Untitled Sermon

Relationships with others - vs.1-6

Brotherly love of the brethren continue, implies an affection and connection with our brothers in Christ - 1 Thess 4:9-10

1 Thessalonians 4:9–10 ESV

Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more,

Do not neglect strangers, but show hospitality (love strangers)

Consider the prisoners as if we were with them - 1 Cor 12:26; Rom 12:15

1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Romans 12:15 ESV

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Marriage, especially sexual intimacy, should be held in honor by all

God will judge fornicators, who destroy God’s foundation of society

Be content with what you have, because God promises to be our source of provision - Deut 31:6; Psa 118:6; 1 Tim 6:6-8

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Psalm 118:6 ESV

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

1 Timothy 6:6–8 ESV

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Be stable in your faith - vs.7-14

Follow good examples; if someone shows the life of Christ, then imitate their faith - 1 Cor 11:1

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Jesus does not change, so the walk of faith does not need to be updated or modernized

The grace of God is our strength, so doctrines that emphasize a material source of strength are of no benefit - Col 2:20-23

Colossians 2:20–23 ESV

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

As Christians, we have an altar that those who depend on the law have no right to eat from; they cannot have two husbands - Rom 7:1-3

Romans 7:1–3 ESV

Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.

Bodies of animal sacrifices were always disposed of outside the camp of Israel - Exod 29:14

Exodus 29:14 ESV

But the flesh of the bull and its skin and its dung you shall burn with fire outside the camp; it is a sin offering.

So it was necessary for Jesus to die as our sacrifice outside the city of Jerusalem, but that symbol has dual meaning in that we can only come to Him outside the camp of Israel (ie. outside of obedience to law)

Here (not now), we do not have a lasting city (Jerusalem, Hagar, Mt Sinai), but we seek that which is to come (new Jerusalem, Sarah, Mt Zion) - Heb 11:14-16

Hebrews 11:14–16 ESV

For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

Offer sacrifices - vs.15-19

Not for forgiveness of sin, but sacrifices of thanksgiving - praise to God, through doing good and sharing

Obey your leaders and submit with joy and not grief, because that is unprofitable for everyone

Pray for the author, unknown to us, but well known to them, that his clear conscience would be evident to all, and that he will soon be restored to them

Concluding thoughts - vs.20-25

God of peace brought Jesus up from the dead by the blood of the covenant

He equips us to do His will, that which is pleasing to Him

Bear with this exhortation

Greet the brothers everywhere

God’s grace be with you