What actions today might be considered "hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles"? The Charge in 1 Thessalonians 2:16 “By their constant efforts to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved, they continually heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.” What “Hindering” Looked Like Then • Religious leaders shut synagogue doors (cf. Matthew 23:13). • They stirred mobs, created legal barriers, and discredited Paul (Acts 17:5-9). • The result: delayed or blocked gospel access for Gentiles. What “Hindering” Can Look Like Today • Silence when opportunities arise – Staying mute at work, school, or online because it feels awkward (Romans 10:14-15). • Distorting or diluting the gospel – Presenting a “safe” message that leaves out sin, repentance, and the cross (Galatians 1:6-8). • Hypocrisy that discredits witness – Living in open sin while calling others to holiness (1 Peter 2:12). – Public scandals among believers that cause outsiders to blaspheme (Romans 2:24). • Cultural pride and unwillingness to cross barriers – Refusing to learn languages, customs, or sensitivities of other peoples (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). • Nationalistic or political idolatry – Binding the gospel to a partisan agenda that repels unbelievers (Philippians 3:20). • Hostile or ungracious speech – Winning arguments online while losing souls (Colossians 4:5-6). • Legal or institutional opposition we support or ignore – Zoning laws, workplace rules, school policies that muzzle Christian speech when we could advocate for freedom (Acts 5:28-29). • Withholding resources and workers – Under-funding missions, neglecting prayer, discouraging young people from going (Romans 10:15). • Fear and shame – Concealing Christian identity to avoid ridicule (2 Timothy 1:7-8). Steps That Unblock the Way • Pray and look for open doors (Colossians 4:3). • Speak the whole counsel of God with humility and clarity (Acts 20:27). • Live above reproach, showing the transforming power of grace (Titus 2:10). • Cross cultural lines intentionally (Revelation 7:9). • Keep the gospel central, not secondary issues (1 Corinthians 2:2). • Support and send laborers generously (Matthew 9:37-38). • Advocate for religious freedom so the word “may spread rapidly and be honored” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). Why It Matters “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16) When anything—fear, pride, politics, compromise—blocks that power from reaching those still outside, we stand in the path Paul condemned. Let’s clear the road and let the good news run free. |
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