August 16, 2009
Evening Service

I Thess. 2

 

Review:

1. This morning looking at chapter one, I think the thought that stood out to me most was the way Paul commended the church for their steadfastness, and way of life.  It stood out to all those around them, even unto all the world. 
2. How that they had turned from serving idols, and were now serving the living God.
3. Then these words of encouragement.

1Th 1:10  and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivereth us from the wrath to come.

 

Let’s begin chapter two:

 

1Th 2:1-20  For yourselves, brethren, know our entering in unto you, that it hath not been found vain:  (2)  but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we waxed bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God in much conflict. 

• Not been found vain, or empty.  They had great results.  Their ministry had been a great success.
• Suffered at Philippi:  Beaten, and cast into jail, untried, humiliated, but not down hearted. 
• But we came to you from Philippi, and preached boldly concerning the gospel.

(3)  For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:  (4)  but even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak;

• Paul’s calling:  Jesus speaking to Ananias; Act 9:15  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: Act 9:16  For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
• Paul must have thought while in jail at Philippi;  “God what’s going on here, I know you called us over here to minister the gospel to these people, and now look what we are going through.”
• Just because God opens a door for you, it doesn’t mean it is going to be a bed of roses.

 

(4)  but even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who proveth our hearts. 

• The admonition the Apostle Paul gave Timothy is for every called Minister of the Gospel.  “Preach the Word, be instant in season, and out of season, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long suffering, and doctrine.”     PREACH THE WORD.

(5)  For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness; 

• Peter said;  2Pe 2:18  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

 

(6)  nor seeking glory of men, neither from you nor from others, when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ. 

• It was said of Jesus;  Mat 22:16  And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
• We are not to try and please  men, but to preach the Word of God.  The wonderful thing is it will please a lot of men.  This is where like, producing like appears.  Men and women alike that love the Word of God, will flock to hear it. 
• There are many talented speakers of the Gospel, but I will point you to none of them, only to Jesus, and the other anointed ones of the Bible.
• You don’t need anyone except the Holy Ghost to teach you the Word of God, and it will be correct, and in God’s will.
• I know the church has been given a ministry to help it grow, but again it is our responsibility to point you to the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.  He will guide, and lead you into all the truths of the Word of God.

(7)  But we were gentle in the midst of you, as when a nurse cherisheth her own children:  (8)  even so, being affectionately desirous of you, we were well pleased to impart unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were become very dear to us. 

• A minister can certainly get attached to his people that God has given him to minister too.

1Th 2:9-20  For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 

• Paul was a tent maker, and spent a lot of hours mending tents.

(10)  Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: 

• Paul and his companions lived a life above reproach.

(11)  As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,  (12)  That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 

• Notice the relationship, as a Father with his children.
• That we would walk worthy of God.  What a challenge in this Godless world we live in today.

(13)  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 

• Works in you.  The Word of God is alive, and it will change lives if we want it too.

(14)  For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 

• He praises them for their ability to take persecution.

(15)  Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 

(16)  Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. 

• I never wonder why the Jewish people have suffered so.  I never wonder.  They killed the Lord of Glory. 
• They are God’s chosen people, and Paul said, “one day all Israel shall be saved.”

(17)  But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.  (18)  Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.  (19)  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?  (20)  For ye are our glory and joy.