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“Method And Means” • 11.30.14 •
Calvary Christian Fellowship, Sunday Morning Service
Intro.
- When Timothy caught up to the Apostle Paul,
he received a glowing report of the health that was discovered in Thessalonica.
The church that was established in 3 weeks was thriving!
- At the same time, there were questions,
perhaps even rival skeptics, who questioned Paul's methods and sought to
discredit his motives.
- Our section today contains his gracious
defense, as well as a descriptive vision of the climate that the world had
become accustomed to when it came to false teachers in that day.
- We'll take this section in three parts.
I. The Rebuke Of False Charges (v.1-6)
II. The Recall Of Their Shared Experience (v.7-12)
III. The Response Of A Genuine Church (v.13-16)
Text
I. The Rebuke Of False Charges (v.1-6)
• I
Thessalonians 2:1,2 : "For you yourselves know, brethren,
that our coming to you was not in vain. But even after we had
suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were
bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict." : What good was Paul's visit if he only stayed for 3 weeks?
- The Apostles might have been tempted to view
their trip as a failure. But their arrival amongst the Thessalonians was not in
vain. They had not come away empty.
- God still managed to use their obedience
greatly, even if they couldn't see it in the moment. Never judge what God is
doing or has done based on what you can or cannot see!
- They hadn't come under ideal circumstances,
as they were still recovering from their outrageous treatment in Philippi. They
treated them with "hybrizo" or hubris, arrogance.
- They had chained Roman citizens and with
great arrogance, sought to circumvent the law by sending them away quietly the
next morning. Paul wouldn't stand for that insult.
- In spite of this, they spoke boldly,
confidently in God. They had not been shaken by their recent troubles, nor were
they afraid of the contention brought about by the rioters in Thessalonica.
- Nothing changed their commitment to the
gospel message that they shared. We must note this example: The gospel is more
important than our feelings!
- In fact, we should expect there to be
heightened spiritual attack preceding all opportunities to share the gospel!
This didn't stop Paul and we must ask the Spirit to embolden our efforts as
well!
- What allowed them to speak with such bold
confidence? He explains.
• I
Thessalonians 2:3-6 : "For
our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. But as we have been approved by God
to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God
who tests our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you
know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men,
either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of
Christ." : They were confident in the
strength of their appeal, knowing that it wasn't tainted in any way. First,
their gospel did not come from error, uncleanness or deceit.
- The word "error" comes from an
interesting Greek concept, related to wandering about mentally, as if scanning
an area, seeking to find something to deceive with.
- In other places, the word is translated
deceit and once, it's translated "delusion."
- "Uncleanness" refers to something
mixed in and "deceit" is better translated "guile" or
"trickery." This was common among the religious peddlers and was
likely an accusation against Paul.
- These words paint a picture of a person
constantly searching his own mind, looking to take some truth and mix in some
error, in the hopes of duping people!
- The Apostles did not present the gospel under
these auspices. They gave an accurate, unfiltered, undiluted and
straightforward message to the Thessalonians.
- Why would someone not simply declare what
God's Word already says, in sovereign order and in selected portion? They want
to pluck the heartstrings of people. They want approval.
- "Approval" as we use it, speaks to
popularity. This word has a meaning closer to "authenticity," as the
word in Greek is descriptive of metalurigical testing and political readiness.
- A false teacher or even an insecure preacher
needs, craves approval. He needs people to think he's the real thing and an
authority to be trusted and invested in. Therefore, creativity!
- The Apostles didn't need the approval of men.
God had tested and authenticated them as ministers of the gospel. They met His
qualifications! They didn't make it a goal to please men.
- The word "pleasing" is defined,
"to accommodate one's self to the
opinions desires and interests of others." (BLB) Doesn't this sound
like many in the world today?
- It's unpopular to talk of certain things from
the pulpit, so they just avoid sections of the Bible. Cater to whatever the
audience needs! The Apostles spoke with one audience in mind.
- Instead of changing their message to fit the
time, they used the time to declare the one message that God gave them!
- It would have been foolish for Paul to adapt
his message or methods, to please men.
- People will not be the ones standing in
judgment over you! It's God who tests the heart! The Apostles understood this
well!
- Your service to God in this world, in
whatever category you wish to consider, will be weighed out before God
Almighty. I pray we have our priorities straight as we minister!
- Again, in contrast to others: Paul and his
companions refused to use "flattering words" at any time! Not once.
Not ever!
- Merriam webster defines flattery as insincere
and excessive praise, while Thayers Lexicon adds "with a view to advantage
or gain."
- Paul didn't comment on how smart or cool or
wonderful the Thessalonians were.
- I love that he says, "As you know!"
It's as if Paul is saying, "I'm on the other side of the spectrum from
flattery!"
- He didn't speak to win their favor, nor did
he seek to exploit them for personal gain! He did not use the gospel as a cloak
or pretext, as a color over their eyes for his own sake.
- The idea of "pretext" originates
from French merchants would use a texture weave to place in front of the eyes
of the buyer which would disguise a defect in the product.
- False teachers must put a texture over their
falsehood because their product is utterly worthless to the person purchasing
it! They want you to buy their product so they will be enriched!
- I did a Google search this week on pretext
examples and discovered a Bankers manual on how to handle pretext callers, who
conservatively make thousands of calls per branch per day!
- In seeking to discover fraudulent calls, they
offer a few tests, which when applied to supposed Christian teachers, becomes
very telling.
- First, they don't have all the information.
Second, they are hesitant to provide contact information. Third, they make out
of the ordinary requests.
- Fourth, they become aggressive, resorting to
bully tactics. Fifth, they are overly talkative, often employing flattery or
friendly chit-chat to win a customer service agent over.
- Finally, they are absent minded or act
generally confused when asked to clear up previous details. These are
incredibly helpful tips in discovering a spiritual fraud artist as well!
- Is there a Christ on a Cross paying fully and
finally for sin in their information? Can they site a scripture in it's context
to justify their position? Do they assign extra offerings or trippy behaviours?
- When you ask questions about their ministry,
are they defensive? When you express concern, do they seem to want to win your
affection at all costs?
- Do you discover that their answers are simply
scripted and that a real knowledge of God's Word and way are simply unknown to
them? One word: FRAUD!
- Paul calls God Himself to witness! He had not
acted this way at all and God would confirm it!
- The Thessalonians knew that Paul hadn't acted
this way, but they may not have been able to discern his motivation.
- Paul is bold enough and confident in his
motivation enough to say, "God is my witness!" The Apostolic band did
not preach for people's favor or for personal prosperity.
- He notes also that they did not preach to
curry praise from people and used that capital to lay heavy burdens upon the people,
noting their lofty position as Apostles.
- In other words, the Apostles did not throw
their apostolic weight around!
- They never made spiritual demands on people,
telling them to fulfill a side of a bargain that they never signed up for! Paul
has said enough in his defense. He now sets their mind to recall.
II. The Recall Of Their Shared Experience (v.7-12)
• I
Thessalonians 2:7-9 : "But we were gentle among you, just
as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you,
we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our
own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our
labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to
any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God." : The Apostles stood in stark contrast to other teachers.
- They were gentle among them, referring to an
affable, pleasant and good natured response, in the same way that a nursing
Mother acts toward her own children.
- There is a warmth and a kindness that is
particular to a Mom and her little children. Ironically, the word
"cherishes" speaks to keeping something warm!
- Paul and his company responded to the
Thessalonians in a way that revealed a tender and enjoyable care.
- The Apostles, like a Mom, were eager to share
and the Thessalonians, like nursing infants, were hungry to grow. It was a
wonderful situation.
- The Apostles cared so deeply for them that
their relationship went beyond their message delivery. It became a great
pleasure to share their life with them! Everything was for their benefit.
- Even Paul's work schedule pointed to this
reality! They worked hard during the day in a trade and then ministered at
night. The Thessalonians shouldered no burden beyond their hospitality.
- Like a Father, Paul didn't want the
Thessalonians worrying about meeting their needs.
- Paul just wished to share the gospel to them
so they kept the main thing the main thing!
- The contrast remains, as the false teachers
often begin and end their program with, "If you don't fund this, we're
going under!" That wasn't the case with Paul!
• I
Thessalonians 2:10-12 : "You are witnesses, and God also,
how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;
as you
know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you,
as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own
kingdom and glory." : They knew first hand what
Paul's ministry was like. God knew what his ministry was like! They were pious
or holy. They did things according to regulation.
- Nobody could charge them with wrongdoing when
it came to how they treated the church!
- What did Paul consider proper ministry? The
Thessalonians witnessed Paul exhorting or encouraging from the Word. The word
refers to calling aloud to people, inviting them to come along.
- I get the impression that it might be akin to
saying, "C'mon friends! Let's get this going!" Paul identified with
the congregation and lead them along with himself.
- He summoned them to come along, to follow
after the things of the Lord. And when they failed, he comforted, consoled them
and calmed their hearts.
- You can almost see Paul sitting beside a
believer who is struggling with a teaching, not sure how to bring things back
into order. Paul, with great concern, opened the Word and calmed them.
- "Your not alone. Here's a verse. Here's
a story. Here's a piece of wisdom."
- There is such an intimate, close friendship,
a true fellowship. Paul is incredibly accessible and brotherly. But then, he
also charged them, testifying to the truth.
- How did he do this? Like a Father does his
children! He spoke with Patristic authority, charging them to walk worthy of
God.
- "Worthy" refers to axiomatic truth.
There are natural, obvious connections made when one makes a declaration of God
relation. People weigh the truth about our confession by our behavior.
- Progress in your walk in a way that is
consistent with what most believe to be obvious for the confession you have
made! Why are they to do this? Why are we to do this?
- Because God has called His people into His
own holy Kingdom and weight of reality!
III. The Response Of A Genuine Church (v.13-16)
• I
Thessalonians 2:13-16 : "For this reason we also thank God
without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from
us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of
God, which also effectively works in you who believe." : What reason is Paul referring to? The calling of God to walk
worthy, a challenge that they accepted!
- What marked their acceptation? The received,
literally, joining themselves to the Word.
- They received the word by giving it
hospitality, making room in their hearts for it, understanding that it was not
Paul or Silas or Timothy's word. It was and is God's Word!
- The words of this Bible are not the words of
your Pastor or any other teacher. When they are properly exegeted, they are the
very thoughts and intents of the Creator God!
- Is that the way that you respond to the
scripture? If these are my words, please do away with them, but since they are
God's, please respond to them properly!
- When one does, an effective work takes place.
There are variations of this phrase, but the best versions seem to agree that
the Word does it's work in you who have believed.
- There are attitudes that have changed, world
views that have conformed and habits that have been put to death along with
sinful lifestyles that have been cast aside because of the Word!
- God's Word does the work in our lives! When
we receive it and trust it to be what it is, it cleanses us from sin and sets
our course in Him!
• I
Thessalonians 2:14-16 : "For you, brethren, became imitators
of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also
suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the
Judeans, who
killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and
they do not please God and are contrary to all men, forbidding us to speak to the
Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their
sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost." : The Thessalonians had taken on the same quality that the church
in Judea had. They were now being treated in the same way.
- Acts
17:5 tells us that the Jews were envious of the work that was being
accomplished, but there were also Greeks who went along for the ride, all
belonged to Macedonia.
- Genuine faith produces suffering. Look at
what they did to the church who followed Jesus! Look then how they treated
Jesus!
- Before Christ, the prophets had experienced
the same persecution and the Apostles were the latest in line to receive this
treatment. The Thessalonians were in a very select group indeed!
- The Word working in us brings us great joy,
but it also alienates us from the world! That's proper faith!
- If there is no connection to the sufferings
of Christ or His servants, we might want to examine our faith! The godly will
suffer in this Christ rejecting world, but the ungodly should be concerned!
- The Jews thought that they were fighting for
God and pleasing Him with their attacks against Christianity. But they were not
pleasing God at all, nor were they on the side of men!
- Both the NIV and the HCSB translate that term
"contrary" as "hostile" to all men! They were hostile to
the Apostles who were attempting to faithfully carry out their Lord's command.
- They were hostile toward the believing Jews
and Gentiles by forbidding the Apostles to speak to them and thus attempting to
block their salvation!
- They thought that they were earning God's
favor, but what was happening was quite the opposite! They were storing up
God's wrath! They were filling up a ditch with water to the very brim!
- That's the picture Paul is painting. Their
sins were piling up and inevitably, it was about to spill out from being full!
- God is amazingly patient, but there is a full
measure for sin that is accounted by Him. People who are opposed to Him are not
getting away with anything!
- His mercy and grace hold off and His love
extends an invitation, but there will come a time when that sin will spill over
and require His just attention!
- In every instance in the Bible of judgment, a
long, straight road of mercy leads the way! Unfortunately for them, that road
leads straight to wrath if mercy is denied!
- In the case of this group, they are on the
road, but God's wrath has been pursuing them! They aren't on the offensive at
all, though it may seem to be the case!
- The ungodly are not winning the battle. God
is simply biding His time and watching them destroy themselves, if that is
their desire!
- Paul tells the Thessalonians that the wrath
of God had finally and fully overtaken them!
- Whatever happened to this group that had
caused trouble for the Thessalonians, Paul asserts that the action taken was a
function of God's wrath!
Conclusion
- The Apostles were bold, clear, and
straightforward in their presentation of the gospel. No gimmicks, no trickery,
no manipulation.
- Their actions were just as commendable. They
were loving, nurturing and transparent people who paid their own way to make
sure that the message wasn't compromised!
- As ministers of the gospel, priests of the
Kingdom of God, these are our goals, these are His methods as we minister. Let
them be the standard for your mission.
- The Thessalonians offer us another application.
They joined themselves to God's Word and made room for it in their home, so
much so, that they joined their predecessors and suffered.
- We don't aim to suffer, but we don't avoid it
by refusing to honor God's Word in our lives! They lived as though God wrote
the message that Paul presented. You know, He actually did!
- The Bible you hold is more than Man's attempt
to cause you to live godly. It's God who breathed it out! Let that be the
standard for your approach to scripture.
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