is not a way to avoid problems & troubles--but a means of facing them. E. A good man who was bold: Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57). 1. Note: Mark 15:43. 2. Further description: Luke 23:50-53. 3. Boldness is not being extreme or radical. 4. Good medicine: Proverbs 17:22. 5. Hence: Hebrews 4:16. F. Faith from a blind beggar: Bartimaeus(Mark 10: 46-52). 1. Could have been bitter. 2. Adversity affects people differently. 3. One is blind until one has faith! II Cor. 4:4. 4. Note: Romans 2:19. 5. Some are still blind: II Peter 1:9. G. The man who was loved: Lazarus(John 11:1-3). 1. Here is one that inspired love: even from Jesus(comment).("As a friend") 2. Such characters are rare! 3. It is difficult to love some. 4. We should live so that we could be loved. 5. Yet our love should extend: Matthew 5:44. H. A man of great heart: Barnabas(Acts 4:36-37). 1. Name: Son of Consolation. 2. Mentioned at least 29 times in NT. 3. Liberality in putting funds into common treasury. 4. Compassion(?) shown toward John Mark. 5. Only a dedicated man would be so active in the work. I. Silas, the Leader(Acts 15:22). 1. As Barnabas had, would accompany Paul. 2. To lead, one must also follow-- 3. To lead--one must work as other disciples. 4. Mentioned only in Acts(or Silvanus?). J. The eloquent man: Apollos(Acts 18:24). 1. Yet--he did more than speak. 2. Used talent to advance cause. 3. Changed when found he was wrong. 4. Would have respect of Corinth through the years(remained faithful). 5. Name meant "a destroyer"--but he was a builder! III. Conclusion. A. We cannot personally meet these men in this life-- but can learn truth from their lives. B. What will future generations know about you?-jy