1 Thessalonians 2: 13-20

The Model Walk

Focus Point:

• The Christian walk begins when we receive the Gospel, it produces persecution as we stand fast in the doctrine of Jesus Christ, and it finds Joy in the people we walk with.

Part I: The Christian walk begins when we receive the Gospel (1 Thess. 2:13)

• V-13: For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

• How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isiaih saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God – Romans 10:14

• Paul’s message to the church at Thessalonica is found in Acts 17:1-3. Simply put, he reasoned with the people that Jesus was the Christ foretold in the Old Testament scriptures.

• Paul’s uses the word “receive” 2x. The first time it means they heard, the second time, it means they took it to heart, which is where the phrase “not as the words of men, but as it is, the word of God” come into play.

• The Thessalonians had such a high view of the word of God, that they didn’t just move on from it after receiving their salvation. They allowed it to effectually work in them.

Part II: The Christian walk will include persecution (1Thess. 2:14-18)

• V14-15a: For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us…

• Paul was encouraging the church at Thessalonica, by connecting them with the suffering of the churches in Judea. Essentially, saying “hey, the very people Jesus was sent to save, turned on Him and killed Him, and now they are killing His followers.” He was letting them know they were not alone in their suffering. (v.14-15a.)

• Jesus sent his disciples out and warned them persecution would come. (Matt. 10:16-22)

• Jesus also blessed those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake in Matt. 5:10-12: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for there is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

• V15b-16a: and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved…
• Anyone who stands against the preaching of the Gospel is against all men, for they are keeping the message of salvation from reaching the ears of those people who need to hear it.

• V16b: to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

• God is the one who measures the just and the unjust, and only He knows when the measure has reached its limit. In other words, do not be discouraged if in your estimation justice seems to be absent, because there will be a point when God’s justice will be levied. God will judge every sin, either on the cross if the sinner repents, or as Paul puts it, to the uttermost, in Hell.

• V17-18: But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

• Our enemy is real. But, the one who is our enemy, is fully under the authority of our Father. Satan has always been limited by God’s will. What may look like his success, will always turn out to be God’s victory.

III. A Christian walk will lead to focusing on people over things.

• V19-20: For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For you are our glory and joy.
• Paul’s joy is found in the people who will stand before Jesus, as a by-product of the ministry.

• What do you find joy in?
• Is your joy in things that have no eternal value?