Risking Rejection
Introduction
General Douglas MacArthur said, “There is no security on this earth; there is only opportunity.”
Thesis: Methods may or may not work, but the message of Jesus will produce outrageous outcomes if we use every opportunity.
The Opportunity, vv. 1-4
A. Exegesis
- Place–Thessalonica, v. 1
- Second largest city in Greece
- Strategically located on the major highway, Ignatian Way
- Strategy of Paul
- Start in the synagogue, three successive Sabbaths
- Secure (win) the cities and the towns will follow
- Proclamation, vv. 2-3
- Jesus is the Promised Messiah of the Old Testament
- Jesus is the Suffering Messiah Who takes our sin and suffering.
- Jesus is the Resurrected Messiah, the Ascended Messiah, and the soon to come King Messiah.
- Pardon, v. 4
- Some of the Jews believed the Gospel and were saved.
- Several more God-fearing Gentiles believed and were saved.
B. Illustration
Our English word “opportunity” comes from the Latin and means “toward the port.” It suggests a ship taking advantage of the wind and tide to arrive safely in the harbor. The brevity of life is a strong argument for making the best use of the opportunities God gives us.
C. Application
- Time is a gift from God.
- We are to be good stewards of God’s time.
- We are to use every opportunity to be witnesses.
The Outrage, vv. 5-9
A. Exegesis
- Religious Jealousy
- Gentile converts gave the Jewish synagogue respectability.
- Jealousy of the Jews: “they’re taking away our prospects!”
- Jealous Jews wanted to control the eternal destiny of the Gentiles, 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16.
- Riotous Lynch-mob
- Jealous Jews spread false accusations: “they are defying Caesar!”
- Jews whip the Gentiles into a rage.
- Jason Arrested
- Paul and Silas could not be found.
- Jason is the scapegoat; arrested; tried; and fined.
B. Illustration–Religious Jealousy
C. Application
- God is outraged when we are jealous and resentful of another Christian church’s success.
- God is equally outraged when churches steal another church’s members, and then fail to feed them.
The Outcome, vv. 10-12
A. Exegesis
- Sent
- Abandoned the missionary strategy temporarily.
- Arrived in Berea in a remote area.
- Accepted with skepticism.
- Searched the Scriptures Daily
- Saved by a Savior
B. Illustration–Fishing for Men, when one spot fishes out, go to another spot.
C. Application
- Whenever a person is searching the Scriptures or asking spiritual questions, it is the work of God.
- Whenever we see God at work, that is God’s invitation to us to join in His work.
Conclusion
Sunday School teacher, are you aware of the opportunity you have of leading someone to faith in Christ? Are you using that opportunity or are you missing that opportunity?
Christian, are you too quick to downplay what God is doing in another church to make you feel more comfortable in your church?
Friend, do you know beyond any shadow of a doubt that Jesus is Lord of your life? If not, believe in Him today.