Preaching Is A Contest

In this passage we are going to see a contest. It is a contest between the darkness and light. Between blood bought servants of Christ and sin blinded servants of Satan.

We need to be prepared for the contest.

Preparation for the contest enables us to compete to the best of our ability.

God takes our efforts and uses them for His purpose and glory.

Our preparation must take three forms.

Form #1…

1. Be Prepared To Reason vv. 1-4

One of Martin Luther’s most famous quotes connects to this idea of reason.

Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.

Luther wants Scripture and reason. Here in our passage that is exactly what Paul gives.

Luther’s quote highlights a foundational principle that we must understand as we interact with people seeking opportunities to proclaim the gospel. If we are going to reason…

a. Our reasoning must be Biblical vv. 1-3

READ v. 1

They have been asked to leave Philippi, so they do. They travel through two cities before arriving in Thessalonica (S).

Unlike Philippi, Thessalonica has a large enough Jewish population that it has a synagogue.

Reasoned – διαλέγομαι (dialegomai) converse; discuss; argue. To discourse v. — to consider or examine a topic in speech with others. Verb, imperfect, either middle or passive, indicative, third person, singular.

While this might seem like a small thing, it actually determines how Paul approaches the spreading of the gospel in Thessalonica.

This is a religious audience. So Paul’s approach is different than what we will see in the latter half of this chapter.

These people know who God is, they know about the promised Messiah, they know enough Scripture to give Paul a foundation to work from.

READ v. 2

Custom = practice.

Here we get Paul’s method of operation. He came into a city, if there was a synagogue he would teach there preaching that Jesus is the Christ.

This is a religious audience. So Paul’s approach is different than we will see it in the latter half of this ch.

Paul spends three weeks reasoning with them.

Reasoned – διαλέγομαι (dialegomai) converse; discuss; argue. To discourse v. — to consider or examine a topic in speech with others.

Reasoned – διαλέγομαι (dialegomai)

What is vital here is the source of Paul’s reasoning. Scripture.

I have heard people claim that we need to set the Bible aside in debates and discussions. I disagree. This books is the basis for everything we believe. If we set it aside, we have already lost the debate!

The foundation for Paul’s argument is the Word of God.

This is impossible without a knowledge of the Word.

Paul’s reasoning has a particular focus.

READ v. 3

Paul explains and demonstrates the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Explaining – διανοίγω (dianoigō) to open; to explain thoroughly; to interpret. Pictured as opening something widely to make the contents clearly visible.

Explaining – διανοίγω (dianoigō)

Paul wants to make Scripture clear. So he explains it.

One of my favorite definitions of expository preaching is found in (S).

Nehemiah 8:8 NKJV

So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.

Demonstrating – παρατίθεμαι (paratithemai) set before; place beside. To demonstrate v. — to provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one’s behavior, attitude, or external attributes. Verb, present, middle, instrumental participle, singular, nominative, masculine.

This is what Paul is doing. Explaining, giving the sense. Helping the people to understand.

Part of how he does this is described as “demonstrating.”

Demonstrating – παρατίθεμαι (paratithemai) set before; place beside. To demonstrate, to provide evidence for; stand as proof of.

Demonstrating – παρατίθεμαι (paratithemai)

Paul backs up his claims with evidence. What evidence? The same evidence he presents to the Corinthians in . Jesus was seen by all the apostles, by Peter, by Paul, and by over 500 people at once.

There are many great books that have been written filled with evidence demonstrating the truth of Christianity. One is even called “evidence for Christianity.”

Our faith is not baseless. It is not blind. Our faith is rooted in historical fact, in eye witness testimony, and (most importantly) in the infallible Word of God.

We believe what we do because Scripture demands it.

Want perfect reasoning? Reason by the perfect Word.

If we are going to reason with people, it must be Biblical reasoning.

says (S).

1 Corinthians 2:13 NKJV

These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Human reasoning is insufficient, flawed, and broken by sin.

Being Biblical is foundational. However, there is a second part to reasoning. If we are going to reason…

b. Our reasoning must be persuasive v. 4

Persuaded is exactly what it sounds like. They were convinced by Paul’s explanation of Scripture and his evidence.

I want to make the point here that this was Paul’s goal. He wasn’t just talking to hear himself talk. He was speaking to persuade people to believe!

The purpose of Biblical reasoning, the purpose of explaining and giving evidence, is to bring people to Christ! To persuade them and bring them to and understanding of the gospel.

This means that when we speak it is not just the mere presentation of facts.

A dry, boring regurgitation is not persuasive!

We must speak with passion, with love, and with a desire to see people saved from hell!

When we love the lost, we speak persuasively.

Look with me at what Paul says in (p. 1319).

(p. 1319)

1 Corinthians 10:31–33 NKJV

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

We don’t seek our own profit! We seek the salvation of the lost.

The results of Paul’s preaching are astounding.

Men from the synagogue believe. A great multitude of Greek proselytes. Those who have joined the Jewish faith. Many leading women also.

They join Paul and Silas and the Thessalonian church is born.

This is all a result of the work of the Holy Spirit through Paul’s Biblical and persuasive reasoning.

Never forget, When we proclaim the gospel, the Holy Spirit is working right along side us. However, if we are not prepared to reason Biblically, if we are not prepared to reason persuasively, what does the Holy Spirit have to work with?

We must be prepared to reason. There is a second form our preparation must take. Form #2…

2. Be Prepared For Rejection vv. 5-9

Have you ever offered someone something only to have them reject the offer? This actually happens pretty regularly.

For example, if you were to offer everyone in this room a piece of gum (S), some would accept that offer, and some would reject it.

We are prepared for that. We know that not everyone in the room will take it. In fact, if everyone in the room did accept it, we would think it was a miracle! We’d also have to buy a lot of gum.

When that rejection happens, it is not us they are rejecting, it is what we are offering.

This is vital for us to understand as we share the gospel.

We must be prepared for rejection. That preparation requires two realizations. Realization #1…

a. Rejection is not personal vv. 5-7

READ v. 5

Not persuaded is literally “disobedient”. These are the people who didn’t believe the message. The ones who rejected the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.

The reason for their rejection is also given here.

It was envy that led the Jewish leaders to put Jesus on the Cross. The same emotion is the motivation here.

- They don’t believe. 2 - They are envious. 3 - They gather a mob.

There is a really interesting and unique Greek word here.

Marketplace – ἀγοραῖος (agoraios) market people; rabble. Market loiterer. Someone (unemployed) who lingers aimlessly in or about in the marketplace; especially looked down upon as worthless people in both Roman and Greek societies.

Marketplace – ἀγοραῖος (agoraios)

As the saying goes, idle hands are the devil’s tools. These marketplace loiterers are described here as “evil.” Evil is a word of intention. No one becomes evil by accident.

The unbelievers from the synagogue grab these evil men and form a mob. Their goal seems to be at least the arrest of Paul and Silas, but probably their abuse or death as well.

Notice who is being rejected. It isn’t Paul and company, it is Christ.

We see here a parallel to our own times. Paul has presented scripture and He has given evidence to back it up. The response is mob violence. It isn’t a careful consideration of what he has presented. It is outrage. This is exactly what is beginning to take place in our country. When we stand for truth, we get violently opposed.

These men get the whole city stirred up and arrive at the house where Paul and Silas were staying.

READ vv. 6-7

Unwittingly, the mob gives a great testimony to the effectiveness of the early church.

“They turned the world upside down!” It has probably been less than 20 years since Jesus’ death and resurrection. And yet, the church has this kind of reputation already.

Notice, in v. 7, who is being rejected. It isn’t Paul and company, it is Christ.

I want to call your attention for just a second to a word that is sometimes overlooked.

Another – ἕτερος (heteros) other; another. Different adj. — unlike in nature, quality, form, or degree.

Another – ἕτερος (heteros)

Jesus is not just another king in a long line of kings. Jesus is a king unlike any other!

Turn to (p. 1423).

(p. 1423)

Revelation 19:11–16 NKJV

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

Our King is unlike any other!

This is the heart of the issue. It is an issue of kings.

When we bring the gospel of Jesus Christ and it is rejected, it is not us who are being rejected, it is what we are offering.

They are rejecting Christ! They are rejecting salvation! They are rejecting eternal life!

Don’t take the rejection personal. Now, to be clear, it will feel personal.

It felt personal for Jason and his household to be dragged before the rulers. But we wrestle not against flesh and blood.

To reject the gospel is to reject the Savior.

Don’t be hurt and offended by rejection, move on. Keep preaching Christ!

It will feel personal. But we wrestle not against flesh and blood.

Some plow, some plant, some water, God gives the increase.

As we share the gospel we must be prepared for rejection. To do that we must realize that rejection is not personal. Realization #2…

Realization #2…

b. Rejection is painful vv. 8-9

Verse 6 says that they dragged Jason and some other believers to the rulers. That doesn’t sound pleasant.

READ vv. 8-9

The rulers and people are disturbed by what has taken place.

They could get into trouble for allowing the deity and authority of Caesar to be questioned.

In an attempt to protect themselves they take security from these believers.

“Taken security” is basically the idea of bail money.

There is a cost to being a follower of Jesus Christ. Here that cost is literal. They have to pay a fine.

These leaders reject the gospel and that rejection brings pain to believers.

For you and I so far in America, there may not have been a monetary cost. Though some have had to pay that.

Instead we have lost family in our pursuit of Jesus. Relationships have been broken, jobs have been lost, emotional pain has been endured.

Jesus talked about this in (p. 1203).

(p. 1203)

Luke 14:25–33 NKJV

Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Rejection is painful!

It hurts when family forsakes us! It hurts when friends betray us! But does that mean we quit talking about Jesus? NO!

Let rejection come here on earth, the reception in heaven will make it well worth it.

The pain of rejection is soothed by the presence of Jesus.

In our proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, there is a contest. If we are going to win this contest, we must be prepared to reason, and be prepared for rejection. There is a final form our preparation must take. Form #3…

3. Be Prepared For Resistance vv. 10-15

Some who reject the gospel of Jesus Christ are content to reject Christ and move on. Other take up a crusade against those who preach Christ.

In our parenting journey Jess and I have often talked about how the times parenting is most difficult is when you face unexpected resistance. We expect our kids to resist eating vegetables, or waking up on time. Because we expect it, we are prepared. We do not expect them to resist eating the meal they liked last week, or resist wearing clothes, or resist playing outside. The resistance we are unprepared for is the most difficult to deal with.

That’s why we need to prepare for resistance.

Jesus taught a very important lesson on this topic. (S).

John 15:18–20 NKJV

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

Persecution is normal. There is no such thing as a celebrity Christian! The only celebrity status the believer should enjoy is that of a martyr for Christ! The message of the Cross is offensive. If we are celebrities to the world, maybe we aren’t preaching the Cross strongly enough.

Paul and Silas faithfully preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result they faced continual resistance.

There are two lessons we learn here in regards to resistance. Lesson #1…

a. The cause of resistance vv. 10-12

READ v. 10

Again we see that we are to avoid persecution and suffering when possible.

Though it is a Biblical reality that we will face it, we don’t need to seek it out.

Paul and Silas travel to Berea (S). Keeping to their custom, they go to the synagogue.

READ v. 11

There is a different reception here in Berea. These people work to see if Paul is telling them the truth.

They receive the Word with an eager enthusiasm, then they investigate.

Searched – ἀνακρίνω (anakrinō) examine; judge; question. To consider in detail and analyze in order to discover essential features or meaning.

Searched – ἀνακρίνω (anakrinō)

This is often incorrectly used as an encouragement for Christians to study the Bible. While that could be an application it is important to realize that in context this is unbelievers studying out what Paul said and ultimately believing. Similar to Josh McDowell, Lee Strobel, C. S. Lewis and others who have been converted through studying Christianity or trying to disprove it.

We can be confident that Paul used the same method here as he did in the beginning of the chapter. Their questioning and examining is the perfect counterpoint to Paul’s explanation of Scripture and presentation of evidence. They search! They question! They examine! Then…

READ v. 12

I love that this verse starts with “Therefore”. The idea is that because of all these things. Because truth was presented, because evidence was given, because they were searching the Scriptures to discover the truth; they believed. Greeks and prominent women and men believe.

The evidence is there! If we search the Scriptures we find Christ!

This is what the Word of God does. It points us to Christ. Two passages: ; (S).

;

John 5:39–40 NKJV

You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

Galatians 3:24 NKJV

Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

With some people having trusted in Christ, Paul and Silas are confronted with the same issue as before. When some believe, some don’t. Those who do not believe sometimes begin to actively resist the gospel.

The gospel changes lives. Satan resists that change.

That is the cause of resistance.

Lesson #2…

b. The counter to resistance vv. 13-15

READ v. 13

This verse begins with the word “But”. This is a word of contrast. Ministry is going well, that’s when resistance comes.

But. Ministry is going well, that’s when resistance comes.

If we are doing nothing for Christ, there is nothing for Satan to resist.

There are ways in which a lazy Christian life is an easy life. However, it will not be a peaceful life.

“Learned” implies one of two things. Either someone went to Thessalonica and told them what Paul was doing. Or, they were actively seeking information about Paul and where he had gone.

They leave Thessalonica and travel to Berea for the sole purpose of resisting Paul and his preaching. The moment they arrive, they stir up another mob.

When we preach Christ, there will be resistance!

So what do we do? How do we respond? How do we counter the resistance?

READ v. 14

Three actions are taken. The believers in Berea send Paul away by sea. However, Silas and Timothy stay in Berea.

This is how we respond.

1 - Defuse the situation when possible. This is accomplished by Paul’s departure.

2 - Continue to minister as long as possible. This is accomplished through Silas and Timothy.

In the face of resistance, we continue to preach Christ! The face of the ministry may change, but the ministry itself does not.

READ v. 15

Paul arrives in Athens (S).

Once there he sends his companions back to get Silas and Timothy.

Here we find our third response to resistance.

3 - Find a new place to minister.

When resistance reaches a certain point, it is no longer beneficial to remain. Move on.

All of these actions require dependence on the Holy Spirit to know when and how to implement them.

It is not always appropriate to leave, nor is it always appropriate to remain. We must be directed by the Lord.

When faced with resistance, the Holy Spirit’s direction is vital.

Be faithful in ministry. As people believe and lives are changed, resistance will come. Counter the resistance.

Conclusion

Right at this very moment, we are in a spiritual battle. The forces of darkness are waging a war against our hearts and minds.

As the Word is being preached, as the gospel is being proclaimed, there is a contest.

There is a contest for our hearts and minds and for the hearts and minds of those around us.

As we contend with the forces of darkness, we need to be prepared.

Be prepared to reason. Biblically and persuasively.

To reason Biblically and persuasively we must know the Word and practice presenting the gospel.

Be prepared for rejection. Though it will be painful, don’t take it personally.

Ultimately, it is Christ that is being rejected. That sting will fade in His presence.

Preparing for rejection requires knowing it will happen, and depending on Christ.

Be prepared for resistance. When people are being saved, resistance comes. We counter it through faithful proclamation.

To prepare for resistance, develop a deep dependence on the Holy Spirit.

This contest we are in? Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, wins.

Be prepared for the contest, but be assured of the outcome.

Beloved, we are on the winning side!

Preach Christ boldly, passionately, and faithfully. Leave the results up to God.

“You Are God Alone”

Acts 17:1–15 NKJV

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.

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