Way To Go

Way To Go

EX:  College—trying to start a Christian group, but told no in May

       Committed it to prayer—September—start a group!

Sometimes when we go through the Christian life we encounter despair and frustration.  That is OK!  Especially when we are trying to spread the Gospel and disciple others and we meet up with opposition.  Today we begin a new sermon series out of I Thessalonians entitled Don’t Give Up!  My prayer in this study is that if you are frustrated, concerned, disappointed, or just plain discouraged in seeing the world changed for Christ that you Don’t Give Up!

EX:  Time in seminary when I got discouraged, but God reminded me

            Don’t Give Up! 

Background of I Thessalonians

   Thessalonica:

     -International City—on the coast of Macedonia—near Aegean Sea

     -on Egnatian way—Roman road from Rome to Orient

     -about 200,000 people—Greeks, Romans, Orientals, & Jews

     -WWI—Allies based soldiers there

     -WWII—Nazi’s took out 60,000 Jews and killed them

     -today still an active city of about 300,000--Salonica

   -written by Paul in early 50’s—AD, not 1950’s

   -written from Corinth not long after a visit to Thessalonica

   -Silas {Silvanus-roman form) & Timothy—2nd journey       

   -had gone into synagogue and taught 3 Sabbaths—many converts

     -also endured persecution by Jews there

   -letter addresses several issues:

     -persevere despite persecution

     -disputed false charges:

            -missionaries preaching to get fat wallets

            -Paul left hurriedly and was a coward

     -corrected some errors:

            -tendency toward moral laxity and laziness

            -lack of respect for the Church’s leaders

     -also instructed them on believers’ deaths before Jesus returns

I Thessalonians 1:1-10

Be Encouraged

v.1-Paul, Silvanus, & Timothy together

   -Timothy brought their questions and concerns to Paul

   -written to the church in Thessalonica

   -in God Father & Jesus Christ’s authority

   -Grace to you & peace—vital in Christian life, esp. for them

            -God’s grace is needed to experience man’s peace

v.2-thankful to God for them in their prayers—not grieved by them

v.3-they remember their: 

     -work of faith—important service of some kind

     -labor of love—lived for God in midst of persecution

     -steadfastness of hope—endured in their faith

   -ALL for Jesus Christ and God the Father

   -Faith, Hope, & Love  I Corinthians 13:13

v.4-knowing that God chose them—they are His & He is theirs

   -they are brothers—equal and God elected them

   Ephesians 1:4-6—chosen before foundation of world

     -predestined to be adopted as sons

v.5-the gospel was not just words, but literally changes lives!

   -they saw the difference & power as they lived among them

EX:  those who notice something different—not trying to be different,

            just trying to pursue a closer walk with Him

v.6-they became disciples—imitators of Christ and them

   -did it against the odds—much tribulation, but HS convinced them

   -they had joy—not from circumstances, but from relationship--HS

v.7-they were now examples in country and neighboring province

v.8-their faith is spreading to others wherever they go—very pleasing

v.9-Paul hearing from others of testimony—away from idols to God

   -no organized outreach needed—testimony of changed lives-power

v.10-thier focus is now on waiting on Jesus—the Savior

   -He delivers from waiting wrath of God for sin—focus of believers

WAY TO GO:

1.  Live For Jesus

2.  Your Life Speaks To Others

3.  Jesus Changes Lives, NOT You