Obeying the Gospel of Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10)
Introduction:
1. We learn from Acts 17:1-9 that Paul and Silas established the church in Thessalonica. 2. Later, Paul wrote 2 letters to this congregation. 3. According to 2 Thessalonians 1:4, this congregation was facing great tribulation. 4. Paul stated in vs.6 that God will punish those who were troubling His people. 5. The verses we read (vs.7-10) indicate that this punishment will occur when Jesus returns. 6. Those who will be punished include those who do not know God and those who do not obey the Gospel of Christ (vs.8; 1 Peter 4:17). 7. From these verses we conclude that "obeying the Gospel" is a matter of utmost importance. 8. In our lesson we are concentrating on passages that explain what is involved in "obeying the Gospel of Christ." Discussion: I. FIRST, LEARNING THE GOSPEL IS INVOLVED IN OBEYING THE GOSPEL
A. Jesus wants everyone to learn the Gospel (Mark 16:15). B. The basic facts of the Gospel are revealed in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. C. Notice the reasoning that is given in Romans 10:13-17. II. BELIEVING THAT JESUS IS GOD'S SON IS INVOLVED IN OBEYING THE GOSPEL
A. Jesus emphasized believing in Him (John 3:16; 8:24). B. We have evidence to prove that Jesus is the Son of God (John 20:30-31). III. REPENTANCE IS INVOLVED IN OBEYING THE GOSPEL
A. Jesus began His ministry by calling upon people to repent (Matthew 4:17). B. Jesus illustrated the meaning of repentance in Matthew 21:28-32. C. Jesus taught that punishment is in store for those who refuse to repent (Luke 13:3, 5). D. Repentance is a requirement for everyone (Acts 17:30). IV. CONFESSING THE LORD IS INVOLVED IN OBEYING THE GOSPEL
A. Confessing Christ is a requirement for salvation (Romans 10:9-10). B. In Acts 8:36-37 we read about a man who confessed his faith in the Lord. V. BAPTISM [IMMERSION IN WATER] IS INVOLVED IN OBEYING THE GOSPEL
A. Jesus wants everyone to be baptized (Matthew 28:19-20). B. Notice how the Lord's death, burial, and resurrection are involved in baptism (Romans 6:3-4). VI. FINALLY, LET US READ ABOUT PEOPLE WHO OBEYED THE GOSPEL IN:
A. Acts 2:37-38, 41 B. Acts 8:5, 12, 35-38 C. Acts 9:18; 22:16 D. Acts 10:48 E. Acts 16:14-15, 29-33 F. Acts 18:8 G. Acts 19:3-5 Conclusion:
1. We began by showing how important "obeying the Gospel of Christ" is. 2. We covered passages that explain what is involved in "obeying the Gospel." 3. We looked at a number of people who obeyed the Gospel. 4. Have you obeyed the Gospel of Christ?
