I THESSALONIANS Sermons

I THESSALONIANS Sermons by Rev. Mike Jones [Revised September 17, 2021]

IThess 01:1-7 HOW TO TURN A FAMILY CHURCH INTO A FAMOUS CHURCH

IThess 01:9 RECOGNIZING THE RIGHT GOD

IThess 02:18 HURTLING YOUR HINDRANCES

IThess 04:4 VESSELS TO HONOR

IThess 04:11-12 3 PRACTICES TO PONDER

IThess 04:13-18 RAPTURE

IThess 04:13-5:11 READY FOR HIS RETURN

ITHESS 4:13-5:11 BE NOT IGNORANT

IThess 05:1-9 READY FOR HIS RETURN

1Thess 05:4-6 WHY PREACH ON SECOND COMING

IThess 05:11 DUTIES FOR THE DECADE

IThess 05:1-11 RESULTS OF KNOWING CHRIST WILL RETURN

1Thess 05:17 PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

IThess 05:18 GRATITUDE

IThess 05:23-28 A RIGHT STANDING CHURCH

IThess 01:1-7 HOW TO TURN A FAMILY CHURCH INTO A FAMOUS CHURCH

First Thessalonians is among the earliest of Paul’s writings. He wrote it during his year and a half ministry in Corinth (51AD). Paul only ministered in Thessalonica for 3 weeks before the opposition became so strong until he had to leave (Acts 17:1-10).

Later, Timothy was sent (3:1-2) back to Thessalonica to encourage the church and bring Paul word about how they were doing. Paul is encouraged by their courage and writes this letter in order to give them some standards to go by and also to encourage them to look for the Lord=s return as a help during their intense persecution.

In the First Chapter Paul shares some amazing things about this Church. He even goes so far as to say that this small church born in the midst of intense persecution had become “an example to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia” (1:7). It had grown from a little family of believers into a famous church throughout the “State”

.How did this happen and how can we make it happen here?

1) Their Character- vs 3

A) Work energized by Faith

B) Service motivated by Love

C) Unwavering Hope in the return of Jesus Christ.

2) Their Selection- vs 4 They believed God had something special for them and they would not rest until they had done God=s will.

3) Their Confidence- vs 5 In the Power and Truth of the Word

4) Their Commitment- vs 6 To serve the Lord in spite of persecution.

A new Pastor asked each family he visited this question, “Does Christ Live here?” Revival soon began.

IThess 01:9 RECOGNIZING THE RIGHT GOD

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

In Spain they know an Agnostic or Apathetic God. They believe that God does not exist or, if He does exist, then He does not really care.

In Brazil they know Another God. A large part of the population profess to be “Christians” but a large majority of these also worship Spiritualism and the Occult.

In Japan they know Ancestor God. The traditions and teachings of the ancients form the base of much worship

In India they know Area Gods. There are several major religions but most areas have a special “god” that controls and cares for their community.

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians that they had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1:9). Who is that True God and how do we recognize Him?

1. God’s Work- Faith in Jesus: Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent (John 6:29)

2. God’s Weapons- For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (2 Corinthians 10:3 4)

3. God’s Way- And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein (Isaiah 35:8)

4. God’s Worship- God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)

5. God’s Will-

A) For Sinners- Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

B) For Saints- For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

Okay, let’s let you witness to a Spaniard and tell him why your God is the Right God-

Spaniard: “Don’t talk to me about this God stuff! I have enough problems without complicating my life with religion. Besides, if there was a God then how do you explain the Tsunami in India or the hurricane in America or my best friend who died of cancer at 18 or my father leaving my mother and I to move in with some blond bimbo at work!”

Christian: “You are blaming the wrong god. The God I know and serve created man and put him into a wonderful world free of pain and sorrow and strife. It was the god of this world, Satan, who led man astray and started the horrible chain of events you face today.

The Good News is that the Lord God wants to give you the peace of Heart you long for and can never find and one day He has promised to put you into that perfect paradise you seek.”

IThess 02:18 HURTLING YOUR HINDRANCES

There are numerous ways we can be hindered in our progress-

1) Someone can grab us from behind and hold us.

2) Something can Block our way.

3) We lack the necessary equipment to do our job.

4) We don’t have the strength or motivation to accomplish what needs to be done.

These same type hindrances face us in our Christian life.

1) Who grabs us from behind and holds us? SATAN- I Thess 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

2) What can block our way?

A) PRESSURES OF DUTY- Rom 15:22 For which cause [maintaining my ministry in Asia Minor] also I have been much hindered from coming to you. A Christian is not OF the world but he must live IN the world and sometimes the “daily duties” keep him from showing concern and compassion as he should. But isn’t it strange how men will wait in a doctor’s office for hours because of some physical problem and yet expect someone to beg and bribe them to come for help with their spiritual problem?

B) PEOPLE’S OPINION- I Cor 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Many times a servant of God must sacrifice even things he needs in order to maintain his testimony. He may be able to win that woman to the Lord if it were not for the fact that he can’t be alone in her home. We must continually walk that “narrow line” between not caring what they say about us and caring tremendously about what they say about our Lord.

3) What keeps us from having the necessary Equipment to work for God?

A) MISAPPLICATION OF DOCTRINE (They were being taught that they had to be circumcised as well as believe the Gospel to be saved)- Gal 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? The Bible has given us EVERYTHING we need to do the work of God but it can destroy life instead of save lives if wrongly used. People are also hindered because they don’t STUDY the Scriptures so they can know what is right. They don’t APPLY Scriptural Principals and so become hearers and not doers.

B) FAMILY PROBLEMS- I Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Our Home life is wrong so our prayer life is wrong so we don’t have the power we need to accomplish God’s will and work.

4) What can steal our strength and motivation?

A) JEALOUS NEIGHBORS- Neh 4:7-8 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, And conspired all of them together to come and fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. We become so busy fighting the world until we don’t have time to save it!!

B) FAILURES AND FIGHTINGS AMONG CHRISTIANS- We sow the seed and give our all to see it begin to take root; and then weeds come along and kill it, or some careless Christian steps on it!! And we get tired and discouraged.

How can we hurtle these Hindrances? Job 9:12 Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him (GOD)? who will say unto him, What doest thou? Let God guide and control our lives. He not only knows the way but HE IS THE WAY!!

What’s Hindering YOU from coming to or Continuing with Christ?? It’s time to remove the Hindrance and take up the Cross.

IThess 04:4 VESSELS TO HONOR

1Th 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

2Ti 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

Possessing your vessel in Sanctification and Honor:

Honesty: De 23:24 When thou comest into thy neighbour’s vineyard, then thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure; but thou shalt not put any in thy vessel.

Pure: Pr 25:4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

Correctly Shaped: Jer 18:4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Should not hide our Light: Lu 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

Can have a Special Job for God: Ac 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Must Properly Relate to other Vessels: 1Pe 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

IThess 04:11-12 3 PRACTICES TO PONDER

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. 1 Th 4:11-12

Paul is giving the Thessalonian Christians some good advice for the way they should live their lives in these last days. In the midst of a tremendous amount of information he gives us 3 important Practices to strive to attain. These practices would help all Christians in their Attitudes and in their Actions.

Paul uses an interesting word to begin his instruction. He tells us to “Study” to do these things. The word “Study” means to- Striving eagerly to attain. In other words, “Ponder how you can put these actions into Practice”.

1. To be quiet- There are two ways this can be used:

a. To not make noise (Literally, “Keep your mouth closed”). God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth. If people would listen twice as much as they talk the world would be much better off.

b. To have a tranquil spirit. At Peace with God, with those around you, and with yourself.

You ponder how to be the person God wants you to be. You don’t try to PUSH yourself on others or PROMOTE yourself at the expense of friends and family. In this day of “I’m Number 1” we need some people who show quiet steady dependability in their life.

2. To do your own business- Not a meddler. Prov 26:17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. Easy to grab but hard to let loose!!

If some people spent as much time cleaning their back yard as they do talking about their neighbors back yard then the world would be a much cleaner place to live in. Ponder ways to make the world a better place by your example instead of your gossip.

3. To work with your own hands (Not lazy or a parasite). Honest work renews the mind, refreshes the body, and eases the conscience. Many People long to retire From Work. I think there is a time to change from the work you’ve done all your life to another job but everyone needs some time of occupation and goal. Work with your hands- paint, sew, garden, write, etc.

The Reasons:

1. Testimony That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without. A man who is steady and dependable in life will have a tremendous impact on those around him.

2. Supply that ye may have lack of nothing. God is able to supply manna from heaven but He expects you to gather it each day! Some people starve rather than walk into the kitchen where the food is.

IThess 04:13-18 RAPTURE

What do you anticipate? Vacation, Christmas, week-end. (Me enjoying family Christmas compared with woman whose husband was drunk all Christmas).

Paul called the Rapture the “Blessed Hope” in Titus. For many people it is not a Hope they look forward to but a fact they dread.

1) Life is Familiar

2) Family is loved

3) Judgment is feared

3 things should take place when we think of the Rapture.

1) Calm us down- God has a plan and it is working

2) Send up out- World needs Jesus and time is passing.

3) Clean us up- Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure (1 John 3:2 3).

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Rom 14:10 12).

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. Are you ready?Personal life exposed.

(Notes from SS Lesson on these verses)

1. The Resurrection is promised to all who place their faith in Jesus. (I Corinth 15:1-20 )

2. The Resurrection means Believers can grieve with hope

3. The Promise of Jesus= Return is the Believer=s hope.

4. The Return of Jesus will surprise many

5. The Return of Jesus will not surprise Believers.

Put these events in their proper order.

__ A shout

__ Catching up of believers living at the time of Christ=s return

__ Resurrection of the dead in Christ

__ Sounding of a Trumpet

__ The Lord will descend from heaven

__ Voice of the archangel

IThess 04:13-5:11 READY FOR HIS RETURN

No matter how “good” you try to be, Life is miserable without belief in a better future. The Teachings of Christ and the Death of Christ did not transform His followers- It was the witness of the resurrection and the Power of the Holy Spirit that transformed men into world changers – If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable-1 Corinthians 15:19.

Our belief in the Return of Christ will impact the Way we Live {Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure-1 John 3:2-3} and the way we face Death { But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope-1 Thess 4:13}.

The Fact of a Future is not universally accepted- Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation– II Pet 3:3-4

THERE ARE 3 BASIC REASONS FOR HIS RETURN FOR CHRISTIANS: CHRIST IS COMING TO:

A) Redeem our bodies Rom 8:23 “Fleshly” will become “Spiritual (I Cor 15)

B) Receive us into His Presence Jn 14:3, I Thess 4:17. We’ll Be with HIM!! See Rev 21:3

C) Reward us- Rev 22:12. The 5 crowns the Believer may receive are:

1. The Incorruptible Crown (Having to do with our works) I Cor 9:25 Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things, They do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

2. The Crown of Righteousness (Having to do with our Love and Purity See I Jn 3:2 3) II Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

3. The Crown of Life (Having to do with our steadfastness). James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.

4. The Crown of Glory (For faithful Pastors) I Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

5. The Crown of Rejoicing (Soul Winner’s Crown) I Thess 2:19 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?

This is the time that Christians will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ {Rewards} Rom 14:10 12 For we shall all stand before the Judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Some of the things we may be judged for are:

a. The idle words we spoke- But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment (Matthew 12:36).

b. The “Talent” we wasted- Matt 25

c. How effectively we controlled our old nature- But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (1 Cor 9:27).

Remember, It is Christ’s Return we Long For: For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are (1 Corinthians 3:11-17).

ITHESS 4:13-5:11 BE NOT IGNORANT

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do (1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 5:11).

Paul begins by saying, “I would not have you to be ignorant”. There are 4 things Paul would not have us ignorant of:

1. The reason for Israel’s Blindness- that the Gentiles might come in. Rom 11:25

2. The Events in the Old Testament as warnings to us I Cor 10:1-4

3. The Place of Spiritual Gifts I Cor 12:1

4. The Condition of the dead in Christ I Thess 4:13]

COMFORT ABOUT THE DEAD IN CHRIST

A) The Comfort of their present state- asleep in Christ. (This does not teach Soul Sleep!! The body sleeps, not the soul- Ecc 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. See also Phil 1:23 and note vs 14 will bring with him

B) The Comfort of the Heavenly Reunion

1. Caught up together- The dead receive their new bodies and then we which are alive and remain will go with them.

Caught up:

• To catch away speedily- No warning

• To seize by force- Satan will try to hinder

• To claim for one’s self- bride by bridegroom

• To move to a new place- heaven

• To rescue from danger- Tribulation

2. And so shall we ever be- Home at last; with our new body; in the presence of the Lord!!

IThess 05:1-9 READY FOR HIS RETURN

Recently the Christian world has been disturbed by a booklet mailed to all the Pastors in the area entitled “88 Reasons Christ will return in 1988”. It is not the ranting of some wild-eyed fanatic but the conscious studying of a man seriously seeking to discern the Lord’s will and time. In this booklet the author has related the coming of the Lord to the Jewish feasts and comes to the conclusion that Christ will return before the Jewish feast of “Yom Kippur” on September 21 of 1988.

Some people are SKEPTICAL of the Idea [After all, noone knows the day or the hour of Christ’s return–but he deals very ably with this fact in the beginning of his booklet]. Some simply SCOFF, but remember II Pet 3:3-4 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. However some hear it as a clear SOUND for Christians to be warned about their lukewarm states and renew their Zeal for the Lord-II Peter 3: 11-13 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. The idea must be for Christians to live so that if the Lord comes back in September, or August, or whenever; we are Ready for His Return.

THERE ARE 3 BASIC REASONS FOR HIS RETURN FOR THE CHRISTIAN:

CHRIST IS COMING TO:

A) Redeem our bodies Rom 8:23 “Fleshly” will become “Spiritual

B) Receive us into His Presence Jn 14:3, I Thess 4:17 We’ll Be with HIM!! See Rev 21:3

C) Reward us- Rev 22:12. The 5 crowns the Believer may receive are:

1. The Incorruptible Crown (Having to do with our works) I Cor 9:25 Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things, They do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

2. The Crown of Righteousness (Having to do with our Love and Purity See I Jn 3:2 3) II Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

3. The Crown of Life (Having to do with our steadfastness). James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.

4. The Crown of Glory (For faithful Pastors) I Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

5. The Crown of Rejoicing (Soul Winner’s Crown) I Thess 2:19 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?

This is the time that Christians will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ Rom 14:10 12 For we shall all stand before the Judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Some of the things we may be judged for are:

a. How we exercise authority over others

b. How we treat other believers

c. How we use our talents

d. How we suffered for Jesus

e. How effectively we control our old nature

f. How many soul we witness to

g. How we react to temptations

h. How much we read and live the Word of God

i. How faithful we are to Church

j. How much we live our lives in accordance with God’s Plan

HERE ARE 2 BASIC REASONS THE LORD IS RETURNING AS IT CONCERNS SINNERS:

1. To Punish the Rebellious: II Thess 1:7-9 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

This Punishment will involve 7 years of TRIBULATION that will make men cry for death and be unable to find it; and yet continue to blaspheme God!! Men will go from Religious Leaders to Political Leaders and finally learn that continued rebellion against God can only result in death and destruction. These rebellious men will finally end up before the “Great White Throne Judgment” where they will be consigned to eternity in the Lake of fire.

2. To Purge the Earth: II Pet 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

God will make New Heavens and a New Earth wherein dwells righteousness. All of the things that men have built and bought and sacrificed their souls for will be destroyed. In their place the Lord will build a New Earth with it’s capital of New Jerusalem from whence will flow the beauty and blessedness of God.

You are faced with a choice today- You can REBEL against God and His will for your life and suffer the consequences; or you can prepare your heart so that you will be READY when Christ Returns.

Today you have a choice; that choice may soon end!!

1Thess 05:4-6 WHY PREACH ON SECOND COMING

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:4-6).

Why should we care about the Second Coming of Christ?

I. TO MAKE US RIGHTEOUS: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure (1 John 3:2-3).

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:12-13).

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof (Romans 13:11-14).

II. TO GIVE US A SENSE OF URGENCY: And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished (2 Peter 3:4-6).

III. TO COMFORT THOSE WHO HAVE LOVED ONES WHO HAVE DIED: But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

IV. TO KEEP US LOOKING FOR THE NEXT WORLD INSTEAD OF SETTLING IN THIS ONE: Rest, Reward, and Rejoicing. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19).

IThess 05:11 DUTIES FOR THE DECADE

As we look forward to a new Decade we should pursue Goals for God that will help “Make a Difference in this Decade”. Here are some Paul Duties gave to the Thessalonians:

I. COMPANIONSHIP BRING CARE- Comfort some; Edify Some. 1TH 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

II. CONFIDENCE IN LEADERSHIP- 1TH 5:12-13 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

III. CONCERN FOR THOSE AROUND YOU- 1TH 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

For the Disorderly- Warn

For the Feebleminded (Timid, Fainthearted)- Comfort

For the Weak (Spirited)- Support

For All Men- Be Patient

IV. CONSISTENT CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY- As the World become more Selfish we must become more Christlike. 1TH 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

V. CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER:

Joy- 1TH 5:16 Rejoice evermore.

Prayer- 1TH 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Thanksgiving- 1TH 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Spirit Led- 1TH 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.

Guided by the Word- 1TH 5:20 Despise not prophesying.

Diligent- 1TH 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Live Pure- 1TH 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

IThess 05:1-11 RESULTS OF KNOWING CHRIST WILL RETURN

The fact of the Lord’s Return is not open to debate. The time of His return is a matter of constant speculation, however. Sometimes it appears we get so involved in trying to figure out WHEN He will return until we neglect WHAT we are supposed to do in order to be ready when he comes back.

Today I want us to look at the instructions Paul gave the Thessalonian Church on this very matter and determine how we can apply them to our lives today.

I. DON’T BE SURPRISED- “Not in darkness that this day should surprise you like a thief”

A) Be Alert and Self-Controlled

B) Be Clothed with Christian Virtues- faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of Salvation as a helmet.

II. DON’T BE WORRIED- “God did not appoint us to suffer wrath…”

A) Be CONFIDENT in Christ- Christ is WITH US- dead or alive

B) Be COMMITTED to fellow Christians-

1> Encourage one another

2> Build each other up.

1Thess 05:17 PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

I Thess 5:17 Pray without Ceasing. Without Ceasing is the Greek Word “Adialeiptos” and means “without omissions between” or without lapses, regularly, consistently. What Paul is telling the Thessalonians, therefore is to pray consistently and regularly. Remember, Jesus taught the Disciples how to Pray, not Preach

Brother Larry McAlister tells about a room in Heaven full of gifts from God that God had intended to give people but they stopped praying for them.

BELIEF WITHOUT PRACTICE IS UNBELIEF- Believe in Power of Prayer. Watch TV an hour a day but don’t pray ½ hour a day.

FOR PRAYER TO BE EFFECTIVE:

–NEED BURDEN TO PRAY

–NEED BIBLE PROMISES TO CLAIM

Try Writing out Your Prayers for a week

Things to remember about Prayer:

1) You get your prayers answered when you pray Bible Prayers. If you want a Bible answer then pray a Bible Prayer

2) God will take care of what we commit to Him- Ps 37:5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass.

If I have $1 million dollars and decide I don’t trust bank so I keep it at home. Thief comes by and robs me. I can’t sue the bank for not taking care of my money because I didn’t commit it to them; just as I can’t blame God for not working when I want commit things to Him.

IThess 05:18 GRATITUDE

I Thess 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Let’s begin with a “Quiz”. List the Following in the order you feel they belong. “The Problem with People is”:

1. Not Grateful / 2. Not Showing Love

3. Critical / 4. Prideful / 5. Not Understanding

I sort of “stacked the decks” in this list. Each of these is basically the same form of Ingratitude. Many years ago someone took a poll as to the greatest sin committed by mankind and the surprising answer was “ingratitude”. Let’s look at 10 ways we can cultivate the habit of Gratitude.

1. Remember that there is no such thing as a self made man. All Christians are part of the Body of Christ and each part is vital to the others- I Cor 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body being many, are one body; so also is Christ.

2. The Foundation of Gratitude is to expect nothing– Luke 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Remember it’s better to be asked to come up to the head of the table than to be put down.

3. Weigh a Small Gift– Prov 17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. Remember that “money is time wrapped in a paper sack” {$10 is 2 hours of a person’s life at $5 per hour!}.

4. Do Not Weigh a Large Gift– Deut 16:19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

5. Never lose appreciation for a gift. Kids expect big Christmas Presents and don’t appreciate them as much as a surprise.

6. Let nothing extinguish gratitude– Don’t Second Guess the Giver.

7. Feel Gratitude as you remember things done for you– Keep a “Gratitude Book” instead of a “Grudge Book”.

8. Express Gratitude– Remember the 9 lepers who didn’t return. Send Cards, Calls, etc.

9. Be Grateful for the USUAL– Anyone can be thankful for bonus; be thankful for a salary.

10. Be Grateful for not receiving what some others receive– Those with less responsibilities also have less pressures! Don’t Covet until you know the groaning that goes with the gift!

IThess 05:23-28 A RIGHT STANDING CHURCH

The first epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens- Where Paul talked about the “Unknown God”. At the end of this great letter Paul tells the Church what He wants to happen in their life so they can be a “Right Standing Church”.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen (1 Thessalonians 5:23-28).

• He wanted them to worship a God who brought them together in Peace- The very God of Peace

• He wanted them to live Godly in EVERY areas of their life (Spiritual, Emotional, and Bodily) – Sanctify you wholly so your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless.

• He wanted them to Work until the Lord Returned- Unto the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• He wanted them to believe that the God who called them would carry them to the conclusion of their work- Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

• He wanted them to Pray for Spiritual Leaders so they would receive correct and consistent leadership- Brethren, pray for us.

• He wanted them to be people who genuinely cared about each other- Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

• He wanted them to be people of “the Book” (the Word of God)- I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

• He wanted them to be people who appreciated the Grace of God in their life- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen (Saving Grace, Sustaining Grace, Sufficient)

Remember God desires not just a Right Standing Church but also a Right Standing Person: (Psa 1:1-2) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. (Acts 17:18).

Epicureans: A “Force” greater than us exist but it is not concerned with our actions and activities on the earth. We do not stand for a “higher power”; we Stand for God and Christ.

Stoicks: A “god” may be out there but he gave us wisdom to become better and better (“Ye shall be as gods!”) and a passion for pleasure. We do not stand for Society’s Standards as our rules. We Stand on the Word of God.

Stand, and having done all, Stand.