The Gospel Must Be Obeyed (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10)
Introduction:
1. According to Acts 17, Paul and Silas established the church in Thessalonica. 2. Later, Paul wrote 2 letters to this congregation. 3. In these letters he wrote at length about the Lord's return. a. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2) His return will be unexpected. b. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) When He returns the resurrection will occur. c. (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10) He will "be glorified in His saints," but He will punish those who do not know God and who do not obey the Gospel. 4. To be prepared for the Lord's return "the Gospel must be obeyed." 5. In our lesson we are studying passages that teach us what is involved in obeying the Gospel of Christ.
Discussion:
I. THE FIRST STEP IS LEARNING THE GOSPEL
A. The Lord wants everyone to learn the Gospel (Mark 16:15). B. The fundamentals of the Gospel are revealed in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. C. The importance of learning the Gospel is emphasized in the series of questions found in Romans 10:13-17.
II. THE SECOND STEP IS BELIEVING THAT JESUS IS GOD'S SON
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. THE THIRD STEP IS REPENTANCE
A. Repentance is a requirement for everyone (Acts 17:30). B. Jesus illustrated the meaning of repentance in Matthew 21:28-32. C. Those who refuse to repent will be punished (Luke 13:3, 5).
IV. THE FOURTH STEP IS CONFESSING THE LORD
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. THE FIFTH STEP IS BAPTISM [IMMERSION IN WATER]
A. Jesus wants everyone to be baptized (Matthew 28:19-20). B. We learn from Romans 6:3-4 that the Lord's death, burial, and resurrection are involved in baptism.
VI. LET US READ ABOUT OCCASIONS WHEN PEOPLE OBEYED THE GOSPEL IN:
A. Acts 2:37-38, 41 B. Acts 8:5, 12, 35-38 C. Acts 16:14-15 D. Acts 18:8
Conclusion:
1. To be prepared for the Lord's return we must obey the Gospel of Christ. 2. The Bible explains in detail what is involved in obeying the Gospel. 3. The Bible shows how a number of people obeyed the Gospel. 4. Have you obeyed the Gospel of Christ?
