ENCOURAGING FAITH: How It Starts

1 Thessalonians 1:1 “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy: To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace.”

INTRO—

Introductions…Re-Introductions… [meeting PEOPLE!]

“It’s PERSONAL!”

1 Thessalonians 1:1 “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy: To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace.”

TO THE CHURCH OF THE THESSALONIANS IN GOD THE FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

People…a church Paul new well, having helped establish it within two years before the writing of this letter. [AD 49—Second Missionary Journey, in Thessalonica; AD 51—Second Missionary Journey, in Corinth writing this letter]

Looking back at Paul’s introduction to the people of Thessalonica, we see…

A CHURCH ESTABLISHED [Acts 17.1-4]

Acts 17:2–3 “As usual, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and rise from the dead: “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah.””

Reason, explain, prove…from the Scriptures…

that, it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and rise from the dead! [THIS IS THE ARGUMENT OF GRACIOUS REDEMPTION = EASTER!!]

Acts 17:4 “Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, including a large number of God-fearing Greeks, as well as a number of the leading women.”

Persuaded…

Some Jews

A Large Number of God-Fearing Greeks

A Number of Leading Women [Many women had prominent standing in Thessalonica, Macedonia]

A CHURCH CHALLENGED [Acts 17.5-9]

Acts 17:5 “But the Jews became jealous, and they brought together some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. Attacking Jason’s house, they searched for them to bring them out to the public assembly.”

CAUSE A RIOT!

Acts 17:6 “When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too,”

PERSECUTION ALWAYS FINDS A TARGET.

[[Acts 17.7-9]]

[[These challengers followed Paul from Thessalonica to Berea!

Acts 17:13 “But when the Jews from Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul at Berea, they came there too, agitating and upsetting the crowds.”

APPARENTLY THE GOSPEL REALLY STRUCK A NERVE!!]]

CONCL—

Proclaim (Share) the Gospel and…

Expect Responses…

“Persuaded”

“Jealous” [Attacking, Agitating]

1 Thessalonians 1:1 “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy: To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace.”

GRACE TO YOU AND PEACE [A little more than “peace, bro.”]

THEME: “Persevere and live godly lives while awaiting tbe Day of the Lord.”

INVITATION:

Salvation

Be Encouraged

Be Encouraging

Acts 17:2–3 “As usual, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and rise from the dead: “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah.””