Bible Readings:
Acts 18:1 – 23
2 Timothy 3:1 – 17
Sermon Outline:
1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
I The Word of God
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV)
13For 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.
Acts 17:2–3 (NKJV)
2Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,
3explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.”
II Suffering persecution
Acts 17:4–6 (NKJV)
4And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.
5But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
6But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.
Acts 17:14 (NKJV)
14Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there.
1 Thessalonians 2:14–16 (NKJV)
14For 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,
15who 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,
16forbidding 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.
III Joyful reunion of pastor and people
1 Thessalonians 2:17–20 (NKJV)
17But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.
18Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.
19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
20For you are our glory and joy.