How to Turn The World Upside-Down For Dummy's PT 1
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Introduction
Introduction
For Dummies is an extensive series of instructional reference books which are intended to present non-intimidating guides for readers new to the various topics covered. The series has been a worldwide success with editions in numerous languages.
The books are an example of a media franchise, consistently sporting a distinctive cover—usually yellow and black with a triangular-headed cartoon figure known as the "Dummies Man", and an informal, blackboard-style logo. The first title, DOS For Dummies, which stands for Disk Based Operating System, was written by Dan Gookin and published in November 1991 by IDG Books. DOS For Dummies became popular due to the rarity of beginner-friendly materials for using DOS. The Windows title written by Andy Rathbone was soon released. While initially the series focused solely on software and technology topics, it later branched out to more general-interest titles, with topics as diverse as Acne For Dummies, Chess For Dummies, and Fishing For Dummies. which I may need to read.
The Internet is heavily saturated with Do it Yourself or DIY content, and a plethora of videos and books explaining things for well…dummies. I suppose we all could benefit from reading at least one of their books, which essentially makes you all dummies lol. In reality, there are many things that we would benefit greatly in having an expert walk us through. There is however one topic that stands out above the rest, of which is crucial. To be an expert in this and to rightly practice this, will not only benefit and shape the entire planet for the better, but will impact your descendants for generations and generations. In fact, we have much to Thank and Glory in God for, for the impact of several men in renaissance Europe, during the time of the Reformation. Men like Martin Luther, John Calvin, William Tyndale, John Knox, and the list goes on and on. While it is sometimes hard to believe that West so heavily influenced by Christians when we look around today, the evidence of the reformers and more particularly the Christian Gospel is all around us.
Fortunately for us, these men are no better than you and I, we are all one in the same, dummies, albeit they are “Primus inter pares”, first among equals. So what book did they learn from? Where can I find it? Is it available on Amazon? These are the pressing questions of our service, and this wont shock any of you, but it is the book that we so often neglect. These men changed the world as we know it because of their radical obedience to the word of God. Which means we too, can also radically change our world. In fact, the people of God whenever they were faithful to him, radically changed their worlds. I’d like to take us to a point in time in which Paul and his missionary team radically changed a hostile and pagan area, Thessalonica of the Romans. Lets Read our passage 1 Thess 2:1-14
1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. 3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: 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. 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. 14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
Very quick backstory of Thessalonica to paint the picture. Thessalonica (modern Salonica) lies neat the ancient site of Therma on the Thermaic Gulf at the northern reaches of the Aegean Sea. This city became the capital of Macedonia and enjoyed the status of a “free city” was ruled by its own citizenry, under the Roman Empire. Because it was located on the main east-west highway, Via Egnatia a Roman road, Thessalonica servced as the hub of politcal and commercial activity in Macedonia, and became known as “The Mother of all Macedonia”. The population in Paul’s day had reachesd 200,00 people. Paul had originally traveled 100 miles from Philippi to Thessalonica on his second missionary Journey. As his custom was upon arrival, he sought out the synagogue in which to teach the local Jews the Gospel. Because of their effective ministry, the Jews had Paul evicted from the city. Here’s the actual account from Paul, turn to Acts 17:1-10
1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: 2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, 3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. 4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. 5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; 7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. 8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
So Paul arrives in Thessalonica, immediately begins to share to Gospel to his fellow countrymen the Jews, and some of the people in the Synagogue believed, and Greek converts to Judaism also believer, and many women who were leaders in the community. Now the Jews who had rejected the Gospel, evidently went and found themselves some muscle men, some roughians, and gathered a substantial crown to besiege this man Jason’s house. Jason must have been a jewish convert of Pauls, and so the assumption is, he’s holding in inside the house. After some point, they found out he wasn’t holding Paul and so instead they drag down Jason to the rulers of the city. Now, there wasn’t a jury of unbiased peers back then. They brought this man down there to accuse him and to hopefully imprison him or worse. Luke records for us their accusation in V6, and may this be the accusation that we would also be charged for, “These have turned the world upside down and have come here also, who Jason sheltered, and all of them contradict the decree’s of Caesar, saying that there is another King, King Jesus. Needless to say, when living in an empire ruled by a single emperor, one of the most serious crimes in the Roman Empire was to acknowledge allegiance to any King but Caesar. You might remember that Pontius Pilate when trying to avoid killing Jesus, said Shall I crucify your king? to which the Jews responded, we have no other King but Caesar. So now that Jason has been accused of this crime, V8 tells us this troubled the people and the rulers of the city and so they took money from Jason as a form of bond which would be forfeited should Paul and his companions cause more trouble. So as a result they had to leave the city.
One last Passage, for the sake of the context of our passage so you can fully appreciate the magnitude of what was at stake, the risk of bodily harm or death. Acts 16:16-24
16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. 19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
So just prior to visiting Thessalonica, Paul and the team is in Philippi, and this is happening. Once again they are accused of subverting the government, and troubling the people with their teachings. They were beaten, whipped, and cast into prison, where by the way, in a miracle they led their very own head jailor to the Lord. Now, these things arent just written to entertain us, or to provide us with an historical account of the early church, All scripture if profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, there we go thats the one were looking for. Folks we have right here our very own “How to Turn the World Upside-Down for Dummies!” Alright lets return to our text.
1 Thess 2:1-14.
I have gleaned 9 principles for us to implement, if in fact you wish to turn the world upsidedown for the King Jesus Christ. If you wish to serve him faithfully in impacting your very own household. If you wish to impact your community. If you wish to impact your place of employment. If you wish to impact your state. If you wish to impact your nation. If you wish to impact this planet, then you will surely need to apply the word of God in your life and “you shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work” 2 Tim 2:21.
Of course we wont be able to get through all 9 of these today, but lord willing next week.
Okay 1) Lets read 1 Thess 2:1
1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
They positively impacted Thessalonica how? By True Obedience. They entered the city. I like what Willis said this past Wednesday Service, and if you can make it Wednesday, he may even sign a few shirts. But he said, What im about to say, just know Ive said it already to myself, and what im teaching to you, I need to also be taught. I respect and share that sentiment. Sometimes, as Christians, we dont even show up to Thessalonica. Sometimes we just hang out in the Jerusalem church, safe within its walls. Im guilty of this too. Perhaps you can relate. An opportunity presents itself to share maybe not even the gospel but just a biblical truth. I know of a man who said that they simply look for opportunities to inject biblical truth into the lives of their peers, in hopes that greater conversations could be had. Sometimes we don't even show up to Thessalonica. The first step in turning your home, your community your country upside down, is simply by reporting in for duty and showing up to Thessalonica. Lets read Matthew 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
I know we all know this but I’d like to preach to myself again and to you all and say, The Kings of Kings, has given his people a commission, to go into all the Aroostook, and into all of Maine, and into all the world to share with them the gospel of Jesus.
Turn to Rom 1:16
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
We know these verses. So the point number 1, show up the Thessalonica.
Point 2) Read 1 Thess 2:2
2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
Point 2 if you want to turn the world upside down for the King Jesus Christ, You must have True Perseverance. As we read before, Paul and Silas had been beaten, whipped, imprisoned literally before they even got to Thessalonica. So just hope folks, that if I’ve encouraged you to quote on quote show up to Thessalonica, the same doesnt happen for you. In addition to the physcial beatings they had to endure the verbal beatings, which sometimes hurts more. They were falsely accused and slandered and illegally punished. And just like in Phillip, when they arrived in Thessalonica, they were met with the same Modus Operandi. And if I could make this observation, Satan’s strategy of intimidation hasnt changed since then either. Satan will use men to either physically harm you or verbally smear and slander you. If you make a stand for Gospel of Jesus Christ in our day, be prepared, you will be called a Bigot, you will be called a Homophobe, you will be called and an unloving, cruel, misogynist, racist. You say, Oh I dont care if they call me that, well if it were just name calling it wouldnt be horrible, but you may lose your job. In fact, you may be turned up for promotions because of it. You may lose friends. you may even lose Family. You may lose those you loved dearly if you are as our text says “Bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God amid much struggles”. You wonder if the beatings are preferable, but the reality is you may receive both. Let me remind you however why it is you will suffer. If you wish to see the church of Christ built on this planet you must be willing to suffer and have true perseverance. In fact, if you will deny that Caesar is Lord but that Jesus is Lord, if you will follow him, you have a guarantee that you will suffer persecution. 2 Tim 3:12
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
You see, beings in this world and those who are of it, have been waging war against God since the beginning, and they have been persecuting the people of God since the beginning. So remember, Point 2) if you wish to turn the world upsidedown for the Lord Jesus, you must be willing to have true perseverance.
Point 3) if you wish to turn the world upside-down for the Lord Jesus, you must be willing to have true sincerity.
Read 1 Thess 2:3-4
3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
It would seem evident and apparent, and necessary that in order to have an effective ministry, it must be truly sincere. Now perhaps you didnt catch this but Paul doesn't simply use three words all synonymous for deception. These are three separate words all addressing the typical characteristics of false teachers. So if were to break those down, in other words, He’s asserting that the proclamation of the Gospel to them was firstly not deceitful, that his message was truthful and not a fabrication. Secondly, it wasnt of uncleanness. Uncleanness is usually used in place of sexually immoral or wicked. His ministry wasnt like the evil conclusion of many false teachers which most always involves that sort of debauchery. Lastly his exortation contained no guile, his method of ministry was authentic and genuine. In order to have an effective ministry and impact it must not be deceitful, unclean, and genuine and authentic. Paul always was accused by False Teachers of these things. 2 Cor 4:1-2
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
Additionally perhaps as a point 3 and a half, id like to point out that in our verse its significant and important that Paul Recognized that his ministry wasnt really his ministry, it was entrusted to him. His minstrty was to share the message, but it wasn’t his plan, it wasnt his fabrication, he was en route to go imprison and kill the very people who called him brother. Lastly, Paul makes one last point I suppose makes this point 3 and a third, he says they spoke not as pleasing men. This is absolutely crucial to effective witnessing. Do you know who Christians and Non-Christians hate? Men Pleasing Politicians. Nobody, nobody likes someone who is two faced, who behaves one way and another in another place. But, and I cant accuse anyone of this church, but we are all familiar with those who in an noble yet misguided effort to see someone saved, turn the Gospel into something less offensive that it naturally is. And im not saying you need to offend someone in order to be effective, but you must not, must not, must not tone down the message, make it more tolerable, more palatable, in an effort to attract people to the Gospel. 1 Cor 2:1-5
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
The Gospel is a hard message. Its also a simple message. God, the creator of all things, who is perfect, and holy and just, and always righteous and always good, and in him there is no flaw, must punish sin in every facet and every form. And every murderer, and every rapist, and every thief, and all liars will have their part in the lake of fire. And if youre guilty of one law your guilty of all but in reality weve all likely broken every law anyways. And so what mankind deserves according to Gods standards which is the only standard that matters, since logically only his standard is good and righteous, according to his standard we must be punished in Hell, where he will cast Satan, and all his demons, and all the crooked politicians, and all the wicked men of the earth, and yet to demonstrate the vastness of his riches of mercy, God sent his Son, Jesus into the Earth, to take on human form, to live a life fulfilling all the Laws, never sinning, accruing all righteousness, for the sole purpose of being the sacrifice for sin for all those who will believe. And that he was raised from the grave from the dead on the third day as an eternal proof of Gods acceptance of this great sacrifice and was declared to be the Son of God with Power, and now has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in Righteouesness by that Man whom he raised, the God Man Jesus Christ. And this divine gift of redemption is offered to all men everywhere as gift of God. And what you must do to receive this gift is believe this Gospel which turned the world Upside Down. You must confess and acknowledge and turn from the life of sin which you know is wrong and, You must believe that Jesus Christ, the son of God died for your sins. All the lies, all the lust, all the hate, all the sins youve ever done in this life, you must believe that Jesus can pay for them all. That he died for them as your sin offering and that he rose from the dead triumphantly on the third day. You must confess him as your Lord and Master, and commit to following him.
If you’re hear today, and you have not made peace with God, I’d urge you to do it today. Today is the day of Salvation. No man knows that tomorrow may bring. Life is but a vapor. If you are here today, and like Paul and Silas and the Missionary team, if you gladly confess that Caesar is Not king, but there is one King, King Jesus, if thats your confession this morning, id urge you to follow these points. We’ve looked at three, next we’ll do 4-8.
1)Show up to Thessalonica
2)Be ready to persevere persecutions
3)Be sincere in your witness and ministry. Not Pleasing men but speaking the truth in love.
Lets Pray.