Paul and the disciples came to Thessalonica with the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ, and many Thessalonians believed, repented, and practiced God’s Word. God gives believers a measure of faith, and when we add to that faith, we can “fully proclaim the Word of God” (Col. 1:25).
The Gospel Message brings good news, and no matter what anyone tells you, God does not condone evil. Do not be deceived by those who use the Book of Romans to promote loyalty to leaders under all circumstances.
Do not forget that Paul and Silas defied Caesar, and Peter and the apostles responded: “We must obey God rather than human beings” (Acts 5:29)! So, if leaders encourage anyone to do evil, say NO!
However, when someone says you cannot preach the gospel, say, “Yes, I can!” To do so, we need to “be free indeed” (John 8:36).
We must answer God’s call and avoid hindering Him and His servants.
A certain group of Jews hindered the disciples because they did not want the Gentiles to hear the gospel. Specifically, Paul said, “They even tried to stop us from preaching to the Gentiles the message that would bring them salvation. In this way, they have brought to completion all the sins they have always committed. And now God's anger has at last come down on them” (1 Thess. 2:16). Hindering God has consequences.
It’s like that man who says to a woman, “If I can’t have you, no one will.”
The unbelieving Jews did not want to hear the gospel, so they hindered those bringing the message. “They stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers” (Acts 14:2). Like the unbelieving Jews in Thessalonica, when we hinder God, we store up wrath against ourselves (Rom. 2:5).
Judgment comes upon those who suppress the truth by distorting the Word of God. Even those in positions of power do not have the authority to suppress the Lord’s Truth.
Do not be misled, God does not delight in wickedness or condone evil.
“God's anger is revealed from heaven against all the sin and evil of the people whose evil ways prevent the truth from being known” (Rom. 1:18).
Flooding Facebook, Instagram, and other media platforms with lies prevents the truth from reaching someone with a weak conscience.
There were false prophets back then, and there are false teachers and deceivers among us today. Be like the Thessalonians and trust the Gospel Message.
When Jesus abides in us, we experience many things, including His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. These encounters and experiences provide the knowledge and wisdom we need to unlock “the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people” (Col. 1:26, NIV).
Despite hindrances, the apostle Paul saw that God's Word was working among the believers in Thessalonica. When reconciled with God, a believing heart will not hinder God!
Minister Nettie Pennington, is Associate Minister of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church. She is a longtime columnist to your Tate Record Church page.
