A MODEL CHURCH FOR A MODERN
WORLD
A Study of Paul’s Letter to
the Thessalonians
THE MODEL CHURCH
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
We’re beginning a new study tonight on the book of 1Thessalonians.
I have titled this new study, A Model Church For
A Modern World.
I
don’t know about you, but I’m not interested in being an average church.
I have absolutely no desire to build some kind
of monument to mediocrity at 216 W. Wilson in Liberal, KS.
The “church of the Thessalonians”, as Paul refers to it, was neither
average, nor was it mediocre.
This model church, as we read in verse 7, was an
example to other churches of its day, and as we will see in the weeks to
come, an example for churches in our day.
Here’s what
we know about Thessalonica and the church that existed there:
Geographically we know that Thessalonica was a Macedonian sea-port city.
Thessalonica
was commercially strategic because the road that linked Rome with its
eastern empire ran right through it.
Numerically,
the city’s population is estimated to have been upwards of 200,000.
Spiritually
the Thessalonians adored many gods, but particularly Jupiter.
Morally, Thessalonica
did
not
have
a
very
good
reputation.
I
only
read
two comments about the moral climate of this
city.
The first writer said,
“Thessalonica was one of the most pagan, most heathen, most worldly cities
of that day---a place of open sin, rebellion, and a place where people
thumbed their noses at the thought of God.”
The other writer had this to say, “The females,
particularly, could claim little credit on the score of modest, retiring
demeanor...”
As
far as the church goes, we know that Historically it was founded by Paul and
Silas in Acts 17.
Acts 17:1-4
In
verses 5-9 you can read about a group of Jews who refused to believe Paul’s
message and went about creating no small stir in the community.
Things got so bad that Paul and Silas had to be
helped out of town under cover of darkness.
Socially, it
was comprised of both Jews and Gentiles from various backgrounds.
From what we
read in the opening verses of Paul’s letter we see that he was:
THANKFUL regarding the believers in the church.
He said, “We give
thanks to God always for you all
. . .”
PRAYERFUL regarding the believers in the church.
Paul prayed for the church of the Thessalonians
as he did for all churches.
MINDFUL regarding the believers in the church.
He was mindful of their “work of faith,” “labor
of love,” and “patience of hope.”
I
do not pretend to be anywhere close to being on the same level as the great
apostle Paul, but I know this, like Paul, I’m THANKFUL for those who make up
the family we call Fellowship Baptist Church.
I’m PRAYERFUL.
I pray for every family in this church at least
once a week.
I’m MINDFUL.
I don’t know that there is ever a time when this
church is not on my mind.
I
hope, over the course of this study, that we are all challenged to achieve
new heights in our work for the Lord, our walk with each
other, and our witness to the world.
To begin
with, let’s look at:
I. THE PEOPLE THAT COMPRISED THIS CHURCH
They were:
A.
Saved people
1. We learned from reading Acts 17 that as the result of Paul’s preaching, “some believed.”
2. AMEN! Thank God for those who respond to the preaching of the gospel.
3. I wish everyone I preached to responded to the truth by believing and being saved.
4. Was every member of the church in Thessalonica saved? I don’t know.
5. Is every member of Fellowship Baptist Church saved? I think I’m pretty safe in saying “no.”
6. Do I want every member to be saved? “Yes.”
7. If you’ve been baptized into the membership of this church under false pretenses, don’t you think for a moment that your membership is good enough to get you to heaven.
B.
Serving People
1. Paul mentions their “work of faith.”
2. Here is yet another proof of James’ words when he said, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17).
3. This church was comprised of people who knew what it meant to serve the Lord.
4. Thank God for the adults and young people of this church whose faith in the Lord produces a fervency in their labor.
5. One of the hallmarks of this church down through the years has been the level of committed service on the part of many of its members.
6. If we’re going to avoid being average and becoming nothing more than a memorial to a once great church, we must continue to work ourselves while challenging others to get involved as well.
C.
Sincere people
1. Their labor for the Lord was driven by their love for the Lord.
2. They didn’t serve because they HAD to, they served because they WANTED to.
3. Serving the Lord was not an obligation, it was an opportunity.
They didn’t serve out of duty, they
served out of devotion.
They didn’t serve to gain attention, they
served to show affection.
D.
Stedfast people
1. Paul mentions their “work of faith,” “labor of love,” and “patience of hope.”
2. The Greek word used for “patience” speaks of “cheerful (or hopeful) endurance.”
3. Notice verse 6. Paul remembers how the Thessalonians “. . . received the Word in much affliction . . .”
4. Becoming Christians was not a cakewalk for these folks. They were persecuted for their faith, but through it all, the Holy Ghost produced a joy in them that was “unspeakable and full of glory.”
5. Let’s get back to the theme of hope for a moment.
6. Hope, as we use the word today, refers to a desire accompanied by expectation. For example, someone may say “I hope the stock market turns around.” That is desire accompanied by expectation.
7. Hope, in a Biblical sense, is desire, accompanied by expectation, built upon fact or promise.
8. For example, when you say “I have hope of a resurrection after death,” that is a desire, accompanied by expectation, built upon both a fact and a promise.
9. What was the hope that enabled these Thessalonians to be stedfast? It was the hope of heaven through the Lord Jesus Christ.
10. We don’t have to hope like the world hopes, we can hope like the Thessalonians hoped because our hope is BUILT ON NOTHING LESS THAN JESUS’ BLOOD AND RIGHTEOUSNESS!
11. Get SAVED, start SERVING, be SINCERE, be STEDFAST because Jesus is coming again!
12. These are the kind of people that comprised the church to which Paul wrote this letter, and these are the kind of people that must comprise this church, and any other church, that wishes to be a model church in a modern world.
II.
THE PREACHING THAT CHARACTERIZED THIS CHURCH
Model
churches are not built on programs or pageants or performances, they’re
built on PREACHING!
A
visiting evangelist was greeting people after preaching his first sermon of
the revival, when all of a sudden a little old lady came through the line,
looked him in the eye, and said, “Too long!”
The preacher didn’t think much of it until a few
minutes later she came back through the line.
This time all she said was, “Too loud!”
Well, by now, he was becoming a little unnerved.
He had just regained his composure, when low and
behold, that same little old lady was making her way through the line again.
When she came through the third time her
comments were no more flattering, though they were shorter, only one word,
“Boring!”
The evangelist couldn’t contain himself any longer, so he asked the pastor
what in the world was going on.
The pastor said, “Oh, don’t worry about her.
She really doesn’t know what she’s saying.
She just repeats what other people say.”
Whether
people think it’s too loud, too long, or boring, preaching should still be
the focal point of every church service.
A. The Message of Paul’s preaching
Acts 17:2-3
1. The Source of his message was the Scriptures.
! The Word of God ought to be the source of every message.
! Ideas, opinions, philosophies, feelings, notions, theories ... these are not the same as “thus saith the Lord.”
2. The Style of his message was Sensible, Sound, and Systematic.
! In an attempt to make up for his 20 point sermon the week before, the preacher stood up and said, “To compensate for last week’s sermon of twenty points, this week’s sermon will be pointless.”
! Paul didn’t get up and just shoot from the hip, he reasoned, he opened, he alleged.
! You can be assured that his arguments were logical, rational, and practical.
3. The Subject of his preaching was the Saviour.
! Paul preached Christ.
! He preached Christ openly. He preached Christ honestly. He preached Christ ONLY!
! Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
! Galatians 1:8, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
B. The Manner of Paul’s preaching
3. He preached Earnestly
! “For our gospel came not unto you in word only . . .”
! Paul didn’t just preach a bunch of words trusting in his own ability to get the job done.
! Paul wasn’t interested in merely entertaining or exciting people, he was interested in evangelizing people.
2. He preached Expectantly
! “. . . and in much assurance . . .” he said in verse 5.
! Paul expected something to happen every time he preached.
! He didn’t preach because it was the hour for the message, but because he was convinced that he had the message for the hour.
3. He preached Effectively
! How do I know Paul’s preaching was effective? Well, we know from Acts 17 that, “. . . some of them believed . . . of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.”
! But one of the greatest evidences of the effectiveness of Paul’s preaching is seen in verse 9 where he talks about them turning “. . . to God from idols to serve the living and true God:”
! Now then, don’t miss this point. They turned TO God FROM idols, they did not turn FROM idols TO God.
" In other words, they did not seek to clean up their own lives by turning away from idols and then turning to God.
" They turned to God first, then with God’s help, they repented and turned away from idols.
" That’s the ONLY way it will work. You must bring all your sin, all your habits, all your baggage to God and let HIM deal with it.
!Further evidence of the effectiveness of Paul’s preaching is seen in verse 6a.
!I submit to you that God’s Word preached God’s way will accomplish God’s will.
III.
THE PROCLAMATION THAT CAME FORTH FROM THIS
CHURCH
Verse 8
These people kept the main thing the main thing.
This, I believe, was truly a soul winning
church.
There are only two kinds of churches; those who
win souls and those who don’t.
What motivated this church?
A. The Condition of the World
3. They knew that there were literally tens of thousands more just like them who were steeped in religion, worshiping idols that could do nothing for them.
4. They knew that these people needed the Lord. They needed the truth. They needed a witness.
B. The Commission from the Word
3. Their mission was the great commission.
4.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I
have commanded you . . .”
C. The Coming Wrath
3. Through their being saved, they knew that they had been safely delivered from the coming wrath during the time of tribulation, but they also knew that many of their friends and loved ones had not.
4. The only way to escape the wrath to come is to be saved.
5. John 3:36 says, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
CLOSING:
This church was a model church because of it’s:
1) People
They were SAVED
They were SERVING
They were SINCERE
They were STEDFAST
2) Preaching
You pray for me that I will preach EARNESTLY,
EXPECTANTLY, AND EFFECTIVELY
3) Proclamation
The CONDITION OF
THE WORLD, COMMISSION FROM THE WORD, and the COMING WRATH ought to motivate us
to be a soul winning church.
Ask yourself this age old question, “What kind of church would this church be if every member were just like me?”
“LIVING WITHOUT FEAR #2-THE DANGERS OF FEAR”
NUMBERS 14:1-14
INTRO:
Fear is a feeling that every one of us have experienced.
If you do an
internet search for the word “fear” you will find
many phobias that
humans face.
In fact, a
Google search of the word “fear” lists 496
phobias.
Here are just a few:
Aulophobia: fear of flutes.
Cacophobia:
fear
of ugliness. Chaetophobia: fear of
hair. Ecclesiophobia: fear of
church.
Ephebiaphobia: fear of teenagers.
Geniophobia: fear of chins.
Homilophobia:
fear of sermons. Omphalophobia: fear
of belly buttons.
Peladophobia:
fear of bald people. Soceraphobia:
fear of in-laws.
Theophobia:
fear of religion.
Fear is something that every man has felt, but we
must remember
that fear can be good or bad.
Every week before I stand in this pulpit
to preach, I experience a small amount of fear.
We all know the
feeling.
We could call it anxiety.
We could call it having butterflies in
our stomach.
Good fear causes you to be on the alert.
It helps us to
not be complacent.
This small fear I experience before I preach serves
to humble me and remind me that my preaching is not
about me.
It
is about Jesus Christ, the Lord!
Fear can also be a bad thing.
It can paralyze us.
It can consume
our lives.
It is the bad side of fear we want to look at this
morning.
In
Numbers 14
Moses had led the Israelites our of bondage in Egypt.
They had arrived at the Promised Land.
Back in
Numbers 13, Moses
sent out a small group of men to spy out the land.
They came back
and gave their report to Moses and all the people.
They told of the
beauty of the land but also that the land was full
of giants. (Numbers
13:26-33).
Joshua and Caleb were the only two of the spies
that did
not let fear overwhelm them.
The Israelites could not see how it was
possible
for them to take the land from such a strong people.
That
brings us to
Numbers 14:1-4.
You might find it interesting but the
words
“fear,” “scared” or “afraid” are
not found in these verses.
But
we can see clearly that the people’s
problem was “fear”.
In fact, the
last part of
v9 tells us—“Do
not fear them.”
I want us to see this
morning four dangers of fear.
Let us note first that…
(1)
FEAR CAUSES US TO LOOK BACKWARD INSTEAD OF
FORWARD
NUMBERS 14:2-4—“And
all the children of Israel murmured against
Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto
them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would
God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the LORD
brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and
our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into
Egypt? And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let
us return into Egypt.”
A.
A WAVERING FAITH.
The people were so frightened they wanted to go
back to Egypt.
They wanted to go back in bondage rather than
taking the
land God had promised them.
The Israelites had experienced fear before.
It
was not something new to them.
They had been in bondage—slaves in
Egypt for 400 years.
All they knew was slavery.
They were not trained
warriors.
In Exodus
14:5-14 they faced a similar situation as this one.
We
read there—“And
it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the
heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against
the people, and they
said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go
from serving us? And
he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:
And he took six
hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt,
and captains over
every one of them. And the LORD hardened the heart of
Pharaoh king of
Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and
the children of Israel
went out with an high hand. But the Egyptians pursued
after them, all the
horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his
army, and
overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth,
before Baalzephon.
And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted
up their eyes, and,
behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were
sore afraid: and the
children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. Is not this
the word that we did tell
thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the
Egyptians? For it
had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that
we should die in the
wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not,
stand still, and see
the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to
day: for the Egyptians
whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more
for ever. The
LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace”.
Pharaoh had just let
them go.
But then he changed his mind and began to chase
after them.
When the people saw the Egyptians coming after them, they
told Moses to
leave them alone and let them return to Egypt.
But God was about to show
them us His great power.
God told Moses to raise his staff and stretch forth
his hand.
Moses obeyed, and the
Red Sea parted and the Israelites crossed
over on dry ground.
Now in
Numbers 14, the people are at the edge of the
Promised Land.
They are at the edge of the blessings that God has
promised them.
But then their
faith begins to waver and they start acting
like they did when they left Egypt.
Friend, if you allow fear to control you, it
was cause you to go backward instead of forward.
B.
A WRONG FOCUS.
Instead of looking forward the people are looking
backward.
Here the people are staring their future square in
the face—they
are about to see God give them the reward they dreamed
of—and all they
can think about is the past.
Sometimes we allow something bad that
happened in our past keep us from moving forward into our
future.
It
might be a bad relationship, a deep hurt, or a painful
loss.
If we continually
focus on our past we will never be able to move forward in
our lives.
Paul
gives us some advice in
Philippians 3:13-14 where he tells
us we should
be—“forgetting
those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those
things which are before, [and] press toward the mark for
the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
The Israelites in
Numbers 14 were staring God’s reward right in the face
and could not move forward because of fear.
Friend, can you relate to that?
Fear can cause us to have the wrong focus—we look backward
instead of
forward.
FEAR CAUSES US TO LOOK BACKWARD INSTEAD OF FORWARD
but also…
(2)
FEAR CAUSES US TO LIVE WITH LIMITED BLESSINGS
INSTEAD OF
FAITH
A.
WE FORGET GOD’S POWER.
The people had seen the plagues God sent
on Egypt.
They had seen God part the Red Sea so they could
pass over on
dry land.
They had been led by a pillar of cloud by day and a
pillar of fire
by night.
Do remember what God did for them recorded for us
in Exodus
17?
The Israelites were at war with the Amalekites.
Moses went up on a
hill, and as long as his arms were held up, the
Israelites prevailed.
But
when his arms grew weary and fell, the Amalekites
prevailed.
Aaron and
Hur went up and help Moses’ arms up until sunset,
and Israel was
victorious.
The people had seen God do some incredible,
miraculous things.
And now
because of fear, they had forgotten about all that
God had done.
They were
so overwhelmed by fear they could only think of
themselves.
The old
saying is, “They couldn’t see the forest for the
trees.”
Friends, that’s what
fear does.
It causes us to forget God’s power.
We focus on our problems
instead of God’s power.
The psalmist said in
Psalm 121:1-2—“I
will lift up
mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my
help. My help cometh from
the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”
Friends, we have the greatest
possible help available to us!
Why then do we become afraid?
The
psalmist declared—“The
LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I
fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom
shall I be afraid? When
the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came
upon me to eat up my
flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host
should encamp against me, my
heart shall not fear: though war should rise
against me, in this will I be
confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD,
that will I seek after; that I
may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of
my life, to behold the
beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he
shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his
tabernacle shall he hide me;
he shall set me up upon a rock.”
(Psalm 27:1-5).
The psalmist realized,
“This light can never be extinguished by man; the
Lord is my salvation, my
safeguard, my shield, and my defense; of whom then
should I be afraid?”
(CLARKE’S
COMMENTARY OT, VOLUME 3 JOB - SONG OF SOLOMON
by Adam Clarke. The Master Christian
Library Version 5. Copyright 1997. AGES Software.
Albany, OR).
Friends, this is something we
need to realize also!
B.
WE FORGET GOD’S PROVISION.
They had seen food fall from heaven and
water flow from rocks.
God had sustained them for forty years of wandering
in the wilderness.
There was never a need they had that God did not
fulfill.
And yet in fear, they forgot God’s provision.
Friends, I want us to make
sure today that we realize how blessed we are of God.
We must not let fear
cause us to forget God’s blessings to us.
We should use our fears to
motivate us to accomplish great things for the Lord.
God still does great
things.
He is still in the miracle business!
The Bible promises us in
Philippians 4:19—“But
my God shall supply all your need according to his
riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
FEAR CAUSES US TO LOOK BACKWARD INSTEAD OF FORWARD, FEAR CAUSES US TO LIVE WITH
LIMITED BLESSINGS INSTEAD OF FAITH, and thirdly…
(3)
FEARS CAUSES US TO LIVE WITH DIVISION IN LOVE
AND
FRIENDSHIPS
NUMBERS 14:5-9—“Then
Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all
the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. And
Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which
were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: And they
spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The
land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good
land. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land,
and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel
not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for
they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the
LORD is with us: fear them not.”
A.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF FEAR’S DIVISION.
The people are so divided
that v10
tells us they even are considering stoning Joshua and Caleb for
still desiring to go and try and take the land.
What caused this division?
FEAR.
Joshua and Caleb desired to take hold on the
promises of God but
the people were so fearful they could not believe
they were able to secure
God’s promise.
Fear causes division.
What are some the consequences of
fear’s division? :
Ø
DISTRUST.
When we are fearful we tend to have a lack of trust.
We are skeptical of other’s opinions and doubtful
of other’s motives.
We question their words and are skeptical of their
ways.
Ø
DISUNITY.
Fear divides but fervent love unites.
Ø
DISLOYALTY.
Fear causes us to lose respect and regard for others who
do not share our fear.
B.
THE CAUSALTIES OF FEAR’S DIVISION.
Fear causes division in
relationships.
Fear causes division in marriages, friendships, and
in our
work environments.
Friends, it is time we exchange fear for courage.
Our
marriages depend on it.
We cannot live in fear of what might happen.
Our
friendships depend on it.
And I want you also to know this morning that
our spiritual health also depends on exchanging fear for
courage and
focusing on God’s best for us.
We will never reach great heights for the Lord
if we are constantly living in fear of where His will
might lead us.
Someone
has said, “The will of God will never take you where the
grace of God cannot
keep you.”
We must simply love the Lord and let Him lead us
where He
wants us to go.
As the old hymn says,
“Trust and obey,
for there’s no other
way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
FEAR CAUSES US TO LOOK BACKWARD INSTEAD OF FORWARD, FEAR CAUSES US TO LIVE WITH
LIMITED BLESSINGS INSTEAD OF FAITH, FEAR CAUSES US TO LIVE WITH DIVISION IN LOVE
AND FRIENDSHIPS, and finally…
(4)
FEAR CAUSES US TO FORGET GOD’S PLAN
NUMBERS 14:3—“And
wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this
land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be
a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?”
A.
FEAR BLINDS.
The people allowed fear to cause them to forget God’s
plan.
They ask in v3
why the Lord would bring them to this point only to let them
fall by the sword.
They recognized that God had brought them this far.
But
fear had caused them to lay aside their faith in the
promise of God and
replace it with the lie that they were not able to take
the land God had
promised them.
B.
FEAR BINDS.
Fear is one of the devil’s favorite tools.
He uses it to keep us
from following and doing God’s will for our lives.
Friends, God is not the
God
of fear.
Satan is the author of fear.
His desire is to keep us afraid so
We will not follow and do the will of God.
2 Timothy
1:7 tells us—“For
God
hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of
love, and of a sound
mind.”
Friends, God has given us a spirit of power, love, and
self-discipline.
Let me ask you today, “Do you feel as if you have the
spirit of power or a
spirit of fear?
Do you feel like you have a spirit of love or a
spirit of fear?
Do you feel like you have a spirit of self-discipline?”
God has great plans for
your life and mine.
We must not let the lie of fear keep us from those
plans!
God’s plans will take us places we could have never
imagined.
But fear will
be our biggest obstacle.
CLOSING:
Recently, there was a news story about two firemen
who lost their
lives in a fire.
The story was tragic.
Those men were killed doing
what they were trained to do.
They are trained to run into a
building that is on fire.
I don’t know about you but I have been
trained to run out of a building that is on fire.
Firemen see it as
their mission to run into that burning building to
make sure
everyone is out of danger.
And they are not scared.
Why?
Because their minds are fixed on their mission.
If they were
thinking only of themselves they would never run
into those
buildings.
They have to focus on their purpose.
Friends, we need to do the same.
FEAR CAUSES TO LOOK
BACKWARD INSTEAD OF FORWARD, FEAR CAUSES TO LIVE
WITH LIMITED BLESSINGS INSTEAD OF FAITH, FEAR
CAUSES
US TO LIVE WITH DIVISION IN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIPS,
and
FEAR CAUSES US TO FORGET GOD’S PLAN.
Fear keeps us from
our purpose.
God has a plan and purpose for each one of us.
We
must not let fear come between us and God’s
purpose.
We must
keep our eyes on our mission.
We must keep our eyes on God!
With God’s power, there is nothing really for us to
fear!
(PREPARED BY BROTHER BRYAN L. BROWNING, PASTOR OF
BEECHMONT BAPTIST CHURCH, BEECHMONT, KY FOR SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009).
TRUTH FOR A TROUBLED CHURCH
Comfort For A Persecuted Church #1
II Thessalonians 1:1-12
II Thessalonians is a sequel to Paul’s first letter to the believers in
Thessalonica. Though the
Christians in Thessalonica were grateful to God for Paul's first letter, it did
not immediately solve all their problems. In fact, the persecution grew worse
and some believers thought they were living in the time of the Tribulation.
Then a forged letter (2:2), supposedly from Paul, arrived and in it declared
that the Day of the
Lord had already arrived. Needless to say, the assembly was confused and
frightened by this prospect.
Still other believers
concluded that since the Lord's coming was so near, they ought to quit their
jobs and spend their time waiting for Him. This meant that the other members
were under an extra burden to care for them. Satan was working overtime; as the
lion, he was seeking to devour (1
Peter 5:7-8), and
as the serpent, he was seeking to deceive (2
Cor. 11:3).
In general Paul wrote this book to correct some
misconceptions.
The opening of this letter is typical of a letter written in
the first century. The writer is indentified followed by the recipient and then
a greeting follows.
In the greeting, Paul opens by speaking of the Thessalonians’
position in God and their possessions from God.
Being “in God” is what gets us to heaven.
That’s our salvation. But
it’s what we receive “from God” that gets us through this life on our way to
heaven. That’s our survival.
If it were not for the grace and peace that come from God and from our
Lord Jesus Christ, none of us would be able to make it another day.
I.
The
Praise OF PAUL for the church
(3, 4)
“We are bound to thank God always for you
brethren, as it is meet”
If Paul could find a reason to thank God for a local church,
he would do it. He even brought himself to thank God for the carnal Corinthian
church. However, he could not bring himself to thank God for the Galatians
because they defected from the principle of the finished work of Christ on
Calvary for salvation.
Paul was grateful, not just in a general fashion, but for
three very specific things about the Thessalonians.
A.
Commended them for their faith
that was enlarged
“because that your faith groweth exceedingly”
“groweth
exceedingly” means to increase above ordinary degree. Our faith should never
level off at some plateau and become stationary. Our faith
is never static; it either grows or shrinks in size. It never remains the
same. A growing faith is an
evidence of life.
"…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ,” (2 Peter 3:18).
Faith is like
a muscle, the more we exercise it the more it develops. If we neglect our faith,
it gets weaker.
Many years ago a man came to the banks of the Mississippi River and
discovered that the road ended at the water's edge. There was no bridge for him
to cross on so he got down on his hands and knees, and trembling with fear,
began crossing the frozen surface. He was halfway across when he heard singing.
Looking back, to his amazement, he saw a four-horse team pulling a big load of
logs. Where he had been creeping in fear, one who knew the strength of the ice
came singing with joy. Are you trembling on the promises of God, or are you
singing? It all depends on your faith. Let your faith grow!
Paul praises
them for their faith that is greatly enlarged.
Would you please notice he doesn't say, "Because your congregation is
greatly enlarged." He doesn't say,
"Because your buildings are greatly enlarged," or
"Because your choir is greatly enlarged," or “Because your Sunday School
is greatly enlarged," or
"Because your bus fleet is greatly enlarged." He says, "We are thankful to God
because your faith is greatly enlarged."
B.
Commended them for their love
that was expanded
“and the charity of every one of you all
toward each other aboundeth”
LOVE IS WHAT
CHRISTIANITY IS ALL ABOUT.
If
love is absent, the Lord is absent.
Note the words
"every one" and the word "all." There were no exceptions in this Thessalonian
church when it came to this abounding love
1.
Scope of their love
It was
directed toward all their brothers and sisters in Christ.
2.
Scale of their love
We’re talking
about a degree of love that was superabundant.
Some people
have strong faith but weak love. Others have strong love but weak faith. God
expects us to reach a point of strong faith and strong love.
C.
Commended them for their patience
that was exhibited
“So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for
your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye
endure”
"Endure"
signifies to hold up against a thing and so to bear with again and again.
Literally, it means to hold up repeatedly. These believers held up under
persecution over and over. A believer who understands God's providence in
everything is a person who can tackle any problem.
A great
many people try to get out from under the problems and difficulties. The person
who is patient is able to stay under, and he keeps on carrying the load. He
doesn't throw it off; he doesn't try to get rid of his responsibility. These
believers manifested patience in the midst of trouble.
II.
The PROMISES FOR THE PERSECUTED of
the church
(5-10)
“Which is
a manifest token of the righteous
judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God,
for which ye also suffer: seeing it is a righteous thing with
God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord
Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not
God, and that obey not the gospel
of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from
the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
When he
shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be
admired in all them that believe (because our testimony
among you was believed) in that
day.”
No matter how difficult their present circumstances may have been, the
Thessalonian believers had a secure and glorious future.
The Thessalonians’ faith and patience under pressure was plainly evident for
everyone to see. There was plenty of evidence to give plain proof of their
dynamic faith. The fact that the Thessalonians suffered for Christ's kingdom by
a courageous faith was a proof of the reality of their salvation.
At first appearance, the suffering of the Thessalonians seemed unjust, yet their
dynamic faith demonstrated very clearly that God is righteous in His dealings
with them. God is righteous in His
judgments. He will justly deal with all injustices in His future judgment
although He might refrain from judgment for the present. That is a promise you
can count on. Since injustice reigns
today, it is a must that there comes a righteous judgment. The inequalities of
the present guarantees that things will be rectified.
Three things are involved in the promises of God for His people.
A.
There is a promise of reward
(5).
Now
suffering does not earn one the right to go to heaven, because we know that we
are saved through faith in Christ; however, it does indicate that we are saved.
One day Jesus Christ will turn the tables and the wicked will suffer while the
believers are rewarded. Our Lord never promised us that life here would be easy;
in fact, He taught that we would have to face difficulties and fight battles;
however, He
promised a future reward for all who were faithful to Him (see Matt.
5:10-12).
"If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him”
(2
Timothy 2:12).
B.
There is a promise of recompense
(6, 7b-9).
“…seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that
trouble you .... when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his
mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not
God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be
punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from
the glory of his power”
Paul
assures the Thessalonians that God will persecute the persecutors.
God's
absolute righteousness demands justice. He can be nothing but fair and
equitable; so He will settle the score with those who persecute the saints.
The word
"recompense" carries the ideal of giving back as an equivalent, pay back in
kind. God will give back to the persecutors of the Thessalonians the same kind
of treatment they gave in return. Because God is righteous, He has an obligation
to do this.
1.
Crowd for judgment -
“them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Two
things are said about the crowd for judgment.
a.
Dumbness
This
crowd is condemned to judgment because they “know not God.” We can be ignorant
of many things and get away with it, but we cannot be ignorant of God
without serious adverse consequences.
b.
Disobedience
Judgment
also comes to this crowd because they “obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ.” This means they rejected Christ as their Savior.
2.
Character of judgment
This
judgment is both fiery and fair.
a.
Fiery - “flaming fire”
This is
strong language and speaks of the fire of hell.
b.
Fair
The word
translated “vengeance” involves in its meaning the execution of justice and
right. This tells us that the flaming fire judgment from Christ, though severe,
is still fair. Those who experience this judgment deserve it. Those who
experience this judgment cannot complain that it is too severe, for they are
getting only what is their due. God judges righteously.
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath:
for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord,” Romans
12:19.
God will
recompense those who persecute the saints. They will get a payday one day. In
the mean time, man calls perversion normal and morality perversion. However,
there is a payday coming.
One night on a street corner an atheist said, "I've lived more than sixty
years and never in all my time have I seen anything to convince me that there's
a lake of fire."
A small
boy looked up and said, "Have you ever been dead yet, sir?"
This brings to mind the story of the two farmers, one a believer and the
other an atheist. When harvest season came, the atheist taunted his believing
neighbor because apparently God had not blessed him too much. The atheist's
family had not been sick, his fields were rich with harvest, and he was sure to
make a lot of money.
"I
thought you said it paid to believe in God and be a Christian," said the
atheist.
"It does
pay," replied the Christian. "But God doesn't always pay His people in
September."
What kind
of a future does the unbeliever have to look forward to? Look at the dramatic
words Paul used to describe it “tribulation ….vengeance ….flaming
fire….punishment…. everlasting destruction.”
If you belong to the Lord, you'll
follow Him to heaven. If you belong to the devil, you'll follow him to the lake
of fire.
You might ask, "Where's the lake of fire?"
It is at
the end of a Christ-less life!
C.
There is a promise of rest
(7a, 10)
“And to you who are troubled rest with us..… When he shall come to be glorified
in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony
among you was believed) in that day.”
1.
The what
- “rest”
God will
recompense tribulation to the lost, but rest to the saved. The word “rest” means
"relief, release, not under pressure." It is the opposite of "tribulation." The
word describes the releasing of a bowstring.
What kind
of future is there for the lost? They will
face punishment and eternal judgment, while the saved shall enjoy the rest and
glories of heaven.
This
glimpse into the future undoubtedly encouraged Paul’s readers, and it should
encourage believers in their trials even today.
2.
The why
–
“because
our testimony among you was believed”
We will
not share in the rest because of our morality but because of the work of Christ
on the cross. Christians have a marvelous future because we believed the gospel.
III.
The PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE of the
church
(11-12)
“Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God
would count
you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the
good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with
power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be
glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and
the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul prayed for his
converts (1
This. 1:2;
3:10).
He prayed
persistently - “always.” He also
prayed purposefully “that.”
As we
look at this prayer we will observe a man who asked had the right request for
the right reason. The right request
is in verse 11; the right reason is in verse 12.
A.
The MATTER in his prayer
– (right request in his prayers)
“Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of
this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of
faith with power:”
What do
you pray for? What do you desire for yourself? What do you desire for your
spouse? What do you desire for your children? What do you desire for the people
that you love? What do you desire for the people in this church? What do you
really want?
What Paul
wanted for the Thessalonians he knew he could obtain it only by prayer. He did
not turn to human ingenuity. He did not turn to some program. He turned to God.
Notice
Paul’s request:
1.
Prays for their worthiness
“that our God would count you worthy of this calling”
The words
"count you worthy" mean suitable or agreeable. The Christian's walk should suit
his salvation. Paul is praying that their present life reflect their future
life.
This is a
broad request that really encompasses Christian character. He is praying that
God will enable them to deserve the name they bear.
Paul is praying that their practice will
match up with their position in Christ.
A person’s
calling sets the standard for their conduct.
Ephesians 4:1, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that
ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”
The name Alexander the Great is found recorded throughout history books.
History tells us that he was a very strict and disciplined leader.
While out in the field of battle, one of his soldiers got out of line.
In fact, it was so severe that he was brought before Alexander the Great!
You can imagine the fear and dread in the heart of this soldier knowing he was
being brought before this great leader.
As he stood before Alexander the Great, this great leader looked him in
the eyes and asked, "Soldier, what's your name?"
With hesitation, he said, "Sir, my name is Alexander."
"Alexander?" he asked. "That's my
name and you’re behaving like that? Soldier,
you either change your name or change your conduct."
Christ’s reputation is bound up in His children. Paul is praying
for their LIVING to be in harmony with their LIPS.
How Can I Walk Worthy of His Name?
a.
Walk in harmony
Do you know how important our unity is to Jesus?
Listen again to
John 17.20-21, "Neither
pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through
their word; That they all may be
one; as thou, Father, art in
me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe
that thou hast sent me.”
Now let me ask you something: how do you walk in harmony?
Well, that leads me to the second thing I want you to see.
In order to walk in harmony, you must secondly…
b.
Walk in humility
Those who walk in harmony, walk in humility!
Selfish people don't walk in harmony.
Prideful people don't walk in harmony!
See Proverbs 13:10.
c.
Walk in holiness
1 Peter 1:15, 16, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all
manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
2.
He prays for their will
“and
fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness”
"Good
pleasure" means a good desire. Paul prays that their will would line up with
God’s good desire for them. He prays that they will fulfill
the purpose God has for them.
Paul is
praying that they will figure out what really matters in life, and then
determine to do it.
3.
He prays for their work
“and the
work of faith with power”
Paul
wants them to be a worthy people, a fulfilling people, and a powerful people.
He prays that their work of
faith would be with power.
There's
no such thing as a faith that doesn't work; faith without works is dead (James
2:17 -26). However, here Paul is
asking God to make that work of faith powerful.
Paul
fully understood that salvation was by grace through faith alone, but he also
understood that a salvation by grace through faith alone produced works; but he
wanted those works to be powerful!
This is
the right matters to pray for!
B.
THE MOTIVE behind his prayer
(right reason in his prayers)
“That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be
glorified
in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and
the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Here is
the highest purpose, the highest motive, the greatest reason for his request. It
is in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified. It is for His
glory.
Notice
the name Lord Jesus Christ.
As Lord - that emphasizes his power
As Jesus-that emphasizes his person
As Christ-that emphasizes his position
The
ultimate purpose for
each Christian is to glorify the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christians
should yield everything in their life toward this end, even their own happiness.
So what
do you seek for in your prayers? What do you ask for?
You and I bring a sigh or a song to the Lord. You and I can bring grief or glory
to the Lord. What are you bringing to Him? His name is at stake in your life. If
you're not Christ-like, you're no credit to Him. If you're not godly, you bring
no glory to Him.
Conclusion
Rest assured, Jesus is coming again. Are you ready for His coming?
In
southern England there is a village with the curious name of Tiptoe. It seemed
natural to call it that because years ago before paved streets and sidewalks
were installed, the muddy condition of the lanes in that area often made it
necessary for the people to walk on their tiptoes. The child of God who walks
the streets of this life faces a similar situation. He is to go forward on the
tiptoe of expectancy, not just because of his evil surroundings, but
because he is waiting for Someone who is coming very soon!
His coming for the saved means comfort; His coming for the lost means
condemnation. For the saved His coming means should mean joy; for the sinner His
coming means judgment.
..
..
..
..
Sermon by Jimmy Simpler
A Weak Connection
Text:
Mark 9:14-29
Introduction:
Speak To The Text
The Significance of Prayer and sometimes Fasting
(Connects
us to the Power Source)
The Power is Available but Sometimes Our Connection Is Weak
Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
ye may abound in hope,
through the power
of the Holy Ghost.
Ephesians 1:15-20 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and
love unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you,
making mention of you in my prayers;
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and
revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding
being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what
the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding
greatness of his power to us–ward who
believe, according to the working of his
mighty power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when
he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly
places,
Ephesians 3:20
Now unto him that is
able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us,
Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and
power:
2 Timothy 1:7a For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;
but of power…
1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power
of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Illustration:
The old Energizer Bunny commercials.
Nothing seems to stop the Energizer Bunny!
Note:
The point of the commercial IS NOT the Bunny, but the Batterry!
Illustration:
It’s important to have good batteries!
Cars won’t
start without good batteries
Flashlights go dim with weak batteries
Cell
phones or of no use without a charged battery
Why?
Because the battery is the POWER SOURCE!
Note:
By The Way…There are two types of current. A/C and D/C.
Alternating Current and Direct Current.
The same is true in the church!
Some Folks in our Churches are hooked up on Alternating Current!
They Attend Church on Alternating Sundays
They Pray on Alternating Occasions
They Give on Alternating Occasions
Note:
Don’t be an A/C Christian!
Then there are those who are hooked up to the D/C or DIRECT CURRENT!
God is looking for some D/C Folks.
DEDICATED
CHRISTIANS!
People that He can depend on
People who don’t just do things when it’s
convenient for them
People who
“press toward the mark” daily
People who deny self, take up their cross, and
follow Jesus
Note:
God’s looking for those who will keep on going no matter how tough it
gets…Like the Energizer Bunny.
DEDICATED
CHRISTIANS!
Note:
But…even a good battery is only half of the solution!
Illustration:
There was a woman who was having trouble getting her car started.
She would only get a clicking sound when she tried to c rank it.
So, naturally, she thought she needed a new battery.
Without checking with anyone, she sent her son to get one.
When the new battery was installed, she got the same clicking sound!
Finally, she got a mechanic to look at is
and he told her the battery was not her problem.
He said, “Ma’am, you have a good battery but your cables are bad.”
She learned a valuable lesson
that day.
You have to make sure that you have a
good connection to the battery.
Application:
This is a lesson that we all can learn.
Back to the text!
We need to check out connection to the
POWER
SOURCE…Jesus!
Our Problem is not our
POWER
SOURCE…It’s our CONNECTION!
Three STEPS to Making Our CONNECTION to the Power Source Like IT Should Be:
1. Check for CORROSION
Note:
You
have to be cleaned if you want a good connection to the Power Source.
Ephesians 3:20
Now unto him that is
able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us,
Note:
What good is it to have a connection to the power of the Almighty God at
our disposal and let out connection get rusty and corroded?
CORROSION Causes a Bad CONNECTION!
Note:
There
are too many Christians that go through their lives hearing a
“Clicking
Sound” that suggests that there
is POWER under the hood but it can’t get through!
Note:
Many of us have the ability to achieve greatness through the exercise of
our Gifts, but every time we turn the switch all we get it that
“Clicking Sound!”
Note:
As Christians, we need to CLEAN our CONNECTION with God!
Illustration:
What
can Corrode your Connection with God?
SIN!
PRIDE can Corrode your Cables and interfere with your
Connection
HATRED will keep you from a good Connection
JEALOUSY will keep you from a good Connection
STRIFE will keep you from a good Connection
UNFORGIVNESS will keep you from a good Connection
Many More…
Note:
Get rid of the things that are keeping you from having a Good Connection
with your Power Source.
2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in
the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
\
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the
race that is set before us,
1. Check for CORROSION
2. Check Your CONNECTION
Note:
Once you are CLEANED, you have to be TIGHTENED!
Note:
In Order to get energy from the Power Source, the Connection has to be
tight!
You can have a good battery
but if the Connection is loose the Power can’t get through!
The CONNECTION Must Be TIGHT!
Note:
There can be no SPACE separating the cable from the battery
post.
Application:
Tighten up your Relationship with God.
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me,
let him
deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in
him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
1. Check for CORROSION 2. Check Your CONNECTION
3. Check
Your CONVICTION
Note:
You have to be Cleaned, Tightened and, GROUNDED!
Note:
You have to make sure you
have both cables connected.
Along
with the HOT wire, there must be a
GORUND cable.
Maybe your
prayers don’t seem to be getting through.
It could be that you are not properly grounded!
Your
trying to sing His praises but your
Ground Wire if Loose!
Your
Trying to Worship but your
Ground Wire is Loose!
Question:
How
Do You Get Grounded?
By The Word of
God
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing
by the word of God.
You’re GROUNDED when you ACCEPT CHRIST
as your Personal Savior!
You’re
GROUNDED when you are LED by the
Holy Spirit!
You’re
GROUNDED when you STAND on the
Word of God!
Ground yourself to the belief that in Christ we live, move, have our being!
Ground
yourself to the Promises of God!
Ground
yourself to the fact that He will never leave or forsake you!
Ground
yourself to the fact that you are Eternally Secure!
Ground
yourself to the Doctrines of the Bible! (The Innerant Word of God – The Deity of
Christ – Salvation by Grace through Faith – The Trinity of God - The Church,
etc.)
Ground
yourself to your Hope in Glory!
Ground yourself to the SOON Return of Christ
Are You Properly Connected To His Power?
CONCLUSION:
There is nothing wrong with our Power Source…It’s Our Connection that
needs to be checked!
1.
If There is CORROSION…You have to
be cleaned!
2.
If The CONNECTION is Loose…It Has
to be tightened!
3. If you’re not properly Grounded…Develop Your CONVICTIONS!