Gospel Mindset
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Background
Background
Written by Paul
Thessalonica was a port city. This brought different cultures and religions and thoughts constantly coming to the forefront for these people.
Paul and Silas established the church at Thessalonica Acts 17:1-12
1 After they passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As usual, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 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.” 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. 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. 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, 7 and Jason has welcomed them. They are all acting contrary to Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king—Jesus.” 8 The crowd and city officials who heard these things were upset. 9 After taking a security bond from Jason and the others, they released them. 10 As soon as it was night, the brothers and sisters sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. Upon arrival, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 The people here were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, since they received the word with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Consequently, many of them believed, including a number of the prominent Greek women as well as men.
This letter was written not long after this event happened in Acts. Between 47-54 AD
In this letter, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to continue their godly example and spreading of the gospel through their region. He also recognizes the hardship and opposition due to their commitment of the gospel.
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
1 For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our visit with you was not without result. 2 On the contrary, after we had previously suffered and were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition. 3 For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity or an intent to deceive. 4 Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. 5 For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives—God is our witness—6 and we didn’t seek glory from people, either from you or from others. 7 Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children.
Our intent should not be
Our intent should not be
Impure
Deceptive
People pleasing
Greedy
Flattering
glory seeking
Our intent should be
Our intent should be
gentle
caring
lived-out
devoutly
righteously
blamelessly
encouraging
comforting
imploring
Application
Application
4 Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts.
This is a difficult one for me personally. The idea that we are to please God not people is a game changer though as it causes us to look at the big picture and not be concerned as much with worldly things. God entrusts each of us with the gospel. That is the great commission. In response to that commission we need to speak in order to please God.
16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
What is the most challenging part of living out the great commission for you?
8 We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
Paul didn’t only share the gospel with people, but his life. This is a vital step in us forming relationships and becoming more successful in gospel conversations. This helps us relate to people. This is another form of practical gospel sharing.
What are some things we can do to share our life with people?
Persecution
Persecution
13 This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, since you have also suffered the same things from people of your own country, just as they did from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us. They displease God and are hostile to everyone, 16 by keeping us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. As a result, they are constantly filling up their sins to the limit, and wrath has overtaken them at last. 17 But as for us, brothers and sisters, after we were forced to leave you for a short time (in person, not in heart), we greatly desired and made every effort to return and see you face to face. 18 So we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?
Verse 13 supports my previous claims that when we share Christ in the way outlined earlier it is not a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God.
In verse 14 Paul affirms that the Thessalonians were not the only ones that were being persecuted, but they joined the other churches of Judea in it.
You are not alone in your persecution.
Why is it important to know that you are not alone in your persecution?
52 Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become.
Verse 15 Paul references the Jews and for the first time in the bible points blame at them for the death of Jesus. He also brings up the Jews killing OT prophets who were their fellow Jews. The pattern Paul shows is rejection of the message first, then persecution of the messenger.
18 “If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you.
Why is important to know Jesus was hated first?
If God’s son came down and would die for you, then why would you not be willing to make the sacrifice and be hated for him?
Understanding that God is with you in persecution is key
