“Though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the Gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.” -1 Thessalonians 2:2
The Gospel of grace usually doesn't land in friendly territory. In fact, it is a bomb in the midst of the biggest battles of life.
Paul's preaching was not in vain, but it had purpose: to declare freedom to captives and hope to the forsaken. They were openly and violently opposed when they came to town, but the good news was better than safety. It had to go forth. It was worth the cost.
In our Western lifestyles, it is hard to understand this level of persecution. The fire that refined the Apostles ignited the spread of Christianity, and it still comes to conflict.
Even if we have been raised in a good home that taught us how to behave , the Gospel wars against and defeats moralism or self-righteousness. When we think our lives are too far gone to be saved, that we have sinned too much for God to care, the Gospel frees us from the shackles of sin and death. When we are lost in our doubt and find it impossible to obey the way of Christ , the Gospel reminds us of faithfulness even when we are unfaithful and gives us the greatest of loves to respond to by our living.
This message of our Savior, of Jesus' work on the cross, of his declaration that it is finished and we are secure in him—this Gospel is a wartime weapon meant to devastate the enemy. Whatever conflict you find yourself or your soul in today, hear the good news of Jesus. It is not in vain; it is for your good and his glory.