1 Thessalonians #01: an exposition of Acts 17:1-9. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, September 23, 2012.
Intro:
What image comes to your mind when you hear the term “ministry”? Too often, today, the image is that of a business wrapped around an individual. Isn’t that the way it is portrayed in the media? We hear about so and so’s ministry. Certain television preachers have “ministries” that are in trouble. Or a high profile preacher’s ministry goes under and the media speculates as to whether they will ever have another “ministry.” They are not speculating as to whether they will ever again be used of God to impact another person’s life or declare the glory of God – they are wondering if they will ever open up shop again. Will they ever have another enterprise? But lest we think too highly of ourselves – we can fall into the same trap. If we are not careful we will think of our ministry in the same terms. We might be inclined to think in terms of buildings, programs and services rather than in terms of love, encouragement and obedience.
From time to time it is important for us, as a church, to evaluate where we are and what we are doing. It is important for us to remember that nothing happens by accident or by chance. It is no accident that 82 years ago a group of believers came to build a church on this corner. We, by the providential working of God, have been placed at a strategic crossroad within this community to impact it for the kingdom of God. The question we must ask is, “Are we impacting this community?” If so, how? If not, why not?
What does it take to reach a community?
What kind of ministry is required to impact the culture around us?
Is it money, media and presentation?
Is it music, glitz and glamour?
How about tradition, substance and longevity?
Just what is needed if we are to have any real, lasting impact on an increasingly secular society? For some answers we turn again to the book of Acts.
Text: Acts 17:1-9
Acts 17 is a tale of three cities.
Dr. Luke tells us of Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica, Berea and Athens.
I want to focus this morning on Thessalonica as an introduction to a new sermon series on Paul’s letters to the church at Thessonlica.
Thessalonica had a rich and varied history.
At the age of 33, Alexander the great sat and wept because there were no other lands to conquer. His dream was to unify the world. He dreamed of a world with no distinctions. A world where Greek language and culture dominated. Macedonia was established by Alexander and named for his father, Philip of Macedon. The city of Thessalonica, named after his sister, was the capital. Thessalonica, a free city, was located on the Egnatian Way – the main Roman road moving east to west. It was a religious city, a commercial center and was known as a great melting pot. Sophisticated Greeks from Athens, barbaric peoples from the North and retired Roman soldiers and politicians, populated the city. Thessalonica also boasted of a large Jewish population and a number of God-fearing Gentiles. It is to this complicated metropolitan city that Paul and his companions came with the message of the Gospel.
It is clear – given the context – that God providential guided them to this city. We read in chapter 16 how the Spirit had forbidden their moving eastward and then the Macedonian call. Now they move into this very important city. Thessalonica is crucial because from Thessalonica the Gospel can move to the east into Asia and west to Rome itself.
As we explore the 17th chapter and ask about their ministry we discover some important truths for us to keep in mind. Primarily this passage reminds us that:
Thesis: Making a difference in our world demands that we engage in an authentic Christian ministry.
I’m convinced that each word I’ve chosen is significant.
Yes we are to be engaged in ministry but a specific kind of ministry.
I’m sure it sounds simplistic but we are to be engaged in Christian ministry.
It differs from the United Way.
It is not being done by Buddhists, Hindus, Mormons or any other group.
Everything we do must be thoroughly Christian.
Steeped in and saturated with Christian truth.
Now in our text we find three characteristics of Christian ministry. Characteristics that ought to be evident in our work throughout this community.
- Authentic Christian ministry is Gospel centered. (17:1-3)
- Authentic Christian ministry creates opposition. (17:5-9)
- Authentic Christian ministry produces lasting results. (17:4, 1 Thess. 1:6-10)