August 16, 2020

 WHOM DO WE SERVE
August 16, 2020
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Have you ever been asked to compromise what you believe to be right or wrong? Has temptation ever gotten the upper hand in an area of your life when you wanted to stand firm?

Open:

We’ve been focusing for the past weeks on pleasing God with what we say, how we act, and the daily life we live. Sometimes, though, the beliefs we hold dear, or the life we try to live to please Christ, may not have been tested by fire. We will learn today that the time of testing our faith is coming more quickly than most of us thought. Today we watched the news to learn if Christians in California were arrested for attending worship services this morning against a late night ban on services. It was to the glory of God that their government stepped in at the last moment, saying the order was unconstitutional. But how will you act if persecution comes to your city?

Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians. 2:4: Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but rather God, who examines our hearts. (CSB).

Focal Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4.

OPPOSITION CAN NEVER STOP THE IMPACT OF THE GOSPEL

  • Read 1 Thess. 2:1-2. How were Paul and Silas treated in Philippi? Where did they travel to because of the persecution?
  • Read Acts 17:1-4. If you had been persecuted and treated “outrageously,” for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, would you have gone on to another city to continue preaching? How can you know how you would react?
  • How did the persecution in Philippi cause them to react in Thessalonica?What was the result in Acts 17:4?
  • Satan is very well aware of the fate awaiting him in the book of Revelation; why does he continue to persecute the church?

TEMPTATION CAN STOP THE IMPACT OF THE GOSPEL

  • Read 1 Thess. 2:3. We know how Paul and Silas reacted to the torture they endured at Philippi, and later in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5ff). Is there anything you currently do that brings you ill treatment of some type? How do you react? How do you react within your family when you become the victim of someone’s ill treatment?
  • What are the three things in verse 3 that Paul said he and Silas did not let stand in the way of their preaching the gospel of Christ?
  • Can you relate any preaching that you have heard that goes against the word of God? Has any sermon you’ve heard had content of impurity (cursing, bitterness, making light of hell, etc.)? What about a sermon where the intent was to deceive the hearers?
  • As you go about your daily activities, if you observe or hear a false statement about Christ, are you strong enough to refute it? Explain.
  • If you are not able to stand against sin in your peer group, are you having an impact on any of them? Explain how you justify being quiet.

NEVER FORGET YOUR PURPOSE

  • Read 1 Thess. 2:4. What did Paul say was his purpose? Why? Whom did he wish to please? Whom do you try hardest to please, God, your spouse, your boss, or someone else?
  • If you read any news going across America in this present age, you know that persecution is becoming more and more an anti-Christian movement. When it comes to where you live, how will you react? Has your faith been tested yet? How?
  • During Covid 19, what did we see happen to the church of Jesus Christ?
  • What do you consider your purpose in life? How does that mesh with Matthew 28:19-20?

Close:

We are living in fearful times now, aren’t we? Every day, somewhere in the world, some tragedy is happening that makes one wonder just how much longer God will endure wicked and evil men. The terrible truth is that 2 Timothy 3:13 tells us that “evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” That is very scary, right?

Our only way out is to follow Christ fully, carrying our own cross daily, and being ready to defend our Christian beliefs even to death. Be in His word until it is so deeply rooted that for every action you see, a verse comes to mind. Teach your children and grandchildren what to watch for, especially if their focus as young people is to have the friendship of the world and be accepted by peers.

Most of all, stay away from sin. We have been freed from the bondage of sin, but its temptations can still sway us. The instant a sinful thought comes, give it to Jesus. Satan no longer owns you, because you have been bought by the precious blood of Christ. However, we still listen to the voice of the deceiver at times. Remember that, and be bold to speak out, knowing the light of Christ will shine through you.