Sometimes we look around us and think, “Surely God can not use me?”  I am not so eloquent of speech.  My knowledge is too little.  I could never make a difference.  Besides the world is so hostile.  Sadness, pain, and suffering overwhelms us.  So how does one really speak the Joyous Gospel Boldly in a hostile world.  Ah but you see, even if we are surrounded by sorrow, God is the only truth we can rely on.  It is a joyous gospel boldly proclaimed; because it is the only true hope we have.  Particularly in a broken and hostile world, we need something that we can cling to, trust in when everything else is failing around us.  As we watch the world spinning headlong into relativism with “truth” being farmed out to whomever spins the best tale, more than ever we need a rock foundation of truth to cling to.

Paul knew this.  He also knew that if the newly found church in Thessalonica could stand strong against the tumultuous winds of the right and the left, they would need to be reminded of the truth.  Reminding them of how it came to them, was a starting point.  After all, the people trying to discredit the gospel began with discrediting Paul, himself as well as Jesus Christ.  So, over the course of the first 12 verses of 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul reminds them of the time he was with them. 

John Piper explains this very well when he wrote:

  So what Paul is really doing is defending them and the reality of their faith. That’s the second reason why he talks so much about his ministry. He says in verse 1, “You know that our coming to you was not in vain,” and then for ten verses he talks about the authenticity of his own ministry. So what he is saying is, “Our ministry to you was not without effect. You were changed. … turned from idols. You were willing to suffer for Christ with joy. So don’t throw away your confidence when your opponents slander my ministry and my life, remember the way it really was when I was there. I was not flattering and covetous. (Also) was bold in God and risked my life to preach the gospel to you. I worked night and day. (And) I loved you like a nurse and like a father.

It was Paul’s boldness in evangelizing that kept his life from being in vain. And it will be our boldness that keeps our lives from being bland and tasteless and empty and weak and insignificant in the end.[1]

Additionally, Paul clearly outlines 5 characteristics to guide each of us.  Therefore, we can also really speak the joyous gospel boldly in a hostile world.  Even if at times, we are speaking it with tears pouring down our faces.  Hoping that the suffering may end soon; but knowing that it will one day because of the joyous Gospel of Christ.  He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again victorious that we might one day stand before Him in glorified bodies.  Tht day we long for; yet, for today we must continue speaking the joyous gospel boldly to a broken hostile world in need of Him.

Steps to speaking the joyous gospel boldly

 I Thessalonians 2: ¹For you yourselves know, brothers,^[a] that our coming to you was not in vain. 

You yourself know.   This is a phrase used repeatedly through these verses.  Remember, You know this yourself.  You witnessed it.  See the transformation within your own heart and spirit. That is proof itself the joyous gospel is true.  Because it changed you.

² But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 

What had happened in Philippi? 

Paul had suffered in Philippi. He had been publicly dragged into the market of the city and charged with sedition because he cast the demon out of a girl. And then he spent the night in jail. Now in Thessalonica the mob was even more enraged and Paul barely escaped by night to Berea. That was the setting for his ministry. And in that setting he spoke the gospel courageously because he had boldness in his God.[2]

Not only had he been mistreated in Philippi, but from day one he was mistreated in Thessalonica and spoken ill of.

1 Thessalonians 2:

³ For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 

We do not have any impure motives.  No desire to deceive.  Nor are we speaking from erroneous belief systems.  There is nothing they wish to gain for themselves by preaching the joyous gospel boldly.  Indeed it may be at a great cost; but one they were will to pay so others might know Christ. 

Speaking the joyous Gospel Boldly as servants to God.

⁴ but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 

⁵ For we never came with words of flattery,^[b] as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. ⁶ Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 

They did not try to coax with flattering words.  They did this for God alone.

⁷ But we were gentle^[c] among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. ⁸ So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

They spoke with gentleness of heart due to their love for lost and their excitement over these babes in Christ—so they talk and fed them with kindness and gentleness

⁹ For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 

Paul worked making tents, supplying for his own needs.  He did not want to ever be accused that he took advantage of anyone.  And certainly he did not want anyone to say he preached the joyous gospel boldly to make money from it. 

Speaking the Joyous Gospel Boldly by Action and Deed

¹⁰ You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 

¹¹ For you know how, like a father with his children, ¹² we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

How Did Paul Speak the Joyous Gospel Boldly to a Hostile world.

His life was given up to God

Ephesians 1: ⁴ But^[c] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ

He counted his life as being hidden God

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is your^[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

Because he totally trusted God

we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. ⁹ Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. ¹⁰ He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

He hoped in God

¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15

The Glory of God was infinitely more attractive to Paul than any earthly comfort: 

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8: 18

God was so real, powerful, wise and so utterly committed to doing all for Paul’s good.  Knowing this truth, Paul knew nothing could separate him from the love of God—not death or life or angels or principalities or things present or things to come or powers or height or depth or anything else in all creation.

And so, all his boldness was in God, and not in himself

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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How to Really Continue with Endurance of Hope in Christ Jesus

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

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[1] https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/we-had-boldness-in-our-god

[2] https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/we-had-boldness-in-our-god

From Paul^[a] and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you!^{[b  2} We thank God always for all of you as we mention you constantly^[c] in our prayers, ³ because we recall^[d] in the presence of our God and Father^[e] your work of faith,  labor of love, and endurance of hope^[f] in our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴ We know,^[g] brothers and sisters^[h] loved by God, that he has chosen you,^{[i] 5} in that^[j] our gospel did not come to you merely in words,^[k] but in power and in the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (surely you recall the character we displayed when we came among you to help you).^[l]

⁶ And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you received^[m] the message with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, despite great affliction. ⁷ As a result you became an example^[n] to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. ⁸ For from you the message of the Lord^[o] has echoed forth not just in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place reports of your faith in God have spread,^[p] so that we do not need to say anything. ⁹ For people everywhere^[q] report how you welcomed us^[r] and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God ¹⁰ and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath.^[s]

Endurance of Hope because Hope builds endurance.

Note what Paul points out about the church of Thessalonica.  He remarks about their work of faith, labor of love and endurance of hope.  Such a beautiful play on these words.  Their work of faith because their faith bring works.  Their labor of love because true love labors sacrificially.  Hope endures because endurance builds hope.  So, which comes first?  Or is this a Antinomy of Grace and Will?  Two seemingly paradoxical ideas, both of which are reasonable conclusions in their own.   So, often God writes, that only those who endure can be saved.  While at the same time noting that only by grace can one endure.  In other words, the endurance of hope is a gift of grace, purchased by Jesus Christ for all.  However, those who know Him truly as Lord and Savior will endure to the end.  Their lives will transform step by step. 

Jesus said, 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.  Matthew 24:12

Or Hebrews 10:

³⁶ For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what is promised.^{[ap] 37} For just a little longer^[aq] and he who is coming will arrive and not delay.^{[ar] 38} But my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I^[as] take no pleasure in him.^{[at] 39} But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Yet our endurance of hope is secure:

God has said concerning the new covenant of which we are apart:

³⁹ I will give them a single-minded purpose to live in a way that always shows respect for me. They will want to do that for^[bz] their own good and the good of the children who descend from them. ⁴⁰ I will make a lasting covenant^[ca] with them that I will never stop doing good to them.^[cb] I will fill their hearts and minds with respect for me so that^[cc] they will never again turn away^[cd] from me.   Jeremiah 39: 39-40

Or in some versions it says, I will place my fear within them.  A reverent fear, recognizing the depth of His righteousness.  Or look at Ezekiel 26.

²⁶ I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will remove the heart of stone^[r] from your body and give you a heart of flesh.^{[s] 27} I will put my Spirit within you;^[t] I will take the initiative, and you will obey my statutes^[u] and carefully observe my regulations.

But where does this hope come from?

 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, and the one who rises to rule over the Gentiles, in him will the Gentiles hope.”^{[a] 13} Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him,^[b] so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15

Both are True.

Endurance is a gift and endurance is a duty. And these are not in conflict. When dealing with a holy and sovereign God, these are not contradictions. We MUST endure to the end, for he is holy; and we SHALL endure to the end, for He is sovereign.[1]

Our endurance of hope is a gift from God.  We will endure to the end because of the hope we have been given in Christ Jesus.  Does that fully eliminate our responsibility?  No.  How are both true.  I do believe this is best explained by J. I Packer.  This is an antinomy, a paradox which uses correct reasoning with both being true; although it seems impossible that both can co-exist.  The same as the antinomy of Free will vs Predestination.  We may not fully understand how both are true; yet both are given with the same emphasis in the scripture. 

The Creator is incomprehensible to His creatures

We ought not in any case to be surprised when we find mysteries of this sort in God’s Word for the Creator is incomprehensible to His creatures. A God whom we could understand exhaustively, and whose revelation of Himself confronted us with no mysteries whatsoever, would be a God in man’s image, and therefore an imaginary God, not the God of the Bible at all. For what the God of the Bible says is this: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8 f.).

The antinomy which we face now is only one of a number that the Bible contains. We may be sure that they all find their reconciliation in the mind and counsel of God, and we may hope that in heaven we shall understand them ourselves. But meanwhile, our wisdom is to maintain with equal emphasis both of the apparently conflicting truths in each case, to hold them together in the relation in which the Bible itself sets them, and to recognize that here is a mystery which we cannot expect to solve in this world.[2]

Concluding thoughts on How to have Endurance of Hope

When all of life seems impossible.  The job is far too hard.  People are confrontational.  The family is falling apart.  Finances are a dismal mess with inflation soaring and tomorrow uncertain.  War is breaking out everywhere.  Our own freedoms are in question.  But we can continue with endurance of Hope and the hope of endurance.  Actually, the certainty of endurance. 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,^[a] we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, ² keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For^[b] the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.^[c] 3 Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up. ⁴ You have not yet resisted to the point of bloodshed^[d] in your struggle against sin  Hebrews 12

Romans 8:

 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.^[a] 2 For the law of the life-giving Spirit^[b] in Christ Jesus has set you^[c] free from the law of sin and death. ³ For God achieved what the law could not do because^[d] it was weakened through the flesh. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and concerning sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ so that the righteous requirement of the law may be fulfilled in us, 

We are set free from our penalty of sin

²⁷ And he^[ae] who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit^[af] intercedes on behalf of the saints according to God’s will. ²⁸ And we know that all things work together^[ag] for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, ²⁹ because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son^[ah] would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.^[ai] 30 And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.

He will complete what He began

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers,^[aq] nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Once you know Jesus Christ as Savior, nothing can separate you, you will have the full endurance of hope.  The Holy Spirit Guarantees it because Jesus Christ paid the price for your salvation and guarantees your endurance.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

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PREVIOUS

Did You Know Gods Message was True and Forever Will Be?

DISCLOSURES

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

Photo licensed through Goodsalt.com

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[1] John Piper, https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-fruit-of-hope-endurance

[2] J.I Packer, Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility how both biblical truths coexist in God’s grace, page 10 found