September 29, 2013

Contrasts in the Thessalonian Church

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
Service Type:

Introduction

  • 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

Closing Remarks

  • Marks of a godly church
    • Receives the word of God with meekness
    • Perseveres even in the midst of persecution
    • Will hope and trust in the living God
  • We need to be still and know that He is God
  • We need to trust Him in times of adversity

Leave a Reply