You are My Glory and Joy

Sermon Introduction

Brief Review from Last Week / Timid Christian, Gain Perspective

Look back, Jesus saved you. / They received the word of God they heard from them not as the words of men. (v.13)

Look around, you are not alone. / Received the Gospel like the first church and got the same treatment from the world. (v.14-15)

Look up the, the King is coming. / The wrath of God is coming with the King we await. (v.16)

Tonight’s Title & Theme

Title: For ye are our glory and joy. (This is a theological rich motivation and not just an expression for a Hallmark Card)

Theme: Paul’s deep concern for these new believers .

How many of you love a good garage sale? This was a big part of my childhood. It is fun to take ownership of something that others undervalue. Recently purchased a pellet smoker that was undervalued.

I believe that the Apostle Paul would look at the care of people differently that I often do.

Here is this passage he says “I can be forcibly removed from you but I will do everything I can to follow up with you. I am concerned for your faith. Someday soon the King will return and you are my hope, joy, and reward. I am going to get to you as soon as possible.”

Justus I thought of you this week as I studied this passage.

Sermon Text:

1 Thessalonians 2:17–20 “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. 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 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? 20 For ye are our glory and joy.”

Paul’s response to those who believed he did not care for these believers.

Reminds them their time together.

They were careful how they lived when they were among them. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 “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 was not in vain. 1 Thessalonians 2:1 “1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:”

The Thessalonians became the messengers and the message in the surrouning area.

Paul was mistreated at Philippi and when he go to them they were bold but there was much contention. 2:2

We see the things they were accused of in 2:3-6

Apparent accusation is that if he cared he would follow up with them.

1 Thessalonians 2:17 “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.”

Reminder: Paul left in an uproar. Acts 17:9 “9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.”

Paul really desires to be with these people. 1 Thessalonians 3:1 “1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;”

Even being kicked out of this city will not keep me from following up with new believers.

Love the people God brings into your life

We should let new believers know of our strong desire to help them if at all possible.

Love for others is a prerequisite for effective ministry

Paul had the heart of a parent for these new believers. 2:7

This is something we found common when Paul speaks about other believers.

2 Corinthians 2:4 “4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.”

Acts 20:36 “36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.”

Romans 16 a list of people.

This is contrasted with those who persecuting them 1 Thessalonians 2:17 “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.”

Love will motivate you to overcome the obstacles

Ripped away from them but only in body, not in heart. v.16

They endeavored to see them face-to-face. Picture of being in their presence. / Exodus 10:29 “29 And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more.”

Sent Timothy to them. 2:1-2

His concern was not sentimental but it was concerning their faith.

Timothy was sent to comfort them concerning their faith. 3:2

Timothy was sent to enquire of their faith. 3:5

Encourages them to stand fast. 3:8

Paul wanted to see them to help them grow in the areas of faith they were lacking. 3:10

Chapter 4 gives a great description of what walking out their faith should look like in their context. / Isn’t it the same for everyone. In many ways, but there are specifics areas that need attention at different stages of life. College brings temptations that are unique.

Be mindful of the strategy of our enemy.

We better have a plan to overcome obstacles because Satan has a plan to hinder us.

It was not a scheduling challenge but a spiritual battle.

It is Satan who desires to hinder this meeting. 2:18

We have seen the Holy Spirit direct Paul at times by hindering his path. Acts 16:6 “6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,”

Paul knew the difference between the restraining ministry of the Holy Spirit and the restricting opposition of the Evil One.

Paul had no trouble believing in Satan as a personal, malicious, and active enemy. His name means “adversary.”

We sing it but do we believe it “For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe.  His craft and power are great and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal."

Satan desires to hinder the work of the church

Satan was present when that couple lied about their giving, he was there in the murmuring between the widows, he was present as the coats of those whou would stone Stephen were laid at Saul’s feet.

Revelation 2 gives some details about Satan’s strategy against churches.

Satan loves to attack the leaders in a church. 1 Timothy 3:6–7 “6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

Satan wants to shake up our lives. Luke 22:31 “31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:”

Satan attacks the path.

Hinder is a military term

Paul says, I want to come, Satan's breaking up the road.

We must do all we can to protect the paths.

We are to prepare them for the Lord’s Return

Who do you think we would be proud of when Jesus returns if it is not you?

Paul calls them his hope, joy, and reward.

Picture from Mr. Wallace. Pride and Joy

Paul was not speaking in hyperbole. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 “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?”

Another way of saying it “When I see Jesus you are going to be my cause of rejoicing!”

It isn’t unique to this church but true of all those Paul has helped. 2 Corinthians 1:14 “14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

It is not about a crown for our glorified head its about them being in God’s presence.

Your crown is going to be the presence of the people that you were responsible to lead to the knowledge of Christ, the people with whom you planted the seed or watered or harvested, the people whose lives were influenced by your teaching and your living and your praying.

This moment should always be on our minds. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 “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?”

We must do all that we can to help prepare others for the arrival of our King.

Questionable if anyone in human history do not owe something to the efforts of this missionary team.

They are yet to see the full influence of their lives. It is still in the future!

Paul makes mention of the rapture in every chapter

What greater anticipation or joy could Paul have than to see his converts stepping forward at the judgment seat of Christ to receive their reward?

His ambition was to see them, at last, as crowns and trophies to put at Jesus’ feet.

Time of personal evaluation

What value do you place upon helping new believers in their faith?

I have heard of churches fighting m over everything except Connection Cards to follow up with new believers.

Luke 16 spend your money to bring people to Christ.