The Scrolls is a weekly Bible study written by pastors and other leaders at Central Bible Church, based on that week’s sermon topic. Use The Scrolls as a personal Bible study tool, for family devotions, and for small group discussions. You can read part of it below. The downloadable PDF also includes discussion questions, more in-depth commentary, end notes, and a kids’ page designed for families to study the topic together. This lesson goes with the sermon "Good Medicine."
The preaching of the gospel had a lasting impact on the Thessalonians. Luke tells his readers that Paul spent three Sabbath days reasoning with the Jews in their synagogue (Ac 17:2). His message to them undoubtedly debunked the notion among them that Jesus could not be the Messiah because he had suffered and had died at the hands of the Romans, after being rejected by their own Jewish leaders. Luke says Paul “reasoned with them” from the Old Testament Scriptures “explaining and proving that Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead” (vv. 2-3). Perhaps his message included a reference to the resurrection, and the fact he, like the other apostles, had seen the risen Jesus (2:32; cf. 9:3-6). Paul’s argument echoes the argument of Peter on the day of Pentecost (see Ac 2:22-36). Commenting on the words of David in Psalm 16:8-11, Peter tells his hearers: “Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it” (vv. 30-32). Clearly, David understood that Messiah would die and be raised from the dead.
After ministering to the Jews, Paul apparently ministered to Gentiles for an extended period of time, making Jason’s house his base of operations (cf. Titus Justice in Corinth, 18:6-7; see also Abraham J. Malherbe, Paul and the Thessalonians, 13-17). Paul’s gospel rooted in the written word of God came “with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction” (1Th 1:5)—so much so that many of the Thessalonians believed, and in the midst of the persecution that followed, became a model church. The gospel Paul preached was impactful because it was the word of God, more specifically, the verbal word of God.
The Thessalonians recognized as much. Paul writes, “when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe” (1Th 2:13). Paul reiterates in this verse that the gospel is the verbal word of God, which explains why it is so impactful. Other New Testament texts concur. Paul himself writes elsewhere: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2Ti 3:16). And the author of the book of Hebrews writes: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (4:12). When the Thessalonians “accepted” the word of God, like good medicine, it went to work in their lives, empowering them to turn from idols and to endure harsh persecution.
Paul’s remarks regarding the power of the gospel evident in the Thessalonians’ response to it causes later readers of his letter to reflect on the word of God’s impact on their lives. You no doubt remember the impact hearing the gospel had on you and the impact of the word of God has had on your life since you first believed. I certainly do. I remember how the word of God, like good medicine, went to work in my life. I remember how the Spirit of God used the gospel message, which I heard repeatedly growing up, to convict me of my sin and to persuade me that Jesus was the Messiah, God’s Son, to whom God had given the authority to forgive the sins of everyone who believed in him based on his substitutionary death on a Roman cross. I remember praying to him for forgiveness, and I remember the calm assurance of forgiveness that came over me based on the testimony of God’s word. Since then, the written word of God has impacted every aspect of my life. It has dictated my worldview, determined my sense of right and wrong, shaped my values, given me purpose in life and hope in difficult times, and has influenced every decision I’ve made since. That’s not to say that I have always obeyed God’s word, but whether I did or did not, Scripture left its mark on me.
Central Message of the Text:
When you read the Bible or hear it preached, accept it for what it truly is, namely, the word of God and not the word of men.
Family Talk:
Usually, when we consider being a spiritual model for our kids, we think of being the best of the best. My kids need to see me regularly read the Bible, memorize scripture, pray, worship, live in community, tithe, practice humility, joy, patience, love, kindness, etc., etc. Whew! How can I model perfection when I’m struggling in so many areas? Our kids absolutely need to see us seeking the Lord and growing in His likeness but there’s another facet of modeling growth that we sometimes try to hide from our kids. How often do you model perseverance through difficulty with your kids? For example, you’re having a rough time with a new boss and are thinking of leaving your job. Do you invite your child to pray for you and your boss (without the details, of course)? You know you struggle with patience and it’s evident to everyone in the house. Do you ask your kids to pray for you and invite them to call you out? You have an opportunity to play in a Wednesday night kickball league but that means no one goes to church. Do you share your decision making? You and your spouse are having a disagreement. Do they see how you lovingly and peaceably work things out? How will your kids know to pray for their enemy, work on a character trait, choose Christ or peacefully resolve conflict if they aren’t watching you model these challenges? Sanctification is a lifelong journey that ends only when you see Christ face-to-face. As you daily model godly character, invite your kids to walk with you in your struggle as well. We’re praying for you!