When there is a big event coming up, things get hectic in preparation and anticipation. Pastor David and Janice's daughter Kara gets married this weekend, and there has been a flurry of activity around their house as the day approaches. So much to get ready, so little time!
There's an even bigger day coming--Christ Jesus is coming for His bride the Church--and the Church is being prepared for that day. Now, with such a big event, you'd think the preparations would be frenetic, frenzied, and frantic; you know, like the rest of life. Actually, God tells us in 1 Thess 4:11 to slow down, be still, dial back, be quiet in heart, rest.
I wonder what I could without in terms of ambition or activity? We are soon to make a huge move, from here to "forever with the Lord." Much of what seems so important, won't matter at all then. Maybe its time to unload some of that now, as we get ready to go.
For Better or Worse? It's time to pay attention... 1 Thess 4:1-8
God Himself directs us, to increasing fruitfulness, to prepare us to be in His presence (3:11-13). Wrapping my mind around that is a bit of a stretch, but as I begin to apprehend, then the question is, "So what then, what must I do, in light of that?" In 4:1-8, Paul assumes that they, like we, are in an oversexed culture, sex appeal is used to sell anything from pantyhose to politicians. Just turn your TV on--no, on second thought don't! The internet's a mess and even your email isn't safe. How did these people get my address? Oh yeah, its on the website...
So, in all this, how can a young man keep his way pure, How can we keep abounding in fruit in such a fallen, rotting environment? Paul's answer is the same as in Psalm 119:9, "paying attention to what God says!" My problem may be too much attention in the wrong places, not enough in the right. It can be done--it must be done. It's time to pay attention. We'll pay if we don't.
So, in all this, how can a young man keep his way pure, How can we keep abounding in fruit in such a fallen, rotting environment? Paul's answer is the same as in Psalm 119:9, "paying attention to what God says!" My problem may be too much attention in the wrong places, not enough in the right. It can be done--it must be done. It's time to pay attention. We'll pay if we don't.
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
Church is a family, but not just any family, it’s God’s family. God himself is our Father and he directs us, leads us, guides us according to his own way, in ways he knows best. The Christian life, following Jesus is really all about following our Father’s will on our way home, into His presence. Today we walk side by side, together, as family, glad to not be alone, better because we journey together. Ahead of us is home, forever. What it will be we don’t yet fully grasp, but our Father awaits us, and has paid dearly in His Son to welcome us into his presence.
Good news makes a difference 1 Thess 3:6-10
What if what you do didn’t seem to last—make any real difference? What if the houses a contractor builds forever sit there empty, never become a home? What if the flu shots a nurse gives don’t keep anyone from getting sick, or a fantastic meal is put together but nobody comes to the table? What if a teacher gave their all, stayed late to finish study guides and review notes, but nobody studied and they all bombed the test? What if you planted a garden, but pestilence and pests seemed to keep anything from growing and bearing fruit? We want we do to matter, to make a difference.
In the middle of this weeks text, Paul declares, “For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord” 1 Thess 3:8. The record in Acts 18:5 shows that once Timothy arrived with that great news of how the Thessalonians were thriving spiritually in faith, in the midst of trouble and opposition, it made a difference to Paul. Hearing this news, he pressed even harder, devoting himself all the more to the ministry of the gospel. It seems even Paul was encouraged to press on in ministry by the good report that the gospel he had sown was bearing lasting fruit. And so it should- the Good news of Christ should make every difference!
There are many ways for us to encourage one another, but perhaps the best is this: if someone has invested in you, given you God’s truth and their own lives, take it up and run with it. Most of us have been given much, by many. What will you do with what you’ve been given? The difference it makes in you will make a difference to others.
In the middle of this weeks text, Paul declares, “For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord” 1 Thess 3:8. The record in Acts 18:5 shows that once Timothy arrived with that great news of how the Thessalonians were thriving spiritually in faith, in the midst of trouble and opposition, it made a difference to Paul. Hearing this news, he pressed even harder, devoting himself all the more to the ministry of the gospel. It seems even Paul was encouraged to press on in ministry by the good report that the gospel he had sown was bearing lasting fruit. And so it should- the Good news of Christ should make every difference!
There are many ways for us to encourage one another, but perhaps the best is this: if someone has invested in you, given you God’s truth and their own lives, take it up and run with it. Most of us have been given much, by many. What will you do with what you’ve been given? The difference it makes in you will make a difference to others.
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