Sermon Tone Analysis
Overall tone of the sermon
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Conscientiousness
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Introduction
Have you ever been in a contest?
To me one of the most classic examples of a contest is tug of war.
It is a really simple contest with a really clear outcome.
You have two teams, lined up on opposite ends of a rope and they each pull the rope attempting to move the center to their side.
Their goal is the same, but opposite.
Preaching is a contest.
Every single time you proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, there is a contest.
We are trying to pull people to Christ, the other side tries to pull them away from Christ.
We are contending against the forces of darkness.
Contending against the god of this age who has blinded minds.
We need to be prepared for the contest.
In this passage we are going to see a contest.
It is a contest between the darkness and light.
Between blood bought servants of Christ and sin blinded servants of Satan.
We need to be prepared for the contest.
Preparation for the contest enables us to compete to the best of our ability.
God takes our efforts and uses them for His purpose and glory.
Our preparation must take three forms.
Form #1…
1. Be Prepared To Reason vv.
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One of Martin Luther’s most famous quotes connects to this idea of reason.
Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is captive to the Word of God.
I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe.
Here I stand.
I can do no other.
God help me.
Amen.
Luther wants Scripture and reason.
Here in our passage that is exactly what Paul gives.
Luther’s quote highlights a foundational principle that we must understand as we interact with people seeking opportunities to proclaim the gospel.
If we are going to reason…
a.
Our reasoning must be Biblical vv.
1-3
READ v. 1
They have been asked to leave Philippi, so they do.
They travel through two cities before arriving in Thessalonica (S).
Unlike Philippi, Thessalonica has a large enough Jewish population that it has a synagogue.
Reasoned – διαλέγομαι (dialegomai) converse; discuss; argue.
To discourse v. — to consider or examine a topic in speech with others.
Verb, imperfect, either middle or passive, indicative, third person, singular.
While this might seem like a small thing, it actually determines how Paul approaches the spreading of the gospel in Thessalonica.
This is a religious audience.
So Paul’s approach is different than what we will see in the latter half of this chapter.
These people know who God is, they know about the promised Messiah, they know enough Scripture to give Paul a foundation to work from.
READ v. 2
Custom = practice.
Custom = practice.
Here we get Paul’s method of operation.
He came into a city, if there was a synagogue he would teach there preaching that Jesus is the Christ.
This is a religious audience.
So Paul’s approach is different than we will see it in the latter half of this ch.
Paul spends three weeks reasoning with them.
Reasoned – διαλέγομαι (dialegomai) converse; discuss; argue.
To discourse v. — to consider or examine a topic in speech with others.
Reasoned – διαλέγομαι (dialegomai)
What is vital here is the source of Paul’s reasoning.
Scripture.
I have heard people claim that we need to set the Bible aside in debates and discussions.
I disagree.
This books is the basis for everything we believe.
If we set it aside, we have already lost the debate!
The foundation for Paul’s argument is the Word of God.
This is impossible without a knowledge of the Word.
Paul’s reasoning has a particular focus.
READ v. 3
Paul explains and demonstrates the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Explaining – διανοίγω (dianoigō) to open; to explain thoroughly; to interpret.
Pictured as opening something widely to make the contents clearly visible.
Explaining – διανοίγω (dianoigō)
Paul wants to make Scripture clear.
So he explains it.
One of my favorite definitions of expository preaching is found in (S).
Demonstrating – παρατίθεμαι (paratithemai) set before; place beside.
To demonstrate v. — to provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one’s behavior, attitude, or external attributes.
Verb, present, middle, instrumental participle, singular, nominative, masculine.
This is what Paul is doing.
Explaining, giving the sense.
Helping the people to understand.
Part of how he does this is described as “demonstrating.”
Demonstrating – παρατίθεμαι (paratithemai) set before; place beside.
To demonstrate, to provide evidence for; stand as proof of.
Demonstrating – παρατίθεμαι (paratithemai)
Paul backs up his claims with evidence.
What evidence?
The same evidence he presents to the Corinthians in .
Jesus was seen by all the apostles, by Peter, by Paul, and by over 500 people at once.
There are many great books that have been written filled with evidence demonstrating the truth of Christianity.
One is even called “evidence for Christianity.”
Our faith is not baseless.
It is not blind.
Our faith is rooted in historical fact, in eye witness testimony, and (most importantly) in the infallible Word of God.
We believe what we do because Scripture demands it.
Want perfect reasoning?
Reason by the perfect Word.
If we are going to reason with people, it must be Biblical reasoning.
says (S).
Human reasoning is insufficient, flawed, and broken by sin.
Being Biblical is foundational.
However, there is a second part to reasoning.
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