GIVING SKEPTICS A HARD TIME

GIVING SKEPTICS A HARD TIME

GIVING SKEPTICS A HARD TIME
1 Thessalonians 2.1-12
Waiting for Jesus – Part 3

WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DEFEND: The Gospel  

v. 2 “… we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God …” (esv)

Declaration #1 – We belong to the God who created us.

Declaration #2 – We have sinned against God and will be judged for it.

Question #1 – How has God acted in JC to save us?

Through His Death & Resurrection

Question #2 – How can we take hold of that salvation?

Through Repentance & Faith

QUESTIONS THE DOUBTERS HAVE TO ANSWER:  WHY DOES THE GOSPEL …

MEAN MORE TO US THAN Approval?

v. 4 “… we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.” (niv)

v. 6 “… we didn’t seek glory … from you or from others …” (csb)

MEAN MORE TO US THAN Avoidance?

v. 2 “… we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi …” (esv) 

MEAN MORE TO US THAN Autonomy? 

v. 8 “We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” (csb)

v. 12 “… we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God …” (esv)