Encountering the Gospel

Leadership Lessons

decisions have impacts - personal and on others

Poolesville Day - I should have led differently - my hope was that our presence as a church would create opportunities for the gospel to be shared

But there have to be people to share it with, to live it out in front of

Thank you to those who endured the rain and comfort set up the tents and get things prepared - even though you questioned the wisdom of going forward with the plans

Brian, Ann, Armal, Ernesto, Emilio, Don, Dan, Sam, Abby, Carolyn, and others? Thank you.

I mentioned to Sam and Abby as we were going to pick up weights to keep the tents down that I had a knot in my stomach. I was torn about what to do. Ultimately, the Poolesville Day committee made the decision for us that I should have made.

As we continue looking in at the letters to the Thessalonians, I can imagine that there might be some knots in Paul’s stomach as well. Not because going to Thessalonica was a bad decision, but that those who accepted the gospel did so in an environment that became tumultuous for them. He even notes, as we read earlier, that he was so longing to hear how things were going that he sent Timothy in order to learn how they were doing. This first letter really comes in response to Timothy’s report. (1 Thes. 3:1)

Open your Bibles to 1 Thess. 1.

Last week we talked about the source and the signs of true salvation. The means of receiving that salvation is through the gospel - essentially the good news of Jesus - who came to reconcile God’s holiness and humanity’s sinfulness by living a perfect life, dying a death in our place, and raising from the dead to bring true victory over the just consequence of our sin and bringing hope for eternal life.

Last week, two elements of the source of our salvation that we reflected on was the fact that we are loved by God and we are chosen. Now, the topic of election or being chosen raises a lot of questions. Some of which include...

Why are some chosen and others not?

How do I know I’m chosen?

As Paul continues to give thanks for the faith that is evident in the lives of the Thessalonians, he reflects on a few things that give confirmation of salvation - namely the...

arrival

welcome, and

echo

of the gospel.

Let’s begin by considering...

The arrival of the Gospel (5, 2:1-12)

Paul writes

1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 ESV

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

Paul, Silas and Timothy had been in Philippi. After some conflict arose there, they moved on to Thessalonica and preached in the synagogue for three consecutive weeks, before being forced out.

Paul seems to be reminding the Thessalonians and us of the means by which the gospel arrived, noting essentially four elements. First of all, he notes that the gospel came to them in...

Word - The gospel arrives from the mouths and the lives of people. While God may use dreams, it’s with the witness and testimony of his people that his gospel is proclaimed.

Romans 10:14–15 ESV

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

The message of the gospel is conveyed through God’s messengers, through His People. For the Thessalonians it was Paul, Silas and Timothy. For me, it was my parents and my teachers at church. Who was God’s messenger that brought the gospel to you?

While the gospel is often verbally conveyed, we have to recognize that it’s rooted in the Word of God, in Scripture. If our message consists of platitudes and good vibes then it may be encouraging news, but it’s not the Gospel.

This is part of what makes the Good News Club at PES so important. There are lots of other clubs that kids can be a part of - cheerleading, sports, arts, crafts, and more. The Good News Club is the only one that I know of there that takes the Word of God to the students. If you would be open to taking the Word of God to elementary students, then reach out to Armal - let him know.

Paul notes that in addition to the Gospel coming in word, it also came in...

Power - There are a variety of ways that people can wield power. Johnathan Leeman noted recently in a podcast interview about his new book on authority that people like parents, teachers, bosses, and even churches have a an authority based on command - they can command that something be done. Refusal to follow that command results in consequences. But he notes that people like spouses or elders have an authority of counsel. Danielle and I can counsel each other to act a certain way or do a certain thing - but ultimately we don’t really have an authority to command each other. Elders/Pastors can provide biblical counsel and advice, but we can’t command action. I think this is the same thing that Paul is addressing here. When he came to Thessalonica, he did not have any authority to command people to follow his message, but he could counsel them - with his words, but also with his character - which was expressed in humility and even weakness.

1 Thessalonians 2:1–8 ESV

For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

The power of Paul’s message and ours is ultimately in the presence of the...

Holy Spirit - It is the Holy Spirit who convicts us of our sin. It is the Holy Spirit who awakens us to God’s gracious gift through Jesus Christ. It is the Holy Spirit who leads us to live godly and righteous lives.

Paul notes that the gospel came to the Thessalonians in word, power through the Spirit and finally...

w/ full Conviction - Some people who had professional speaking or rhetorical careers, might have come looking for hand outs or may have used their rhetorical gifts to convert a message that would pay well, but not so with Paul. He generally supported himself with manual labor and may have even used his physical labor as the venue for his preaching - in addition to his work in the synagogue. He did not want to be a burden to the Thessalonians and did not try to manipulate them with rhetorical flourishes.

As we try to process this element of the movement of the gospel, I think that we have to think of it in two ways.

As believers - when we convey the gospel to others, how are we doing with that? Are we conveying the truths of the gospel or are we trying to manipulate? Do our actions support the faith we say we believe? In other words, are we living lives of conviction?

As non- believers - if you’ve not responded to the coming of the gospel, then consider

Paul’s next affirmation for the Thessalonians involves...

The welcome of the Gospel (6; 2:13)

Think about this like a guest coming to your home. There have been several times when vendors or contractors will come by stating that they are in the area doing certain jobs. I love when the insect guys come and I get to tell them that Infestation Control has us covered (thanks Buddy). I must admit, it’s very tempting to peek out the window and just ignore whomever is there - essentially not welcoming them at all. It’s tempting to be rude and simply yell or tell them that we don’t want solicitors. I personally want to try to treat them with respect, but I’m not likely going to welcome them into my home the way I would welcome you or other family members.

Paul notes that when he and his companions arrived at Thessalonica with the message off the gospel, they welcomed the gospel.

1 Thessalonians 1:6 ESV

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

And then in the next chapter he states:

1 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

The Thessalonians welcomed the gospel in 3 ways:

Embodiment - they sought to imitate what they saw. There is an old adage that says “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Accepting Jesus’ salvation was a completely new way of thinking/living/believing. People need to see the gospel lived out in us - through us. Community Groups - giving people an opportunity to observe how the Christian life is lived in various stages and seasons of life. Learning to pray. Learning to observe and apply Scripture. Wrestling through different challenges in life in community. Learning to deal with disappointment, death, joy, sorrow, pain, etc.

The Thessalonians not only welcomed the gospel with embodiment, but they welcomed the gospel amid...

Affliction - The Thessalonians experienced affliction from

outward oppressors - they were being pressed and persecuted by other citizens.

We may have friends and family members who don’t like the idea of our faith - concepts of sin, Jesus’ substitutionary atonement - they may make life difficult or may simply disregard us.

inward transformation - again - that change from their old way of thinking/living/believing to their new lives in Christ. It seems like this is where the proof is in the pudding. When we begin exhibit new attitudes, behaviors, language because of the changes that are taking place within. The gospel changes our affections and desires.

Joy - (in the spirit) they welcomed the gospel as the word of God (2:13) - In very practical terms, the gospel is God’s loving Word for you and me.

So we’ve seen how the gospel arrived and how it was welcomed. Paul finally affirms them for...

The echo of the Gospel (7-10; 2:14-16)

1 Thessalonians 1:7–10 ESV

so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Macedonia was a big province. Thessalonica was a very strategic town. Whether by sea or by roadways east/west and north, Thessalonians had a way of influencing others. The believers that made up this young church made an impact and others were taking notice. Their resilience, their hospitality, their transformation. But what’s most important is that Paul says that the Word of the Lord sounded forth.

Hebrews reminds us that Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Poolesville may not be a big, influential city, but we do have opportunities to be examples -

Poolesville day breakfast - talk of a community center, lots of descriptions - gym, art rooms, senior center, medical clinic. All of those things are things that have been and could still be done in our building. There is a part of me that wants us to be involved in all of that - doing social ministries so that the word of the Lord goes forth in Poolesville.

But their is a risk that we’d be doing things to lift up our name - to proclaim Poolesville Baptist Church - or at least the building that houses us. I think that what’s more important is that we live and move and serve in such close proximity to others that they understand that it’s the Word of the Lord that compels us. It’s the Word of the Lord that goes forth -

as we distribute food,

as we start the Good News Club,

as we house the medical clinics with WUMCO and blood drives with The Red Cross,

as we open the gym for students after school.

The Thessalonians not only imitated Paul, Silas and Timothy as they grew in their young faith, but they became imitators of other churches - especially the churches in Judea - who were experiencing a great deal of persecution at that time.

One of the joys we get to have in cooperation as a part of the SBC, BCMD, MBA, Pillar Network - is that we get to imitate and learn from other churches. We may not have to experience the persecution that the Thessalonians faced, but we can learn from others

how they serve the community

how they disciple

how they teach/preach the word

how they live out the gospel

Men’s event - small group because of the rain, but profound. Challenged in testimony and teaching. Good fellowship. Get to learn how others worship through song.

Closing thoughts

We’ve talked a lot around the gospel today. We’ve discussed how it arrived, was welcomed, and echoed in the Thessalonians. We’ve discussed a bit how it arrived to each of us, how we may or may not have welcomed it, and how it can and should be echoing forth from us.

But what is the gospel?

God’s beautiful design

Corrupted by our sin

Redeemed by Jesus’ perfect life, death and resurrection

In receiving his free gift, we have eternal life and allow God to transform us.

If you’re not yet a Christian - I’m glad you’re here, I’m glad you came - know that the gospel arrived to you today.

will you welcome it? Will you receive it by repenting of your sin and trusting in Jesus?

May we all echo the gospel.

Let’s pray.

Benediction

Acts 1:8 ESV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Discussion Questions:

Who brought the gospel to you? How was the message of the gospel conveyed to you?

Where have you experienced or heard about people experiencing affliction because of the gospel?

How have you seen transformation in your life or in someone else’s life?

How is the gospel echoing or resounding through us? Are we being consistent or are there compromises in our witness? Is the life we live worth emulating?

Sources:

Constable, Thomas L. “1 Thessalonians.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

Green, Gene L. The Letters to the Thessalonians. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos, 2002.

Holmes, Michael. 1 and 2 Thessalonians. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998.

Stott, John R.W. The Message of 1 & 2 Thessalonians. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL; Intervarsity Press, 1991.