Food for the Journey - an extract from Thessalonians

New for this month is the 365-day devotional Food for the Journey. This volume contains the best teaching from the most-well known speakers from over the years at the Keswick Convention. These readings will teach, inspire and encourage from across the whole canon of scripture.

Throughout July and August we will be sharing inspiring quotes, Scripture passages and extracts to celebrate this new release.

Today's extract is from Thessalonians

Day 68
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1–16
Key verses: 1 Thessalonians 2:1–4

1 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong oppos- ition. 3For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.

Every generation of Christians has to ask, ‘How can we best share the gospel?’ As culture, technology and resources change, what does effective evangelism look like? How can we share the gospel in ways that bear fruit in positive, unmistakable, lasting conversions?

Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers that his first visit to them was a fruitful time for the gospel, as people immediately turned to God. Why was this visit so successful? What was the reason for so many conversions? Paul gives two reasons. His first reason (we’ll look at the second tomorrow) was the truth factor. He faithfully shared the gospel, which is the truth about and from God.

Twice in these four verses, Paul mentions the gospel. In verse 2, he talks of ‘his gospel’, which literally means ‘the gospel of God’. Paul uses many parallel expressions. For example, he speaks of ‘the gospel of his Son’ (Romans 1:9), by which he means that the Lord Jesus is the sum and substance of the gospel. He is the great subject of the gospel; he is its great content. Similarly, when elsewhere he speaks of ‘the gospel of the grace of God’ (Acts 20:24, esv), he means that the gospel message is a ministry of imparting the grace of God. But here, by ‘the gospel of God’, he means origin and ownership. The gospel originated from God himself, and he is the owner and master of it.

Effective evangelism means us sharing the mighty gospel of God.

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where, un- expectedly, you have the opportunity to share the gospel? Often when we are caught off guard, we don’t know quite what to say. The temptation is to sugar-coat the gospel, to avoid talking about sin or judgment and to focus instead on the wonderful purposes God has for believers. Prepare for those conversations. What are the core components of the gospel? Practise presenting the gospel faithfully and gently. research gospel resources that you would feel comfortable giving to your friends and colleagues. and, most importantly, pray. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel and wisdom when those opportunities arise. If you don’t already pray regularly for unbelievers to become Christians, choose five friends or family members and commit to praying for them daily.

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