Seek the Glory of God
1 Thessalonians • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Introduction
Paul preached and taught for 3 weeks. He was forced out due to persecution.
Paul is writing to them after Timothy returned with news of their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness in hope. He is thanking God for them.
He is explaining the nature of their conversion. He explains their election by God, and the demonstration of Power by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel. They turned from Idols to serve God and became imitators of Paul and the other Christians with them. Their reputation became known throughout all the land.
Don’t Shrink Back
Don’t Shrink Back
The mission was not in vain (Kenos) it was not empty. It produced fruit. “you know” is emphatic in the greek text. Paul and his missionaries suffered greatly. () The mission cost them, but they had boldness from God. When opposition broke out in Thessalonica they didn’t shrink back. The kept on preaching all the more.
The mission was not in vain (Kenos) it was not empty. It produced fruit. “you know” is emphatic in the greek text. Paul and his missionaries suffered greatly. () The mission cost them, but they had boldness from God. When opposition broke out in Thessalonica they didn’t shrink back. The kept on preaching all the more.
The Holy Spirit gave Boldness to declare the Gospel of God, even in much conflict and danger. (Agone) Place of conflict, or violent fight, contest . It connotes the strenuous effort required to overcome an opponent
False prophets do not react this way. False teachers love comfort, they love to build their reputation at the expense of their hearers. False teachers will run to the nearest safe place.
The verses imply there may have been some question to the authenticity of Paul and his mission. Paul is combating critics with chapter 1 and 2. Vs 3 Paul states his approval is by God Himself. Their motive was not from some mistake, impurity or any attempt to deceive.
It connotes the strenuous effort required to overcome an opponent
The verses imply there may have been some question to the authenticity of Paul and his mission. Paul is combating critics with chapter 1 and 2. Vs 3 Paul states his approval is by God Himself. Paul explains he was trying to trick them. Their motive were not from some mistake, impurity or any attempt to deceive.
Martin, D. M. (1995). 1, 2 Thessalonians (Vol. 33, p. 71). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.The verses imply there may have been some question to the authenticity of Paul and his mission. Paul is combating critics with chapter 1 and 2. Vs 3 Paul states his approval is by God Himself. Their motive was not from some mistake, impurity or any attempt to deceive.
Paul never aimed to please man, or himself vs 4-5 He known God tests and knows intimately the heart of every man. He never came with Flattery (Kolakeia) words with motive of only self interest. Words that build a relationship with a foundation of perversion. No pretext for Greed, invokes God a witness again.
They did not seek glory or praise from them or anyone else. As apostles they were given authority and power like the world had never seen, but they came with hearts of humility.
They had one aim, to preach the glorious Gospel of God faithfully and accurately. vs 4 says to please God.
Application
Application
We all who call on the Name of Christ have a mission and it will never be in vain or empty
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
There will conflict, opposition and persecution
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Do you shrink back?? do you hesitate?? or do you like the example of God’s word today PREACH all the more!!
We find the Holy Spirit of God giving courage, boldness to preach. This same God will grant the same boldness as a lion to witness and live Godly lives. He said He will be with us to the end of the age. He will never leave or forsake.
DO you seek the boldness of God? Do you ask God daily for wisdom and discernment? Even when afraid, do you go anyway with the torch of Christ in hand. Have you gone against the gates of Hell Like JESUS said His followers would go?
We don’t empty words of flattery, we don’t need some man made system to witness for Christ. We don’t need to trick or anything else to produce fruit. vs 4 God knows our motives and our heart. We stay faithful to His message and His ways, He produces the fruit.
Do you know the Gospel? do you witness to it? Does you life reflect the character of God? As Paul and Timothy said the Thessalonian Christians imitated their life as they imitated Christ. Does anyone imitate your life? What would it look like if they DID??
We should never have the aim to please the senses of Man. So often we don’t want to offend, so we remain silent. We see God’s word today show us, we are to aim to only please GOD! We are never to seek our own praise or Glory, but only the praises of our Great Saviour Jesus Christ.
Do you shrink back with your life of Holiness, do you shrink back in front of non-Christians? Are you double minded? When faced with a choice to please man or please God, what is the outcome??
Conclusion
Conclusion
We must go out with hearts of Humility, wise of serpents gentle as doves. Filled with the boldness and courage of God. Knowing our mission is prepared by God. It will never be empty or in vain. We have a aim, a direction of the pattern of our lives. Our actions in deeds and speech is to reflect the power of the Gospel. This is a daily occurrence, we seek God in prayer. He directs our steps. I beg you get off the sidelines and get into the fight. The advancement of God’s kingdom. Please start today. Amen