“As Ye Know” – 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
1 Thesalonnians 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
Proverbs 26:4-5 Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit.
The point being made by Solomon is that we need the wisdom to know when to let something go and when we should speak up for the truth.
I. A of The
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 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 in the gospel of God with much contention.
No life can be all God would have it to be without a commitment to sharing the love of Christ with others.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: It shall not return unto me void, But it shall accomplish that which I please, And it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
1 Peter 3:16-17 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 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. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
II. A Process of
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 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.
We are saved when we turn from self and to God in faith, but that turn does not make us perfect because it takes “gentleness” and patience to help people grow.
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
The process of discipleship is the process of teaching someone to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus, and that process is found in the Word of God.
Paul said, “Discipleship includes patience as we provide the new believer with the Word and as we protect them from falsehoods that could harm their faith.”
III. A To
1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 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. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
At the end of the day, an impactful life for Jesus that touches the lives of others requires work.
1 Thessalonians 1:3a Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love.
You will never consistently take others to a place in life that you have not first gone to yourself.
Colossians 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
He calls us to salvation and beyond that He calls us to grow and to holiness.
Any church filled with people who long to “walk worthy of God” will make a difference for our time and for eternity.