First Baptist Church, South Haven
Welcome to our church! We are glad you’re here today! Whether you are joining us as a vacationer or someone who is looking for a church home, we hope that you enjoy our gathering time and sense God’s presence. If you are using a tablet or smartphone, feel free to access our Wi-Fi. The network name is "FBC_Network" and the password is FBCshmi1635.
Testing of Hearts
1 Thessalonians 2:2-4
Pastor Jerry Koller
1 Thessalonians 2:2 NIV
1 Thessalonians 2:3 NIV
1 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV
Acts 16 gives us a glimpse into what took place in Philippi that Paul said caused them to suffer and be insulted.
· The point is the Thessalonian saints knew about the opposition the team faced while in Philippi.
· In spite of strong opposition, with the help of God, Paul and his team continued to share the Gospel.
2 Corinthians 2:17 NIV
Method of Delivery
For the appeal we make…
While the word appeal can mean an earnest and urgent request, it can also mean presenting information in support of an argument like in a court of law.
Does Not Spring from Error
Why would someone make an appeal based on falsehoods or lies?
· Someone may not know they are presenting falsehoods or lies.
· The second reason has to do with personal gain.
Does Not Spring from Impure Motives
Impure motives are a heart issue.
· Motives are those internal incentives or influences that cause a person to act in a certain way or to do certain things.
· Motives are internal because they dwell in the heart.
There are good motives and there are bad motives.
· Illustration from 1 Timothy 1:5-7
1 Timothy 1:5 NIV
While motives are internal, they never stay internal.
They always seem to come out—good or bad.
Matthew 15:18-20 NIV
Luke 6:45 NIV
Paul’s motives for sharing the Gospel sprang from love—love for God—love for others.
· This love was the result of a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.
…nor are we trying to trick you.
· The team’s appeal was not based on deceit but on life-changing truth.
On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.
· The phrase “on the contrary” indicated a strong element of contrast.
The word “approved” means “to approve after testing.”
· Acts 13 describes how Paul and Barnabas had been separated to this ministry by the Spirit of God only after they had been tested and proven in the church at Antioch (vss.1-3).
We are not trying to please men but God.
APPLICATION
God Still Tests Hearts—You may not be approved to be a church planter, evangelist, pastor or associate pastor. But that does not mean you do not have Spiritual Gifts that are to be used to minister to the Body of Christ and to further the kingdom of God in your sphere of influence.
Living Out Our Faith—All who are in Christ have been entrusted with the Gospel. We are to share it. And we are to live it out together. We live and share in word and deed.
Not in Error—The Gospel is already a stumbling block to many. Don’t you be a stumbling block by living in a manner that is contrary to the faith you embrace.
Not from Impure Motives—All that we think, do, or say must be for the glory of God.
Living out your faith must be driven by...
· love which comes from a pure heart
· love which comes from a good conscience
· love which is a result of a sincere faith
Seeking To Please God—The reason and manner in which we are to live out our faith must be to please God rather than man.
First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com