1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Paul does two things at once. He thanks God for the Thessalonians and offers petitions to God on their behalf. Paul's thanks are due to the news from Timothy that the Thessalonian Christians are continuing in faith and (3:6). Pad makes these petitions because he has spent only a short time in Thessalonica and wants to complete what is lacking in the faith of his friends. Furthermore, his efforts have been cut short by persecutors of the faith (2:14-16), and so he is uncertain as to the Thessalonians' spritual health. Paul uses the word “tribulation” to describe his present woes as he, torn from the Thessalonians, waits alone and impatiently while Timothy travels north to ascertain the Thessalonian situation. The tribulation, then, is not merely some future trouble for the church, but present difficulties faced by Paul and by all Christians. Christians today need to see the Biblical response to tribulations as God's message of hope in their often difficult Christian lives. God's answer to thetribulation is huofold. First, ultimately He will deliver us by the parousia (coming or appearing) of our Lord Jesus. Second, in the meantime He comforts, strengthens, and prepares us today with the ministry of the apostolic Word. Since no one knows the day of the parousia (5:2),Paul is more anxious to prepare and strengthen his people than to discern any divine secrets. Knowing the health of the Thessalonians’ faith Paul’s petitions for them are really more of a blessing or benediction than pious wishful thinking. His words also provide us an excellent summary both of what Paul’s ministry was to accomplish and what the ministry of the apostolic Word can accomplish today, especially in terms of preparing for the coming of the Lord.

Introduction: Thanksgiving and Christmas are times when we either visit loved ones or are visited by them.Thanksgiving was just three days ago and perhaps visitors may still be in the worship service this morning. In our visits we tend to talk about sports, food, family, church, and almost anything under the sun. Paul wanted to visit his friends and talk about something more important and to prepare them for an even more important visit. He wanted to talk about Jesus Christ and prepare the people for Christ's coming. When we listen to Paul's words, not only shall we know how to be prepared, but listening will prepare us.

When Christians Listen to God They Become Prepared for Christ

When Christians listen to God, their faith is completed.

The content of our faith (what we believe) grows through hearing the Word.

For example, one may know Jesus as his Savior but be confused about His Supper. Listening will help.

For example, one may know God's love but not be certain of the events surrounding the second coming. Listening will help.

The more information from the Bible we have the stronger we will be.

Since we are so sinful and blind by nature.

Especially since, as Christians, we suffer tribulation.

Since so many false teachings are confronting us. Not only does God's Word give us information about Christ, but

When Christians listen to God, they increase in love.

God in Christ causes us to love.

Especially, we love other Christians.

Since we are one with them.

Not just in attitude but through actions.

We also love we all people.

As a witness.

Since we are constrained.

Paul is a good example of this love.

He sacrificed himself for his people.

He gave himself to serve others. The Word causes us to love others only because it has powerfully saved us, for

When Christians hear the Word of God, their hearts are established.

Established to live blameless lives (cf. Phil 2:15).

“Blameless" describes our conduct.

Even this blamelessness comes from Christ.

Established in a state of holiness.

This state is Christ's gracious doing.

This state of holiness is not a gradual accomplishment.

This state of holiness is the cause of blamelessness and not its effect.

Prepared to stand at the coming of Christ.

Conclusion: Hearing God's Word prepares us because our faith is completed by it, our love is increased by it, our hearts are established by it. We prepare for any visitor on holidays and special occasions. Since Christ is coming at any time, we must be prepared at any time. We prepare ourselves in the same way as the Thessalonians 2,000 years ago —by hearing the message of Christ.