A Gospel Worth Living

 

 

 

"For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, ² but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. ³ For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; ⁴ but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. ⁵ For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness— ⁶ nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. ⁷ But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. ⁸ Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.

⁹ For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. ¹⁰ You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers" 

I Thessalonians 2:1-10

 

 

Good Morning my beloved,

Welcome! Welcome to worship this Lord's Day. Let us rejoice.

We are so thankful for all of our brothers and sisters from all around the world who have been faithfully joining us. We continue to lift you up in prayer, that you may be faithful, that you may endure, protected by the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As pastors, in our preaching, we are to call our hearers to hopeful obedience as we look forward to the Lord’s return. Sometimes, it seems as though wicked prosper and have won the day, yet we are called to have faith in God’s good plan. God is in control, even though it does not always appear as such, from our limited perspective. We are to hope with great anticipation, that Christ will soon return, to completely rescue and fully redeem His people. Paul directly charges us as believers to, "Therefore comfort one another with these words." chapter 4:18.

 

Paul’s joy over the church was rooted in God’s joy over him. Repeatedly, Paul reminds the church that God has not destined them for wrath, but for glory. When preaching from this book, we should continually remind our hearers that God loves His children. Even when they sin grievously, God displays His fatherly love by welcoming them back home. That was the point that Jesus was making in, Luke 15:11-32,  the parable of The Prodigal son. Rest assured, this is not a license to tread on His grace, but is a motivator to live lives of holiness.

 

Let us bow our heads in prayer.

 

Heavenly and gracious Father,

 

We thank You for this Word we are about to receive. We know that we will be richly blessed by what You have chosen to reveal to us today. Lord, I just pray that You would touch the hearts of every believer gathered with us, that these wonderful truths, would penetrate our hearts. 

 

Father, we know that where there is sin in our lives, there is inadequacy. We thank You for You've worked a work here among these fine believers, to Your glory. We thank You for the reminder, that we are in no way, all that we should be. Help us O' Lord, direct our steps, lead us unto the paths that we should go, remove those things which might cause us to stumble, in becoming more like Christ.

We pray this in His name.

Amen

Today's Message: A Gospel Worth Living

As we consider the social climate of our modern society, we would have to agree that we stand in desperate need of church leadership. Throughout the years, there has certainly been a dramatic change in our culture, and sadly, much of that change has not been for the better. There seems to be a lack of godly men and women who are willing to stand in the pulpits, for the cause of Christ and reach the world with the gospel.

 

I am thankful, that growing up, I was surrounded by those who knew the Lord and made a difference in the lives of others. They may not have been greatly educated by college degrees or refined by the world’s standards, but they were certainly committed to the Lord. The leadership and influence of those godly saints has helped me more than they will ever know. I cannot wait until I have the opportunity, to let them know, the impact they had on my life.

The Apostle Paul was called to minister at a time much like the day in which we live today. The gospel was being preached, countless souls were coming to the Lord, and yet there was opposition at every turn. There was a tremendous need for those who would rise above the challenges of the day and faithfully serve the Lord. The Apostle Paul not only accepted that challenge, he tackled it head on, and was determined to serve the Lord.

 

Open with me your Bibles, to the First Thessalonians chapter two. Today, we will be looking at verses 1 through 10. I would like to encourage you to follow along with me as I read this to you from First Thessalonians 2:1-10. 

"For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness— nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers"

As I was studying this passage, in preparation for today's message, a particular verse of Scripture came to my mind: Psalm 37:23, allow me to read that to you. "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way."  I believe that it is evident to see that Paul’s steps were directed by God. I want for us to consider the unchanging principles that affected Paul in his ministry.

 

Just as God uses people to bring the Gospel to the lost, He also uses people to nurture the babies in Christ and help lead them to maturity. The church at Thessalonica was born through the faithful preaching of the gospel and the church was nurtured through the faithful pastoring that Paul and other ministers gave to the church. This helped them stand strong, even in the midst of persecution. In these verses, The Apostle Paul shows the different roles a Christian leader must fulfill.

 

Paul had been entrusted with the gospel. It was not a message that he made up or that he received from men. Paul looked at himself as a steward of God’s message. A steward owns nothing; but possesses and uses everything that belongs to his Master. Every teacher of the gospel one day must give an account of his stewardship. If he is found unfaithful, he will suffer. He will suffer. 

The message of the gospel is a treasure, which God has entrusted to us. We must not bury it; we must invest it so it will multiply and produce "spiritual dividends" to God’s glory. Some Christians think that the Church’s only responsibility is to protect the gospel from those who would change it; but we also must share the gospel. Otherwise, we are protecting it in vain.

Faithfulness is the most important quality a steward possesses. He may not be popular in the eyes of men; but he dares not be unfaithful in the eyes of God. When we consider the characteristics of Paul’s ministry as a steward, we understand what faithfulness means. If anyone had a reason to quit, it was Paul. He had endured the beatings and humiliation he and Silas faced in Philippi; yet, they went on to Thessalonica and preached the gospel message. Paul is assuring them this is the one and only true gospel. This gospel is the only one that will save you!

Verse 1, "For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain."  Paul spent the opening chapter of his letter to the Thessalonians greeting them and encouraging them concerning the importance of the gospel. Now he turns his attention to the personal ministry God had given him.

Paul simply reminds them of his initial entrance to Thessalonica. That may at first seem insignificant, but it serves as a reminder of his faithfulness to the call of God, and a challenge for them to continue serving the Lord in whatever capacity He chose to use them.

Remember, Thessalonica was a prominent city. It boasted a large population and great wealth. This was certainly not an easy environment in which to minister, and yet Paul was faithful to the call, which had been placed upon him.. He did not look at outward circumstances, but instead, chose to follow the Lord. Those who are unwilling to move cannot lead. We will never accomplish anything of lasting value for Christ, if we are not willing to go where He calls.

It is possible to preach the right message with the wrong motive and this was the accusation of some against Paul. Paul wanted them to know there was no "hidden agenda."

Paul's method of his ministry was he did not try to lure or trick anyone into Christianity. Some Christians try to win friends and influence people by appealing to their egos. A true ministry of the gospel deals honestly, but lovingly, with sin and judgment and leaves the unbeliever with nothing to boast of in himself. Paul’s method was as pure as his motive. He presented the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit, and trusted the Holy Spirit to work.

As we continue to study the New Testament, it becomes apparent that Paul had an effective ministry in Thessalonica. The Lord moved in great power and many were saved. The church began to send out missionaries and the gospel was taken to the world. Thessalonica was being used of the Lord because Paul had been obedient to the call. Paul’s labor had not been in vain. It was not "empty, void of truth, or ineffective." I believe, this had ought to stand as a challenge to all of us, today. We need the presence and power of God, if we are to be effective.

In verse 2, " but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition."

Here, Paul reveals the difficulties and conflict that often comes with our commitment to the Lord. Rest assured that opposition will come to those who are committed to the work and seeing fruit for the glory of God.  

As we noted earlier, Paul had suffered at Philippi. We know that Paul was abused for preaching the gospel. The account of that abuse in Philippi is recorded in Acts 16:22-24.

"The crowd rose up together against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks."

 

I do not claim to know what physical abuse that you may have suffered for the Lord. I can assure you, that if you haven't, it may very well come to that and we must be settled in our faith, if we are to endure. I believe that had ought to challenge us to do more than we are doing now. Most of us have not been faced with grave danger or adversity; therefore, there is no excuse for silence! We must boldly proclaim the message of the gospel.

 

Paul was also shamefully entreated at Philippi. This deals specifically with public disgrace. Paul was publicly humiliated for the cause of Christ. Those who should have supported him and embraced the gospel made a mockery of him and his Lord. I believe there will soon come a time, when we are going to be faced with public mockery for our faith, however, we too must endure, keeping with the attitude of Paul.   

 

God had a plan for Paul to take the gospel to the Thessalonians, however, we must also consider that he was forced to leave Philippi, because they refused to receive the gospel. We may look upon this as tragic but it is not uncommon. Even in our day, there are places throughout the world surrounded by darkness because they have refused to receive the gospel. We need to be obedient to the call and share with all we can, however, we must acknowledge that we cannot force anyone to accept Jesus Christ. No matter how much we desire for them too. Ultimately, they must decide for themselves.

 

In verse 3, "For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit;"

 

Right off the bat, Paul says. "What we told you was not wrong." He’s not only marked by audacity, you could also say that he is marked by fidelity. This is a clear concise denial of accusations that must have been thrown at Paul that he was preaching something that wasn’t true, an indication that he was accused of being  a deceiver, that he and his companions were hypocrites.  

 

Verse 4, "but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts."

 

I fear that many in ministry, have lost sight of their obligations to the ministry and have lost sight of the authority by which they minister. For many today, ministry has become something to please to the crowd, considered more of a vocation than an occupation with the Lord. The modern church tends to major on the minor and minor on the major! In other words, many preachers are preaching more and more about less and less until they have explained everything there is to explain about nothing. 

 

The Apostle Paul revealed that he had been allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel. The word allowed is a powerful word that reveals much about Paul’s ministry. It means "to test, examine, prove, and deem worthy." It is evident that God had examined Paul; He had tested him in many ways, preparing him for the work, which was to come. Paul had not chosen the ministry. He was called by God and placed in the ministry. He was there at the leisure of the Lord. Paul was confident of his calling because he was supported and strengthened of God. 

 

I believe that we could safely say that Paul was humbled by such a calling, he knew that God had been gracious and he wanted to serve the Lord with all his being, seeking to be successful in ministry for Christ.

Paul had been entrusted with the gospel and that is the message he shared. He was not entangled with the bondage of legalistic Jews or the heresy of the doctrines of the world. He was faithful to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ,  His death, burial, and resurrection.

There is clearly a growing trend of deviating from the gospel, even among the churches. As I stated earlier, many major on the minor, personal preferences, modern philosophies and traditions, and minor on the major, the message of the gospel. We have not been called to present the bondage of legalism or the easy-believism of the current culture. We have been called to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ! That is the only message that will bring about profitable change in the hearts of people. It has endured the test of time. Therefore, we must proclaim Jesus! We must proclaim the cross!

We are called as Paul says in verse 4, "not as pleasing men, but God." Paul's desire was not to gain the approval or acceptance of men. He sought to share the gospel and edify the Lord. God had examined Paul prior to his ministry and He continued to examine his life as he proceeded in ministry. Paul wasn’t concerned with what men thought as long as God was pleased with him. We certainly need to be mindful of our witness and our testimony, but our actions cannot be dictated by the desire to please men. 

God knows our motives and He knows our hearts! Being a people that please the Lord will not gain us popularity among the world. In fact, we will likely be labeled "old fashioned, narrow minded, and even fanatical."  I must tell you, that is quite all right by me. I am not interested in the approval of the culture or acceptance of the world, but the power of God in our midst.

In verse 6, Paul says "For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness—"

I'd like you to keep in mind that we are dealing with the apostle Paul. In his day there were none who rivaled his notoriety or authority among preachers. However, Paul was humble. He was aware God had used him greatly, but he wasn’t consumed with self-righteousness or pride. He didn’t demand large sums of money for speaking engagements, as many do today. He didn’t demand the church provide a lucrative salary. Paul preached the gospel for no charge, he didn’t want to be a burden, but rather a help.

I believe there is a great lesson to be learned here today. Apart from the Lord Jesus Christ, we are nothing; we can do nothing. God doesn’t have to use us for the kingdom work to continue. It is an honor and great privilege to be used of God. We must never see ourselves as anything but sinners redeemed by His merciful hand! Regardless of how much the Lord uses us, we must remember that we are just born again sinners that God has chosen to minister through. Nothing more. 

Verses 7 through 9, speak of Paul’s desire and duty to love the church. He reveals several aspects of this work of love. 

"But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God." 

 

As I read these words, it reminded me of a small child, being cared for by a loving parent. I remember gently and tenderly caring for my children, when they were small babies. As many of you know, there is nothing in the life of a parent, quite like that period of time. When they look to us, to provide the love and nourishment they need to sustain life. 

 

I imagine, this is what the Apostle must felt, as he described nurturing and caring for the young believers in Thessalonica.

The emphasis of the steward is faithfulness; the emphasis of the mother is gentleness. As an Apostle, Paul was a man of authority; but he always used his authority in love. The babies in Christ sensed his tender loving care as he nurtured them. He was indeed like a loving mother who cared for her children.

The Apostle Paul had patience with the new Christians, he dearly loved them and also nourished them. Paul worked tirelessly to strengthened and protect new believers, against anyone who sought to interfere with or corrupt their faith. I believe that we could all stand to learn from Paul's example, in caring for new believers in the faith. The Apostle Paul was a model Christian leader.

In verse 10, Paul writes "You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers."

Paul was assured of the superintendence of the Holy Spirit. His message had the power of God and the working of the Holy Spirit. The message he proclaimed was directed of the Spirit and that same Spirit carried it deep within the hearts of those who heard it. The Spirit works in conviction through the Word and convincing of the Word. 

Paul lived a pious and holy life before men. This was not something he developed while at Thessalonica; it was a way of life for him. Each day Paul lived, he sought to live holy before God. He lived a separated life from the world, and a life totally set apart to God. His life was not dictated by the pleasures of sin; he sought to walk with God each day. You would have to agree that we are in need of those who will live holy before the Lord. Holiness cannot be pretended. We either live for God or we don’t. Many today see Christians, who claim to love the Lord on Sunday, but their lives don’t reflect that love throughout the rest of the week. We need to be separated, set apart unto the Lord

He also lived justly. That literally means "righteously, properly, upright" dealing righteously with both God and man. Paul was just and right in all his dealings. He always treated men fairly and compassionately. He sought to treat them as he wanted to be treated, and as God would treat them. He saw them as God saw them.

We could certainly learn a lesson in that regard. We are quick to pass judgment and condemn. We only see the faults in people. We need to see them as God sees them, a soul in need of salvation!

Paul sought to live unblameably. He desired to live "blameless, without cause for censure, above reproach."

We often think of these characteristics concerning pastors, but in reality, all Christians have an obligation of living blameless before men. We are to live in such a way that even if charges are brought against us, they will have no chance of "sticking."

 

In Closing...

There are many today would have us to believe that we are preaching a message that is culturally irrelevant, socially outdated and archaic. They contend that we must preach something more inline with the times, modern. I would submit that the gospel has not lost its power. Its message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is not obsolete; in fact, it remains absolute! There is power in the message of Jesus Christ. I have witnessed it transform a cold, dead heart into one that is alive, vital and assured of eternity.

The power of the gospel is amazing. It has the ability to transform a life from darkness and rebellion to the glorious light of salvation and fellowship with the Lord. It can take a heart that is intent on sin and wickedness and produce one that seeks to be more like Christ!

I believe that we need those who will come alongside new believers and encourage them in their faith. We need those who will share the great truths of Christ and seek to instill them in the hearts of people. Paul is teaching discipleship. I fear this is one of the areas we, as Christians, are failing most. We rejoice over their salvation and yet many times, we fail to follow through, seeking to encourage them in the faith. We fail to instruct them in the great doctrines of Scripture. 

We often seem to get so wrapped up in our own lives, that we fail to see the needs and the hurt of others. We must learn to take the time to carefully listen sympathetically and comfort those who are hurting. 

Beloved, we must develop a heart for concern and comfort to others.

May it be so....

And now may the Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.

Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen

 

 

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