“Sharing the Good News, Fighting the Good Fight, and Enjoying the Good Life Together “ 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13
Sharing the Good News (vs1-6)
-Sometimes when we share the Gospel, it is not eagerly heard by the crowd. Paul faced great opposition when sharing the message.
Opposition and struggles can play a role in keeping our motives pure and displaying God’s power.
-Our methods and message should not adhere to error, tricks, people-pleasing and greed. Paul was not a Charlatan or ‘Miracle Tonic” salesman.
-Our motives are to be pure as approved by God… who tests our hearts and is ourwitness... We proclaim or share the Gospel to bring God the Glory and please him.
Fighting the Good Fight (vs7-12)
-When we share with others, we are to “fight the good fight” by modeling the attitudes of the following examples:
Young Children – “gentle among you “ epoi-gentle –nepioi-infants
“not as superiors or elitists”
Nursing mothers – nurturing, caring, giving of ourselves
Loving Fathers - good examples- coaching, leading, instructing
-We are not to be a burden or abuse our authority.
Enjoying the Good Life Together (v8 and v13)
-We are to not only share the Gospel in word and deed, but share our lives as well.
-Are we teachable? Have we received and believed in the word of God? How are we engaged in our community? Paul was delighted to share his life with people.
-This belief in the word of God is not just information that we keep to ourselves. Believing in the living Word leads to our transformation, as individuals and whole communities.
-A model for the Good Life together is found in Acts 2:42-47
Application: To what degree do I long to see my fellow believers grow in Christ? Have I become busy and selfish with my time and energy?
If so, how can I correct this trend? What will I do this week to help another believer grow in Christ?
Will I be bold enough to share the Gospel with someone who has never heard this week?
