1 Thessalonians 3
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INTRO
INTRO
Good morning church!
Today we continue our study in 1 Thessalonians and if you’re joining us for the first time we encourage you to get on our website (fccrb.org) and listen to the past few messages in this series.
We discovered in chapter one about Paul being an evangelist and desire to take the gospel to “all nations”.
Last week in chapter two we saw a glimpse of Paul’s heart as a Pastor, caring for and nurturing the new believers in Christ.
We could see that as Paul lays out and we well know there are two sides to discipleship- sharing and helping people receive the gospel message with clarity and then helping those who have made a decision to follow Christ grow and mature in their new Christian life.
This week, in chapter 3 Paul deals with how the church was to stand on its own.
We know that from our text the Thessalonians were being bombarded with a culture infatuated with idol worship, filled with promiscuity and greed.
So, for them to choose to follow Christ was to go against their culture, and because of that they were heavily persecuted.
Before we jump into the passage today I think it would be good to discuss what kind of persecution they were facing.
When the Christians recognized that there was only one true God, it went against a culture of pagans that worshipped many different gods all over the world.
When those pagans began to feel pressure on their livelihood by the testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ from Christians, persecution broke out.
When I say the people’s livelihood was challenged it means because there were so many different gods worshipped, many people had a lucrative business in selling the needed statues, spices, animals, etc. for them to worship.
When pagans turned from idols to Christianity like those in the Thessalonian church, they stopped buying idol paraphernalia which affected businesses.
Talk about India and the lucrative business of idols and the shrines along the streets.
Let’s go back even further;
The early Christians were persecuted by the Jews for saying that Jesus of Nazareth was the true Messiah.
Then you had Christian Jews who were persecuted because they were sharing the gospel and associating with Gentiles (those who weren’t Jews).
And Gentile Christians were persecuted for believing in only one True God.
As far as the Roman governments issue with Christians went;
When someone acknowledged “Jesus is Lord”, it was affirming that Jesus’ rule and sovereignty challenged the rule of the Roman Empire.
Because of this, the Roman Empire called on Christians to pledge their allegiance to him instead but in the Christian’s consciences, they of course didn’t obey.
As time went on, in AD 64, the issue became much worse when a man named Nero became the Roman Emperor.
At that time fires broke out in the city and Nero put the blame on the Christians so that man could be arrested and killed in horrible ways.
The persecution and killing became so vile and hostile toward Christians that even those who opposed Christians criticized Nero’s actions.
When Nero left power persecution remained but not at the same level, and it was more sporadic.
Overall Christianity was seen as a very large threat to the social order of the early 2nd century Roman Empire.
Read 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
PRAY
Pain and the many parts to it- affliction, suffering, hardship, persecution and adversity are seen as invading enemies of life.
Often times, when our comfort zones are invaded and get squeezed, we get angry- right?
We don’t enjoy getting out of our comfort zones.
But when we read throughout God’s Word, pain is a necessary part of life.
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,
We see in Philippians that suffering goes hand in hand with faith.
We also know where it originated.
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—
Sin and suffering entered through Adam.
However, though the world is in a fallen state and the result was pain and suffering, God in His goodness, chose to use the inevitable afflictions, because of sin, to teach us to rely on His strength and Words.
It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Adversity slows us down so that we can turn to God.
And all of these things that we think, in our flesh, only should happen to people who deserve it refine us and form us into the image of Christ.
But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
As believers we recognize our sinfulness but turn to God to cleanse us daily through the Holy Spirit’s power and remember that we can get through each day because Christ was and is our perfect example.
Turning to our text, we see that in verses 1-2 that the Thessalonians learned and modeled faithfulness in suffering first hand.
Paul writes that he sent Timothy to strengthen the believers there.
The word “strengthen” in Greek refers to a buttress, which was used often in Roman architecture.
SHOW PICTURES OF A BUTTRESS.
A buttress was used to stabilize the building itself, it was very important for the integrity of the building as a whole.
As Paul continues in his letter we see his heart for these believers, he sends Timothy who is one of his closest friends and ministry partners to encourage and comfort the believers there.
He sent Timothy also because of his Christian character.
As problems arose in churches, Paul would often send Timothy or another man named Titus to troubleshoot the situations.
Not only was Timothy sent to Thessalonica but he was also sent to the churches in Corinth and Philippi as well, to help out.
Timothy was a man who liked to be in the background and to help people where they needed to be spiritually, he was patient with people.
Paul says this about him in Philippians 2:20,
I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.
Timothy brought that encouragement and comfort needed to the church and then he reported back to Paul and Silas in Corinth.
So, Paul’s intent here in verses 3-5 was to remind the new believers that the trials and persecution they faced was part of the Christian life.
And also that Satan will use different tactics in the way he did in the garden to deceive and devour, especially those new to the faith.
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
Satan wants nothing more than for us to dwell on the following questions during difficult times:
Doesn’t God care about me anymore?
Didn’t He promise to never leave me or forsake me?
How can a good, powerful God let this happen to me?
But as the writer in Hebrews tells us,
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
So when the question does God care about me comes up we should remember 1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
God does care for us, He cared for us so much that He sent His only Son and made a way for us.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
When we wonder if God has left us because of sin we’ve committed or are going through a tough time, it’s important to think of Romans 8:31-39.
READ ROMANS 8:31-39
And when we question evil and suffering and wonder how a good God could allow it we tend to forget these truths from His Word:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
So, when we read about the Thessalonians faithfulness to their commitment to Christ we should also keep in mind that yes, it is easy to go back to our old life and sin but why would we with the fulfillment and joy that only Christ can provide.
We are in God’s family through Christ and God loves and protects His children, especially through the toughest times in life.
Verse 8 shows Paul’s excitement for the Thessalonians report from Timothy.
For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
Knowing that they were going to be alright, that God’s Word brought them strength, joy and peace- and that these things enabled them to not be easily persuaded to go back to their old way of life put Paul at ease.
So, with that Paul says, ok now I can breathe a little bit better, “now we really live!”
As a parent isn’t it good to know if your kid’s are doing okay being away from you?
Have you ever lost a kid in a store or somewhere else?
Frantically running around and when you find them you’re relieved and overjoyed?
It’s the same for Paul in a way as He was relieved hearing how they were doing when he was worried he had lost them to the enemies tactics and persecution.
He was overjoyed that they were committed and established in studying and living out God’s Word.
Paul knew and we know as believers that God’s Word is the source for equipping ourselves for battle.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
If we are not in God’s Word and living it out, we can not grow spiritually and stable in our lives.
Just as Paul had a heart for the local church, we must understand that the local church still serves the purpose to help believers grow in their faith and train others to do the same.
In Ephesians 4, Paul writes about the different spiritual gifts that the body can use to build up one another and to glorify God with.
As Paul gained more confidence in the Thessalonian church knowing they were going to be ok, and they were standing in the Lord, we should also be concerned and care for our brothers and sisters who are following Christ.
How long does it take to check on someone? To write a card, letter? Send a text or make a phone call?
Doing these things, which I know many of you have, makes a huge difference in people’s life and in turn we get blessed by it as well growing in friendship together.
We have had many in our church family struggle with chronic pain, cancer, life issues, marital problems, etc. but one thing I am so thankful to be a part of is a highly committed praying church.
If you didn’t know this already, or if you’re new, we take prayer seriously and love to pray for people.
We have seen God answer prayers over the years many many times and we have seen God’s timing is perfect in prayer.
Paul writes about his prayer life in verse 10.
Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
As chapter 3 comes to a close Paul finishes it in the last 2 verses with his prayer for them.
He prays two things:
(Verse 12) May the Lord make your...
love increase and overflow for each other
for everyone else
just as ours does for you.
(Verse 13) May He strengthen your hearts...
so that you will be blameless
and holy in the presence of our God and Father
when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Do you remember our theme verse for 1 Thessalonians?
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This has been Paul’s heart and prayer for the young believers at Thessalonica but it’s also, as a Pastor, my prayer for each one of us.
We are a loving church and I have always been proud to be a part of that but at times, especially during Covid, opinions fly and can easily cause harsh disagreements or damage to friendships.
I would encourage us all that as tensions rise, as culture’s values can have an influence on us, chose to love as Christ loves- which is to be sincere, patient and grace filled for our brothers and sisters and those around us.
If we need to seek forgiveness with someone, do it.
If we need to be more patient and humble in our approaches, pray for that.
But Paul understood the situation at Thessalonica- many around the new believers wanted to destroy the church or discourage their faith, but Paul tried to remind them to be steadfast in their love for the Lord first and also one another.
As believers we are to show others the love that Christ showed us.
His second prayer in verse 13 repeats a common theme in his whole letter; blamelessness, holiness and the Lord’s return.
In the Old Testament;
“Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.
for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.
Holiness is the principle that separates the believer from the world.
If you’ve made a decision to ask for forgiveness from your sins, believing that Jesus paid for them on the cross, rose again on the third day and put your trust in Christ, surrendering your life to Him you are saved.
Not only are you saved and have eternal life but you are considered holy.
Not from anything we’ve done or the works we’ve accomplished but because of the work that Jesus accomplished on the cross in spite of our sin.
Because God is a holy God and makes us holy through Jesus, He causes every part of our character to stand before His inspection and meet His approval to be in His presence forever.
We are His children and we should have no fear of death because Jesus conquered death and made a way for us.
As Paul concludes he mentions that at the Lord’s return “all his holy ones” will be there.
This not only refers to the Thessalonian believers, but also all other believers as well.
As we look to the Lord’s return for His church, this is the motivation for our living in this life.
We recognize that our time here is so short compared to eternity and we have a hope beyond this life that enables us to have complete joy through life’s most difficult circumstances.
Paul experienced this joy, he wrote about it, so did the Thessalonians and so do we!
And looking back at these verses we can see a model of prayer that makes theological sense.
It is also consistent within the New Testament.
He prays to the Father, through the Son Jesus Christ (who is interceding for us next to the Father), and by the Holy Spirit’s power.
The Holy Spirit helps us pray when we don’t have the words, He helps us understand truth as we read God’s Word and gives us discernment as we weigh life choices.
Paul’s heart is that these believers would stand faithful in following Christ, no matter what they encounter until the coming of the Lord.
As believers we will not stand in judgment for our sins because God settled that when we first put our trust in Christ, believing that He paid the penalty on the cross, but we will stand tested for our works.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Now if someone is a good person yet has not put their full trust in Christ, they will not stand before God nor enter His presence in heaven.
But for those who believe and have given their hearts and lives to Christ, they will live differently and desire to do works to glorify God, not themselves or to show off for other people.
Those works or deeds are the ones mentioned in 2 Corinthians.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As Paul prayed for his congregation, my prayer for us is that we trust His Holy Spirit in our lives for peace and to be changed and renewed in our character each day; That our spirit, soul and body strives for purity and holiness in an impure and idol centered culture until Christ’s return.
We can easily substitute the artificial in place of the authentic and it doesn’t help our lives.
We do this in three ways:
1. Mentally we substitute wordly knowledge and information for true wisdom found in God’s Word.
2. Emotionally we substitute feelings and our opinions for true facts- always remember our emotions change but God’s character does not.
3. Spiritually we substitute the temporary and earthly for the eternal/ heavenly.
God does not want our empty praise, shallow love or left overs- He wants all of us and His desire is that we love and serve others to that end.
He is the only source for true knowledge, character and salvation/eternal life.
If you haven’t put your trust in Christ, will you do that today?
And if you have, will you take Paul’s advice and go after holiness in every aspect of your life, through Christ and by the Holy Spirit’s power until the return of Christ?
Doing that will require many changes in your lifestyle but pray for God’s help and He will give it to you through the Holy Spirit.
LET’S PRAY