The Truth About the Truth!
1 Thess. 2:1-20 – Part 1

Introduction
Mt. 13 Kingdom Parables are Jesus’ description of this age of history – what He called the Mystery Age or Interim Age. In these parables Jesus described how intensely and even violently the TRUTH would be opposed – especially at the end of this Age – the time in which we are now living. But Paul and his team paid a great price too for preaching and teaching the TRUTH in their day as well.

Ministry: God’s Truth Boldly Delivered – 1 Thess 2:1-4
Paul’s Ministry was not in vain – in fact it was very successful – many Jews and Gentiles believed

But Paul was forced to leave Thessalonica because of intense, violent opposition. And it didn’t end there. The opposition followed him and composed lies against him and his ministry. Paul offers a humble yet powerful defense in 1 Thess 2.

He was accused of being a Charlatan and a self-serving scoundrel – BUT he and his message were APPROVED OF GOD and PLEASING TO GOD!

The simple, clear, TRUE Gospel message is opposed today as well!

Ministry: Genuine Caring – 1Thess. 2:5-9
Ministry: Good Fathering – 1 Thess. 2:10-12
Ministry: God’s Word – 1 Thess. 2:13
Men’s Opposition: God’s Wrath – 1 Thess. 2:14-16
Ministry: Glory – 1 Thess. 2:17-20

Timeless Truth
No one in the universe hates the Truth –especially the Gospel of Jesus, The Christ – more than Satan. He’s been opposing it and instigating others to hate it and oppose it for 1000’s of years. But the glorious truth is also powerful – neither he nor anyone can stop it or stomp it out. God gives eternal life to anyone – everyone – who believes in His Son, Jesus, The Christ.

Living Lesson
When you stand firmly and boldly on God’s Truth as clearly given in His Word, there will be opposition. You will find you have enemies – many times from expected places and people. That is the TRUTH about the TRUTH – it will be opposed. Jesus was hated for what He taught. Paul was beaten and imprisoned for his unwavering defense and proclamation of the TRUTH. Don’t be surprised or discouraged when you are criticized and opposed and even lied about for standing firmly and boldly for the simple and clear TRUTH of the Gospel and of the Word of God.