CHRISTIAN CONCERN
August 11, 2020

A. Starting point: 1 Tim. 2:1-6.

B. Praying from: I Thessalonians Chapter 2

PAUL’S METHOD AND MESSAGE
“For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
STEWARDSHIP OF GOSPEL
3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
LOVE FOR THE CHURCH
8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
THE MESSAGE RECEIVED AS DIVINE
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
REHEARSAL OF THE PERSECUTIONS BY THE JEWS
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
MINISTERIAL AFFECTION
17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
20 For ye are our glory and joy.”
I. THE SPEAKING—vv. 1–8
PAUL’S METHOD AND MESSAGE
1. Suffering—vv. 1–2. Paul is mistreated at Philippi.
STEWARDSHIP OF GOSPEL
2. Speaking—vv. 3–4. He spoke with a sincere heart—v. 3. And with simplicity—v. 4.
3. Sincerity—vv. 5–6. A lack of pride—v. 5. A lack of praise—v. 6. Flattery is really lying.
LOVE FOR THE CHURCH
4. Sacrifice—vv. 7–8. Paul not only gave God’s Word, he gave himself. This is real sacrifice!
II. THE SACRIFICE—vv. 9–12
1. Persistent—v. 9. Paul reminds the people how he labored among them free of charge.
2. Purity—v. 10. Paul lived a just and holy life. He not only preached holiness—he practiced it.
3. Plea—v. 11. Paul spoke to the Christians as a father talks to his children.
4. Praise—v. 12. Live so your life will bring praise to the Lord.
III. THE SALVATION—vv. 13–16
THE MESSAGE RECEIVED AS DIVINE
1. Preaching—v. 13. The people accept Paul’s words as the Word of God.
REHEARSAL OF THE PERSECUTIONS BY THE JEWS
2. Persecution—v. 14. The Thessalonians suffered much for the Lord, yet they remain true unto God.
3. Problem—vv. 15–16. The Jews killed the prophets, crucified Christ, now punish the disciples.
IV. THE SEPARATION—vv. 17–20
MINISTERIAL AFFECTION
1. Desire—v. 17. Paul had a desire to come and visit the Thessalonians.
2. Detainment—v. 18. Satan hindered Paul from coming. Satan always hinders God’s work.
3. Delight—vv. 19–20. The joy of having the hope of Christ’s return to earth. This was A.D. 54, He believed Christ could return at any time.

V. THE AMEN OF ROMANS 16:20, 24, 27
16:20 “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
16:24 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
16:27 “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”