1. Is it worth the SUFFERING?

1 Thessalonians 2:1-3

1 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.

Paul knew very clearly what the cost of following Jesus was, it had cost him his entire life. Paul didn’t drop everything at the first sign of trouble because he had nothing to run back to.

Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:25-27

2. Is it worth the STATUS?

1 Thessalonians 2:4-6

4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.

Verse 4 will preach real loud if you will let it:

YOU. HAVE. BEEN. ENTRUSTED. WITH. THE. GOSPEL.

How does my faith in God affect my status:

they hate him who reproves in the gate, And they abhor him who speaks with integrity. Amos 5:10

This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. John 3:19

You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. Matthew 10:22

Encouraging right?

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven Matthew 5:12

3. Is it worth the STRAIN?

1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

7 Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

So what?

How will you respond today?

• Is your faith worth your comfort?
• Is your faith worth not being accepted by everyone?
• Is your faith worth hard work?