1 Thessalonians 2 (1)

Pray Psalm 71.1-3.
In You, O LORD, I put my trust;
Let me never be put to shame.
Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape;
Incline Your ear to me, and save me.
Be my strong refuge,
To which I may resort continually;
You have given the commandment to save me,
For You aremy rock and my fortress.

Read 1 Thessalonians 2.1, 2.

Reflect.
1. In what sense was Paul’s coming among the Thessalonians not “in vain”?

2. What did it look like as Paul preached the Gospel boldly? What would you look like if you were such a bold witness?

Meditate.
In 1 Thessalonians 2 Paul wants to establish his authority as an instructor of the Thessalonians. He has much to say to them in subsequent chapters, and in this chapter his aim is to establish his right to say it.

The phrase not in vain is Paul’s way of saying that God blessed his preaching. His preaching bore fruit, and the Thessalonians became an example to churches and believers in every place (ch. 1). Such results don’t just happen. Paul’s boldness and effectiveness in Thessalonica was because he came to them in God (v. 2), that is, by His power, with His Word, and in His authority.

Opposition, harassment, persecution, conflict: None of this could keep Paul from doing the work appointed to him by the Lord. He was bold in the Lord in his preaching. He didn’t hem and haw or stumble around with the message, or simply set it forward as, you know, just his opinion. He proclaimed the Good News of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and imminent return, calling people to repent and believe this Gospel to be delivered from the wrath to come (1.10).

That boldness in overcoming opposition and the fear of man could only come from God (bold in our God to speak to you). If the fear of men is preventing you from talking with others about the Good News of Jesus, you need to rest in the Lord, to call upon His power, and to open your mouth in faith that your witness will accomplish the purpose for which the Lord sends it out (Is. 55.10, 11). Our witness will not be in vain when we rest in the power of God to overcome our natural fear of men and share boldly of the grace of Jesus and the peace that comes from knowing and following Him.

Prepare.
1. Jesus has sent you to your Personal Mission Field as a bringer of His grace and peace. What will tell you that your coming to the people there is not in vain?

2. Whenever you feel the fear of man rising in you, what can you do to rest in God and draw on His power, so that you can talk boldly about Jesus and His grace? How can believers encourage one another in such boldness?

3. Do you expect to know opposition and conflict as you talk with others about Jesus? Should this keep you from talking to them about Him? Explain.

On the basis of Paul’s example be even more disciplined in the midst of adverse circumstances. In this way adversity itself may increase significantly your desire for the love of God and your earnestness in good works. Similarly, the seeds planted for a future harvest germinate more fruitfully if they are covered over with frost. Likewise fire is increased by blowing on it that it may grow greater. Gregory the Great (540-604), Letters 30

Lord, today give me boldness, and fill me with Your grace, as I…

Pray Psalm 71.4-8.
Use these verses to commit yourself to bringing the grace and peace of the Lord to the people you will see this day.

Sing to the Lord.
Psalm 71.4-8, 3 (Solid Rock: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less)
From wicked hands redeem me, Lord, from all who wrest and break Your Word; 
My hope, my confidence from youth, my praise forever reaches You. 
Refrain, v. 3
A Rock of habitation be; command Your Word to rescue me;
My Rock and Fortress ever be!

While many see in me a sign, I shelter in Your strength will find. 
Lord, fill my mouth with endless praise and with Your glory all my days. 
Refrain

T. M. Moore

You can map out your Personal Mission Field by watching this brief video (click here). Download the worksheet that goes with the video and get started in your own Macedonian call!

Forward today’s study to some friends, and challenge them to study with you through this series on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Each week’s lessons will be available as a free PDF download at the end of the week. Get a copy for yourself and send the link to the download to your friends. Plan to meet weekly to study Paul’s ministry and prepare for your own.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).