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Scripture: Acts 17:1-15

Having personally experienced the saving and transforming work of Jesus Christ in their lives, the apostle Paul and his travelling companions were committed to bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to a variety of people on Paul’s second missionary journey, including those who lived in Thessalonica. Does Christ’s saving and transforming work in your life still amaze you? If so, is it evident in how you live today with the hope of tomorrow?

Three visible outcomes of experiencing Christ’s saving and transforming work in our lives:

We will demonstrate:

1. A resolute commitment to go and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ (vs. 1-4)

- We have all been called to go and proclaim the gospel (cf. Mk. 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2 Cor. 5:17-21)

- Pray, look, and leverage the ‘connecting points’ you have with others to share the gospel (cf. Col. 4:2-6)

- Be a good student of God’s Word so that you can effectively point people to the truth that will set them free (cf. 2 Tim. 2:15; Jn. 8:32)

If we believe that sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with a person living in sin and darkness is the most loving thing we can do for them, when was the last time you did the most loving thing for someone? Go and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to those who are lost and walking in darkness and things will happen (vs. 4…)

2. A willingness to courageously persevere in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, even in the face of opposition (vs. 5-9)

Do not be surprised or discouraged when:

- We face opposition for proclaiming the gospel (cf. John 15:18-19; 2 Cor. 2:15-17; 1 Pt. 4:12-16)

- We face opposition for simply being associated with the gospel

- Be courageous, do your part, support and invest in the advancement of the gospel

Who do you fear more: those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, or the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Mt. 10:28)? Fear Him, pray to Him, and ask Him to empower you to be a courageous proclaimer of the gospel (Eph. 6:19-20).

3. A readiness to take advantage of any new opportunity the Lord opens up to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ (vs. 10-15)

- Be alert and ready; God will sovereignly orchestrate circumstances and place you in the path of people who need to hear the gospel (cf. 2 Tim. 4:2)

- Focus on planting the seed of the gospel and watering it knowing that it is God who makes it grow (cf. 1 Cor.3:5-7)

- Don’t miss out on the privilege God gives us to be part of His saving work in people’s lives.

Proclaim the good news! Be courageous and persevere! Be ready to take advantage of new opportunities! Live today with the hope of tomorrow!

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