Definition: the Raising of the Body of all believers in the last day. (literal body)
This is fundamental and very orthodox teaching since the beginning.
Are glimpses in the Old Testament:
Job 19:25-26
Psm. 16:8-10 (David)
Dan. 12:1-2 (Daniel)
John 11:23-24 (Martha)
So, Jewish people had the Jewish background to head them into this direction of a bodily resurrection. There was no New Testament at this time.
So, the doctrine developed with teachings and revelations by Jesus. (example: John 6:38-40 )
So... Paul to the Thessalonians: 1 Thess. 4:13-18 - This teaching = incredulous to the believer.
Note: (1) idea of "soul sleep" - contrast with the Rich man and Lazarus, thief on the cross - "this day...", saints in heaven (Revelation). The idea of soul sleep doesn't bear out in Scripture (can't be upheld)
(2) "loud command" (vs. 16) compare to Lazarus as an example: John 11:43
(3) "caught up" (vs. 17) Latin "RAPTUS" => Rapture
Summary = Called, transformed, gathered!! Compare Matt. 24:30-31
This = far more than life after death.
This = final, complete Redemption! God will not lose a single thing!!
Our body will be reunited with our soul/spirit. Rom. 8:19-23
HOW?? = Power of God!!! (Phil. 3:20-21 )
What will this 'new' body be like?? 1 Cor. 15
(a) different ... yet the same - 1 Cor. 15:35-38
example: seed => plant DNA exactly the same.
(b) spiritual ... yet still physical - 1 Cor. 15:42-44
Compare to Jesus' body - Luke 24:36-44
(c) created like Adam ... Recreated like Jesus! - 1 Cor. 15:45-49
Note: 1 John 3:2
True!! But still a mystery to us!! - 1 Cor. 15:50-53
Christian Resurrection .... hence Christian Burial - example: body buried east to west. Feet facing east, so at resurrection, upper body will rise to the east.
NOTE: pagan efforts to destroy the Hope of resurrection by destroying the Body of the believer (never worked!!) Will be resurrected by the Power of God!!
Question: Two Resurrections??? - John 5:28-29 (also in Daniel)
1st. Resurrection: Rev. 20:4-6
2nd. Resurrection - Rev. 20:11-15
Rev. 20: 6 = ".... no power over them"
Summary, Conclusion, Question: "who are you going to trust?" - Rev. 1:18
And so, 1 Thess. 4:18
Closing Scripture: 1 Cor. 15:54-58
Monday, November 26, 2018
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving = America's most celebrated holiday!
92% of ppl. have a special family gathering and meal
83% offer special grace @ that meal.
Why???
Because: (1) We're blessed - as individuals, as a nation
(2) We (inherently) know it! (even without counting/listing blessings!
(3) We know we ought to SAY SO!! - thanks are due. People inherently know that blessings come from beyond us.
Thanksgiving = time to (1) Recognize our blessings
to (2) Recognize the Blesser - (ie: the source of the blessings)
Example: David's prayer - 1 Chron. 29:14, Deut. 8:17-18
Contrast with: Rom. 1:18-21 - Refusal to recognize Source of blessing leads to (a form of) depravity!
(definition: moral corruption, wickedness, degeneracy, indecency..)
Numerous studies indicate that showing appreciation, expressing gratitude, acknowledging goodness in my life has Positive Effects!! - physical health, mental health, relational health, attitude, outlook, expectation
Therefore: 1 Thess. 5:18
Is clear we should (1) develop a grateful heart - attitude
(2) give thanks - action
(3) develop a habit of thanksgiving
#1. Develop a Grateful Heart = An Attitude of Gratitude
How to develop that??
(1) focus/ "think on" - Phil. 4:8
(2) count (list your blessings --- literally!!)
Give time and thought to this.
#2. Give thanks - biblical references of "give thanks" to "be thankful" - 50:1
Verbal thanks = (1) an offering Psm. 50:23, Heb. 13:15
Bible is HUGE on "Give Thanks"
can be (2) a sacrifice (ie: costs) - 1 Thess. 5:18
#3. Develop a habit of thanksgiving
Illustration: contrast with "habit of complaint" - Psm. 107:1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 21-22, 31-32, 43
Add:
#4. (attempt to..) inspire others through thanksgiving
Example: saying grace in public place
To inspire Thanksgiving = to inspire Worship
To inspire Worship = connect people to God
On one hand, special Thanksgiving meal, prayer, focus, wristband = good thing!!
However, we know it should be year around!!
Closing Scripture: Psm. 106:1-2, 47-48
92% of ppl. have a special family gathering and meal
83% offer special grace @ that meal.
Why???
Because: (1) We're blessed - as individuals, as a nation
(2) We (inherently) know it! (even without counting/listing blessings!
(3) We know we ought to SAY SO!! - thanks are due. People inherently know that blessings come from beyond us.
Thanksgiving = time to (1) Recognize our blessings
to (2) Recognize the Blesser - (ie: the source of the blessings)
Example: David's prayer - 1 Chron. 29:14, Deut. 8:17-18
Contrast with: Rom. 1:18-21 - Refusal to recognize Source of blessing leads to (a form of) depravity!
(definition: moral corruption, wickedness, degeneracy, indecency..)
Numerous studies indicate that showing appreciation, expressing gratitude, acknowledging goodness in my life has Positive Effects!! - physical health, mental health, relational health, attitude, outlook, expectation
Therefore: 1 Thess. 5:18
Is clear we should (1) develop a grateful heart - attitude
(2) give thanks - action
(3) develop a habit of thanksgiving
#1. Develop a Grateful Heart = An Attitude of Gratitude
How to develop that??
(1) focus/ "think on" - Phil. 4:8
(2) count (list your blessings --- literally!!)
Give time and thought to this.
#2. Give thanks - biblical references of "give thanks" to "be thankful" - 50:1
Verbal thanks = (1) an offering Psm. 50:23, Heb. 13:15
Bible is HUGE on "Give Thanks"
can be (2) a sacrifice (ie: costs) - 1 Thess. 5:18
#3. Develop a habit of thanksgiving
Illustration: contrast with "habit of complaint" - Psm. 107:1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 21-22, 31-32, 43
Add:
#4. (attempt to..) inspire others through thanksgiving
Example: saying grace in public place
To inspire Thanksgiving = to inspire Worship
To inspire Worship = connect people to God
On one hand, special Thanksgiving meal, prayer, focus, wristband = good thing!!
However, we know it should be year around!!
Closing Scripture: Psm. 106:1-2, 47-48
Monday, November 12, 2018
Lifestyle Matters - Community Life
Paul addresses: (1) first - the Gospel - how to access God
Then (2) - lifestyle - how to live afterward
On one hand , all people need this instruction/exhortation - makes no difference how close we are to the Lord. (The Jews already had the Mosaic Law - knew God's parameters for how to live)
However, is especially true of Gentiles in that day. Because:
(1) people raised with a pagan worldview
and therefore (2) practiced a pagan lifestyle - mostly very different from God's will.
This was pre-Christian time.
Comparison: challenge to a post-Christian Society (which we in 21st. Century America seem to be in or heading in.)
On one hand, most = believers in God (Christ)
However, NOT versed in the Biblical Worldview!
POINT: letters to Thessalonica - Still relevant today!
in 1 Thessalonians - Paul addresses:
(1) Sexual purity
(2) Brotherly Love - between those of the faith - brothers and sisters in Christ
(3) Community Life/Christian Reputation - from a moral standpoint
1 Thess. 4:11-12 - (includes I. Basic Instruction and II. THE Reason for these Instructions.
I. Pauls' Instructions
live a quiet life; mind your own business
Contrast to: gossip, busybody, disorderly, divisive. This causes division rather than cohesion.
Work with your hands, make your own way -
Contrast to: idle, loafer, *moocher* - * Reference = those CAPABLE but unwilling"
Was this a problem in Thessalonica? - 2 Thess. 3:6-15
Is it really a Big Deal? - 2 Thess. 3:6
(these instructions are: (1) by the AUTHORITY of Christ
(2) according to the TEACHINGS of Christ
Not just from Paul himself.
II. Paul's Reasons - 1 Thess. 4:12
"daily life .... might win... outsiders"
on line here = (1) Reputation + (2) Salvation
Your reputation can make a difference in someone's salvation
(1) your daily life = not your religious profession BUT daily PRACTICE!!
By "FRUIT" you REPRESENT --- the church, the Faith, God!!!
(2) might WIN = convince/persuade/"win over"
win respect therefore win souls - Dan. 12:3 Prov. 11:30
(3) of outsiders - not outside your community, your influence, But = outside .... THE FAITH!!!
Compare to: 1 Tim. 3:7
Summary: (1) The Gospel Matters
But also (2) your Lifestyle Matters - make Adjustments to make an Eternal Difference.
Closing Scripture: Matt. 5:13-16
Then (2) - lifestyle - how to live afterward
On one hand , all people need this instruction/exhortation - makes no difference how close we are to the Lord. (The Jews already had the Mosaic Law - knew God's parameters for how to live)
However, is especially true of Gentiles in that day. Because:
(1) people raised with a pagan worldview
and therefore (2) practiced a pagan lifestyle - mostly very different from God's will.
This was pre-Christian time.
Comparison: challenge to a post-Christian Society (which we in 21st. Century America seem to be in or heading in.)
On one hand, most = believers in God (Christ)
However, NOT versed in the Biblical Worldview!
POINT: letters to Thessalonica - Still relevant today!
in 1 Thessalonians - Paul addresses:
(1) Sexual purity
(2) Brotherly Love - between those of the faith - brothers and sisters in Christ
(3) Community Life/Christian Reputation - from a moral standpoint
1 Thess. 4:11-12 - (includes I. Basic Instruction and II. THE Reason for these Instructions.
I. Pauls' Instructions
live a quiet life; mind your own business
Contrast to: gossip, busybody, disorderly, divisive. This causes division rather than cohesion.
Work with your hands, make your own way -
Contrast to: idle, loafer, *moocher* - * Reference = those CAPABLE but unwilling"
Was this a problem in Thessalonica? - 2 Thess. 3:6-15
Is it really a Big Deal? - 2 Thess. 3:6
(these instructions are: (1) by the AUTHORITY of Christ
(2) according to the TEACHINGS of Christ
Not just from Paul himself.
II. Paul's Reasons - 1 Thess. 4:12
"daily life .... might win... outsiders"
on line here = (1) Reputation + (2) Salvation
Your reputation can make a difference in someone's salvation
(1) your daily life = not your religious profession BUT daily PRACTICE!!
By "FRUIT" you REPRESENT --- the church, the Faith, God!!!
(2) might WIN = convince/persuade/"win over"
win respect therefore win souls - Dan. 12:3 Prov. 11:30
(3) of outsiders - not outside your community, your influence, But = outside .... THE FAITH!!!
Compare to: 1 Tim. 3:7
Summary: (1) The Gospel Matters
But also (2) your Lifestyle Matters - make Adjustments to make an Eternal Difference.
Closing Scripture: Matt. 5:13-16
Monday, November 5, 2018
Lifestyle Matters
1 Thess. - background/letter
Paul addresses: (1) Gospel - how to access God
and (2) Lifestyle - how to live after accessing God (salvation)
This = typical Pauline style
So: 1 Thess. 4:1 - "to please God" - does not mean make Him happy.
= according to His Design & Desire (There is a way to live)
Here Paul addresses (1) sexual purity
(2) brotherly love
(3) community life/Christian reputation
These 3 = (1) primary (fundamental) concerns and (2) cover a lot of moral ground.
These are necessary elements of Christian life.
Last week looked at "sexual purity" - 1 Thess. 4:3
Noted: (1) this was not new revelation - (example: Mosaic Law - Jewish people were very clear on sexual purity) the Law is God's Law!!
(2) this was not rules of the Apostles... (but from God)
(3) This sets Christians apart!! 1 Pet. 2:9 - peculiar, not odd, but particular to one person
The idea is not stand out, but stand APART - example: THEN and NOW.
Today: Brotherly Love
II. Brotherly Love - 1 Thess. 4:9-10
Word = philadelphias (So, William Penn in 1682 - named the capital of the state coming from his name - Pennsylvania Philadelphia (city of brotherly love)
In Classic Greek - word refers to love of siblings, brothers by birth
New Testament/Christian use - love of brothers/sisters in Christ - by the New birth. (those who've been born again!)
Paul suggests this:
(1) comes supernaturally - to believers - (something new, something special)
1 Thess. 4:9 - "taught by God" - 1 Thess. 4:8 - Holy Spirit within
When we are with Christians who follow Christ, there is a special bond.
(2) should be developed - 1 Thess. 4:10 - with Rom. 13:8 - should get better and better at
(3) should be practiced - because this is more than sentiment/feeling
1 John 3:16-18 James 2:15-16
The indwelling Holy Spirit teaches you to love the brothers. Do you treat them as valuable?
PROBLEMS!! (1) some will take advantage of this
(2) your brother is not always lovable
(3) you are not always loving (willing!!)
So: 2 verses : Jesus answer to "who is my neighbor?" - Luke 10:36-37 - "go and do"
We are obligated!!! BUT - we needn't be naive! Matt. 10:16 - love without harm. There is a point where not to be used!
CONCLUSION:
Lifestyle Matters - (makes a difference) (1) for YOU
(2) for those close to you (especially family)
(3) for those you live among (community)
Lifestyle has (1) immediate impact - tomorrow, next week, next year
(2) eternal impact - Eph. 4:1
Closing Scripture: Eph. 4:1-3
Paul addresses: (1) Gospel - how to access God
and (2) Lifestyle - how to live after accessing God (salvation)
This = typical Pauline style
So: 1 Thess. 4:1 - "to please God" - does not mean make Him happy.
= according to His Design & Desire (There is a way to live)
Here Paul addresses (1) sexual purity
(2) brotherly love
(3) community life/Christian reputation
These 3 = (1) primary (fundamental) concerns and (2) cover a lot of moral ground.
These are necessary elements of Christian life.
Last week looked at "sexual purity" - 1 Thess. 4:3
Noted: (1) this was not new revelation - (example: Mosaic Law - Jewish people were very clear on sexual purity) the Law is God's Law!!
(2) this was not rules of the Apostles... (but from God)
(3) This sets Christians apart!! 1 Pet. 2:9 - peculiar, not odd, but particular to one person
The idea is not stand out, but stand APART - example: THEN and NOW.
Today: Brotherly Love
II. Brotherly Love - 1 Thess. 4:9-10
Word = philadelphias (So, William Penn in 1682 - named the capital of the state coming from his name - Pennsylvania Philadelphia (city of brotherly love)
In Classic Greek - word refers to love of siblings, brothers by birth
New Testament/Christian use - love of brothers/sisters in Christ - by the New birth. (those who've been born again!)
Paul suggests this:
(1) comes supernaturally - to believers - (something new, something special)
1 Thess. 4:9 - "taught by God" - 1 Thess. 4:8 - Holy Spirit within
When we are with Christians who follow Christ, there is a special bond.
(2) should be developed - 1 Thess. 4:10 - with Rom. 13:8 - should get better and better at
(3) should be practiced - because this is more than sentiment/feeling
1 John 3:16-18 James 2:15-16
The indwelling Holy Spirit teaches you to love the brothers. Do you treat them as valuable?
PROBLEMS!! (1) some will take advantage of this
(2) your brother is not always lovable
(3) you are not always loving (willing!!)
So: 2 verses : Jesus answer to "who is my neighbor?" - Luke 10:36-37 - "go and do"
We are obligated!!! BUT - we needn't be naive! Matt. 10:16 - love without harm. There is a point where not to be used!
CONCLUSION:
Lifestyle Matters - (makes a difference) (1) for YOU
(2) for those close to you (especially family)
(3) for those you live among (community)
Lifestyle has (1) immediate impact - tomorrow, next week, next year
(2) eternal impact - Eph. 4:1
Closing Scripture: Eph. 4:1-3
Monday, October 29, 2018
How Then Shall We Live?
Once decision has been made to follow Christ - how then shall we live?
1 Thess. 4;1 - "typical Pauline" - (1) How to gain access (Gospel)
(2) How to live after that (Lifestyle)
Paul's idea so much different to what the world thinks.
Christianity is more than a religious choice! - "Nominal" Christians. Gospel doesn't affect their lifestyle Monday - Saturday. Only affects their "Sundays".
1 Thess. 4:1-3 -
(groundwork) = (1) how to live and 2 in order to Please God - not make Him happy, but as He intends, desires, designed - this is how He meant for His creation to live.
(beneficiaries??? = the believer, family, community, society)
1 Thess. 4:1 - Practice this and grow in this
1 Thess. 4:2 - because you know ... (A) the Instructions
(B) the Source (and is not Paul, or Apostles) Came from God. Instructions are written by His authority.
1 Thess. 43 - God's will (desire, intent, design...) - "Sanctified"
Ie: set apart ..(1) Positionally - an act of God - His work, an Act
(2) Practically - a process of living as should - your efforts, a Process
"Sanctified" - set apart unto Him. God doesn't MAKE us live sanctified.
Are two kinds of decrees that God has - determinate will = this will happen
- desired will = what I hope, wish to happen
When a person accepts Christ, God sets that person into a right relationship with Him.
However, He does not make that person live like he's sanctified. That is the person's choice.
But, if believer continues to ignore the Instructions, it calls into question their sincerity!
Paul address 3 (primary) areas:
I.) Sexual Purity
II.) Brotherly Love
III.) Community Life
I. Sexual purity 1 Thess. 4:3-8
(1) Pagan view - no sexual moral guidelines. Anything goes.
vs. (2) Jewish/Christian Stance
Jews always had the Law, and guidelines.
Current day relevance??? Application???
(note Jewish council - Acts 15)
Paul ..... Avoid sexual immorality according to the Law of Moses
Learn self-control
Wrong no one (in this matter) because you wrong another EVEN if consensual!!
Post Christian society today - returning to the Pagan notions. Consenting adults = pagan view! (woe to those who call evil good and good evil)
ANSWER = fulfilling sex life ... within marriage (1 Cor. 7)
Paul adds: (1) the calling - 1 Thess. 4:7
(2) the warning - 1 Thess. 4:6 - Gal. 6:7-9
Summary Statement - 1 Thess. 4:8
Compare Prov. 29:18, Isa. 5:20-21, 22-24
People will call you "hater" if you take a stance on Biblical morality.
Closing:
Lifestyle Matters!!
It affects .......... you
those close to you
those around you - Community, Society
It affects Christian witness!! Therefore, affects Eternity!!
Closing Scripture: Eph. 5:15-17
1 Thess. 4;1 - "typical Pauline" - (1) How to gain access (Gospel)
(2) How to live after that (Lifestyle)
Paul's idea so much different to what the world thinks.
Christianity is more than a religious choice! - "Nominal" Christians. Gospel doesn't affect their lifestyle Monday - Saturday. Only affects their "Sundays".
1 Thess. 4:1-3 -
(groundwork) = (1) how to live and 2 in order to Please God - not make Him happy, but as He intends, desires, designed - this is how He meant for His creation to live.
(beneficiaries??? = the believer, family, community, society)
1 Thess. 4:1 - Practice this and grow in this
1 Thess. 4:2 - because you know ... (A) the Instructions
(B) the Source (and is not Paul, or Apostles) Came from God. Instructions are written by His authority.
1 Thess. 43 - God's will (desire, intent, design...) - "Sanctified"
Ie: set apart ..(1) Positionally - an act of God - His work, an Act
(2) Practically - a process of living as should - your efforts, a Process
"Sanctified" - set apart unto Him. God doesn't MAKE us live sanctified.
Are two kinds of decrees that God has - determinate will = this will happen
- desired will = what I hope, wish to happen
When a person accepts Christ, God sets that person into a right relationship with Him.
However, He does not make that person live like he's sanctified. That is the person's choice.
But, if believer continues to ignore the Instructions, it calls into question their sincerity!
Paul address 3 (primary) areas:
I.) Sexual Purity
II.) Brotherly Love
III.) Community Life
I. Sexual purity 1 Thess. 4:3-8
(1) Pagan view - no sexual moral guidelines. Anything goes.
vs. (2) Jewish/Christian Stance
Jews always had the Law, and guidelines.
Current day relevance??? Application???
(note Jewish council - Acts 15)
Paul ..... Avoid sexual immorality according to the Law of Moses
Learn self-control
Wrong no one (in this matter) because you wrong another EVEN if consensual!!
Post Christian society today - returning to the Pagan notions. Consenting adults = pagan view! (woe to those who call evil good and good evil)
ANSWER = fulfilling sex life ... within marriage (1 Cor. 7)
Paul adds: (1) the calling - 1 Thess. 4:7
(2) the warning - 1 Thess. 4:6 - Gal. 6:7-9
Summary Statement - 1 Thess. 4:8
Compare Prov. 29:18, Isa. 5:20-21, 22-24
People will call you "hater" if you take a stance on Biblical morality.
Closing:
Lifestyle Matters!!
It affects .......... you
those close to you
those around you - Community, Society
It affects Christian witness!! Therefore, affects Eternity!!
Closing Scripture: Eph. 5:15-17
Monday, October 22, 2018
1st. Thessalonians - A Letter
Who was Paul? What was he like? What did he look like? = common questions
1st. known description from a late 2nd. century work of fiction entitled "The Acts of Paul & Thecla" -
"A man of middling size, and his hair was scanty, and his legs were a little crooked and his knees were far apart; he had large eyes and his eyebrows met and his nose was somewhat long!! And he was full of grace and mercy; at one time he seemed like a man and at another time he seemed like an angel."
2 Cor. 10:10 - "his letters are weighty and forceful but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing."
All to say - Paul was a very ordinary man!
On one hand, we can't know (see) his appearance.
However, we can know (see) his heart!!
ie: his heart for God, the gospel, the people with whom he shared the Good News.
So: 1 Thess. 2:1-3:13 - read as a letter to a people he called "brothers, loved by God" - 1 Thess. 1:4
Today read a large section AS A LETTER!!
Will help us see Paul's person, heart, love for the churches and the people. Puts light on his teaching.
Also, we see (interwoven) some of the Primary Points of his successful ministry. (doesn't mean the only points, but does mean important points.)
Some of Paul's Primary Methods
#1. offer information
#2. make an appeal
#3. expect opposition
#4. offer encouragement
These = part of Paul's ministry ... that we can implement, imitate
Started with:
I. Offer Information - (example: Paul's practice - enter synagogue, present Christ)
for us? "gospel" illustrated by the Bridge Illustration
This = bad news (man separated from God) --> good news (God built bridge to Him) --> bad news (must cross the bridge or are still separated.)!
1 Thess.2:15-16
alongside gospel of grace ... travels message of judgment!! - this = FULL Gospel.
II. Make and Appeal - 1 Thess. 2:3 compare to John 14:16 - (appeal as does Holy Spirit)
Evangelism = totally ineffective without the call of God.
(we do our part and trust God to do His part!)
III. Expect Opposition
Social - 1 Thess. 2:14
Satanic - 1 Thess. 2:18
Note also -- 1 Thess. 3:3-4 (with 2 Tim. 3:12)
Are two applications here:
(1) Christian - when you make an appeal ... Expect OPPOSITION!
(2) Pre-Christian .. when you experience the call.. Expect OPPOSITION!
BUT also remember "warrior psalms"
On one hand, the enemy is greater than me!
But, my ally (Holy Spirit, Christ, God) is greater than the enemy!!! - 1 John 4:4
IV. Offer Encouragement
Obviously, the potential, new convert needs Encouragement, so... 1 Thess. 3:2
But is also true ... the seasoned minister needs Encouragement as well!!! 1 Thess. 3:7
"Burden of Ministry" - all can relate, all need encouragement
(application works both ways!!)
Conclusion:
You are NOT Paul! BUT ---- these ministry components are Valid and Effective today!!
#1. Offer information
#2. Make an appeal
#3. Expect opposition (count the cost)
#4. Offer encouragement
My Appeal..... Christians - consider this!! Pre-Christians -- consider this!!! World will say this is archaic mythology, BUT when the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart, you know that it is not!!
My Encouragement:
Closing Scripture: 1 Pet. 5:8-11
1st. known description from a late 2nd. century work of fiction entitled "The Acts of Paul & Thecla" -
"A man of middling size, and his hair was scanty, and his legs were a little crooked and his knees were far apart; he had large eyes and his eyebrows met and his nose was somewhat long!! And he was full of grace and mercy; at one time he seemed like a man and at another time he seemed like an angel."
2 Cor. 10:10 - "his letters are weighty and forceful but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing."
All to say - Paul was a very ordinary man!
On one hand, we can't know (see) his appearance.
However, we can know (see) his heart!!
ie: his heart for God, the gospel, the people with whom he shared the Good News.
So: 1 Thess. 2:1-3:13 - read as a letter to a people he called "brothers, loved by God" - 1 Thess. 1:4
Today read a large section AS A LETTER!!
Will help us see Paul's person, heart, love for the churches and the people. Puts light on his teaching.
Also, we see (interwoven) some of the Primary Points of his successful ministry. (doesn't mean the only points, but does mean important points.)
Some of Paul's Primary Methods
#1. offer information
#2. make an appeal
#3. expect opposition
#4. offer encouragement
These = part of Paul's ministry ... that we can implement, imitate
Started with:
I. Offer Information - (example: Paul's practice - enter synagogue, present Christ)
for us? "gospel" illustrated by the Bridge Illustration
This = bad news (man separated from God) --> good news (God built bridge to Him) --> bad news (must cross the bridge or are still separated.)!
1 Thess.2:15-16
alongside gospel of grace ... travels message of judgment!! - this = FULL Gospel.
II. Make and Appeal - 1 Thess. 2:3 compare to John 14:16 - (appeal as does Holy Spirit)
Evangelism = totally ineffective without the call of God.
(we do our part and trust God to do His part!)
III. Expect Opposition
Social - 1 Thess. 2:14
Satanic - 1 Thess. 2:18
Note also -- 1 Thess. 3:3-4 (with 2 Tim. 3:12)
Are two applications here:
(1) Christian - when you make an appeal ... Expect OPPOSITION!
(2) Pre-Christian .. when you experience the call.. Expect OPPOSITION!
BUT also remember "warrior psalms"
On one hand, the enemy is greater than me!
But, my ally (Holy Spirit, Christ, God) is greater than the enemy!!! - 1 John 4:4
IV. Offer Encouragement
Obviously, the potential, new convert needs Encouragement, so... 1 Thess. 3:2
But is also true ... the seasoned minister needs Encouragement as well!!! 1 Thess. 3:7
"Burden of Ministry" - all can relate, all need encouragement
(application works both ways!!)
Conclusion:
You are NOT Paul! BUT ---- these ministry components are Valid and Effective today!!
#1. Offer information
#2. Make an appeal
#3. Expect opposition (count the cost)
#4. Offer encouragement
My Appeal..... Christians - consider this!! Pre-Christians -- consider this!!! World will say this is archaic mythology, BUT when the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart, you know that it is not!!
My Encouragement:
Closing Scripture: 1 Pet. 5:8-11
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Evidence of a New Birth
Last week began I Thessalonians
Background = Paul and Silas, 2nd. missionary journey (Acts 17)
Church start leads to contention & riots leads to night time departure, Timothy's return --> report 1 1/2 years later --> Paul's letter
Begins with commendation- 1 Thess. 1:2-3 - work, labor, endurance
moves to a Bold Statement!! 1 Thess. 1:4
"WE KNOW GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU"!! How????
Reasons: 1 Thess. 1:5-10 - we know because you...
A. experienced (power of message, presence of God, conviction of Holy Spirit
B. welcomed (the message)
C. turned (from idols to God)
D. imitated (us, the Lord)
E. became (models, messengers)
Examples: Jesus says "by their fruits...." (Matt. 7:15-16 - false prophets)
Paul says "I see evidence of the New Birth" - of your faith, of your growth
NOTE - true conversion is more than choosing a religion, choosing a moral, ethical standard. When are following Christianity, are accepting a person.
True conversion includes a work of God/Holy Spirit, a change of mind, heart, being, status, focus, affection(s) which result in a change of actions, behavior, lifestyle - a consequence of changed heart and mind, encounter with God.
So, on one hand we can't Know, however, can look, examine, assess the conversion.
Beware of the tendency to examine ONLY OTHERS!!!
1 Cor. 13:15 - are you in the faith?? How are you doing in the faith?
Evidence of the NEW BIRTH
I. The Experience - (power, presence of God, conviction of Holy Spirit)
(Experience is not the ONLY measure ..... however, - part of a valid measure)
"conviction" - John 16:8 is more than mind alone, = deep certainty!!
Convict = convince
The experience varies widely , may not be all at once, may creep up. Nevertheless = personal encounter with God, Christ, Holy Spirit
II. The Welcome (the message)
May not be all at once!! However, begins with openness and ends with embracing, receiving, welcoming
Note: Counting cost!! "in spite of severe suffering"
Luke 14:25-33 (reluctant surrender? - Example: C S Lewis
III. The Turning - 1 Thess. 1:9-10 (Biblical word = Repentance)
"from...." cultural, social, familiar beliefs and lifestyle
"to..." God and His proscribed lifestyle!!
"to serve God" is more than merely worship. "to wait for His return" - is our Hope!!
IV. The Imitation - (how am I supposed to act?) Because it IS the experience, it IS the heart!!!
BUT also - subsequent lifestyle!!
On one hand, nobody is perfect - don't always get it right
But, are issues of intentionality, effort, correction, continuity - Christ-like, little Christs
V. The Becoming - 1 Thess. 1:7-8
become models of the faith
become messengers of the faith
Growth can be slow, can be often interrupted - BUT should be upward!!
Application;
(1) Christians - the message must be proclaimed in order to be heard - Rom. 10>14
(your assistance int this?)
Shouldn't just live the Christian life, but must be promoting it!
(2) Pre-Christians - the message must be heard, Christ must be embraced.
Closing Scripture: Col. 2:6-7
Background = Paul and Silas, 2nd. missionary journey (Acts 17)
Church start leads to contention & riots leads to night time departure, Timothy's return --> report 1 1/2 years later --> Paul's letter
Begins with commendation- 1 Thess. 1:2-3 - work, labor, endurance
moves to a Bold Statement!! 1 Thess. 1:4
"WE KNOW GOD HAS CHOSEN YOU"!! How????
Reasons: 1 Thess. 1:5-10 - we know because you...
A. experienced (power of message, presence of God, conviction of Holy Spirit
B. welcomed (the message)
C. turned (from idols to God)
D. imitated (us, the Lord)
E. became (models, messengers)
Examples: Jesus says "by their fruits...." (Matt. 7:15-16 - false prophets)
Paul says "I see evidence of the New Birth" - of your faith, of your growth
NOTE - true conversion is more than choosing a religion, choosing a moral, ethical standard. When are following Christianity, are accepting a person.
True conversion includes a work of God/Holy Spirit, a change of mind, heart, being, status, focus, affection(s) which result in a change of actions, behavior, lifestyle - a consequence of changed heart and mind, encounter with God.
So, on one hand we can't Know, however, can look, examine, assess the conversion.
Beware of the tendency to examine ONLY OTHERS!!!
1 Cor. 13:15 - are you in the faith?? How are you doing in the faith?
Evidence of the NEW BIRTH
I. The Experience - (power, presence of God, conviction of Holy Spirit)
(Experience is not the ONLY measure ..... however, - part of a valid measure)
"conviction" - John 16:8 is more than mind alone, = deep certainty!!
Convict = convince
The experience varies widely , may not be all at once, may creep up. Nevertheless = personal encounter with God, Christ, Holy Spirit
II. The Welcome (the message)
May not be all at once!! However, begins with openness and ends with embracing, receiving, welcoming
Note: Counting cost!! "in spite of severe suffering"
Luke 14:25-33 (reluctant surrender? - Example: C S Lewis
III. The Turning - 1 Thess. 1:9-10 (Biblical word = Repentance)
"from...." cultural, social, familiar beliefs and lifestyle
"to..." God and His proscribed lifestyle!!
"to serve God" is more than merely worship. "to wait for His return" - is our Hope!!
IV. The Imitation - (how am I supposed to act?) Because it IS the experience, it IS the heart!!!
BUT also - subsequent lifestyle!!
On one hand, nobody is perfect - don't always get it right
But, are issues of intentionality, effort, correction, continuity - Christ-like, little Christs
V. The Becoming - 1 Thess. 1:7-8
become models of the faith
become messengers of the faith
Growth can be slow, can be often interrupted - BUT should be upward!!
Application;
(1) Christians - the message must be proclaimed in order to be heard - Rom. 10>14
(your assistance int this?)
Shouldn't just live the Christian life, but must be promoting it!
(2) Pre-Christians - the message must be heard, Christ must be embraced.
Closing Scripture: Col. 2:6-7
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