A Reason for Thanksgiving

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

I was engaged in casual conversation with a workman sent to repair the elevator at a former church. We had developed a casual friendship during the previous months which permitted me opportunity to speak with him freely. This time he commented in the course of our conversation that he had served for an extended time in the Canadian Navy. I responded that I had invested a brief portion of my life with the United States Marines Corps. There was an instant kinship of shared experience which permitted us to speak in a most animated fashion for a short while. As we spoke, he commented that he really missed the service.

"What do you miss most about the Navy?" I inquired.

Without a moment’s hesitation he responded to my query, "I miss the comradeship of my mates. You always knew you could depend on your mates to do their job. I really miss the comradeship." I understood precisely what he was saying. There is a bond between men who share their lives during service to their nation. The sense of confidence which grows from such shared experience stays throughout the remainder of one's life.

David, grieving over the death of Jonathan says:

How the mighty have fallen in battle!

Jonathan lies slain on your heights.

I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother;

you were very dear to me.

Your love for me was wonderful,

more wonderful than that of women.

How the mighty have fallen!

[2 Samuel 1:25-27a]

His words express the sense of intimacy which men share through difficult circumstances. This is not a sexual statement; it is a statement of bonding growing out of shared danger and growing out of trust developed in such circumstances. It speaks of camaraderie of the noblest sort.

In the realm of the Christian Faith we do not speak often of camaraderie, but we do speak of fellowship. Each concept shares elements of similarity. Each speaks of mutual respect and mutual trust; thus each speaks of shared confidence. Each speaks of the sharing of life. When we think of such fellowship or comradeship we find that we have a reason for thanksgiving. Especially is this true among Christians.

Notice especially Paul's references to thankfulness as he wrote the Thessalonian Christians [1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2:13]. In the first instance the Apostle stated that he was thankful for the believers as individuals and as a community of the Faith, and especially was he thankful since they demonstrated evidence of salvation. In the latter instance, constituting our text, Paul reviews the manner in which the Thessalonians responded when they heard the message of life, noting those features which made fellowship sweet. Paul was focused on their practise in the first instance and he was focused on their faith in the second instance. Faith always results in practise; doctrine always leads to action. That is something for which we may be ever thankful.

Thankful Because Of A Shared Faith — Above all else, the Apostle Paul was a preacher. He was not a rhetorician, but he had a message burning in his soul which would not permit him to be silent. He found it necessary to speak, proclaiming the message of life. To the Corinthians he wrote I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel [1 Corinthians 9:16b]. To the Roman saints he wrote, I am obligated both to the Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish [Romans 1:14]. Without question, Paul was a preacher of the Gospel of Christ. Whether or not he spoke with polished delivery or powerful voice, the message of Christ burned within his heart and he could not be silenced until that message had been delivered.

I truly love good preaching; I confess that I get somewhat excited about a dynamic message which challenges me with righteousness, which confronts me with the responsibility to live such a life as to honour God, and which counters error. The thing which thrills me most about a vibrant, lively messenger is when the message is translated into visual format by those receiving the message. The listeners are transformed, and that is truly exciting! The preacher, because he speaks from the Word of God, and the parishioners, because they apply that same Word of God, share a living faith.

At this point in the letter Paul is focused, not on the fact that the Thessalonians believed the message of life and were therefore saved; he is focused on the manner in which they responded after they had believed the message of salvation. Paul is commending these believers because theirs was a Faith shared in common with the Apostles. There is a precious truth within this thought, a truth which is a source of richest encouragement to Christians even to this day.

You [who believe] are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone [Ephesians 2:19,20]. Believers share a faith which stretches back to the Apostles and Prophets … a faith which depends on Christ's presence. When the three thousand who believed on the Day of Pentecost had been baptised, we read that their first act was to devote[] themselves to the apostle's teaching [Acts 2:42a]. Just so you, when you believed, committed yourselves to the Apostle’s teaching. You entered into a faith which is recorded in the accounts of the first disciples and which continues to this day.

Did you ever notice that the Book of Acts doesn’t really end … it simply concludes. Doctor Luke writes, For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ [Acts 28:30,31]. The Acts of the Apostles is an open book because the Acts of the Disciples is still being written to this day. We are the disciples and the book is ongoing.

Above all else, the Christian Faith finds common ground in a far wider context than superficial review might indicate. Shortly before I left my last charge I was studying in the church office when I was startled by a loud knock at the door. Two Jehovah's Witnesses were standing at the door wishing to speak with me. Since I had not invested much time in recreation during the weekend just past I took just a little time to speak with them.

One of the points the young trainee attempted to make was the fragmentation of Christendom and the unity of his cult. "There are over three hundred and fifty different churches in Vancouver," he stated, "and they are all different. How, if they are reading the same Bible, can they be so different? And how can they all claim to be correct?"

It is a common question from those who fail to think. There are areas wherein we are accorded room to disagree. Not even the disciples were in full accord on every issue. According to Acts 15:1-29 they found it necessary to meet in conference at Jerusalem in order to determine the application of doctrine to the Gentiles coming to faith.

Despite our freedom to disagree over secondary issues, some truths are simply not debated among Christians. The Bible is the infallible and inerrant Word of God; there is no room for debate on this matter. The Word of God is a perfect guide for faith and practise, even though it is subject to misinterpretation by individuals who blind or who are argumentative. Jesus Christ is truly and fully God; there is no debate over this truth. Christ died a sacrificial death on the cross and He was buried and raised bodily on the third day; no Christian disputes this truth. Salvation is by faith alone; this is not a matter for discussion among Christians. Our Risen Lord is coming again; believers do not dispute this truth. Though we may disagree to the point of strong discussion about many issues concerning church polity, administration of the ordinances, details concerning theology, the aforementioned truths are foundational and describe our faith. As I presented these facts I pointed out to my young interlocutor that the Faith was not divided, but rather we Christians were bound together in a shared faith beginning with the apostles and prophets.

When you received the word of God … you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is the Word of God. That is an exciting thought to the child of God. I caution you against the error of surrendering to specious speculations of pseudointellectuals and pop psychologists who attempt to rationalise every facet of life; remember that we Christians share a faith which reaches back to Jerusalem and finds common ground with holy men of God. This Word on which we have fixed our faith is the very Word of God.

Thankful Because Of an Active Faith — Paul reviewed the life of the Thessalonians and he always gave thanks because theirs was an active faith. He rejoiced that he was able to see the Word of God at work in [those] who believe[d]. In these words of the Apostle is an exciting thought: the Word of God is at work in you who believe. I do not believe I am remiss if I see a general statement extending to all believers for all time.

That Greek verb translated at work [ejnergei'tai] conveys the concept of efficient, effective and productive work. The root of the word is the source of our English word energy. The word describes the energy and effective power which is identified with God Himself. In short, when we believe we enter into a living, dynamic Faith which impels us to act out our faith. In the realm of the Faith, there is no such creature as passive faith. There is no gift conferred of filling a pew. The redeemed are saved in order to serve.

God is not honoured by quiescent faith; God saves us and energises us with His Holy Spirit that we might serve Him and glorify His Name. Throughout the Word of God, both by precept and example is this truth taught. The Apostle, defending himself before Agrippa and Bernice and Festus, spoke of his conversion. In Acts 26:4-23, he told of his salvation and then stated: So then, King Agrippa, I found a good church and sat down to await further directions. Is that the way your Bible reads? Throw it away if it does. Verse nineteen states: So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient … I preached.

I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship is the challenge of Romans 12:1. Salvation anticipates service.

I challenge you to listen once more to Ephesians 2:8-10: It is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Saved, we are God's workmanship, and we are created for what purpose? To do good works! Did this expectation occur to God as an afterthought? No, for we know that God prepared [them] in advance for us to do.

We must correct an error commonly bruited about today, an error of grave proportions and with serious repercussions. Among far too many of the professed saints of God the idea that service demands some sort of great, earth-shaking call, usually accompanied by a momentous experience. Without this stunning experience one cannot serve the Lord. Because this error has become so commonly accepted among the saints of God, worship has been reduced to a spectator sport in which believers go to watch the worship team perform on the stage. Church services are viewed as entertainment and the audience can always shift allegiance in order to find the most entertaining show in town. Christians have developed a consumer mentality toward the Faith.

Some pay for the privilege of watching this performance with a nominal tip to God, perhaps considering it a cheap form of amusement. Tragic as such degradation may be, the greater tragedy is that Christian service is reduced to a vague concept far removed from life. Nothing could be further from the truth. Every Christian has received a call from God to service, for if saved we remain on this earth in order to glorify Him through service to Him.

My father, whom I dearly loved and greatly respected, once stated that I was eager to witness because I was called to preach. "No," I corrected him, "I am eager to preach because that is my spiritual gift. I am eager to witness because that is why I was saved." Each believer is responsible to serve, now.

Some have commented that my face grows red as I speak; I plead guilty. Others have spoken of the fact that I grow animated whenever I speak of the Faith; I confess the charge is true. I suppose I grow animated and excited because I am convinced that I am presenting the living Word which is capable of transforming lives. To those who only come to watch a performance I say, don't you wish you had something to transform life? To those who resent my enthusiasm, don't you wish you had something worth shouting about? I never cease to marvel that if I go to an Oilers hockey game and yell myself hoarse, I am a fan, but if I yell about my faith, I am a fanatic. I believe I would rather be fanatical about something which makes a difference than be a fan of something which will never change one life.

If you are a Christian you indeed have something worth growing animated about. Everybody has some aspect of life which excites and enlivens. The majority of our fellow citizens grow excited about affairs which are of small moment. In one hundred years, will it really matter whether the Blue Jays won the World Series? In fifty years, will it really matter whether the Eskimos defeated Stampeders? In twenty-five years, will it really matter whether the trout you caught weighed six pounds or four pounds? In ten years, will it really matter what specious speculation Ophrah discussed on her most recent show?

However, ten years from now those whose lives have been transformed by the power of Christ's resurrection will still be alive in Him. Fifty years from now those who trusted Christ will still be living in Him. One hundred years from now… a thousand years from now… throughout eternity those whose lives have been redeemed by the power of Christ and who have been set free from the power of the grave will still be alive in Him. That is something worth being excited over. The thought is powerful to urge us on in our service to the Lord.

The problem with too many professing saints today is that they have failed to understand the significance of the message they have received. They have forgotten the excitement of a living Faith. Thus, such slackers are consigned to live in the status quo until Christ returns. Status quo is Latin for the rut we are in.

As Christians the Word of God works in us because God Himself is at work in our lives. Paul wrote to the Philippians, it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose [Philippians 2:13]. To the Christians in Colosse Paul wrote that God's energy was powerfully working in him impelling him to struggle and to labour as he proclaim[ed Christ], admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that [he might] present every perfect in Christ [Colossians 1:28,29]. What was true for Paul is true for every Christian; ours is a living, dynamic, vibrant, Faith.

Permit me to show you this exciting truth concerning the Gospel you received as the Word of God. In Ephesians 1:19-23 we read of God’s power which is at work in us. Three truths are evident concerning that divine power: it gives life; it exalts Christ; and it builds the Church. Where the power of God reigns among believers souls are converted, Christ is glorified, and the Church is strengthened. If no one is being converted in a church, it is tacit testimony that the power of God is not regnant. If Christ is not being glorified when the people gather for worship, it is a silent statement of failure to exercise our rightful inheritance. If the Church is not being strengthened through our labours together, it is confirmation of our refusal to be what God intended. Ours is a living, dynamic, vibrant, life-changing Faith.

Thankful Because Of A Persevering Faith — A seductive heresy entices saints to desert the Faith once delivered to the saints. Those saints would insist that they are standing where the fathers stood, but even a casual examination of their doctrine will reveal the lie. In this distorted theology salvation is viewed as the means by which we coerce God into doing our will. Though there is a vague concept of heaven and rewards to be unveiled the emphasis is upon the present. In this errant teaching man is promised health and happiness, pleasure and prosperity, now. Was this somehow insufficient to insure condemnation, these modern Gnostics ridicule anyone who dares speak of perseverance or who thinks to caution against a contemporary paradise on earth. As a minister of Christ, as a servant of the Gospel, I warn you against succumbing to this blatant perversion of the Faith. I remind you of the solemn words of Christ and the apostles.

To the Thessalonians Paul offered not one word of rebuke for their lack of faith when they were persecuted, nor did he promise them freedom from trial. He acknowledged they were even then under pressure – and that attack was from their own countrymen. In fact, he would continue to say these Thessalonians were destined for the trials they were even then experiencing [1 Thessalonians 3:3]. In this earliest of pauline epistles we discover that persecution and pressure is the anticipated lot of God’s saints in this fallen world.

This warning was consistent with the apostolic message delivered from earliest days of the first missionary journeys. Travelling through the cities of Lystra, Iconium and Antioch the missionary band encouraged the believers to remain true to the faith. The reason given for this encouragement was that We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God [Acts 14:22]. Think of that! The encouragement delivered was to expect many hardships before we may enter the Kingdom of God! That message would get a hearing among the saints today!

To the end of his ministry the Apostle delivered this same warning. Reviewing his life for Timothy, Paul reminded the young and timid theologue, You … know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings — what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Then the aged saint warned the callow servant of Christ that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted [2 Timothy 3:10-12]. Timothy knew Paul, having travelled with him. He would be well able to acknowledge not only the apostolic teaching, but he would recognise that the Christian calling entailed patience … endurance, persecutions, sufferings. You will also remember that Paul had earlier invited Timothy to join me in suffering for the gospel [2 Timothy 1:8b].

You cannot read after Paul without being struck by the fact that he anticipated trials, that he recommended his manner of life to his readers and that he expected that those reading his letters would likewise experience trial and testing. Such an attitude can only flow from one who has been set free from focusing on this transient life. Such a response to pressure can only reside in one who is free to anticipate that this life is but the entrance to something permanent.

Where did Paul learn such a response to pressures? Where did he discover that this life was but a passing dream? He learned it from His Lord. Do you recall the words of Jesus recorded in John 15:18-16:4? It would no doubt prove instructive to review that teaching. Concluding His instruction Jesus did not use the conditional if, rather He stated, I have told you this, so that when the time comes [John 16:4]. The same Jesus who gave these words also warned His people: in this world you will have trouble [John 16:33]. When Paul warned Christians of hardship, he was but iterating the words of Jesus.

I do not intend to focus in this message on the types of trials we may anticipate. However, I do seek to concentrate on the fact that the faith displayed among these Thessalonians, and the faith which causes us to give thanks for one another, is a persevering faith. Despite persecution and suffering the Thessalonians became imitators of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus [verse 14a]. I will not lie in a vain attempt to shield you from the terrors of opposition; I assure you that the more Christlike you aspire to be, the harder you will be pressed. I do, however, insist that your faith will persevere and that you will overcome the world.

I do not preach a Faith which shields from opposition. Quite the opposite! I assure you that as believer you will experience opposition. As a Christian you will be misunderstood and opposed by a world which cannot appreciate exposure of its darkened condition. As a Christian you will be a source of embarrassment to those who wish their deeds to remain secret. As a Christian your faith will be misrepresented and you will be attacked both secretly and openly by unbelievers. At times you may think you stand alone, having been deserted. Temptation to find relief from the world’s assault by embracing the philosophies of this world will be ever present.

Yet I insist on the authority of God's Word that yours is a persevering faith and that you shall overcome the world! As Christians we have overcome the evil one [1 John 2:13,14]. As Christians we will overcome every errant spirit [1 John 4:4]. As Christians we overcome the world by our faith [1 John 5:4]. This is our heritage; this is the promise of God.

You will recall that I previously cited Paul's final letter to Timothy in which he spoke of his life and the pressures every Christian can anticipate. I failed to quote that final sentence in verse eleven: Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. The persecutions, the sufferings and all that transpired in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra were but a distant memory. It is not that these things never happened nor even that the Apostle was some sort of a detached observer; it was rather that these events were not permitted to control his life since he was aware of what God was doing.

In fact, I recommend to you who are believers this view of our response to pressures which is found in Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. Here is a proper evaluation of your pressures: I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us… therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

The pressures of this life are being used by our God to equip us for future glory. Opposition by those outside the Faith is but evidence that we honour God through standing in the Faith. It is not that God brings trial into our life; but it is that God employs the trials to life to His glory and for our good. Our Father is the God who is too wise to make a mistake and too good to needlessly hurt us.

Is He your God? Do you have this sort of faith? Have you discovered the life which is extended to all who are in Christ? This is our invitation to you today: to believe this Good News and to be born from above into the Family of God. Oh, that you would share this faith with us, this faith which was first delivered by the apostles and prophets. Oh, that you would be one revealing the power of a living, active faith. Oh, that you would be one who reveals the power of this Gospel through persevering with us in the face of every opposition until the day our Saviour returns. For surely our Lord Christ is returning soon. Amen.