Standing For Jesus

Standing Staunchly

1 Thessalonians 3

The goal of the Word of God is salvation but God's Word goes much further by teaching us all how to walk worthy of Him.

God has a specific purpose for His Word and a specific purpose for each of us.

The rewards for serving the Lord go far beyond anything we can see on this Earth.

We should also clearly understand, Satan does not rest, and the next trouble we see will not be an "if" it will be a "when".

We must take our stand on the Word of God and then stand unmovable!

Before any human child can walk they must learn to stand!

It is usually the mother and the father of the child that teaches the child these things.

The Apostle Paul is like a spiritual parent to all believers!

But Paul can only be with us at this time by the Inspired Word of God!

God said we need all of His Words in order to stand in this world we live in.

Eph 6:13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, "to stand".

"To stand" is to be established!

The entire ministry of the Apostle Paul was first to get people saved and then, to make Christians who could stand, out of "Babes in Christ" who struggle to take a stand!

What is wrong in America today?

The Christians are not taking a stand on the unchanging Word of God!

People try to modernize the commandments of God into something they have never meant.

As Americans, we brag about the freedoms we have in this nation but our own freedoms are disappearing at a fantastic rate and the freedom of religion is under constant attack, especially on those who call Jesus Christ their Savior!

Christian persecution is on the rise throughout this world we live in!

It is not time to fail as a Christian, it is time to stand!

One of the greatest needs of the Church is to stay encouraged in these latter days and "to stand" on the Word of God.

The Lord said these days would come:

Jer 23:20  The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: "in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly".

God's plan is going just as He has decided for it to go!

It's God's plan and not for us to try to change. God does not need our help!

Our hope lies in the return of Jesus Christ as did these Thessalonians.

And we are fools if we think we are not in the last days.

What other proof exist of this?

Rev 11:9  And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
Rev 11:10  And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
Rev 11:11  And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

In just this week we have seen again that there is nothing that happens on this Earth that cannot be seen by the entire world while it is taking place.

Smoke from a plane shot out of the sky, bodies that laid on the ground for three days, while the world went about it's business.

Wars in Europe, wars in the Middle East, wars in other places and even a greater threat of major war while men strive to make weapons of mass murder.

There is no other time in history when these two men mentioned in the Book of Revelation could lie dead in the streets and be seen by the entire world.

This a prophesy that can only be fulfilled in our time and forward.

If we are to take a stand, we need to do it now, the time of the church is running out!

Let's begin.

*****1Th 3:1  Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
1Th 3:2  And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

Here again in this chapter it will be hard to miss the love Paul had for this newly formed church.

Paul was beginning his ministry in Athens but he still had a deep concern for those young converts in Thessalonica.

Paul, Silas, and Timothy were a missionary team but Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to establish this new church.

"Wherefore" means because of our earnest love.

"Forbear" means that Paul could not endure the suspense in knowing the welfare of these early Christians.

Athens was the most celebrated city in the ancient world at that time.

Athens was the home of Greek literature.
Athens was the home of the Greek civilization.
Athens was named after the goddess Athena, sometimes called Minerva and home to her temple.
Athens was home of the Temple of Zeus, sometimes called Jupiter.
Athens was home to the Acropolis, which was at the time of Paul, the center of architectural splendor in this city.
Athens was the place where it was said, "it was easier to find a God in Athens, then to find a real man".

Almost everyone that lived in Athens worshipped a different god.

Sounds a whole lot like America today!

Paul was left alone in this great city of sin.

**Paul describes Timothy as a brother in Christ.

In other places Paul says Timothy is his dearly beloved son but to these Thessalonians, Paul wanted them to know Timothy was his equal.

**Paul describes Timothy as a "Minister of God".

Timothy was called of God and not called by Paul to preach the "Gospel".

**Paul describes Timothy as his fellow laborer.

Timothy, just as Paul, had a specific purpose in the work of the Lord.

Timothy even at this young age, was uniquely qualified to establish and comfort this group of new believers.

Timothy was Greek and familiar with the ways of these people.

Timothy spoke their language and could relate to their way of living.

Act 16:1  Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
Act 16:2  Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

Timothy had a special gift from God for these type situations.

1Ti 4:14  Neglect not "the gift that is in thee", which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
1Ti 4:15  Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

Paul could trust Timothy to be obedient to the Word of God!

This new church was forming in in the midst of a godless, pagan world and they needed someone such a Timothy to calm their afflictions.

We all need a Timothy!

*****1Th 3:3  That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

Those afflictions are the same trials and temptations we all go through!

Without going through these things we will never appreciate the "Grace" of God!

We should keep in mind, the same afflictions that make a child of God better will harden the heart of that lost sinner.

The Apostle Peter said it like this:

1Pe 4:12  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1Pe 4:13  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
1Pe 4:14  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

The Bible is very clear, we should expect these things to happen.

It is in these things that we must have victory but that victory can only come by Jesus Christ!

Rom 8:35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

*****1Th 3:4  For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

It is important for every preacher to preach "all the truth" of the Bible!

Those that preach a prosperity gospel only are not helping God's people because they are not preaching all the truth of God.

God has said that all His saints will suffer distress in this world!

God has said that all His saints will make it to Heaven. Not one will be left out.

God has also said every Saint will suffer hardships and heaviness and not one will be left out.

Those Jews had had to travel that wilderness road to their Promised Land for 40 years.

What did Jesus say?

Luk 24:25  Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Luk 24:26  Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

If the Lord Jesus Christ had to suffer to enter into His Glory, what makes us think we will not have to?

It is the afflictions we suffer in this life that prove we are who we say we are, the true Saints of God!

Remember what James said:

Jas 1:2  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Jas 1:3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

It is an absolute fact that no soldier can prove his true worth until he has been on the battlefield!

And no child of God has a testimony until they have been through some tribulation.

God will send prosperity, but in order for us to learn to praise Him.

God will also send affliction, but in order to build our worthiness.

We should not forget, Noah and his family had to sail through some mighty stormy waters before escaped the flood into salvation but it was those same stormy waters that raised the ark into safety!

1Pe 3:20  Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

Those that are lost will also struggle in affliction but most just get hard in their hearts.

Remember Pharaoh became much more hardened by the plagues of Egypt because he would not yield to God and he saw the same Word of God be true and the same miracles, as did the Jews.

Again Jesus had these words:

Luk 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.
Luk 9:24  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

It is under our own cross where we can expect God to be with us!

It is because our Savior also suffered that we can have hope in our suffering!

It is because our Savior suffered that we belong to Our Lord Jesus!

Isa 43:4  Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: "therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life".

If we never suffer in our walk with the Lord, then we can only look upon those that have and wonder, if we can have that same strength that they show by their actions.

The Apostle Paul knew that these Thessalonians were suffering great tribulation and because he could not be with them to help them go through these things, Paul sent Timothy.

*****1Th 3:5  For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

The Apostle Paul could relate to these saints of God in their suffering because he had suffered tribulation in every place he had preached and had actually been the cause of tribulation to many of the saints before his own salvation and repentance.

Paul said, "I can no longer endure the suspense".

Timothy was sent by the Apostle Paul to these Thessalonians to be steadfast in the midst of their persecution!

Why? Paul also knew the works of Satan.

That "Tempter" is Satan, the Devil.

This is the same creature that went after the Lord Jesus and failed.

Mat 4:3  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Mat 4:4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Mat 4:5  Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

Satan is at work 24 hours a day seven days a week. Satan never rests from his evil!

We should realize that as the "Born Again" children of God, Satan will come with all his temptations but God has already given us the power to resist.

If you want to see a smile in Heaven, resist the devil and make him flee.

Jas 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and "he will" flee from you.

We can only blame ourselves when we give in to Satan's temptations!

I can see this same smile on the face of our own Pastor, when someone of our brothers and sisters have gone through the fire and have returned to the House of God stronger than they were before.

The news, that Timothy returned with, brought great comfort to the Apostle Paul.

The "Good News" of the "Gospel" is never preached in vain but sometimes it seems that the labor that is wasted on those that do not believe could have been better used on others.

*****1Th 3:6  But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

**These Thessalonians had not only accepted the "Gospel" but they had believed on the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

**These Thessalonians had not only believed but it showed in the way they lived for Jesus and before God.

**These Thessalonians had a giving love, (charity) for the work of God and toward each other.

**These Thessalonians had a clear understanding of salvation and repentance and the commandments of God!

1Jn 3:23  And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
1Jn 3:24  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

When faith is our guide, our love will always lead us to God, because God is love!

*****1Th 3:7  Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

Therefore always means "for this reason".

The Apostle Paul was still suffering persecution in every place he preached.

The Apostle Paul was still making tents when he could and still preaching at every opportunity.

So this news brought great comfort to all this band of missionaries but especially to Paul.

This great news made the Apostle Paul work even harder for his own people, the Jews!

Act 18:5  And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

And this good news was also the turning point for the Apostle Paul to be the missionary to the Gentiles.

Act 18:6  And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

*****1Th 3:8  For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

The Apostle Paul was broken hearted over the Jews but got great joy from seeing the "Gospel" do it's work on the Gentiles.

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he had these words.

1Co 15:31  I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

As Paul was writing to these Thessalonians, he was saying that it was the good news from the saints who remained steadfast that kept him alive.

Many a pastor has given up because they could not see the results of the "Gospel".

We can only imagine how Noah felt after preaching 120 years with no results but if Noah had not remained faithful then we would not be here today.

Through all tribulation we must all remain steadfast in the Lord!

Noah was steadfast.
Paul was steadfast.
But no one, is more steadfast than the Lord Jesus!

We must take a stand and then stand on the Lord!

**The truth is that the "Gospel" will always tells what is right.
Tribulation will show us what is not right.
Conviction will teach us how to get right.
The Word of God will teach us how to stay right.

And there are not enough words in any language to show our thanks to God for what He has done!

*****1Th 3:9  For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sake before our God;

The "gift" of the Lord Jesus Christ and the "Gospel" are the two greatest gifts that God has given to us because these brought with it "our salvation".

There are no gifts that we could manufacture that could come close in repayment for these wonderful things of God!

Psa 116:12  What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
Psa 116:13  I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

That cup of salvation was filled with the blood of Jesus Christ.

Luk 22:20  Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

The only thing we have to offer that is pleasing to the Lord, is our selves.

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

And we should be very glad, and filled with joy at this opportunity that the Lord has given to us!

Psa 68:3  But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

And then we are to stay in touch with our God!

What father does not like to hear from his children?

*****1Th 3:10  Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

Preaching the "Gospel" was not a profession with the Apostle Paul.

Paul did not go from town to town holding meetings and then pass on and forget those that believed.

Paul carried every believer in his heart and always hoped he would get back to them to give them further instructions from the Word of God but no matter what, Paul remembered them in prayer day and night.

It is sin not to pray for the church to succeed!

1Sa 12:22  For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
1Sa 12:23  Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
1Sa 12:24  Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

Peter prayed:

Act 6:4  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Paul prayed:

Act 20:32  And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

Jesus prayed:

Joh 17:15  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

Joh 17:20  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
Joh 17:21  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.

But our prayers must have a purpose:

Paul prayed that God would "perfect" their faith of the church.

That word perfect means to adjust, to equip, and to furnish.

While in this body of flesh our faith will never reach perfection.

There will always be a need to adjust and always room to grow our faith!

1Pe 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

The bottom line, it is God Himself who directs the Church!

It is when we do not yield to God's calling and God's direction that causes problems and the Church to fail!

*****1Th 3:11  Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

We should not miss how Paul has written this passage.

Our God, Our Father, and Our Lord Jesus are all written as One.

The Lord Jesus Said these words:

Joh 10:30  I and my Father are one.

God the Father is a distinct person.
God the Son is a distinct person.
God the Holy Spirit is a distinct person.

But together they are One God.

Jesus Christ is both Son of God, and Son of man.

1Ti 2:5  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

The Lord Jesus is distinguished from the Father in personality but is "One" with Him in the Godhead!

Php 2:6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

This is our God who will direct our ways!

Psa 37:23  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Have you ever crossed a street and not know why?

The Apostle Paul knew he had to follow the path that the Holy Spirit had laid out before him.

Paul could only return to these Thessalonians if it was in the plan of God!

This is also our task!

When we have lost our way, it is only God who can direct our path!

Paul prayed earnestly that he might see these Thessalonians again but he was also conscious of his own inability to overcome the hindrances of Satan.

As Paul prayed he gave that matter into the hands of the Lord.

The Apostle Paul knew to pray to the One True God. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost but Paul also knew that the Church belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ who died and gave His own blood for it.

God must direct our steps because salvation is still God's plan!

We must keep the main thing the main thing!

*****1Th 3:12  And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

What life does to us depends on our relationship with the Lord!

Some people will build walls and shut themselves out but those that trust in the Lord will build bridges and draw closer to God and God's people.

True Christian love must be shown not only to believers but also to all mankind!

Abounding love must not be bound but be freely given to all.

The Lord Jesus will not only direct our paths but He will also increase our love and with these things we can be established.

*****1Th 3:13  To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

It is by the will of God and our prayers that we can shall continually progress in our steps toward glorification while we live on this Earth and in these bodies.

Here again we see that as we keep our thoughts on the return of the Lord Jesus, this will encourage us to be busy about the work that the Lord has given to us.

"Stablish" means to be fixed. To have things settled. To be permanent in our beliefs.

To "blame" is to find fault with and to accuse and have no reason to praise.

God says we are to be unblameable!

Holiness is the state of living in integrity, and solid moral character.

1Pe 1:15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1Pe 1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

And again we a reference to the coming of Our Lord.

The Lord did not stay dead and the Lord will not stay gone from us!

**In chapter 1 we learned that the return of the Lord is linked to our salvation.

1Th 1:10  And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

**In chapter 2 we learned that the return of the Lord is linked to our service.

1Th 2:19  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

**Today we have learned that the return of the Lord is linked to our sanctification.

**In chapter 4 we will learn that the return of the Lord is linked to our comfort and joy.

1Th 4:18  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

**And in chapter 5 we will learn that the return of the Lord is linked to our separation.

1Th 5:23  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Lord is coming and it could be in the next moment!

Start your stand for the Lord today and then stand until He returns!

Questions?

Let's Pray!

Witnessing The Truth Of The Gospel

Witnessing Authentically

1 Thessalonians 2

As we go through these lessons of the early church, we get an opportunity to meet the Apostle Paul on a new level. The Apostle Paul had a great love for the lost and was very passionate in his desire for all men to be saved.

This is what is expected from each of us. The "Gospel of Jesus Christ" is the message given to us from God but it is for the benefit of every man, woman, and child on this Earth!

A great question we can ask ourselves is this, "Is God pleased with us in the way we are handling His Word"?

As we see Paul in his words, we can see the heart of a Pastor but Paul was called by the Lord to be the Pastor to all the early church and not just one church.

**Paul was a Church planter. Paul was a Minister of Christ, and it was God's purpose for Paul to deliver the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ to all who would hear him!

**Paul was a Pastor to the infant Church. God uses people to bring the "Gospel" to this lost world but God also uses people to feed, educate, and train those who He has saved.

**Paul was not to remain and be the full time Pastor. Paul was a Missionary. A Missionary is one who has been sent of God!

Today Paul will show us how he preached and how he felt about the Church.

The Apostle Paul had a "Christlike" ministry and it showed!

The theme of our lessons this quarter is "practical Christian living" James taught us much and we can learn much more as we follow the life of the Apostle Paul.

We are all to be faithful ministers of Jesus Christ. This is what sets the children of God apart from the World.

The entire world is trying to remove Jesus Christ.

It is the Christian that brings the pure message of Jesus Christ!

The truth is still the truth even when it is not believed and God's Word will never come back void!

Isa 55:11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

We can only be the messenger sent of God, it is God who controls the results!

Rain may seem lost when it falls on desert or in the oceans but God has a purpose for each drop of rain, no matter where it falls.

So, the "Gospel" has it's purpose no matter where it falls!

At the very least it will leave the lost without an excuse at the time of "judgment"!

What is the pure fact of the "Gospel of Jesus Christ"?

Psa 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

There is no hope for success of the "Gospel" unless we are founded on the Lord Jesus Christ!

*****1Th 2:1  For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
1Th 2:2  But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

Paul and Silas had been unjustly arrested in Philippi. They were then beaten and thrown into the dungeon of the local prison.

When most of us would have given up, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to the Lord:

Act 16:23  And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
Act 16:24  Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
Act 16:25  And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Some say that this was the first "Gospel Concert" in Europe.

When Paul was released after many were saved, Paul refused to sneak out of town but forced the same government that locked him up to return and release him.

The Apostle Paul had no shame for preaching the "Gospel".

Most of the world will not like the "Gospel message" but this should encourage us more than defeat us!

Paul had moved on to Thessalonica and many were saved, but Paul and Silas were again sent away for their own personal safety.

Act 17:10  And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

Paul wrote this epistle from Corinth so the Church in Thessalonica was well aware of all these things that had happened to Paul!

This is why Paul was so bold, because the "Gospel is still the truth", even when it is rejected!

*****1Th 2:3  For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

What is the character to the true "Gospel" preacher.

Every preacher of the "Gospel" must live the "Gospel"!

Exhorting is giving advice in a way to incite the listener. Preaching is exhorting!

Exhorting the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ opens our eyes to our sinful ways.

Exhorting the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ teaches us to apply the Word of God to our daily lives.

The entire Book of James taught us how to apply the Word of God to our daily lives!

This is also the message of the Apostle Paul.

The preaching of the "Gospel" will turn evil to good, misery to happiness, from Satan to God, and from Hell to Heaven!

**The "Gospel" is not deceiving!

Paul was very careful not to live his life in deception. We cannot live our lives in deception and be counted as Christians!

**The "Gospel" is clean!

A clean  person is one who who maintains a pattern of personal cleanliness while also taking care to insure that their personal environment is kept clean.

Cleanness refers to spiritual cleanness. We are all spiritually unclean because of the fall of Adam.

Human sin becomes a barrier between us and a Just, and Holy God!

The Apostle Paul had to live a life of cleanness, because the Word of God is clean.

Pro 30:5  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Those that take the Word of God into uncleanness usually live their lives in uncleanness and are not called of God!

**The "Gospel" is the truth!

Guile is to be crafty and cunning in deceit.

Paul had to live his life with great integrity and uprightness, without hypocrisy and deceit, either before God or before men!

There is no deceitful design in the ministry of the Word of God.

There is nothing false or impure in the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ!

The "Gospel" came from God and He has called certain men to preach the "Gospel"!

Not everyone that stands behind a pulpit has been called of God!

*****1Th 2:4  But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

You see that it was God's choice for Paul to become a Missionary, Paul just had to submit to that calling.

It was by God's permission that Paul preached the "Gospel", and Paul considered it a privilege.

It is a privilege to study the Word of God!

Paul, Timothy, and Silas were allowed of God to be put in trust of the "Gospel" so their goal was to please God and not to please men.

When the "Gospel" is tailored to please men or for the betterment of mankind, then we have missed the point of the "Gospel"!

The "Gospel" must be preached to get men saved!

When that lost sinner gets right with God, then he will have no problem being a better person, and all mankind will be better for it.

Jas 5:20  Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Our job is to keep the main thing, the main thing, and that is getting people saved by leading them to the Lord!

It is God's job to clean them up!

*****1Th 2:5  For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
1Th 2:6  Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

At no time did Paul praise these Thessalonians when he preached the "Gospel".

Their beauty, their wealth, their talent, nor their accomplishments could hide their need for the truth of the "Gospel"!

Joh 8:32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Paul had carefully avoided all these things so he could be faithful to the command of God.

It is important for the lost to realize the sin in their lives and the "Gospel" preached according to the Word of God, will point these things out!

Jesus said:

Joh 15:22  If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

Paul, Silas, And Timothy had that "gift of faith". They had no concern for their own welfare. They depended on God to supply all their needs.

Their concern was for the welfare of others and the Glory of God!

This is the right attitude for every Pastor and Preacher!

This is the right attitude for every Missionary!

And add to that these things.

*****1Th 2:7  But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

A mother that is nursing a child will not give that child up to another.

A mother will not nurse the children of another, the same way they nurse their own children.

Paul looked upon these Thessalonians as his own children in the faith!

A nursing mother provides nourishment to her child.

The Apostle Paul was providing nourishment to these born again Thessalonians!

Luk 4:4  And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

To preach the "Gospel" and explain salvation, it must begin with the purpose and the love of God, as The Father.

God's love shows His greatest power in the death of His Son Jesus.

Eph 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

"Grace"==="God's Riches At Christ's Expense"!

*****1Th 2:8  So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

There are many in the world who will actually lay down their own life for what they believe.

All of us who have placed our trust in Jesus should feel this way!

But Paul goes even farther saying he would have laid down his own life for these Thessalonians.

Some of us would probably lay down our lives for our own families, especially our own children, but not many of us would lay down our lives for strangers such as these Thessalonians.

Paul said: "you are your own witnesses".

*****1Th 2:9  For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
1Th 2:10  Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

It can never be said that the Apostle Paul ever made a living off the "Gospel".

Sure, some of of the churches sent support but this was not enough to sustain Paul and those with him.

Paul and Silas did not preach the "Gospel" in order to secure money as some do today.

To Paul this was done in order to avoid any appearance of any self-serving in his ministry.

The Apostle Paul went through real agony to bring people to Jesus Christ.

As a nursing mother, Paul provided the spiritual nourishment to all who would listen to the "Gospel".

As a father who works to support his family, Paul worked to provide his own way so he was not a burden on the babes in Christ.

As many Pastors have found out, it is not easy to work a full time job and be a full time minister of the "Gospel".

We know the Apostle Paul was a tent maker and no matter where he traveled there was always a market for tents.

Act 18:3  And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tent makers.

The tents of that day were made by sewing cloth that was frequently made from goat hair together and attaching ropes and loops.

Tent making was considered an honorable trade in those days!

Many times Paul was exhausted to the point of fatigue and the Thessalonians knew this to be true.

They had witnessed the hardships, they had seen the hard work, and they had heard the "Gospel" of the of the Lord Jesus Christ and they knew all these things came because of the love Paul had for lost.

Paul was truly an example of Jesus Christ to these new disciples of Jesus.

*****1Th 2:11  As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
1Th 2:12  That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Remember "exhorting" is the inciting to do good, by definition.

Exhorting leads to willingness of serving the Lord and the joy in serving God!

These things are comforting to everyone who realizes that they are a sinner in need of a Savior!

Paul served this new church as the minister of the "Gospel" but even more important Paul served this church as the Pastor and shepherd to the flock of God.

Paul served for the "Glory of God" and not for himself!

It is our only job after salvation to walk worthy of God!

We are to be an example of Christ to all those in this lost world. Why?

Rom 9:23  And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Rom 9:24  Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

These things happen when we accept the truth.

*****1Th 2:13  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

These Thessalonians had witnessed the "Gospel" in the life of the Apostle Paul.

They saw such evidence of reality in Paul that they finally knew the life they had been seeking for themselves.

They knew they had actually heard the Word of God and they yielded to God's Message, and it went home to their hearts!

They believed what God says!

The Apostle Paul always made sure to claim to preach the "Inspired Word Of God".

Gal 1:11  But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal 1:12  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The "Gospel" is energized by the Holy Spirit and God's Word will work effectively in the heart of those that will listen to it and believe.

1Pe 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

The Word of God is powerful!

Jesus said:

Joh 17:17  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Those that hear the truth usually know they have heard it, and it then becomes the time to accept it or to reject it.

It is the plan of God to bring everyone to this point in their lives!

*****1Th 2:14  For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
1Th 2:15  Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

All those that were Jews by birth had to turn away from their loved ones.

They had to turn away from their closest friends to accept the Word of God.

They were persecuted simply because they accepted Jesus Christ.

Those that were Gentiles had to turn away from their former friends and their relatives.

Those that reject the Word of God develop a prejudice toward anyone that believes upon Jesus Christ.

The Non-believers for some reason will do everything within their power to "hinder the Gospel".

A point I have never understood, except to understand that it is the work of Satan!

God is going to deal with those who reject His Son and those that hinder those who believe on Him!

This is also the truth of the "Gospel"!

*****1Th 2:16  Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

God is long-suffering toward all sinners but even God has a limit.

God warned those before the flood:

Gen 6:3  And the LORD said, "My spirit shall not always strive with man", for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

Regardless what the Evolutionist say, there is real proof of a world-wide flood!

God delayed giving the Promised Land to Israel until the sin of the Amorites was full.

Gen 15:16  But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

But the command did come when God knew there would be no Amorite believers.

Deu 20:17  But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:

The Lord is long-suffering still today but the "Day of the Lord" will still come!

2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Those Jews of whom Paul was writing had slain their own prophets.

They had crucified the Lord Jesus Christ.

They were doing all they could to hinder the "Gospel", not only from other Jews but also from the entire world.

Their iniquity was full in 70 AD and The Temple and Jerusalem was completely destroyed and those that were remained were scattered all over the world for near 1900 years, until May 1948.

We should also wonder how much longer will God be patient with America!

Satan is still busy hindering the Word of the One True God, Jehovah!

*****1Th 2:17  But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
1Th 2:18  Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

As Christians we know for a fact that one day in the not so distant future, we will get to see again all those that have gone on before us face to face.

Paul had this same desire to see those Thessalonians.

We should have that desire to see all our brothers and sisters in Christ at every opportunity, after all we will spend eternity with them and we will be known by them all.

1Co 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

But Satan is a powerful creature.

Satan will do everything he can to hinder those that carry the "Gospel" to the lost.

Paul says that Satan hindered him at least on two occasions to get back to these Thessalonians, but God does what God does.

Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

The Apostle Paul was forced to write this epistle to those Thessalonians and now the entire world can read the Inspired Word of God and know the work of the Apostle Paul.

God's Word cannot be stopped by Satan nor this world we live in!

Isa 55:11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Satan may cause us some problems but Satan is not a problem for God!

*****1Th 2:19  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
1Th 2:20  For ye are our glory and joy.

There are rewards for serving the Lord and furthering the "Gospel of Jesus Christ".

There is a great joy from knowing that you were involved in some way in leading someone to the Lord!

Any reward will be given at the "Judgment Seat Of Christ".

Rom 14:10  But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

1Co 3:14  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

These are the crowns that are mentioned for believers:

1) The "incorruptible crown.

1Co 9:25  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

2) The crown of righteousness.

2Ti 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

3) The crown of life.

Jas 1:12  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

4) The crown of glory.

1Pe 5:4  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away

5) In our verse the crown of rejoicing.

We should notice that near the end of every chapter in this book the Apostle Paul makes a reference to the return of Jesus Christ.

The return of Christ is a prominent doctrine in the scriptures and is mentioned more than 300 times in the New Testament.

It is in Heaven where we can discuss these things without being hindered by anyone!

Php 3:20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Php 3:21  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Questions?

Let's Pray!

Proclaiming The Gospel

Proclaiming Diligently

1 Thessalonians 1

Last week we ended our study of the Book of James. We certainly did not spend enough time to learn all that is in this great Book of the Bible but we did learn many things about living like Christ.

If we are not living like Christ Jesus, the Messiah that has come, then how can we be known as Christians?

A Christian is not for us to decide but it is for others to see!

We should be very clear, God will never force any of us to trust Him!

God tells us what sin really is and how sin leads to eternal spiritual death.

God's Word will convict us of our sin!

Once we realize that we are all sinners then we will also realize the need for a Savior!

This is the beginning of a life of prayer!

That first prayer for salvation is the beginning of our faith and the first step in drawing nigh to God!

Today we will leave the writings of James and begin a short study into the writings of the Apostle Paul to the Church at Thessalonica.

We already know that the Book of James was the earliest of the Church Epistles.

We already know that though the Book of James was written to Christians most of them were converted Jews at that time.

We already know that by the Apostle Peter, it had been established that God deals with "whosoever" will believe upon Him and salvation is for all believers, even the Gentiles.

Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God "by faith in Christ Jesus".

1Co 12:13 "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body", whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Today we will begin with the earliest of writings of the Apostle Paul to the Christian Church.

The city of Thessalonica still exist today simply called Salonika.

The theme of this first book to the Thessalonians is "the return of Jesus Christ".

Thessalonica was at the time of Paul the principle city but also the Capitol city of Macedonia.

Thessalonica is named after the sister of Alexander the Great.

The city of Thessalonica was the crossroads of where the East met the West at the time of the Apostles.

Paul had been in the East when he received the call of God to spread the "Gospel" to Europe which eventually came to America.

Act 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
Act 16:10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the early church for many reasons.

Paul wrote to assure his new friends of his love and his concern for them.

Paul writes to all believers to ground us in the "Doctrines" of the Christian faith!

Paul writes to us all to assure us of the return of Jesus Christ to get His Church!

All the letters of Paul were inspired by the Holy Spirit to correct the weaknesses "that come from inside the Church" just as James had done!

Confusion about prophecy exist today because there are so many preachers and teachers who contradict each other upsetting the saints.

Many ask, is the coming of the Lord near?

Many ask, what are the signs of Christ coming soon?

Many ask, will God's people go through the Tribulation Period?

The Apostle Paul answered these questions and much more in the two letters to the Thessalonians.

Above all the Apostle Paul teaches us how to live holy lives in this sin-filled world and respect the Church that Christ built with His own blood!

Faith, Hope and Charity are the best evidence of being Christians with Charity being the greatest.

1Co 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

So let's begin:

*****1Th 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Because the preaching of the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ had stirred up a turmoil in Thessalonica, Paul had to leave and was now in the city of Corinth.

He had left Timothy and Silas behind and a Church had been established.

At the time of this letter both of them had rejoined Paul and had brought with them many questions from the believers.

In our area there are more churches per square mile than probably any other place on this earth but we always seem to have these same old questions!

We have questions because we refuse to study the Word of God as He commands us all to do!

2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2Ti 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

We may all accept that we need to study more but at the same time we always seem to seem to listen to vain teaching which causes confusion.

Babblings are fruitless discussions that lead to confusion!

Paul was deeply concerned with these young converts and knowing that he could not return to them at this time, he did the next best thing, he gave them the written Word of God.

We do not have the Apostles with us today!

We do not have the eyewitnesses of Jesus with us today!

We do not have as many great instructors of the "Gospel" with us today!

But we do have something much greater!

We have something that the early Church did not have, we have the Complete Holy Inspired Word of God!

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

No matter how many so called prophets come.

No matter how many preachers come.

The most sure thing we can have in our possession is the complete, Holy Ghost Inspired Word of God!

2Pe 1:19 "We have also a more sure word of prophecy"; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

And according to the Holy Inspired Word of God, the Church is only a Church if it is established in God the Father, "through" the Lord Jesus Christ!

All other so-called religions are cults!

As we go through these letters to the Thessalonian Christians we will find that the Second Coming of Christ Jesus will be referred to in some way in every chapter.

The Apostle Paul realized that every believer needs clear and precise instructions because we all begin as babes in Christ!

Many today are taught that the Second Coming of Christ is not so important to the Church, because the Church will already be in Heaven because of the "Rapture" when Christ first returns in the clouds like a thief.

But, the Apostle Paul gives us much teaching on this subject and we need to know these things!

These new, mostly Gentile believers, were now linked to the infinite 'Grace" of God and it was important for them to know that this "Grace" can come only through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace is the unmerited favor of God!

It is important for us all to have this same understanding!

The "Grace" that saves from judgment was already known to these new believers.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, "to them who are the called according to his purpose".

The "peace" that comes from salvation was already known to these new believers.

It was now time to learn of the "Grace" that sustains each of us from day to day!

Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

It was time to learn of the "peace" that comes from a daily walk with the Lord Jesus Christ!

It was now time to pick up their own cross and walk with the Lord Jesus!

The Apostle Paul now introduces them to these things.

*****1Th 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

That "we" of course was Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

We should not forget, Paul was a Church Planting Missionary and was very busy about the work of God.

If Paul was not preaching, he was visiting house to house.

If Paul was not doing these things, he was busy as a "tent maker" to meet his personal needs.

But Paul always found the time to pray for the Body Of Christ, the New Testament Church.

As we saw in the Book of James, faith without works is dead faith!

Without men such as Paul, who interceded in behalf of the Church, the "Gospel" would not have spread very far.

Eze 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

We will reach that point in our lives when we cannot be the feet and legs of the "Gospel" but until we reach the grave we need to always pray for the Church to succeed!

*****1Th 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

"Without ceasing" means continuously more than it does continually!

Faith, love and hope are the foundations of Christianity!

***What is the "work of faith"?

Our foundation must be set on the solid ground of "Faith"!

Faith is the only way man can approach God!

But that faith must be based upon the work of Jesus Christ!

We must remove faith in ourselves and fill that void with faith in Jesus Christ!

Then there is the "gift of faith".

We cannot be Christians without "saving faith"!

This "saving faith" will sustain each of us through our daily walk with the Lord.

The "gift of faith" is not possessed by all believers. The "gift of faith" comes from the Holy Spirit and has the capacity to see something that needs to be done and the belief that God will provide all the things needed to accomplish that thing.

Our Pastor, Preacher Sam, had the "gift of faith" to begin this Church we now call Gethsemane.

This is stepping out in the call of God, knowing that God will provide!

In our study of the Book of James we learned that there is a work of faith after salvation.

This Church in Thessalonica had a true work of faith but they also had this "gift of faith" and it showed.

Faith is the key that opens the door to do the Work of the Lord!

Faith is the key to touching the Heart of God which leads to the labor of Love!

***What is the "labor of love"?

Out of "faith" rises love.

No one can love God unless they believe that God loves them!

God is love!

1Jn 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

When those times come when our "faith" seems to fail us, if we will continue because we love the Lord, we will find that God's love will never fail us!

When we are saved we are filled with the Holy Spirit of God.

If God did not possess love then He could not produce love in each believer!

God has proved to us that He loves us and for this same reason we need to love one another.

1Jn 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1Jn 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

To be "Born Again" is to be born of God and therefore to resemble God.

The Church in Thessalonica knew the love of God and had love for one another, and had a labor of love for the lost and it showed in their personal lives.

***What is "patience of hope"?

Patience of hope is the endurance of hope!

The is the persevering endurance of the trials that all Christians go through.

We can only have this patience when we look to the end of our faith and not just linger at the beginning of out faith!

Rom 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Rom 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Hope is looking to the future and not in the now!

Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

This Church in Thessalonica was looking forward to the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ and it showed!

Their faith, love, and hope was in the Lord Jesus Christ because they realized there was no other way to Heaven.

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

They also realized that God is always watching because He truly cares!

When we realize that we are under the watchful eye of God while we yet live, we will not have to concern ourselves with appearing before God at the White Throne of Judgment.

Pro 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

*****1Th 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

When all our faith, all our love, and that love is in the Lord Jesus Christ then we can become the elect of God.

To believe on the "Gospel" of the Lord Jesus Christ is to be the chosen of God!

Jesus had these words:

Act 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, "Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me", to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Elected means God has elected each individual believer.

This does not mean that God has already preselected those that He will save as some teach!

The key to being the elect of God is being a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ!

This is the choice we all must make!

Every elect of God must accept the Lord Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the Savior!

*****1Th 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

It is the job of each one of us, after we are saved, to proclaim the "Gospel" to this lost world we live in!

1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
1Co 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1Co 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

We should realize that without the Holy Spirit there would be no results from this preaching.

What did Jesus say to the Apostles?

Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, "after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you": and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Without speaking in the power of the Holy Spirit there will be no results!

Paul did not mean that the "Gospel" originated with him, or Silas, or Timothy, but that it was they who had delivered to them the "Gospel" by the Holy Spirit.

***For the Word of God to be effective, it must be preached:

2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

***The Word of God must be bathed with the power of God's "Grace":

Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

***The Word of God must be preached with the assistance of the Holy Ghost:

Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Tit 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

***The Word of God must be preached in assurance:

It is a fact that that most preaching today does not give much assurance.

We are truly blessed here at Gethsemane.

But this is not the assurance of the speaker!

The "Gospel" must produce assurance in the believer!

Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Paul said: just as you know what manner of men we are by the way we conducted ourselves and we know what manner of people you are by the way you are conducting yourselves, after receiving the "Gospel"

Jesus said:

Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

1Jn 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

***The "Gospel" must be preached for only one purpose:

2Ti 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

The salvation that is in Christ Jesus will not only save us from the wrath to come but brings with it the glory of being with the Lord Jesus Christ.

***Glorification is the fullest expansion of salvation:

Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Knowing all these things will make followers of Christ.

A follower is therefore an imitator of Christ and therefore a Christian!

*****1Th 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

It is truly important that we walk before God in holiness of life and righteousness before all others!

Righteousness means, to do all things right according to the Word of God.

Each believer then becomes a weapon that God can use in this sin-filled world!

Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

More and more people in our world have never even heard of the "Gospel" nor Of Jesus Christ, but they see what the world looks like everyday.

If they cannot see Jesus in us, then our words will have no meaning to them!

Paul said if you see us(Paul, Silas, Timothy) you are seeing the ways of Jesus!

1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

We will receive the Word of God in affliction because the Word of God cuts:

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Word of God will reach deep into our flesh to separate us from the desires of this world and cause much affliction within us, until we feel the joy that comes from its freedom.

Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

There is great joy in being free from the wages of sin!

This change was so great in these Thessalonians that most all others soon noticed.

*****1Th 1:7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

Shortly after 146 BC all Greece south of Macedonia was formed into a Roman province named Achaia.

There was then the province of Macedonia and the Province of Achaia.

The Church in Philippi had been established previous to this one in Thessalonica, both in Macedonia.

The Apostle Paul was in Corinth where a Church had been started in Achaia but those of Thessalonica were setting the example for all the Churches in Europe at this time.

*****1Th 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

Thessalonica was a great commercial and political center but these saved of God, had no problem spreading the "Gospel" of the Lord Jesus Christ even to all the strangers that passed through this great city.

They not only witnessed in Achaia and Macedonia but to anyone who would listen no matter what part of the world they called home.

They lived in a nation of false gods and Greek folklore, but now their faith was directed toward the One True God!

They did not need for the Pastor to encourage them to go out on visitation.

They did these things on their own and allowed their Pastor to be about the business of the Lord.

These people evangelized!

2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, "do the work of an evangelist", make full proof of thy ministry.

It was evident by the change in their lives, that these of the Church of Thessalonica were in touch with God!

It was even more evident to the Apostle Paul who had endured much, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

These people were evidence of the truth of the Word of God to the Apostle Paul and to the world around them.

*****1Th 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols "to serve" the living and true God;
1Th 1:10 And "to wait" for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

What is the job of the Christian after salvation?

To serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to wait on His return!

To repent is a complete change of mind which leads to a complete change of ways!

All those in Thessalonica could noticeably see the change in these that were "Born Again" of God!

They had completely turned from idols to worship the True and Living God!

These people were busy about the Master's Work, because they fully believed that the Lord Jesus Could return at any moment!

The more we believe this truth, the more we should telling others about the salvation that comes by the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ!

Surely we love our families this much!

This wrath that is coming, is not to those that love the Lord Jesus but to those that will not accept the Lord Jesus.

Col 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
Col 3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

This wrath is still in the future but the opportunity to miss this wrath of God, will run out when the Lord returns to get His Saints, which could happen at any moment!

When we are not looking for the Lord to return at any moment, we do not believe the truth of the "Gospel" and it will show up in our lack of "Good Works"!

Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Tit 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

This is our message to the world we live in!

Joh 3:36 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.

We know that Hell was prepared for Satan and his angels.

But we also know that Heaven is prepared for the people of God!

Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. "I go to prepare a place for you".

Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

When we do not believe the Words of Jesus, how can we say we love Him!

Questions?

Let's Pray!