Whom Do We Serve?
2020-08-16
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Key Verse: 1 Thess. 2:4 (CSB) 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.
1 Thess. 2:1-4 (CSB) For you yourselves know, brothers, that our visit with you was not without result. 2 On the contrary, after we had previously suffered, and we 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 men, but rather God, who examines our hearts.
1. Opposition Can’t Stop Impact (vss 1-2)
Vss 1-2 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our visit with you was not without result. 2 On the contrary, after we had previously suffered, and we 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.
• Paul and Silas had been beaten and imprisoned in a jail in Philippi for preaching the Gospel
• This attack didn’t serve to quiet Paul, it inspired him to more faithfulness
• Now in Thessalonica, they once again were opposed by those who fought against their Gospel
• They were steadfast because they knew the impact which would result
Acts 17:4 Then some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, including a great number of God-fearing Greeks, as well as a number of the leading women
• No matter the opposition we may face, our faith in God will give us the boldness needed to stand firm
2. Temptation Can Stop Impact (vs 3)
Vs 3 For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity or an intent to deceive.
• Preaching a false Gospel or modified Gospel will never make a difference
• Preaching a self-serving gospel will never make a positive difference
• We must ensure our motives are not
Warren Wiersbe stated, “It is possible to preach the right message with the wrong motives”[1]
[1]Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 164.
3. So, Never Forget Your Purpose (vs 4)
Vs 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.
• Our mission is not to build self, it is to build the Kingdom of God
• Our goal should never be for acceptance or elevating self, it should be to please Godand God alone.
Rev. Jerry Falwell said, “God never called me to popular, He called me to be faithful!”