1 Thessalonians 2:1-4

For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain.  But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.  For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

 

The successful ministry described in the previous chapter does not happen by accident or with ease.  There is a price to pay for the advancement of the Gospel and we must be willing to pay that price.  As Paul reviews his ministry in the city, there are two qualities that stand out as essential prerequisites for successful Gospel advancement.  These are worth both consideration and emulation.

 

PREPARE FOR CONFLICT: There is a battle raging for the hearts and souls of men.  God is on mission to rescue mankind from the darkness of sin and death.  Satan is doing all he can to keep man under condemnation.  Whenever the Gospel advances to new places, there is sure to be conflict and persecution. Paul had been beaten and imprisoned unjustly in Philippi and he was facing a similar fate in Thessalonica. However, the opposition and suffering did not dissuade him from proclaiming the Gospel.  As we go to our neighbors and advance to the nations, we must be prepared to face conflict but must never be tempted to quit because of it.  

 

PREACH WITH CONFIDENCE: The reason we can preach the Gospel in the face of persecution is that we are convicted that the Gospel is true and is the only hope that others have of being saved from their sin.  We are not seeking to take advantage of people or simply living to please other people.  We preach the Gospel because we love people and desire to see them rescued from their sin.  We preach the Gospel because God has commanded that we preach the Gospel.  Since our message is authentic and God has authorized us to proclaim it; we can go forward with confidence no matter how much persecution and suffering we may face. Doubt about the truth and fear of men will cause us to be ineffective.  We go forth preaching the Word of God because we want to please and obey God. 

 

APPLICATION: Don’t be discouraged or surprised by persecution associated with preaching the Gospel.  Understand that the Gospel is the only hope that others have of salvation.  Be convicted of this truth and obey the command of God to spread the Gospel no matter what the cost.

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