1 Thess. 5:19-22
Vladimir Lenin who was the leader of the Russian Communist Party in 1922, and who was an expert in propaganda made this statement: “If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it.”
Tragically, this same thing holds true when it comes to religion and tragically people just simply believe what has been repeatedly told.
Here in this passage that was read the apostle Paul says, “Don’t do that! Don’t just simply believe what you are told just because “it is popular.”
Look what Paul says again starting in vs. 19. Paul says, “Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances.”
Well, the word “quench” literally means “extinguish” or “put out.”
Over in Eph. 4:30, Paul uses a similar statement when he says: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit”.
Look at this found in 1 Cor 2:12-13. Paul says: Now we (the apostles) have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual {thoughts} with spiritual {words.}
Some of these brethren here in Thessalonica may have been prone to doing that.
Paul told them to stop their immoral conduct, and to stop being idle and to stop being busybodies.
And people today, perhaps some of us, do the same thing.
The Holy Spirit tells them that no man is justified by his works…justification is found only in Christ…and they ignore that and think they can save themselves.
Listen…the Lord is coming back…the Holy Spirit through His word is trying to make sure we are ready…and you and I cannot be ready if we “quench the Holy Spirit.”
Now look at verse 20. Paul says: “Do not despise prophetic utterances.”
A prophet was “someone who spoke forth” and what Paul refers to here is “someone who, by inspiration and revelation, spoke forth the word of God.” They were “forth-tellers” speaking the mind and will of God.
And what Paul is saying is, “Do not hold contempt for…do not “count as naught”, do not reject the word of God.
Listen, the hope of eternal life is revealed to us through the Word.
If you despise something…what are you going to do?
What if you love it? What are you going to do? You are going to embrace it.
Now, with this in mind, how do you feel about the word of God?
If you are shoving it away…staying away from it…refusing to obey it…you cannot and will not be ready when the Lord comes again.
Now, look at verse 21: But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.
These brethren’s situation in Thessalonica was not much different than ours.
Paul says: “Examine everything.” “Prove everything.” “Do not take anything for granted.”
You “examine everything…and hold fast to that which is good…and abstain from every form of evil.”
Now, how do you do this?
How do we know what to hold on to today and what not to?
Well, Paul doesn’t tell us here how to examine everything…but we have some instructions found in other places that will help.
First of all: DOES WHAT THEY TEACH LINE UP WITH SCRIPTURES?
Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, {to see} whether these things were so.
What they did is, they had the OT scriptures…and Paul would teach them something…maybe something the prophets of old said about the coming Messiah…and they would check the scriptures to see if they agreed…if they confirmed what he was teaching.
Look at this passage found in: Deut 13:1-4
1 “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out if you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 “You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.
It doesn’t matter if they perform a sign or a wonder…it doesn’t matter how convincing they are…
If you are going to know whether some thing that is taught is good or evil…you must open your Bibles and check it out.
Second guideline: WHAT DO THEY SAY ABOUT JESUS?
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the {spirit} of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.
There are many faiths…and beliefs.
If what they say does not uphold His deity, His humanity, His Messiahship, and His uniqueness as the way to salvation…it is not from God and you need to disregard it.
Third Guideline: DOES WHAT THEY SAY HOLD UP THE GOSPEL OF GRACE?
Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, {it is} the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast.
Gal 1:6-8 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is {really} not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
Any news that undermines the “good news” is not His news.
If what they say does not hold up the gospel of grace it is evil and needs to be abstained from.
And finally: DOES WHAT THEY SAY SHOW UP IN THE SPEAKERS LIFE?
Matt 7:15-20 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn {bushes,} nor figs from thistles, are they? 17″Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18″A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 “So then, you will know them by their fruits.
There are a lot of groups that will open their pulpit up to anyone who would like to speak.
There are a lot of teachers and preachers and self-proclaimed prophets telling us all these things and whatever they say…whoever it is…needs to be governed by the principle that Paul teaches in Eph 4:30-31: And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…
So here are the guidelines again for testing those things that are spoken by men claiming to be sent from God:
Brethren: the Lord is coming again and these are things that we must do to be ready when He does.
And as we think on these things, let’s close with Paul’s prayer for each of us. Verse 23:
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
1 Thess. 5:12-18
Every congregation of the Lord’s church is going to experience some challenges and hardships that will distract them from their God-given mission; that will test their unity; and their love for one another…and their commitment.
The Lord’s church has always had to guard against false teachers and false doctrine.
When I first came here 15 years ago we had 7 elders. We now have 2 and some are already asking, “What are we going to do?”
Then you throw in some of the unsettling things happening in our culture; the immorality, the corruption; the deception, and that causes some in the faith to struggle with their faith…to be discouraged.
It is a hard time; a challenging time for us as a body of the Lord’s church and the question is, “What do we do? If we are going to do the things that the Lord wants us to do here in Brady; if we are going to be a light to a lost world; if we are going to fulfill our mission; if we, individually and collectively, are going to be ready when the Lord comes back, what is required of us?
Well, that is essentially what the apostle Paul addressed here in the closing verses of this letter to the church at Thessalonica. He was worried about this church. They were being severely persecuted (Acts 17) and if they were going to remain strong, and united they would need to do what Paul tells them here in this passage that was read.
The first thing that Paul tells us is APPRECIATE THOSE WHO HAVE CHARGE OVER YOU. He says:
12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
In these verses Paul gives us some good information on what our leaders are supposed to do and we need to keep this in mind if we do get to a time when we need to consider some men to lead us or to be elders.
And notice what they do. Paul says they “diligently labor among you.”
And then he says they “give you instruction”.
In this letter, in chapter 4, Paul spoke of some who evidently were involved in sexual immorality…and some who were busy bodies…and some who wouldn’t work.
It is not something they do harshly or condemningly. To admonish or instruct is to “gently…but seriously advise, admonish or warn” another who is IN the Lord that the Lord is coming back…and they need…and must live like it.
So Paul says here that those who “have charge over us” are to “lead”, “labor diligently” and “admonish.”
Now, notice the attitude that we are to have toward those who do this; those who lead us.
So Paul says, “Appreciate those who have charge over you” and in verse 13 he says: “esteem them very highly”.
And at the end of verse 13 he says: “Live in peace with one another.”
People do not like it when they have to be told that what they are not doing is not right.
So Paul says: “You appreciate them…and you esteem them….and you live in peace with them.”
Regardless of whether they are right…or if they make an occasional mistake…or if they don’t handle things the way you think they ought to be done…Paul says: “You live in peace with them.”
So, in the midst of all the challenges that we face as a congregation; challenges that threaten our unity and effectiveness, if we want to do those things that God desires for us to do we are to appreciate those who diligently labor with us, who have charge over us, and who instruct us.
Now, in the face of the challenges that we face as the Lord’s church notice what Paul says in vs. 14.
14 And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men.
Paul says that we are to “admonish the unruly.”
He says that we are to “admonish the unruly.”
Paul says that we are to “admonish” him.
He says: “encourage the fainthearted”.
Then he says: “Help the weak.”
Paul says: “Be patient with all men.”
Paul says, “Some will try your patience.”
Brethren, we are to admonish, encourage, help, and be patient with those among us who are struggling.
Why do this?
Look at what Paul says in vs. 15: See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men.
These brethren were undergoing some pretty severe persecution.
Persecution and fiery trials has a way of wearing on our patience.
Paul says, “Don’t retaliate.”
Kindness is a powerful way to respond to people who have wronged you.
You are going to be wronged by people in the world….and there will be times when you are wronged by people who are Christians.
And finally, look at what Paul says in vs. 16: Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Paul says: Rejoice always; pray without ceasing.
How can you rejoice in the midst of sorrow?
How can you rejoice in the midst of sin?
Brethren, there should be no reason for us as Christians …even in the worst of times… to not find joy because of the hope that is ours in Christ.
And now, I want you to notice verse 18. …in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Paul says: “in everything give thanks.”
Matthew Henry, the man who wrote the commentaries, was robbed one time. And in that horrible situation this is what he said.
First, I am thankful that I was never robbed before. Second, although they took my wallet, I am thankful they did not take my life. Third, although they took my all, it was not that much. And fourth, I am thankful I was robbed…and not I who did the robbing.”
In every circumstance we can find something to be thankful for…every circumstance can help us to grow and be more like Christ…and to let His light shine through us.
And finally Paul says: “this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
In chapter 4: 3 Paul says that it is God’s will that you abstain from sexual immorality.
God intends for us as His people to have a proper attitude toward all…and in all.
As a congregation of the Lord’s church, over the last 2 years we have been through a lot. Tomorrow there will be another new set of challenges. Satan has and will continue to discourage us and try to stop us from being the light that God wants us to be here in Brady, just like he did with this church in Thessalonica.
Let’s do that now.
1 Thess. 5:1-11
This past week, at one of our local restaurants, I talked with a man who, after seeing all that is going on in our culture and society (the lawlessness, the sexual perversions, the corruption), is convinced that we are in the “last days” and the fulfillment of O.T. prophecy, and the fulfillment of the book of Revelation, is very near and soon time will be no more.
But are the things that are taking place in our society and world, are they signs of the end of the world? Or is it like the writer of Ecclesiastes says, “There is nothing new under the sun” and what we are seeing is nothing more than the conduct of sinful men?
Are we really near the end of time? Are the things that are taking place signs of the “last days?” There have been instances where people, thinking that the end has come, have gone out and sold their homes, and their property, set on the hillside waiting?
Let’s look at the passage that was read and let’s be reminded of what the apostle Paul says about the day when the Lord will come.
To begin I want to take you back to chapter 4. In chapter 4:13-18 the apostle Paul says that when the Lord does come (and He will), all those who are IN Christ, whether dead or alive, will participate in a resurrection to eternal life.
So, no doubt, the Lord will come and those who are in Christ will participate in this resurrection unto eternal life.
But, tragically, most will not participate in it. Look what Paul says starting in chapter 5:1:
Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Every year, and for years, men have claimed to know when the Lord is coming back.
In fact, he uses two metaphors here to talk about the “coming day of the Lord” to emphasize that no one knows when the Lord will come.
The first metaphor that he uses is that of “a thief in the night.”
Thieves do not announce that they are coming!
In fact, Jesus said He didn’t even know when that day was: Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.
What if we did know?
God doesn’t want that.
Just a brief word of advice.
Look at the second metaphor. He says that the day will “come on them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child.”
And do you know what happened both times she went into labor? A baby was born!
Listen, when the Lord comes…and He will come, you can count on it.
And a lot of people are going to be caught totally unprepared. Look at verse 2-3:
For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
A lot of people think there will be some kind of warning…some kind of sign.
Paul doesn’t indicate that here.
And when the Lord does come, people will be doing what they have always done.
They will be caught completely unprepared and Paul says for them it will be “sudden destruction.”
But for us who are IN Christ, things will be different. Look at what Paul says in verse 4.
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness;
The faithful, obedient child of God…the one who is IN Christ…will escape the day of destruction…and instead will “always be with the Lord.” 4:17.
So, what do we do until then? Do we sit down and wait? Do we eat, drink, and be merry because tomorrow we die? Some people do that. Well, look at verse 6. So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.
Paul says: “So then, let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.”
Now, verse 7: “For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”
But they are not characteristics of one who is a “son of the light.”
Once again, this is a passage that says that your Christian walk does not end at the baptistery.
Brethren, if we do not stay alert…sober…ready for the day of the Lord…destruction will be ours.
In verse 8 Paul tells us to stay well armed. He says: But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.
If you die before He comes…or if you are alive when He comes…because of Christ, you as a son of light…a child of God are destined for salvation.
Now, look at verse 11: Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
We do not need to say, “Live each day like it is your last.”
The Lord is coming back! For those of you who are IN Christ…stay alert and remain sober.
For those of you who once were sons of light and have gone to “sleep”…who have been walking in darkness…it is time to wake up!
And for those of you who are not IN Christ…those who are saying, “Peace and safety” and living your life outside of the security of Christ…
Look at these words found in Romans 13:11:
11 And this do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 12 The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.
Notice, Paul says, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Gal 3:26-27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
The Lord is on His way…a day of reckoning will come…no one knows when.
COMFORT IN THE MIDST OF DISCOMFORT
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
Several times in this letter Paul tells us that Jesus is coming back.
Over and over again the underlying theme of this letter is Jesus is coming back…and here in this passage Paul once again tells us that Jesus is coming back…but this time he tells us to give us comfort.
Let’s look at the passage and hopefully find some comfort in the midst of discomfort.
Look at verse 13 again. Paul says: But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
We have in this congregation many who have had loved ones die.
But in the midst of that hardship, Paul says that if the one who has died fell asleep in Jesus (vs. 14) in the midst of your grief, there is hope!
What is this hope? And that word “hope” literally means “confident expectation.”
What is it that is going to someday happen? Well, in verse 16 Paul says that “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.
This is what Paul says that we can be confident of.
So Paul says that he does not want us to grieve like others who have no hope.
But how can we be sure? How can we be so confident about this? How can we be so sure that those who have died who were and are IN Christ are going to be raised again unto eternal life?
Well, look at verse 15 again. Paul says: “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord…”
What did Jesus teach about His coming back…do you remember? John 14:2-3: “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
He said, “I am going to go. But I am going to come back for you.”
In Matthew 24:45 Jesus taught the parable of the Master and Slave and once again He says, “I am coming back.”
And in Matthew 25 in verse 1-13 He taught the parable of the 10 virgins waiting for the coming of the bride groom…and once again He said, “I am coming back…you be ready.”
And one of the clearest scriptures to confirm that this is all going to happen is found in Acts 1:11 and what the angel told the disciples as they watched Jesus ascend into heaven.
…and they also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”
Listen, Paul says, “This idea of Jesus coming back isn’t something that we made up just to make you feel better.”
But Jesus didn’t just talk about it. He didn’t just teach that there was life after the grave. He proved it! Look at verse 14:
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
Our confidence in what God is going to do in the future is grounded in what He has done in the past.
And I want you to notice something here that is very important.
What is the wages of sin? It is death. It is separation from God.
And because He did…because He paid the debt that we owed…we don’t have to experience the penalty.
And His resurrection guarantees His return and assures us of life after the grief.
So we can be confident that these things are going to happen…that all those who are IN Christ we be raised unto eternal life.
Now, let me take you back to verse 13 again: But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope.
I want you to notice that Paul does not say that we are not to grieve when a loved one passes away.
Paul does not forbid grief!
There are many examples of this in the scriptures. For example, the very first Christian that we know to be violently killed was Stephen.
Paul does not forbid grieving.
What Paul forbids here in 1 Thess. 4:13 is hopeless grieving!
Paul’s contrast is not between one degree of sorrow and another.
Listen, nowhere is hope or hopelessness more evident than at the cemetery.
Remember what Peter says in 1 Peter 3:15: …but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you,
And our hope shining through in our darkest hours provides us opportunity to tell them about the coming of our Lord and what is going to happen at the end of history…and their need to be prepared.
Paul doesn’t forbid grieving…he forbids hopeless grieving…because the hope that we have in the face of death may be the only hope that others have.
Now, look at verse 18. Paul says: “Therefore, comfort one another with these words.”
We have got to remind each other of the hope.
Now, if you remember, when I started I said that these words may not be comforting to some. Let me tell you why. Look at verse 14 again. Paul says:
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
Unless we are still alive when Jesus comes…everyone of us is going to die.
Down in chapter 5:3 Paul says that those who are not “IN” Jesus will have destruction come upon them when Christ comes again.
And that is the question. Are you IN Christ?
So, how can you know if you are IN Christ or not? How do you get IN Christ?
What does the Bible say? Romans 6: 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?
Gal 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
This is the way you get “in” Christ.
These promises are only for those IN Christ. If Christ came today…or if death comes for you today…would you be one of those raised to eternal life? Or would you be one that destruction comes upon suddenly?
You see, Hope…is only found in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
#712 Jesus is coming soon, morning or night or noon, many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound. All of the dead shall rise; righteous meet in the skies, going where no one dies, heavenward bound.
If you will glance down toward the end of chapter 4 here, more specifically verses 16-17, you will recognize that the words for this song find their basis in those verses.
The question then is: Which are you and I? Do we number among the doomed? Or do we number among the heavenward bound?
Now most people will say, “I am a Christian. I believe in Jesus. So, I am heavenward bound” and I hope for their sake that is true.
So, what more is there that we must do if we want to be “heavenward bound” when Jesus does come back?
Now keep in mind that Paul is writing to a group of new Christians.
Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you may excel still more.
Apparently this was part of the first principle teachings of Paul and Silas.
But Paul says that these people also received “instructions as to how they ought to walk and please God.”
Now, this is counter to what so many have in mind when it comes to being a Christian.
And yet, we practice it.
That is not what Paul says here.
Being a Christian not only requires hearing, believing, confessing, repenting and being baptized…it also requires a “continuous walk that is pleasing to God.”
If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
And now Romans 6:4:
Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin;
We can go out here and baptize hundreds of people…and some have.
Satan doesn’t care if you call yourself a Christian. All he wants is for your walk to be dirty.
In fact, look at verse 3: For this is the will of God, your sanctification…
Now, Paul is going to get specific here. Notice verse 3 again:
For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; (Your version may say, “fornication.”)
Christians, young and old, are a “set apart” people and one of the things that sets us apart from the world is saying “NO” to what the world so openly and frequently endorses…and that is sexual immorality.
In the world of the Thessalonians illicit, immoral sexual practices were common…much like our world is today.
The world tells our young people, “When it comes to sex outside of marriage…don’t say no, instead just be safe!”
And it is not just our young people who are vulnerable to what the world teaches and says.
Paul says, “As a follower of Christ you are to abstain from sexual immorality.”
Now, the command is not to stay clear of sex. Sex in marriage is ordained by God.
For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you.
Now, scholars have some differing ideas on what Paul has in mind here when he says they are to “possess their own vessel” but in the context of what Paul is saying “vessel” evidently is speaking of a man having his own wife (1 Cor. 7).
And look what he says next: A man is to possess is own wife in sanctification and honor…not motivated by lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
And look at verse 6. Here he warns against being involved with another man’s wife or being involved in an adulterous relationship.
Paul tells these new Christians and he tells us, “You may be involved in these kinds of activities; but now that you are in Christ that kind of conduct is not only unacceptable but will cause you to be condemned.”
Sexual immorality…sex outside of marriage is not part of the sanctified life that Christians are to live…and it is not part of the walk that will be pleasing to the Lord when it comes back.
Look at this verse found in Eph 5:3-6
3 But do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Paul says, “Do not let any one deceive you with “empty words.”
Believe the “empty words” if you want…but “do not be deceived…because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”
Look at verse 6 again. Paul says: Let “no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you.”
Sexual immorality always does damage to someone.
I have sat and listened to men and women sob and try to figure out why their mate cheated on them.
Look at verse 8. Consequently, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.
You know, the NT never does what we sometimes do with teenagers when we talk about sex.
The NT never says, “Be pure so you do not get pregnant.”
The NT says, “Be pure because your body houses the Spirit of God (I Cor. 6:18)…and immoral conduct insults the giver of the greatest gift He has ever given you.”
Now, one last point; Paul is writing this for two reasons.
But what about the NON-CHRISTIAN? Look at 1 Cor. 6: 9-11.
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
But now, look at verse 11.
11 And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.
God can and will forgive you if you will believe, confess, repent, be baptized…and walk and please God.
Jesus is coming soon…no one knows when…Are your ready?
1 Thess. 2:13-3:5
When I first started as a minister, every time someone was baptized I would write their name down in the front of my Bible.
And that is something I try to tell every new born babe in Christ.
To keep that from happening, God supplies some resources to help, not only new Christians, but any Christian, to remain settled…and steadfast when Satan does attack.
When Paul wrote this letter he wrote to encourage some new Christians.
He goes to Berea and preaches there…but once again, the Jews from Thessalonica stir up a mob and Paul has to leave again.
The whole time however, Paul is concerned about the new Christians in Thessalonica.
Now, at the time of this writing…these people in Thessalonica have been Christians for less than a year.
And notice who is busy trying to destabilize this situation and destroy these Christians and their faith. Look at verse 18. Paul says: For we wanted to come to you– I, Paul, more than once– and yet Satan thwarted us.
And look at chapter 3: 5. Paul says: For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.
If you look at verse 14 of chapter 2 Paul mentions the persecution and suffering that these brethren were experiencing at the hand of their “own countrymen.”
Now, let me make a point here.
And that’s who is behind those things that hinder us…and behind the persecution and much of the suffering that we experience.
“Brother Pete made me mad and hurt my feelings.”
You and I may be the one who is making the excuse and who is reasoning the wrong way…but Satan is the one who is really behind it…he has found access into our hearts.
We must remember that there is another force at work in this world!
That is exactly what Satan does. He wants you and I to blame God!
So Satan was trying to unsettle these Christians and turn them away. But God provided them, as well as us, some resources to keep that from happening. Let me show you what they are.
Look at verse 13. Paul tells these brethren: And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God’s message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.
See the word “work”? In the Greek that is the word “energeo.”
What Paul is saying is, when you/I “receive” the word of God…we receive divine energy.
But you/I have to give God something to work with.
It’s like the man who couldn’t get his car to start. So he started pushing it.
In the midst of trials and temptations, if we are going to stand firm in Christ and not give in to Satan…we must make sure that the connection is tight with our power source.
Look at the second resource that God provides to help us remain strong and stable in a time of trial and temptation. Look at verse 14:
For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews…
I can remember as a small kid having to go to the medical clinic in Artesia and getting our polio shots and vaccinations.
But do you know what, I didn’t cry.
Listen, as Christians we are not exempt from trials and hardships and suffering, and temptations. Every follower of Christ will experience them.
You have a terrible illness…did you know someone else in here has had one too…and they are still faithful.
And you let the way you handle your suffering be an inspiration to others.
Let’s look at the third resource that is available to us to help us remained settled in the midst of trials or temptation. Look at chapter 3:1-2.
Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone; 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith…
One thing we can do to stay settled when we have trials is to draw on the encouragement of the Lord’s ministers.
Look at this verse again. Do you see the word “left?”
And notice, Paul didn’t send Timothy to talk about the weather.
Listen, every one of us who are in Christ are ministers of Christ.
But we can’t help them at all if we aren’t willing.
And when you go…don’t just talk about how hot it has been or whether it is ever going to rain again…
Paul sent Timothy because he knew that ministers are a powerful resource that God works through to help Christians remain settled in their trials.
A fourth thing mentioned here to help us be settled in our trials is emphasizing the Lord’s teachings. Look at verse 4: For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know.
Do we teach new Christians what Paul says he taught here?
Far too often people come to Christ…and when they do they think that all their trials and labors are over.
We will suffer affliction…and we will have troubles…and we will get sick…and we will experience death.
And finally the last thing that Paul tells us that will help us stay settled in times of trial and temptation is found in verse 19-20 of chapter 2.
19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.
The thing that gave Paul joy in the midst of all these trials and suffering was looking ahead by faith and seeing the Lord coming…and all of his friends in Thessalonica standing there in His presence.
The Lord is coming…and the thought of being with your fellow Christians in His presence will keep you settled.
God never promised to exempt us from trials. They will come, Satan will see to that.
Utilize these resources that God gives…and prevent Satan from regaining your soul.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
I think we have all heard a news report when the reporter says, “Credible sources have told us…or credible sources indicate”…and then they go on to report what has been said.
Well, “credible” means that there is “reasonable grounds for being believed.”
And if the source is not “credible”…well you can’t believe them.
Is it important for a politician to be credible?
What about the news media?
What about your doctor?
What about a police officer?
School teacher?
We could go on and on…but I think we all understand just how important being credible or having credibility is.
And that is extremely true for those of us who claim to be Christians.
Many people have a bad taste in their mouth when it comes to people who call themselves Christians.
People see the greed…the immorality…and they hear the lies.
And that is why it is critical…essential that we, as God’s people, be credible.
It is critical for us to be CREDIBLE.
So, let’s look at this passage and let’s learn from the Apostle Paul some things that are essential to our CREDIBILTY as followers of Christ.
Let me begin by setting this up for you some.
Well, some of the brethren are frightened for Paul and Silas’ safety, so they send them out of the city.
All of these accusations were apparently being made to destroy Paul’s credibility…and so Paul writes this letter to counter those accusations.
And the first thing that Paul speaks of is his STEADFASTNESS. Look at verse 2. Paul says:
After we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.
You can go back to Acts 16 and see what happened to Paul and Silas.
But in spite of that…in spite of the mistreatment and the suffering…and in spite of the opposition…they still “boldly preached the gospel.”
And for us to have credibility we must be the same way.
You know, not too many of us get beaten for preaching Christ like Paul and Silas did.
In these situations if we just sit down and quit on God…and some do.
Fair weather…comfort faith…is something any one can have.
If we are going to have CREDIBILITY that people notice…we must be STEADFAST NO MATTER WHAT.
Look at the second thing that Paul speaks of that will give us CREDIBILITY. Look at verses 3-4:
For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men but God, who examines our hearts.
The word “error” speaks of “fraudulence”…or “deceit.”
The word “impurity” speaks of a “moral uncleanness.”
And when he says, “by way of deceit” that word literally speaks of “a trick.”
Listen, you can be as sincere as you can be…but if your message is wrong…if it is inaccurate…your credibility will be destroyed.
If your message is wrong…or if you have some ulterior motive…whether it is to promote yourself…or to gain sexual or monetary favors…or to build your own following.
Or if people perceive you as a huckster…you will destroy your credibility.
And look at the end of verse 4. Paul says: “So we speak, not as pleasing to men but God.”
And when the service was over…my brother and I were standing out in the parking lot of the church building…and I wasn’t going to say a word about what had been said.
He would have had much more respect for him if he would have taught the truth…instead of saying what he thought the people wanted to hear.
If you are going to do what pleases people…you will lose respect. .
It is only when you do that which pleases God that you will find CREDIBILITY.
Look at verse 5 and 6.
5 For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed– God is witness– 6 nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.
Verse 5 and the first part of verse 6 are pretty self explanatory. Not much to say. But I want you to notice the end of verse 6.
I know of preachers who have used their position to demand things of other people.
If you are going to have CREDIBILITY with people respect who they are…and their situation…and don’t throw your weight around.
Now, look at verse 7. But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. 8 Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.
If you are going to be credible with people…you are going to have to show them that you care.
Paul says here: “We proved to be gentle among you.”
And Paul says that they were as “nursing mothers who tenderly care.”
How much respect do you have for a mother who abandons her baby? Refuses to care for it…feed it?
Listen, it is not enough to tell people you care and that you love them…you must also show them.
If you want to be CREDIBLE, people have to know…and see that you SINCERELY care.
Now, verse 10:
You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; 11 just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
If you want CREDIBILITY people have got to see that you want what is best for them.
In this culture, the mother did the nurturing…and the father did the instructing.
Paul says, “We want what is best for you”…not ourselves…but for you.
So here it is. If we are going to have the CREDIBILITY that we must have…that we so desperately need to manifest to a lost world…a credibility that will make us stand out separate and apart from all others so that the Lord can be seen through us, here is what we must do and be:
Steadfast in our faith.
Truthful in our message.
No ulterior motives
No tricks…open and honest.
Pleasing to God…not men.
Sincere
Not Greedy
Not self seeking
Caring
Seek what is BEST for others. (Heaven)
HOW’S YOUR CREDIBILITY?
Is it such that it honors God…or does bring shame on Him?
1Thessalonians 1: 1-10.
If you would look at verse 1 again. Notice in verse 1 that Paul is writing to “the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
In the Greek the word “church” (ek klesia) literally means “to call out.”
In the New Testament the word “church” always refers to people and since the word literally means “to call out” the word “church” is referring to a “called out people.”
And if you will notice here in vs. 1 the “church” consists of those who are “IN God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” and we know from Romans 6:3 and Galatians 3:26 that an individual is “baptized into Christ”; so the “church” consists of those who have been “baptized into Christ.” They are “IN Christ.”
Now, the question this morning is “what is the church supposed to do.” “What is the church to be about?” “As God’s “called out people” what are we supposed to be doing?” What is our function?”
Many people, including some who claim to be “IN the church” do not understand what “the church” is supposed to do…and they don’t understand what they, as a member of “the church” are supposed to do.
Many have the idea that the church is simply a group of people that you meet with…that you pray with, that you praise God with, that you take the Lord’s Supper with, and hear a sermon with…and then go home with no “church” responsibilities again until the next Sunday.
Now you might ask, “How do I know that is what most people think?”
Is that what “the church” is about? Is “the church’s” only function to organize and hold a worship service? Is “the church’s” function confined to the walls of this building…and are we only responsible for those who come to this building? Are we only responsible on Sundays?
Let’s look at what Paul says in this passage and let’s learn some vital things about “the church” and what “the church” is supposed to do…and what we “as members of His church are supposed to do.”
Let’s begin by looking at verses 2-3 again.
2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,
From these words, do you get the idea that this group of Christians simply met on Sunday, worshipped God, and then went home doing nothing until the next week?
These people were consistently busy. They were working and laboring!
See the word “labor” where it says “labor of love.”
When Paul speaks of their “labor of love” he is speaking of the way they worked…they exhausted themselves.
And look at what motivated them to work…and what motivated them to labor!
When a man/woman labors because they have love, it makes a difference.
And a Christian who has faith cannot remain inactive either.
Brethren, this “body of the Lord’s church” didn’t just organize a worship service each week.
And look what Paul says they did. Look at verse 8.
8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.
See the phrase “sounded forth?”
I love to go camping in the mountains…and a storm comes up…and there is a big old clap of thunder…and it just echoes down through the canyons and everything shakes.
That is what Paul says they were doing.
And notice where they were “sounding forth” the word to. He says, “Not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place…”
It is easy to confine our teaching and preaching of the word just to the inside of these walls.
But that is not what they did.
And look at the end of verse 8. This church had become so well known for their faith…and the work of their faith…that no one had to tell others what they were doing.
What about us?
Let me ask you this.
Shouldn’t it be us? Why can’t it be us?
Look at what else this “body of the church” did. Look at verse 6.
You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
Paul says that they “received the word in much tribulation…so that they became an example to all the believers.”
This is a church that held in high regard the word of God.
And that is what the Lord’s church is supposed to do.
Today, in some gatherings the word is just ignored.
In some gatherings the word of God is not the only authority of the church.
That is not what this “body of the Lord’s church” did.
The church consists of “turned” or “converted” people.
These people had their idols.
What about us?
An idol is anything that competes with God for your devotion and allegiance.
If you and I are “turned” individuals; if we are “turned” people then “no one” or “no thing” will compete with God for our devotion and allegiance.
And then finally, look at the end of verse 9 and all of verse 10. “The church” consists of those who “are serving and waiting for the Son.”
We live like Jesus could come again at any moment and the way we do that is by serving God.
When I read this…I get a completely different impression of “the church” and what “the church” is to do and be, than what most people think “the church” is to do and be.
The church is supposed to be busy working…and laboring…and it is supposed to be “sounding forth” the gospel to places near and far.
Now, with that in mind…here is the critical question.
That is important…very important…because those who “truly belong to “the church” are those who will be saved.
1 Thess. 1:1-4
It is not easy to be Christian. Not so much because we are persecuted for our faith.
Everything tells us to give up our faith and give in to our desires…the lust of the flesh…the lust of the eyes…and the pride of life.
And it is not only our desires that tempt us…but also the philosophies of the world.
Everything tells us to give up our faith in Christ…so it is hard to be a Christian.
And that is why we need to study this letter written to the Christians in Thessalonica.
You see, Paul wrote this letter to a group of New Christians who were being persecuted.
But some of the unconverted Jews of Thessalonica got upset and stirred up a mob…and this mob went looking for Paul and Silas.
And when they got to Berea they began preaching again…but some of the Jews in Thessalonica came to Berea and stirred up the people again…and Paul, once again, had to leave the city…and he went to Athens.
Now, let me ask you something.
In fact, in verse 6 here in chapter 1, and verse 2 of chapter 2, and verse 4 of chapter 3 Paul mentions the persecution and suffering those New Christians were experiencing.
Well, in the midst of the persecution, Paul finds out that these New Christians are “hanging on” to their faith.
And even though written to them, to encourage them, it is also written to us to encourage us.
Now, this morning we are going to look at just the first four verses.
Look at verse 1. Paul writes: Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.
I want you to notice how Paul refers to these Christians. He says: “to the church of the Thessalonians.”
Many people do not understand this but when he said to THE CHURCH that meant something.
Well, what are they called out of?
But there is much more to it than that. Look at what Peter says in 1 Peter 2: 9-10:
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
When Paul referred to these Christians at Thessalonica as “the church” he was reassuring them of who they are.
And notice who “called them.” “Him…God.
And when they answered “the call” look whose they became….”the people of God.”
And notice what Paul says to these Christians in 2 Thessalonians 2:14. Notice how they were “called.”
And it was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Listen, when Paul refers to them as “the church of the Thessalonians” he is saying, “You are God’s people.”
Now, that is encouraging because look what happens to those who are “God’s people.” Look at verse 10.
When Paul referred to these people as “the church” he was referring to them as the “called out”…and that was an encouraging thought to them.
These people were being tempted to forsake their faith and go back to the world…and Paul tells them…and he tells us…”You are the church…the called out…the people of God…the blood purchased of God…the saved…you hang in there.”
Look what else he says in verse 1. He says: …to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.
And this is an idea that is found all through the NT. In fact, Paul speaks of believers being IN Christ 164 times in his letters.
They had a physical address as well as an eternal address.
But no matter what the Jews did to them…they could never rob them of their eternal address.
Let me show you something. Paul says these brethren are “IN” God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Gal 3:26-27 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
This is how you get INTO Christ.
And look at this: Rom 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Eph 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Listen…if you, by faith, have been baptized INTO Christ…there is no condemnation…and every spiritual blessing is yours…
Now, look at verse 2-4. We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you;
Paul tells these brethren that they are “the chosen of God.”
You know what it is to be “chosen” don’t you.
But if you weren’t chosen…well, it was disappointing.
When Paul tells these brethren that they are the “chosen of God” he is telling them that in spite of the persecution…in spite of the suffering…if they will hang on…they will not be disappointed.
Paul wrote this to encourage us to HANG ON TO CHRIST AND REMAIN STEADFAST IN OUR FAITH AND SERVICE TO HIM.
And not only that, I hope you will do what Paul is doing here…I hope you will encourage each other to remain faithful.
These brethren were members of the Church…they were In God and Christ…and they were the Chosen of God.
What about you? Are you IN Christ…a member of His church…are you one of His chosen ones? Will you be delivered from the wrath to come?
1 Thessalonians 1
When you have been baptized into Christ and you start your walk with Him…you are going to encounter all kinds of obstacles and hindrances that will try to knock you off course.
But before we get to that basic truth …let me give you the background to this letter.
But some of the Jews become jealous…and they gather some wicked men…and form a mob…and they “set the city in an uproar.”
Now Paul and Silas begin preaching at Berea and they are have success…when some Jews from Thessalonica come to Berea and they stir the people up again…and Paul leaves Berea…and goes to Athens.
Now, even though Paul is in Athens he can’t help but think about that little band of new Christians back in Thessalonica.
Well, Paul is so concerned that he sends Timothy back to Thessalonica to find out how those new Christians are doing.
The bad news is, the church in Thessalonica…those new Christians, were being persecuted just like Paul said they would be.
So Paul, in Corinth, gets some paper and a pen…and he writes a letter to encourage that little group of new born Christians to hang on.
Look at the end of chapter 2 and verse 19.
For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?
1 Thes 3:12-13 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also {do} for you; 13 so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.
1Thes 4:16-17 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of {the} archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.
1Thes 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Do you see what it is? The one basic truth that Paul stresses and wants these new Christians….in the midst of persecution and hardship to remember is: Jesus is coming back!
That is what Paul wanted these new born Christians to remember in the face of hardship and persecution…and I want you to notice something. Look at chapter 4: 17:
17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Paul didn’t want the fact that Jesus is coming back to be a thing of fear for these folks.
Look at chapter 5:11: He says: Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
In the midst of a world that seems to have gone mad…
Paul is not the only one who mentions this.
Are you ready? Let me give you 4 things that being ready involves.
Number 1: Being ready means rejecting Satan’s attempts of seduction.
17 But we, brethren, having been bereft of you for a short while– in person, not in spirit– were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. 18 For we wanted to come to you– I, Paul, more than once– and yet Satan thwarted us.
The Jews were the ones who forced Paul to leave these brethren…and it was the Jews that prevented him from going back…but Paul knew who was really behind it…it was Satan.
And Paul knew in his absence that Satan would try to take advantage of them and try to discourage them.
Satan was doing all he could to get these new Christians to give up their new faith and go back to the way they were before.
Satan doesn’t want you to stand firm in Christ. He wants to stop you.
And if you are going to be ready when Jesus comes back you are going to have to reject Satan’s attempts whatever they are.
Number 2: Being ready means reflecting the Spirit’s influence.
Look at chapter 4:1-8: Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you may excel still more. 2 For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. 8 Consequently, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.
People eager for Jesus to come back need to dress like it…and act like it.
Jesus is coming back…and if you really believe that…you are going to shuck all those dirty clothes…and keep your nice clothes on.
Number 3: Being ready means expecting the Savior’s coming.
So, how do you live?
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
Listen, if you are IN Christ…your destiny is not in the hands of the undertaker.
Christians do not live in ignorance.
Look at chapter 5:4:
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvationthrough our Lord Jesus Christ.
God has made the appointment…and when God makes the appointment He keeps it.
And finally: Being ready means protecting the Lord’s body.
But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14 And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men.
Listen, a groom cares how you treat his bride while he is gone.
Jesus is coming back…we need to remember that.
This morning there is a struggling single parent and it is hard…hang on…because Jesus is coming back.
And there are some here who are not ready for Him…well, you need to know this…ready or not…He is coming back.
