A Futile Attempt

The Gospel is Capital In Witnessing

But as we were allowed of  God to be put in trust

with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing

men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

1 Thess. 2:4

The Greek word for "allowed" is the verb Dokimazo,

which means "to test" someone or something for the

purpose of approval.

Legalism: Man's futile attempt to gain salvation, 

spirituality or the approbation of God through

human good.

The word HOPE I thank for faith and indeed HOPE is nothing else

but the constancy of faith.

John Calvin

Don't Be A Huckster

Nor in Guile

this presents the principle that the Gospel must never

be watered down. The Greek word for "guile (Doloa)

means "huckster." Under no circumstances must the 

Gospel be diluted with social reform, economic 

panaceas, brotherhood, do-goodism, legalism or philosophy!

Blessed are those whose HOPE is in the Lord and Their God.

Ps.146:5

Not Human Good

"Nor of  Uncleanness"

Certifies Paul's use of 1 John 1:9. He made sure that he

had kept current on rebound before he witnessed for his

 Lord, so should you. Only in the power of the Holy Spirit

can you score  profound impact on the life of the unbeliever;

only when He communicates through you can you be sure that

your witnessing is truly service for the Lord instead of merely

human good.

We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces 

perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, HOPE.

Rom. 5:3-4

The Negatives

No Deceit

"Not of deceit", "nor of uncleanness", "nor in guile".

Three negatives--When Paul wrote or verbalized the

 Gospel, he always made it clear that Christ solved

the sin problem, that there is no longer a Barrier

 between God  and man. He did not add to the Gospel

of grace, nor did he dilute it by throwing in false issues!

The believer must be in fellowship with God to be a 

witness-So use the (rebound technique): through confession

of your sin (1 John 1:9). By means of the recovery of the

filling of the Spirit (Eph. 5:14,18)

 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His Word I put

my HOPE.

Ps. 130:5

Be Persuasive

The Gospel

Must never be compromised or watered down.

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor

in guile (1 Thess. 2:3).

The word "exhortation" means "persuasive conversation"

and describes the declaration of the Gospel. Life is filled

with persuasive conversation, and if this is normal in life,

why not in the realm of the Gospel?

You will be secure, because there is HOPE you will look about

you and take your rest in safety.

Job 11:18

Much Opposition

The Gospel 

Must be clearly presented, but even after that we had suffered before

and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold

in our God with much contention [in the face of much opposition]

1 Thess. 2:2

They had been dragged into the market place (open court), where

they were beaten with Roman rods and cast into prison (Act. 16:16-24).

There  is a principle for us in this : your witness today will determine

your effectiveness in witnessing for Christ on an even greater scale

tomorrow or the next day. 

God will never forget the needy; the HOPE of the afflicted will never perish.

Ps. 9:18

Was It For Our Sake

Pattern

Paul followed this pattern in detail and stated:

For our gospel came not unto you in word only,

but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in

much assurance; as ye know what manner of men

we were among you for your sake.

1 Thess. 1:5

When doubts filled my mine, Your comfort gave me renewed

HOPE

Ps. 94:19