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danmartin
Pastor, Grace Church Gateshead (Gateshead, UK)
User since 2016
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Zion will be redeemed through justice [sermon study notes]
Isaiah 2:1-4:6
God states his case against his people and his city [sermon study notes]
Isaiah 1:1-31
God will be silent no more [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 50:1-23
The city of God is a delight [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 48:1-21
Sing praise to God the King, all peoples! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 47:1-10
The LORD of hosts is with us [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 46:1-12
The King is getting married! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 45:1-18
You have made us like sheep for slaughter [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 44:1-27
Vindicate me, O God! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 42:1-12
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 42:1-12
The Lord will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom [draft sermon outline]
2 Timothy 4:9-22
Paul has finished well [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 4:6-8
Preach the Word! [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 4:1-8
God supplies the power for the Christian life [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 3:10-17
Be prepared for very hard times [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 3:1-9
Jesus' people must leave quarrelling behind [draft sermon outline]
2 Timothy 2:14-26
Follow Jesus through suffering and into glory [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Be strengthened by the grace that is in Jesus [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 2:1-7
Do not be ashamed [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 1:8-18
God gave us a Spirit of power, love and self-control; not a spirit of fear [draft sermon outline]
2 Timothy 1:1-7
God delights to seek and to save the lost [draft sermon notes]
Luke 15:1-32
Jesus tells us to expect various different responses to the Word of God [draft sermon outline]
Luke 15:1-32
Making church safe, part 3: Confronting, recovering, preventing [draft sermon notes]
Mark 10:42-45
How does correct use of authority become misuse of authority, and what should we do about it?
Mark 10:42-45
Making church safe, part 1: why we need to talk about this
Mark 10:42-45
The risen Lord Jesus reveals himself again [draft sermon notes]
John 21:1-25
'Peace be with you' [draft sermon outline]
John 20:19-31
Jesus is alive! [draft sermon notes]
John 20:1-18
Jesus is buried [initial sermon notes]
John 19:31-42
'It is finished' [draft sermon notes]
John 19:16-30
Behold your King! [draft sermon notes]
John 18:28-19:16
Jesus is the true Hero [draft sermon notes]
John 18:1-27
Jesus prays for everyone who will believe in him [draft sermon notes]
John 17:20-26
Jesus prays for his disciples [draft sermon outline]
John 17:1-19
Whoever abides in the gospel has both the Father and the Son [draft sermon outline]
2 John 1-13
The Word became flesh [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:18-2:12
The King has been born [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:18-2:12
Jesus by name, Jesus by nature [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:18-2:12
Jesus asks his Father to glorify him [draft sermon outline]
John 17:1-19
Your sorrow will turn into joy [draft sermon notes]
John 16:16-33
Jesus prepares his people for opposition and hatred [draft sermon outline]
John 15:18-16:15
I AM the true vine [draft sermon outline]
John 15:1-17
"Because I live, you also will live" [draft sermon notes]
John 14:15-31
Jesus' public ministry revealed the Father to the world, but was met with unbelief [draft sermon notes]
John 12:36-50
The hour has come [draft sermon outline]
John 12:20-36
Jesus is the King who has come to die [draft sermon notes]
John 12:1-19
Jesus gives his life for his friends [draft sermon notes]
John 11:28-57
I AM the resurrection and the life [draft sermon notes]
John 11:1-27
Jesus and the Father are one [draft sermon notes]
John 10:22-42
I AM the Good Shepherd [draft sermon outline]
John 10:1-21
Jesus heals a man who had been blind since birth [draft sermon notes]
John 9:1-41
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples [draft sermon outline]
John 8:31-59
I AM the light of the world [draft sermon notes]
John 8:12-30
If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink [draft sermon notes]
John 7:32-52
The World Hates Jesus [draft sermon notes]
John 7:1-31
You have the words of eternal life [draft sermon notes]
John 6:60-71
I AM the bread of life [draft sermon outline]
John 6:22-59
Jesus feeds the five thousand [draft sermon notes]
John 6:1-21
Jesus tells us to believe the evidence [draft sermon outline]
John 5:30-47
The Son does what the Father does [draft sermon outline]
John 5:1-29
Jesus heals an official's son [draft sermon notes]
John 4:43-54
Many Samaritans believe in Jesus [draft sermon outline]
John 4:1-42
He must increase, but I must decrease [draft sermon notes]
John 3:22-36
Come and have eternal life [draft sermon notes]
John 3:1-21
Jesus is the true temple [draft sermon outline]
John 2:13-25
Jesus shows his glory in his first sign [draft sermon outline]
John 2:1-12
We have found the Messiah! [draft sermon notes]
John 1:19-51
The Word became flesh [draft sermon outline]
John 1:1-18
An Introduction to John's Gospel - Grace Church Gateshead series intro
John 1:1-51
The LORD knows the way of the righteous [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 41:1-14
Your law is within my heart [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 40:1-18
Hurry to help me, O Lord my salvation! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 38:1-23
Don't get angry because of evil, but wait on God [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 37:1-40
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 36:1-13
How long, O LORD, will you look on? [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 35:1-28
Taste and see that the LORD is good! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 34:1-23
Shout for joy in the LORD! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 33:1-22
Steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 32:1-11
Into your hand I commit my spirit [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 31:1-25
You have turned my mourning into dancing [initial sermon outline draft]
Psalms 30:1-13
Give glory to the LORD and his mighty Word! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 29:1-11
The LORD is my strength and my shield [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 28:1-9
The LORD is my light and my salvation [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 27:1-14
Jesus' Kingdom will Never End [draft sermon outline]
Luke 1:1-2:52
'Put on' the Lord Jesus Christ [draft sermon notes]
Romans 14:1-23
Use your freedom to live as servants of God [draft sermon notes]
Romans 14:1-23
Part 1: Live as people who have been welcomed by God [draft sermon notes]
Romans 14:1-23
Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus [draft sermon notes]
2 Peter 3:14-18
Jesus' return seems slow, because he is so patient [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 3:8-13
Do not forget! The Lord always works through his Word [draft sermon notes]
2 Peter 3:1-7
Know the marks of false teachers, since being ensnared will utterly ruin you [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 2:10-22
The Lord Jesus is in full control, even when false teachers harm the church [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 2:1-10
The Old Testament has been confirmed in Jesus [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 1:19-21
Don't ever forget: Jesus is coming back in power [draft sermon notes]
2 Peter 1:12-18
If you practice these qualities you will never fall [sermon outline]
2 Peter 1:5-11
God has given us all things for life and godliness [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 1:3-4
Grow in the Grace and Knowledge in Jesus [sermon notes]
2 Peter 1:1-3:18
The ancient doors have been opened for Jesus, the King of glory [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 24:1-10
The LORD is my Shepherd [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 23:1-6
Praise the God who has revealed himself! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 19:1-15
God's King praises God [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 18:1-51
God's promise continues beyond the lives of Jacob and Joseph [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 49:1-50:26
Jacob goes to Egypt [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 46:1-48:22
Joseph and his brothers are reconciled [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 42:1-45:28
God lifts Joseph up to the very top [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 40:1-41:57
The LORD was with Joseph [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 39:1-23
Judah is deceived [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 38:1-30
Joseph's brothers sell him as a slave [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 37:1-36
Esau becomes a mighty nation [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 36:1-43
One chapter is finished and another begins [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 35:1-29
Jacob's children don't act like God's children [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 34:1-31
Jacob and Esau are reconciled [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 33:1-20
Jacob becomes Israel [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 32:1-33
Jesus is alive [draft sermon notes]
Mark 14:1-16:20
Jacob and Laban make peace [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 31:1-55
God makes Jacob incredibly wealthy [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 30:25-43
Jacob has 12 children [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 29:31-30:24
Jacob gets married [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 29:1-30
God blesses Jacob [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 28:1-22
Jacob deceives his Father [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 27:1-46
Jacob manipulates Esau [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 25:19-34
Abraham dies but God's blessing continues on [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 25:1-18
God provides a wife for Isaac [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 24:1-67
Abraham owns a plot of land [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 23:1-20
God tests Abraham [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 22:1-24
Abraham makes a covenant of kindness [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 21:22-34
God shows his faithfulness to both of Abraham's sons [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 21:1-21
We have come to worship him [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:1-2:23
You shall call him Jesus, for He will save his people from their sins [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:1-2:23
The 'Christ' has arrived [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:1-2:23
God protects and blesses Abraham and Sarah again
Genesis 20:1-18
Lot is rescued on the terrible day of the LORD [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 19:1-38
Who am I? [draft sermon outline]
Galatians 2:1-21
Is anything too hard for the Lord? [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 18:1-33
God promises, and Abraham obeys [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 17:1-27
Abram and Sarai have a big wobble, but God's grace is greater still [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 16:1-16
God guarantees his promises to Abram [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 15:1-21
Abram and Lot part ways [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 13:2-18
God blesses and protects Abram and Sarai [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 12:10-13:1
God promises to bless all peoples through Abram [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 11:27-12:9
People spread out across the earth in their language groups [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 10:1-11:32
The earth was re-populated after the flood [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 10:1-11:32
Humanity falls again [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
God emphasises his commitment to the world he has made [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
The flood drains away and God makes a new creation [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
The flood came, just as God had said [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
God tells Noah to build an ark, since he is going to destroy everything on earth with a flood [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
As humans multiplied, so did wickedness [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
In the midst of the human story of death, God wrote a story of hope
Genesis 5:1-9:29
Sin and suffering multiply on earth [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
Adam and Eve are banished from Eden [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
Adam and Eve were naked and not ashamed [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
In the beginning, God created a very good world - part 2 [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 1:1-2:3
God made man out of the dust of the earth [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
In the beginning, God created a very good world [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 1:1-2:25
He has risen, as he said[draft sermon notes]
Matthew 26:1-28:20
The long wait has a joyful end [draft sermon notes]
Luke 2:22-35
What is a simple church? [draft sermon notes]
Acts 2:42-47
What is a disciple-making church? [draft sermon notes]
Matthew 28:18-20
What is a gospel-centred church? [draft sermon notes]
Colossians 3:1-4
We will see God and be satisfied! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 17:1-51
In God's presence there is fullness of joy [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 16:1-15
Jesus has taken us into God's presence forever [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 15:1-11
The LORD's words are utterly pure and trustworthy [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 12:1-9
When it seems like evil is unstoppable, know that God sees from heaven and he will act [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 11:1-9
God sees the evil on planet earth, and he will deal with all of it [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 10:1-18
The LORD has established his throne for justice [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 9:1-39
God's name is overwhelmingly majestic [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 8:1-10
God is a righteous Judge [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 7:1-18
The LORD hears our weeping prayers [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 6
The LORD covers his people with favour [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 5:1-13
The LORD hears when we call to Him [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 4:1-9
The LORD of hosts is with us [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 46:1-12
By God's grace, be at peace [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Be ready for Jesus' return! [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Encourage each other with the certain hope of Jesus' return [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Keep on loving one another [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Living to please God means we must pursue holiness [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Be prepared for affliction [draft sermon outline]
1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
Paul longed to see the Thessalonians again [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
Thank God for the faith and perseverance of his people [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16
Confidence in God leads us to declare the gospel and share our lives [draft sermon outline]
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Paul thanks God that the Thessalonian church are real Christians [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Celebrate the life of faith, hope and love in the gospel of Jesus Christ [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5:28
It is good to give thanks to the LORD [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 92:1-16
Since we are alive in Christ together, live the new life together [draft sermon outline]
Colossians 3:1-17
Daniel is assured that God will fulfil all his plans and put all things right [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 12:1-13
Daniel sees a final vision of proud kings, turmoil, and suffering in times to come [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 11:1-45
Daniel is exhausted and strengthened for one more vision [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 10:1-21
Daniel's faithful prayer receives a glorious answer [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 9:1-27
Daniel sees that God is bigger than the dark days that lie ahead [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 8:1-27
God has established his eternal Kingdom in Jesus [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 7:1-28
God raises Daniel alive out of the place of death [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 6:1-29
God suddenly ends Belshazzar's life and rule, because he did not honour God [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 5:1-31
God reveals deep and hidden things [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 2:1-49
God preserves his faithful people in exile [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 1:1-21
Jesus is the resurrection and the life [draft sermon outline]
John 11:1-57
Jesus' family must show honour [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 5:17-6:2
Train yourself for godliness [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 4:6-16
Jesus has revealed the secret of godliness  [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Show the gospel by serving [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Eldership is a good work [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 3:1-7
Godly living celebrates the goodness of God our creator [early draft sermon notes]
1 Timothy 2:8-15
God's gospel is for everyone [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Those who truly love the law, love the gospel [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 1:8-20
Keep the gospel the centre! [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 1:1-7
How we live in God's household (draft sermon notes)
1 Timothy 1:1-2
God's king takes away God's punishment [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 24:1-25
God has established an everlasting Kingdom [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 23:1-39
To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 21:15-22:51
God's King removes the judgement on God's people [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 21:1-14
God's king is rejected - again [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 20:1-26
The Return of the King: David returns to Jerusalem [draft sermon notes - unfinished]
2 Samuel 19:8-43
The rebel dies a rebel's death [draft sermon notes - unfinished]
2 Samuel 17:27-19:8
Absalom takes Jerusalem [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 16:15-17:26
Absalom rebels against David [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 15:1-16:14
Humble yourselves under God's mighty hand [draft sermon notes]
1 Peter 5:1-14
David is manipulated [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 14:1-33
David's sons abandon steadfast love [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 13:1-39
The LORD punishes and pardons [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 12:1-31
David abandons steadfast love (Bathsheba) - initial draft sermon notes
2 Samuel 11:1-27
David defeats the Ammonites (the backdrop to Bathsheba) [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 10:1-19
David shows the steadfast love of God [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 9:1-13
The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 8:1-18
God's King is victorious [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 5:1-26
God's Kingdom is established - but God is in no one's debt [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 4:1-12
God's king begins his rule [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 2:1-3:1
David learns that the King is dead, and laments [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 1:1-27
Let all the ends of the earth worship God in Jesus! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 67:1-7
Persisting in Evangelism, part 2 - 'Samaria' [draft sermon notes]
Colossians 4:1-6
Persisting in Evangelism, part 1 - 'Judea' [draft sermon notes]
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Reformation - sola gratia [draft sermon notes]
Ephesians 2:1-10
Sola Scriptura! [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 3:14-4:8
The gospel reaches the ends of the earth [draft sermon notes]
Acts 28:11-31
God is our refuge and strength [draft sermon notes]
Acts 27:2-28:10
Paul testifies to the resurrection again [draft sermon notes]
Acts 25:13-27:1
Paul keeps testifying [draft sermon notes]
Acts 24:1-25:12
The Lord Jesus protects Paul and guides his way onwards towards Rome [draft sermon notes]
Acts 21:27-23:35
Paul goes to Jerusalem, fully aware of what awaits him [draft sermon notes]
Acts 21:1-26
Care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood [draft sermon notes]
Acts 20:17-38
Idolatry causes a riot in Ephesus [draft sermon notes]
Acts 19:21-20:1
The Kingdom of God comes in Ephesus [draft sermon notes]
Acts 18:24-19:20
By the grace of Jesus, Paul plants the gospel in Corinth and completes his second missionary journey [draft sermon notes]
Acts 18:1-23
News of Jesus' resurrection challenges, divides, and saves [draft sermon notes]
Acts 17:16-34
The gospel of the Lord Jesus takes root in Europe (draft sermon notes)
Acts 16:6-40
It's Official: God is saving people from all nations into his church through Jesus Christ alone [draft sermon notes].
Acts 15:1-16:5
Paul and Barnabus plant true worshiping communities in the nations [draft sermon notes]
Acts 14:1-28
The Lord Jesus sends Paul and Barnabus to preach and plant his gospel in the nations (draft sermon notes)
Acts 12:25-13:52
The Word of God is unstoppable (draft sermon notes)
Acts 12:1-25
Christmas Day 2016: Now we have what many longed to see (draft sermon notes)
Luke 2:22-40
God has kept his promises! (sermon notes 1.0)
Luke 1:57-80
The Lord Jesus plants a church in Antioch (draft sermon notes)
Acts 11:19-30
Jesus calls the nations into His church (draft sermon notes)
Acts 10:1-11:18
Jesus Christ heals (draft sermon notes)
Acts 9:32-43
Jesus converts Saul, who experiences opposition, suspicion, and acceptance (draft sermon notes)
Acts 9:1-31
Jesus saves a man through Scripture reading and Christian witness (draft sermon notes)
Acts 8:26-40
Jesus told the truth when He said, 'You will be my witnesses in Samaria' (sermon notes draft)
Acts 8:3-25
Jesus receives His first martyr, and the gospel is scattered outwards (draft sermon notes)
Acts 6:8-8:2
The healthy church grows through internal problems (draft sermon notes)
Acts 6:1-7
Jesus empowers His church to endure opposition with joy [draft sermon notes 1.0]
Acts 5:12-42
You cannot serve God and money (draft sermon notes)
Acts 4:32-5:11
Jesus shows His power to save by healing a lame man (draft sermon notes)
Acts 3:1-26
The Spirit-filled church is devoted to Jesus, who blesses and grows His church
Acts 2:42-47
The Enthroned Jesus Delivers on God's Promise (sermon notes)
Acts 2:1-41
Jesus prepares His church for the coming of the Spirit (Sunday sermon notes)
Acts 1:12-26
Jesus' ascension guarantees the completion of God's plan
Acts 1:1-11
view all (268 total)
When God's people suffer joyfully, the gospel multiplies
1 Thessalonians 1:6-10
When God's people suffer joyfully, the gospel multiplies [draft sermon notes]
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#Gospel
#suffering
#joy
Published August 29th, 2018
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1 Thessalonians 1:6-10
esv
6 And p you became imitators of us q and of the Lord, for r you received the word in much affliction, s with the t joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord u sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth v everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of w reception we had among you, and how x you turned to God y from idols to serve the living and z true God, 10 and a to wait for his Son b from heaven, c whom he raised from the dead, Jesus d who delivers us from e the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 1:6-10
na28
6 Καὶ ὑμεῖς μιμηταὶ ἡμῶν ἐγενήθητε καὶ τοῦ κυρίου, δεξάμενοι τὸν λόγον ἐν θλίψει πολλῇ μετὰ χαρᾶς πνεύματος ἁγίου, 7 ὥστε γενέσθαι ὑμᾶς τύπον πᾶσιν τοῖς πιστεύουσιν ἐν τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ καὶ ἐν τῇ Ἀχαΐᾳ. 8 ἀφʼ ὑμῶν γὰρ ἐξήχηται ὁ λόγος τοῦ κυρίου οὐ μόνον ἐν τῇ Μακεδονίᾳ καὶ [ἐν τῇ] Ἀχαΐᾳ, ἀλλʼ ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν ἡ πρὸς τὸν θεὸν ἐξελήλυθεν, ὥστε μὴ χρείαν ἔχειν ἡμᾶς λαλεῖν τι. 9 αὐτοὶ γὰρ περὶ ἡμῶν ἀπαγγέλλουσιν ὁποίαν εἴσοδον ἔσχομεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς, καὶ πῶς ἐπεστρέψατε πρὸς τὸν θεὸν ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων δουλεύειν θεῷ ζῶντι καὶ ἀληθινῷ 10 καὶ ἀναμένειν τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐκ τῶν οὐρανῶν, ὃν ἤγειρεν ἐκ [τῶν] νεκρῶν, Ἰησοῦν τὸν ῥυόμενον ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῆς ὀργῆς τῆς ἐρχομένης.
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Sermon notes
When God's people suffer joyfully, the gospel multiplies Introduction Suffering. The elephant in the room, the only real litmus test of any set of beliefs. Context: The Thessalonians suffered from the very beginning. 1. When we suffer joyfully we copy Jesus and the early church (v6) 'The essence of discipleship is imitation'. 'Affliction' (thlipsis) = tribulation. A present reality for all Christians, yet more severe for some then others, and at some times than others (and cf Revelation 1.9). Related but distinct from 'the great tribulation'. 'I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, ...' received/welcomed; like receiving a guest to a meal joy of the Holy Spirit. NB the NT as a whole, consistently, does not call us to begrudging faithfulness, but to joy in affliction. cf Philippians 1.29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake ... or James 1.2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Not joy from our own resources, but from the Spirit. 'the degree in which a believer is allowed to participate in the sufferings of his Lord should be the measure of his joy' Reading the Psalms, for instance, gives us words to use to express our feelings, including our lament and hurt and suffering. But the 'overlay' of the gospel hope directs them all into joy in light of our living hope. I.e., we come to see them all as a participation in Jesus' sufferings, and therefore a cause of joy. Application : Joy from participating in Jesus, or trying to manage on your own resources? 2. When we suffer joyfully we become examples to countless others (v7) The 'Job' principle. He didn't see or know how many millions he would encourage through his patience in suffering, and his joy in the Lord. Application : aware of the bigger picture when you suffer? 3. When we suffer joyfully we help the gospel to spread (v8-10) sounded forth/rang out/thundered. We get 'echo', related. Macedonia and Achaia; ie northern and southern parts of Greece. The Thessalonians' reputation was making Paul's job easier - people more eager to receive him and hear what he had to say. suffering actually provides a megaphone in terms of the Christians' reputation [cf early church; Christians in USSR, or China, or IS, etc] 'Plausibility structures' and knowledge. 'It is one thing for a few Christians to be joyous in trials, but when a whole group of believers in an area displays such living, the gospel has a striking effect on the surrounding unbelieving community, as happened in Thessalonica.' They report it; i.e., it's become widely known how the Thessalonians received the Gospel and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus the one rescuing us from the coming wrath [orge] [present participle; it is coming now, and it is to come] God's glory: He is the living and true God, the one who raised Jesus from the dead. The one who grants the privilege of participating in Jesus' suffering and therefore his joy. FCF: we despise suffering; avoid it, resent it, begrudge it. Opt for British cold endurance - begrudging. Rather than Spirit-dependent joy. We may think affliction is pointless, so avoid it or remove it and chase pleasure and security and comfort. Or think that since we're supposed to be able to handle hardship, we'll try to be tough and carry on. Use the lingo. Talk in abstract terms about providence, and God's will. Or, there are the false-teaching versions of health and prosperity on one hand, or triumphalism on the other - that suffering essentially doesn't belong in our lives now. Overall, suffering has become a kind of 'elective' topic, which you think through when you face it, but generally don't think is central to Christian life, joy, and vigour. In the NT, suffering is the normal current experience, and it's also the current gift. Fighting your flesh is suffering, and resisting the world, and enduring persecution and mockery and slander, and resisting temptations and accusations of the devil. All thlipsis. Person of Jesus: He himself suffered, and shows us Hebrews 12.2 what it is to endure because of joy. He is the one with his people in the fire, as he was with Daniel's friends. He is the Comforter and the Rock and the Refuge, the One who lights our darkness and dries our tears. Work of Jesus: he suffered so that we might never face orge, and the thlipsis would now become a gift of participating more richly in his joy. If there is any kind of special access code to knowing Jesus more richly, it is suffering. The Spirit takes bigger buckets of grace from Jesus' treasury. Union with Jesus: Having turned, I keep turning. I have died to idols and turned to the living God. As I serve him, I keep waiting for the return of the Son our rescuer. I can have joy in suffering as I depend fully on him. Whatever the type, he has walked it and his grace right now is enough for my joy in the midst of it. Conclusion So we have Christians in the midst of great tribulation, yet confident of being rescued through Jesus from the coming wrath. Question is, how will we suffer? Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground... John 12.23-28: And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. 27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” ... John 12:23-28 ESV
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