In Thessalonica & Berea

Introduction:

· Sometimes we suffer directly because of God’s mission; sometimes it’s b/c we aren’t immune.

PAUL’S VISIT TO THE CITY OF THESSALONIKI BRINGS US FAE TO FACE WITH SUFFERING. LET’S START BY ASKING OURSELVES THE QUESTION, ‘HOW DOES THE GOSPEL HELP US FACE SUFFERING?’

I) The Gospel Helps us Face Suffering

A. Those Following Jesus Will Face Much Suffering

i. There is Resistance to the Message (vv. 1-4)

1. A sight for sore eyes on the Egnatian Way: Physical suffering (PICTURE)

2. A stumbling block for Jews: A “Messiah” doesn’t suffer! (vs. 3)

3. APPLICATION:

a. A major trend in our culture is to make Christian teaching palatable for the masses thus avoiding hardship

b. Or: “If I’m a Christian, I shouldn’t expect too much discomfort.”

ii. There is Resistance to the Messengers (vv. 7-9)

1. The History of Thessaloniki: A Greek city with Roman Sympathy

2. Appealing to the “rabble” in order to stir up patriotic fervor (vs. 5)

3. In Philippi: The “race card”; in Thessaloniki: “Patriotism” (vs. 7)

4. APPLICATION:

a. Some of you sit with extended family at Thanksgiving…

b. Someo f you sit in intro to philosophy

c. Some of you know what it’s like to be called bigoted…

B. Just as Jesus Suffered, His Followers Will Experience Suffering

i. Paul doesn’t argue from sentiment or platitude, but from scripture(vv. 2-3)

1. Jesus’ suffering was necessary to absorb the fullness of our sin

2. Why doesn’t Jesus do something about suffering? He did!

ii. Jesus’ Suffering Helps us Understand our Own suffering

1. Paul is framing his own suffering as a pattern of Christ’s suffering!

2. Union with Christ means Sharing Christ’s suffering

3. The Cross àCrown: Suffering produces fruit and it leads to a reward

C. Therefore, Christians Can Confidently Endure Suffering

i. Christians must persevere in the face of suffering

1. hold fast to the teaching of scripture even when costly (1 Thess. 2:2)

1 Thessalonians 2:2 ESV

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.

2. APPLICATION: Let’s not change, adapt, soft-pedal the gospel!

ii. Christians may draw comfort in the face of suffering (2 Thess. 2:15-17)

2 Thessalonians 2:15–16 ESV

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,

1. Christ is present with us in the midst of our adversity:

2. APPLICATION: Cancer? A loss of a relationship? Betrayal of a friend?

ONE OF THE THINGS LUKE DOES HERE IS COMPARES TWO RESPONSES TO THE MESSAGE.

II) The Gospel Helps us Properly Honor Tradition (vv. 10-15)

A. When Zeal is a Barrier

i. Zeal for tradition? (see vs. 5)

1. The Bereans were noble (we’ll get to them); Thessalonians were zealous

2. Thessalonian zeal was passion for tradition, for custom, such that they wanted nothing to threaten their way of doing things

3. EXAMPLE: “That’s the way we’ve always done it.”

ii. The Problem with Zeal

1. Zeal can lead to us elevating tradition to our highest authority

2. EXAMPLE: The Catholic Church pre-Reformation

3. Yet: “Right! Let’s be open to new ideas, adapting with the culture…”

B. A Noble Mind (vv. 10-12)

i. Being open minded means being teachable

1. Bereans: “Open-minded” to new ideas? Or “Open-minded” to learning?

2. True “open-mindedness” means returning to scripture!

3. APPLICATION: We should always be willing to learn and adapt, but from scripture!

ii. Honoring Scripture

1. APPLICATION: Are you open-minded to scripture?

2. APPLICATION: In both cases, Paul is shoing – it’s all about Jesus!

Transition:

Conclusion

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