Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-7
Our Gospel
(1 Thessalonians 1:5-6)
Intro.
1. Jesus commissioned His apostles to preach the gospel. They kept that commission, Mk. 16:15; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 1:17.
2. “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake” (1 Thess. 1:5).
3. Christians (then and now) follow the apostles and the Lord, because to follow them is to follow Jesus, 1 Thess. 1:6; Jno. 13:20.
a. They preached Jesus, not themselves, 2 Cor. 4:3-5 (1:19); Col. 1:28.
b. Christians continue steadfastly in their teaching, Acts 2:42.
4. Our gospel: The nature of the apostles’ gospel produces our faith, ignites our work of love and secures the patience of our hope (1 Thess. 1:3).
I. A REVEALED GOSPEL (“in word”), Jno. 16:13; Matt. 10:40; et al.
A. The Word of God, 1 Thess. 2:13. (Apostles entrusted with the gospel, 1 Thess. 2:4.)
1. Apostles’ words and writings, 2 Thess. 2:15.
2. The commands of the Lord, 1 Cor. 14:37.
B. We must Examine and then Believe their Gospel, Acts 17:11-12.
II. A VALIDATED GOSPEL (“in power”).
A. By Confirming Miracles, Mk. 16:17-20; Heb. 2:3-4.
B. We Trust the Gospel because God Authenticated it with Miracles, Acts 14:1-3.
1. God was at work giving His approval to what they preached, Acts 11:14-18 (“who was I that I could withstand God?”) (17).
2. Certified gospel, Gal. 1:11-12…your faith.
3. Gospel has power to save because it is authentic – from God, not men, 1 Cor. 1:23-24.
III. A CONVINCING GOSPEL (“in much assurance”).
A. It Produces a Secure Faith, 1 Cor. 2:4-5.
1. Assured source – God (certified).
2. Assured service – Inspired apostles, 1 Thess. 2:3-5 (genuine, honest, before God).
3. Assured outcome (establish you), Rom. 16:25.
B. God Designed the Gospel to Strengthen and Secure Our Faith.
1. The gospel contains:
a. Facts to believe, 1 Cor. 15:1-4.
b. Commands to obey, Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:37-38; 10:47-48; Rom. 10:16; 2 Thess. 1:8.
c. Promises to be received, Eph. 3:6; Titus 1:1-3.
2. Living faithfully secures us in Christ, 1 Thess. 1:3-4 (Col. 2:5-7).
IV. A CONVERTING GOSPEL (“you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord…”), 1 Thess. 1:5-6.
A. The Gospel Changed Paul, 1 Tim. 1:14-16; Gal. 1:13-16.
B. That Same Gospel Has Changed Us, and It Will Change Others, Eph. 2:11-13 (Rom. 6:4).
Conclusion
1. We must preach the word for it to convert souls, Acts 8:4.
2. Seize our opportunities to help save some with an unwavering commitment to the apostolic gospel.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: March 14, 2019