Hope in God our Witness (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12)

Town Creek Baptist Church

Sermon Direct Link
1/12/24
Rev. Clint Smith

Hope in God our Witness (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12)

“Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, so help you God?” This question and the accompanying oath or affirmation are commonly heard in courtrooms, where eyewitness testimony adds credibility to a case.

Paul addressed his Christian brothers and sisters in Thessalonica, appealing to their recognition of the effective and fruitful work God had accomplished in their lives through his labor, despite the persecution he and his team faced in Philippi. He credited the strength of God for their ability to boldly proclaim the good news of salvation while facing such great opposition.

Paul’s gospel doctrine did not arise from error, deception, or impure motives. His message came from God, and it was complete, accurate, and grounded in God’s everlasting, unchanging truth. (John 3:16; Romans 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9-13; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Hebrews 10:1-39)

God approved Paul and his team as His Gospel stewards. Since God entrusted Paul and his team with this message, they proclaimed the truth without seeking popularity or fearing man. Their aim was to please God, the ultimate Judge of the heart’s motives. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Galatians 1:9-17; Romans 8:1-17)

The Apostle Paul appealed directly to God as his silent witness while encouraging the Thessalonians to be physical witnesses. He urged the people to testify to the faithfulness of him and his team to God, as well as their tenderness toward the Church. Paul first compared their work with the Church at Thessalonica to that of a devoted mother tenderly caring for her own children, and second, to that of a very sincere and determined father who exhorted, comforted, and encouraged the Church.

The challenge for the Thessalonian believers—and for Christians today—is to live lives of honor, moral courage, and personal integrity, worthy of the God who saved you and called you into His everlasting kingdom and glory. (Galatians 2:20)

Do you understand God’s clear Gospel message of salvation?

Have you responded to God and said yes to His invitation?

Have you received the Believer’s Walk challenge?

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