1 Thessalonians and Evangelism

I. Background

A. Thessalonica

B. Prominent city in size, wealth and education Very idolatrous. It was close to Mt. Olympus the mythological home of the Greek mythological gods.

C. Church

D. Established by Paul with some initial success, Acts 17:1-4 Persecuted in the work there, Acts 17:5-9 Paul was there for at least three weeks, probably longer, but was driven from the city by persecution. He was very concerned about the young church in the middle of a worldly, idolatrous city. He sent Timothy to get news about them and strengthen them. The news from Timothy was good and caused Paul to rejoice, 3:6-10.

E. 1 Thessalonians was written by Paul while in Corinth (Acts 18:5)

II. The example of Paul and his companions

A. Full sacrifice for the spread of the gospel, 1:8

B. Risked death and were persecuted, 1:6; 2:2

C. Did not take financial support from them, 1:5-6, 9.

D. They had a right to live from their financial support but chose to work in secular jobs lest anyone think they were doing it for the money.

E. This ” night and day” dedication showed their commitment

F. Some might forego evangelism with ” I work all day and I need to rest.” Paul viewed his secular jobs as necessary to support his ” real” work of preaching the gospel. How about us?

G. Reaped the fruit of his work

H. Although everything is done to the glory of God, we can have joy when we see someone obey the gospel or return to the Lord as a result of our efforts. The joy made the labor worth the effort (i.e., giving birth)

I. Continued to teach them, 3:1-5

J. Not ” one saved, always saved” for he feared they would be led astray and their work would be in vain. Did not receive all knowledge when they were baptized. They still had more to learn.

K. We cannot stop at obedience but must continue to grow.

L. 1 Thessalonians 3:8-10 Hebrews 5:12-14

M. Served as an example for them, 2:6, 10-12; 4:1-2.

III. The example of the church in Thessalonica

A. The proclaimed the gospel so that Paul heard of their reputation

B. 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10

C. Many people traveled through Thessalonica They were apparently very active in preaching the gospel

D. They became examples in suffering like Paul and Jesus, 1:6; 2:14-16

E. They received the word of God with the confidence that it was from God

F. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

G. They put the word into practice in their lives

H. Faith without works is dead They witnessed the power of the gospel in their lives

I. They were not complacent but continued to grow, 4:10

J. They followed the example of the apostles, 4:1-2

IV. Our lessons

A. As individuals

B. Full sacrifice for the spread of the gospel Reap the fruits of our work Continue to teach

C. Serve as an example

D. Not to be followed with the authority of apostles’ example Should show others how the gospel teaches us to live

E. As a church

F. Those in the community and those who travel through should know of our love for the truth, desire to serve God, and efforts to teach others We must be an example in enduring suffering for the gospel’s sake

G. We must receive the word of God with the confidence that it is from God

H. It must change our lives We must respect it, consult it daily, and live it. We must not be complacent but grow We must follow the example of the apostles as recorded in the scriptures.