Serving God With Enthusiasm

“Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you're in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father.”  1 Thessalonians 1:2,3 Msg

As we read in Acts chapters 15 & 16. Paul had one desire, and that was to serve God  faithfully- with enthusiasm.  His example is for us to learn from today in what we do for the Lord. For others.

Read:  1 Thessalonians 2:1-13    (church established:  Acts 17:1-15)

I. v.1  With Spiritual Power

*  Paul says “not in vain-  or/ void of power

            1 Timothy 1:7  God gives us the power

            Colossians 3:23,24   we can have assurance in God’s power

*  church family prayer is powerful and empowering

II. v.2  Have Spiritual Perseverance

            Acts 16:19-24  falsely accused & beaten

*  even after Paul was put in prison, he didn’t quit

            Acts 16:25-34  the result of being faithful to God’s leading

*  it seems today, it is very easy to get discouraged and distracted

*  but God says press on

III. v,2-6  Our Spiritual Purpose 

*  v.3 because of the many “spiritual charlatans” of the day-  Galatians 1:6-12

    v.4 Paul tells us our motives must be pure   1 Corinthians 4:1,2

*  v.5we can not dilute the “message with flattering words

*  today, sometimes certain topics, and words are “off limits”

*  certain subjects have to be “politically correct

*   v.11,12 Paul says, tell it like it is and the rewards for believing in Christ

*  it is impossible to please everyone, nor should you try-

*  it the Lord who we must obey because the Gospel has been

      entrusted to us to share with a dying world around us!