Young People's Group

FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL IN SPREADING THE GOSPEL

by Pastor Mitch
April 06, 2008

Boldness To Speak The Gospel Despite Opposition

The fear of opposition often stops us from sharing the gospel with our friends. We tend to be apprehensive about this because we are afraid that our friends may reject and ostracize us after we have shared with them. Young people, let’s learn from the example of Paul and his team in how to have great boldness in spreading the gospel.

“But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.”
1 Thessalonians 2:2

They were fearless in the face of persecutions and sufferings. Even though they were spitefully treated at Philippi, they still found great confidence and courage in the Lord to preach the gospel. They were undeterred by the hostility that they encountered.

Not Spreading The Gospel For The Wrong Reasons

“For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.” 
1 Thessalonians 2:3

Paul and his team found boldness to spread the gospel because they were not doing it for the wrong reasons. Their exhortations to the Thessalonian Church were not done with deception in mind. They were most genuine and sincere in their intent in preaching the gospel. They wanted the Thessalonians to truly come to believe in the Lord. There was no guile nor treachery involved in their endeavor.

Having The Right Focus In Speaking The Gospel

Furthermore, they had the right focus in speaking the gospel.

1. Having A Sense Of Responsibility And Accountability To God

“But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel” 
1 Thessalonians 2:4

The Lord Jesus had entrusted the gospel to Paul and his team because they were found to be faithful servants of the Lord. They sought to do the Lord’s work with a great sense of accountability to Him. They were focused on fulfilling their responsibility. We too have a responsibility to share the gospel to others.

2. Seeking To Please God Above All

“Even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.” 
1 Thessalonians 2:4

Ultimately, Paul and his team sought to reach out because they wanted to please God. They were not doing God’s work to please men. They knew that God would test their hearts on this. Young people, let’s seek to follow the example of Paul and his team. Let’s seek to please the Lord above all by sharing the gospel with our friends.

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