God's ways are not our ways and God's thoughts are not our thoughts
God is infinite, is King, is Lord
God often surprises us
That a church should be planted in such a short state to time and then become a model to other churches
That people were talking about them as far as Macedonia and Achaia [1:7]
The Jews probably couldn't believe that this was happening
The people that had the word of God for many centuries rejected it
We see Paul's tremendous gladness (v13) and sorrow (v15-16)
Paul was overflowing with gratitude, joy and thanks for the people of Thessalonica
Paul was also concerned for his fellow Jews as the rejected the gospel and tried to stop it's spread
Those who Receive and Reject
There are many barriers to receiving the word of God
The outward receiving - in their minds
Then into the hearts and whole beings
There is so much opposition to the teaching of the Bible
People say that science has disproved the Bible
Many scientists believed in the Bible (Issac Newton, Michael Faraday, Simpson)
There are answers to issues like evolution
People have discovered other gospels
The 'Da Vinci Code'
There are answers to this
The Western world is taught to be very questioning
There is almost an automatic unbelief
Satan has blinded the minds of those who do not believe
1 Cor 2:14
We have a sinful nature
Our whole being has been polluted by sin
Our sinful desires fight against the gospel
Our conscience has been seared against sin
Our whole being is not alive to God
Paul sought to persuade the Thessalonians (Acts 17:1-3)
He taught from the Scriptures
He preached Jesus to these people
Many were persuaded (v4)
Many were convicted
What had happened to them?
God had taken away the stony heart and given a heart of flesh
God had convicted people of their sin and shown them the Saviour
They had become new creatures in Christ Jesus
God had done a remarkable work
How do people believe today?
It is not to do with your upbringing
Personal example
It is not to do with personality traits
It is not to do with those who think deeply
Salvation is by the word and Spirit of the living God
It is the word of God that changes lives
Example of Spurgeon
Look to Him now
There weren't that many who had believed in Philippi previously, but there was a might working of the Holy Spirit in Thessalonica
There was great prayer behind the visit to Thessalonica
We must pray as a people of God that people would truly receive the word of the living God
The Jews rejected the gospel (v14-15)
One of the most privileged people and yet they rejected - "wrath has come upon them to the uttermost" (v16)
The greater the privilege - the higher the responsibility
Example of life long church goer
Example of Cain
Are you one who welcomes God's word or do you reject the word?
Those who Persecute and Persevere
Paul must have been very pleased to see the church going on
He was concerned for the church
He was concerned that his work wouldn't be in vain
The Thessalonian church were persecuted
"For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus" (v14)
Example of Thomas Cranmer
The fear of persecution can affect Christians
"That no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know." - 1 Thess 3:4
They were a mature church going on with the Lord
The word works effectively in those who receive it (v13)
"...not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake" - Phil 1:28-29
The fact that you are suffering is a proof that you are a son of God
It is a grace to suffer for Christ
Christians will suffer and be persecuted
God has a purpose to build up people through this
Persecution historically usually comes from the religious
Example of Tindale (and the opposition of the Catholic church)
Example of Bloody Mary
The Judeans killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets
Ironically they were forbidding the word of God that would save them (and the gentiles)
When the Church of God is persecuted it often expands and becomes victorious
When God is at work, so is the devil
We must not become discouraged
One who Hinders and One who gives Hope
There were many obstacles to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica
He had only been there a short time but had to leave due to persecution
People spoke falsely against him
People said he was concerned about the church
Paul makes it clear that he wanted to visit - but he was hindered by Satan (v18)
We need to be aware of satanic opposition
God is sovereign overall - Example of Job
We must remember that God is on the throne
God is in control - He had other purposes
God wanted Timothy to go instead - 1 Thess 3:1
Even in the hindrances God had other purposes
God has greater purposes
Paul never lost hope
His hope was in God and centered on the fact that God had transformed these people - 1 Thess 2:19
What motivates us and gives us hope and joy?
Do we expect God to do good and great works?
Do we have hope for the Church?
We must not lose sight of God and the fact He is building His Church