1 Thessalonians Series

"To The Church of The Thessalonians"
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

Introduction:
A. What should a church look like?
(1) You would think after 2000 years, this would no longer be an issue
(2) Many today attempt to conceal who they really are
(3) But I would like for us to spend the next few months looking at this church and using it to reflect upon our own
B. Thesalonica was a major port on a major trade route
(1) Many people passed through this area
(2) It was of key importance in the spread of the gospel
C. Paul wrote two letters to encourage and build up this key church so that it would not fall into compromise
(1) Does not identify himself an “apostles”
(2) A very warm friendship

I. To the church
A. Term used most often in New Testament to describe the people called together by God through faith in Jesus Christ
(1) ekklesia = called out, privileged Greek citizens who were not slaves (cf Acts 19:32 & 39 = assembly)
(2) The church is those called out of sin by God in Christ
(3) Gathered for worship and encouragement
(4) Elected elders and deacons to oversee its work
(5) Supported (financially) labors in the gospel
(6) Responsible for faithfully living the gospel
B. By nature, churches are living organisms that require tinder love and care
(1) It must be in God and in Lord Jesus Christ
(2) Thanksgiving to God for them
(3) Mentioned them by name in prayer
(4) Prayer without ceasing

II. Their Testimony
A. Remembering before our God and Father
(1) Consider who is watching you, and us
(2) Paul gives glory to God
(3) No effort to exalt them, but God in them
B. Work of faith
(1) Active faith, visible to others
(2) Faith that is at work as a result of God’s work in them
(3) Faith after the manner James talked about that produces the evidence of good works
C. Labor of love
(1) Works that are motivated by a love for God and for others
(2) Those who have no love (concern) for the body have no grounds upon which to base any hope of eternal life
D. Steadfastness of hope
(1) Not a cut and run for higher ground
(2) No the view that anything is hopeless
(3) But a hope certain to succeed because of the abundance of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ
E. Evidence of their election - faith, hope and love at work
(1) Gospel was not just with words
(2) But with power - movement, accomplishment
(3) Evidence of the Holy Spirit at work

"Model Believers"
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10, March 12, 2006, a.m.

Introduction:
A. Two things make churches grow
(1) The first is a strong ministry to felt needs
(2) The other is a strong ministry that brings the power of the gospel of grace to bear in a persons life
(3) Fundamentals, evangelical, core values
B. Today we continue our study of one of the churches of the New Testament – 1 Thessalonians
(1) Paul wrote two letters to them
(2) They were a key church in a key location
(3) Paul’s own witness there had been received with a great work of the Holy Spirit and His power

I. The benefits of the gospel
A. The power of the Holy Spirit
(1) The ability to change forever
(2) Remember last Easter and the thief on the cross?
-Immediate change in life – taunting to praise “This man has done nothing wrong” 41
-Christ centered prayer life – “Jesus, remember me...” 42a
-Absolute confidence in the supremacy of Christ – “when you come into your kingdom” 42b
-Became a worshiper – “Don’t you fear God?” 40b
-Bears fruit of conviction –confesses he is a sinner and needs a savior 41a & 42a
-Believes in after life and resurrection – “remember me” 42b
-Changed world and life view that is Christ center and self
denying – wanted to be where Christ was 42
-Becomes a witness – 40 & 41b
(3) Conviction of sin

II. The benefits of Christian mentors (small groups)
A. The example of Paul and his companions
(1) Many charlatans around – cf Philippians 1:15-18
(2) Paul and company proved to be the real thing
(3) Their work was for the sake of the Thessalonicans and not self-serving
(4) Imitators of us – mentoring
(5) and of the Lord – our ultimate goal to follow Christ
(6) Which lead to suffering - affliction
(7) But also Holy Spirit power and the joy that comes with it
B. You yourself became an example – instruments in the Saviors hands
(1) To believers in Macedonia and Achaia
(2) They shared the Word so others understood it was the power of the Word that had made the difference in the lives of the Thessalonicans
(3) So much so that what had happened there was known in other areas

III. True gospel power – revival
A. Once while in Uganda I was asked about a revival in Pensacola
(1) This was in a very remote place
(2) But the news had reached there
(3) But was there real fruit?
B. In Thessalonica, it was more than talk
(1) They had turned to idols to God
(2) From serving idols to serving the living and true God
(3) To put their trust in the resurrected Son of God
(4) For only Christ can deliver from the wrath to come

"Christian Ministry"
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Introduction:
A. “The most stupid, absurd, and asinine, statement I have every heard a preacher make”
(1) This quote is a product of my channel surfing on Christian TV
(2) I then had to stop and listen and see if I was guilty
B. Today we continue our look at one of the early churches
(1) There are those who advertise themselves to be first century churches
(2) Sadly, we are whether we want to or not
(3) Sin was the issue then and now
(4) Grace was the remedy then and now
(5) By looking at the church at Thessalonika, we desire to find points we can see our own errors (and repent) and see great strengths (and work to copy)
C. Today we are in chapter 2

I. God’s help
A. Paul appeals to brothers
(1) He had a real heart for these believers
(2) What happened among them made a difference to him
B. Paul is thankful
(1) Their ministry was not in vain
(2) Even the suffering – strong opposition
(3) Paul’s suffering résumé contained these entries: torture, beatings, imprisonment, stoning, shipwreck, robbery, infirmities, exhaustion, hunger, thirst, snake bite, and cold
(4) And at Philippi he was treated shamefully (Acts 17)
(5) Plus there was the issue of those who wish to take advantage of his circumstances
C. But God’s grace saw them through

II. No desire to please men (them or himself)
A. Paul’s appeals were genuine – no tricks
(1) No error or impurity
(2) No attempt to deceive
(3) No flattery
B. But more important, no mask that covered a heart of greed
(1) Paul was gentle among them – not demanding
(2) But a desire to nourish and growth the faith

III. True Christian ministry
A. Approved by God
(1) “Entrusted with the gospel”
(2) The gospel is a valuable thing, the most valuable thing on earth
(3) For only it can reconcile sinners to God
B. We speak to please God
(1) Who tests the heart
(2) “The heart of the matter....”
C. Willingness to pay the price
(1) Take up your cross daily
(2) Jesus said the world hated Him before it hated us (John 15:18)
D. Nowhere a failure or work done in vain
(1) Word will not return without doing its work
(2) “My sheep hear my voice, and they come...”

"Apostolic Burden"
1 Thessalonians 2:6-12

Introduction:
A. Paul was a short-term missionary
(1) He made three very clearly defined missionary journeys
(2) His purpose was to preach Christ and build up the church
(3) Wherever he went, he left behind a church with elders and deacons to oversee the local church
(4) But the churches themselves were always connectional (Acts 15)
B. One church Paul invested himself in was the church we are studying by way of the epistles Paul wrote them
(1) Today we have insight into Paul methodology
(2) Also, Paul’s burden, his hearts desire and prayer to God

I. No Apostolic Demands – Burden (vv 6-9)
A.. Paul makes clear his teams motives were the advance of the gospel
(1) They did not seek personal glory or the praise of men even though I am sure it was a praiseworthy mission
(2) Nor did they use their apostleship to demand favor
(3) Apostles were commissioned by Christ with power and authority to build His church
(4) Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? 1 Corinthians 9:1a
(5) Apostleship was no small thing and worthy of support
(6) For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 1 Corinthians 9:9
B. Against possible demands stands gentleness
(1) Like a mother caring for her own children
(2) We yearned to see you make progress in the gospel in the same way a mother wants to see her child live and prosper, this was not just a mission, but personal
(3) They did not simply share the gospel but also themselves to folks who were dear to them
C. Paul put himself on the line
(1) Worked day and night
(2) Preaching, teaching the gospel, and making tents too
(3) It was a toilsome labor of love

II. The Apostles Burden (vv 10-12)
A. Paul has to this point made it clear he came to share the gospel and did not make his team a burden
(1) But none-the-less, a burden was certainly present
(2) Paul says they were “witnesses” to it
B. The teams conduct
(1) Holy, righteous, and blameless
(2) Their outward character and conduct reflected they were followers of Christ
(3) The “believers” there saw they were genuine, and it was not just unbelievers they displayed a living witness
(4) If they were fake, the outsiders might not catch it, but the believers would
C. The Apostles heart
(1) Exhortation
(2) Encouragement
(3) Challenge (charge) to walk worthy of God
D. Why?
(1) God has called us into His kingdom and glory
(2) Therefore we should live in such a way as to reflect He is our Father

"The Word at Work in You"
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

Introduction:
A. If you are a believer, God is at work in your by His Holy Spirit and His Word
(1) Word is a light and a lamp
(2) It will endure forever
B. It is important how you handle the Word of God
(1) Not just another book
(2) Source of praise, joy, growth, and thankfulness

I. Constant Thankfulness
A. For what God has done at Thessalonika
(1) God was and is at work
(2) We are His instruments, His vessels
B. To God be the glory
(1) Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose
(2) 1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

II. Power of the Word
A. They received it by hearing – witness, testimony
(1) Romans 10:14-17 But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
(2) Isaiah 55:10-11 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
B. Not the word of men
(1) OT – attested to by Israel and by Christ
(2) NT – written by Apostles or others known to the early church, assumes knowledge and understanding of the Old
C. Was at work in their lives – it made a difference
(1) Imitators – not copy cats, but parallel testimony
(2) Word changed their lives and caused persecution
(3) As it has done to others as men suppress the truth – Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

III. Response to Suffering
A. All joy – James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
B. Rejoice in sufferings – Romans 5:3-5 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
C. Steadfastness – James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

"Our Enemy Is Satan"
1 Thessalonians 2:17 - 3:5

Introduction:
A. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going
(1) How many times have we heard this?
(2) Yet our text today suggests that it is truly descriptive of Paul
B. Last week we saw a call for constant thankfulness, the power of the Word in our lives, and how the Spirit uses the Word and suffering to grow us up in the Lord
(1) But this is all nice to talk about, but quite another thing to actually put it into practice
(2) Our text today takes this theme one more step

I. Torn Away
A. Paul had left Thessalonika earlier than he intended
(1) Clearly he was disappointed as he had left behind unfinished business
(2) But this business was of a Spiritual nature
B. Paul felt he had become an orphan
(1) For he was no longer with his "brothers" in Christ
(2) He felt this isolation and the anguish it brings
(3) He perceived this as Satan at work for he hindered Paul's plans, for Satan was the enemy
C. Yet there was not despair
(1) All the more he was eager and desirous to once again have personal fellowship with them
(2) Paul is clear that this was his personal wish

II. Joy in the Lord
A. When Paul speaks of "boasting" (v. 19) he is not doing so in arrogance, but delight
(1) Paul's hope was in the power of the gospel and that power had been demonstrated in these believers
(2) Therefore, Paul saw them as a joy and crown of the Lord and this brought Paul great joy for Christ had done
B. Also in verse 19 Paul uses the phrase "His coming" and the Greek word here is parousia which is used here for the first time in Christian literature
(1) It is a very important word for it simply means "present"
(2) When Jesus returns, we shall be gathered in "His presence"
(3) Paul looks forward to that presence with great joy before Christ and his spiritual offspring

III. Establishing Others in the Faith
A. Next Paul makes clear that when he knew he could not return himself he sent Timothy
(1) Paul's concern for the church at Thessalonika was such that he was willing to suffer personal deprivation if it was for their benefit
(2) He cared more about them than he did for himself
B. He sent Timothy
(1) Brother in the Lord
(2) Coworker in the gospel
(3) Pastor - establish
(4) Teacher - exhort
C. To reinforce the message that suffering is not
(1) A sign of God's disfavor and He is getting even
(2) A sign of abandonment and He just doesn't care
(3) A reason to fall away in the tempter's snare
(4) But the power of God to make a difference in the lives of His children
D. True faith builds a testimony that honors God, uplifts Christ, and demonstrates the power of the Spirit
(1) Paul looked for Timothy's return with words of faithfulness and progress in the gospel
(2) To see that his labor in the Lord was not in vain
(3) To clearly see, our enemy is not each other, and certainly not God, but Satan who is the father of lies

"Timothy’s Report"
1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Introduction:
A. What you believe about things really matters
(1) If you accept the very common and very popular view that any second now the church is going to disappear in a secret “rapture,” then you will view your life and ministry one way
(2) But if you hold a different view, you will respond with a different view of life and ministry
B. Paul knew Jesus was coming back, but for him it was not a secret weapon that would finally give the church relief
(1) He understood that Christ went to be with His Father and some day (Bible says no one know when) He will return again
(2) Between those two points, believers must be about the business of sharing and maturing in the gospel of grace, for it alone will bring the needed change to the church
C. If Paul had held the popular view of our day, he would have just sent word to Thessalonika to just hold on
(1) But Paul did not do that
(2) Instead he invested the writing of two letters to them to help them make progress in the gospel right now
(3) And then he sent Timothy to check up on things

I. Timothy’s Report
A. Reporting, giving testimony to what God is doing, is a good thing
(1) After his missionary trips, Paul reported to the churches all that God had done
(2) When Timothy visited Thessalonika for Paul, he reported back to him
B. What Paul heard gave him great encouragement
(1) For he had truly be anxious about their well-being
(2) But he also showed much affection toward them
(3) He desired to help them make progress in the Lord
C. He was not negative and critical but was like a father wanting his children to do well

II. Paul’s Encouraged Life
A. He learned of their continuing and growing faith
(1) He declared this renewed his life – such joy
(2) This produced thanksgiving
(3) They were “standing fast in the Lord”
(4) Paul understood what really mattered in life
(5) Most today view the gain of materials things as positive and good
(6) And conversely, the loss of things is negative and bad
B. He wanted to influence that growth – sanctification
(1) He knew it was already at work in them
(2) But they needed to continue to grow for they were not yet mature and he wanted to supply what they yet lacked in opening to them God’s Word
(3) He understood their relationship with Christ was directly proportional to their growth in grace

III. Paul’s Instrument of Change
A. Since he could not be with them himself, he utilized his best instrument of change – prayer
(1) Most earnest prayer
(2) Night and day
B. He knew God directed all things
(1) Prayed that by God’s providence they would be brought back together
(2) He asked God to open the way for this face to face meeting
C. He prayed they would prosper
(1) But not as some preach today in materials things, but
(2) Love – that Godly love would abound for one another
(3) Holiness – a change of heart, a desire to be holy as our Father in heaven is holy
D. With all His saints
(1) Love and holiness, obedience and faithfulness
(2) Not escape, easy believism and comfortable life
(3) Remember, this is in a context of “distress and affliction” v. 7 and previous verses

"Pleasing God"
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Introduction:
A. Probably the most commonly asked practical question to a pastor is “How can I know God’s will?”
(1) Almost always this is in the context of some big decision in life
(2) What we are looking for is a sneak preview of tomorrow
(3) Is there anyone here who if they had known last year, what they know this year, between then and now they would have done things differently?
B. My purpose this morning is not to answer your question about whether or not you should be a missionary to ???
(1) But I do plan to talk about God’s will for your life
(2) And to a degree, tell you what that will is
C. We continue to use 1 Thessalonians as our letter of study and Paul’s instructions to that church

I. Abound More and More
A. Finally
(1) Not the end, but a drawing things to a focal point
(2) We must all learn that finally, in the end, at some point, we must take all we have learned and put it into practice – Philippians 4:9
(3) Christianity is not just something to believe, but to actually practice it, and that with a clear understanding such is contrary to our nature
(4) No room for complacency – But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead Philippians 3:13b
B. Affectionately
(1) Brothers (and sisters) endearment, love and concern
(2) We ask – please listen to what I am saying
(3) We urge you in the Lord Jesus – this is a matter of the utmost importance for it comes from Christ Himself
C. Instructively
(1) The things you have received
(2) The idea of military orders, not suggestions
(3) From us – Paul, Apostle and teacher as received from the Lord Jesus – therefore with His authority
(4) How you ought to live (walk) – Walk the talk
(5) To please God – as you are doing and must keep on doing, more and more
(6) But why please God? To show gratitude for what He has done for you

II. Abound in the Will of God
A. The will of God really falls into two categories
(1) One is external purpose as in Ephesians 1:11-12 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
(2) Compare Romans 8:28
(3) The second expression of God’s will in our lives is found in a sense of duty as in our text today and also 5:18 and Deuteronomy 29:29
(4) One can be quite a mystery, the other is often very clear (see also 1 Peter 2:15, 3:17)
B. That we be sanctified – grow in grace (not a mystery)
(1) Abstain from sexual immorality
(2) To control your own body in holiness and honor
(3) To not be driven by the passion of lust
(4) To not transgress and wrong a brother in this way
(5) For God has not called us for impurity but in holiness
C. Christianity bring a unique call to our culture today for morality, we need a moral awakening
(1) It is not our own opinion we are seeking to impose
(2) It is God’s will, revealed in His Word
D. For God will avenge in these matters
(1) Punishment – Christ on the cross, about the past and justice
(2) Discipline – Us in this life, about now and the future (Hebrews 12:6)
(3) Consequence – we reap what we sow

“How You Should Live”
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Introduction:
A. In the late 1960s, as I began to expand my Christian consciousness I soon learned that two people can talk to each other in the same language, using the same words, and mean two entirely different things
(1) I soon learned that some folks who identified themselves as Christians, were in fact using “God words” but not the Word of God
(2) For example, salvation was the goal, but for what has since come to be known as “evangelicals,” it was the salvation of the soul from sin
(3) For others, it was salvation from oppressive leaders, businesses, and other exploiters
(4) In fact the entire neo-orthodox movement built itself on a proper vocabulary but with different meanings
B. In some regards, I often fear evangelicals are falling victim to a similar pattern
(1) Not so much that we have changed the meaning of the words
(2) But we have learned to use the words without depth of proper meaning
(3) One such word, actually a phrase, is “brotherly love”
C. We will look at this and some other topics form our text under the theme of “how we should live”

I. No need to write this
A. Concerning “brotherly love”
(1) No need to write this because you should already know it
(2) You were taught by God in Christ when we were still His enemies in sin, He loved us (Romans 5:8)
(3) Christ did not sit around waiting for us to earn His respect and love
B. The church at Thessalonika had demonstrated such love to others in the area of Macedonia
(1) They had shown their love to the other churches, many of which may have been struggling
(2) Calvin sees this as an argument of the “greater to the lesser” – in the same way God loved us
(3) But I fear we often use “brotherly love” with a very shallow connotation
C. This is not something learn so much as we simply do it
(1) In practical outworking
(2) Paul says do it more and more

II. Additional Aspirations
A. “Live quietly” and be ambitious about it
(1) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18
(2) “Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a
(3) Do not allow yourself to become the point of contention in the body of Christ
(4) A friend once told me he thought the most severe sin a Christian could commit was to cause division in the body of Christ
B. “Mind your own affairs” used only here in New Testament
(1) Most probably means find your role in the church and fulfill it and do not interfere with the roles of others
(2) It can also suggest not trying to run your neighbors life
C. “Work with your hands”
(1) Paul was a tent maker and perhaps this was on his mind, working with your hands and not be dependent
(2) It clearly teaches that Christians are to be industrious
(3) Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Ephesians 4:28
D. “So that you may live [walk] properly before outsiders”
(1) Your life IS a testimony, the only issue is “what kind?”
(2) For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.. 1 Peter 2:15
(3) We must not live in such a way as to bring discredit to the Triune God

“Not Like The Pagans”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Introduction:
A. Jesus is coming again, most all agree on this
(1) The issue is when, and how, and for what
(2) On this, the body of Christ (the church) is ignorant
(3) For Scriptures gives us enough information to go beyond what so many think the Bible is teaching today
B. Since Israel and the Palestinians have been warring with each other the past week, many TV types have come out in great force, even holding up newspaper headlines as a proof for what they teach
(1) They believe we are the “terminal” generation
(2) Surely Jesus is coming very, very soon, or is He?
C. Please consider the point Paul was dealing with here is that some of the Thessalonikans understood the return of Christ to be imminent
(1) In the same way some today to, they were wrong
(2) What about those today?
D. Rather than live a life of escapism, or defeatism, or whatever, would it not make more sense to live a life of faith and victory?

I. Ignorance
A. Every translation I checked used “ignorance” rather than “uninformed”
(1) Either way, Paul was concerned that his beloved friends who made up the body of Christ in Thessalonika were ignorant and uniformed on a very vital issue of the faith
(2) It seems that they truly believed Christ would return in their lifetime
(3) But then some of them started to die and they began to question what they thought they understood
B. Using the term “brothers” shows he did not view them as idiots, but friends, brothers and sisters in the Lord who had a deficit understanding of something
(1) This was not a big loss, but something correctable
(2) In the same way, our lack of knowledge today is also correctable
(3) And we should be diligent in correcting such

II. Those Asleep
A. Paul here, as elsewhere, even in the Old Testament, refers to those dead as asleep
(1) Some suggest this is a weakness, and inability to deal with reality
(2) Others see it as a Bible doctrine of soul sleep
(3) I think the clear reality is since Christ has defeated our last enemy “death” it has become no more to us than going to sleep, the only issue is where you wake up
B. We should not grieve as those with no hope
(1) Notice this does not say “do not grieve”
(2) It says grieve with hope
(3) We get that hope in Christ and Christ alone
C. Jesus died
(1) This is certain reality
(2) He also rose again
D. His resurrection is the Christian hope
(1) By His life, He defeated Satan at every point
(2) By His death, He paid the penalty for sin
(3) By His resurrection, He defeated death itself
E. Yes! He is coming again
(1) We take our strength in that
(2) Those of our friends and loved ones are not lost, they are with Christ and will return with Him

“When The Lord Comes”
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

Introduction
A. Today we continue to look at Christ’s second coming
(1) Paul saw this event as wonderful for those in Christ
(2) Not something we should fear
B. But there are several things we must understand

I. The Word of the Lord (16)
A. Paul says he is declaring the word of the Lord
(1) Yet, we do not find this word elsewhere in Scripture
(2) Therefore some conclude it was a special revelation beyond the Scriptures
B. The simple answer is this is one of those things Christ did or said which John noted that if they were written down, the world could not contain the books
(1) John 21:24-25
(2) Deuteronomy 29:29
C. Apostles did not create clever stories but were eyewitnesses 2 Peter 1:16
(1) Their message is made “more certain” 2 Peter 1:19
(2) Scriptures are all we need 2 Peter 1:21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17
D. In the case, the Word is clear, no one will have advantage over another at Christ’s coming

II. How will the second coming take place?
A. Some, no many, maybe even most preachers today will tell you that Christ is coming back “in secret” to take away “rapture” His church
(1) Now this is a rather significant twisting of a number of Scriptures
(2) And a total misunderstanding of the nature of the gospel in that it suggest numerous ways of salvation
B. Here is what Paul says will happen
(1) Lord Himself will descend from heaven – hard to hide
(2) With a cry of command – a shout, hard to conceal
(3) Voice of the archangel – making that cry, easily heard
(4) Sound of God’s trumpet – my guess is you will hear it
(5) Dead will rise – not something even the New York Times could ignore, bodily resurrection
C. Main point, rather hard to picture all this as part of a secret event

III. What about the existing church?
A. The existing church is that which is alive and well when Christ returns
(1) That which the gates of hell could not prevail
(2) That which endures to the end
B. Could be us, or thousands of years from now
(1) People (preachers) purporting to speak for God have been saying (deceiving) for years that Christ’s coming is right around the corner
(2) In 1987 I got a booklet in the mail entitled 88 Reasons Why Jesus is Coming Back in 1988
C. What did Jesus say?
(1) Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. Matthew 24:4-5
(2) At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. Matthew 24:30
(3) Again, does not sound like a secret event
D. What else do the Scripture tell us?
(1) Like a thief in the night 1 Thessalonians 5:2
(2) Not everyone who says Lord, Lord... Matthew 7:21-23
(3) There will be counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders 2 Thessalonians 2:9
(4) So just because someone puts on a good show, does not mean they are of Christ
E. Back to Thessalonika – Paul says the existing church will be caught up together with them (dead in Christ) in the clouds to meet the Lord
(1) Sounds like a blessed event
(2) To be with the Lord “always”
(3) This is encouragement

“The Day of The Lord”
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11,

Introduction:
A. Today we continue our study of 1 Thessalonians and the second coming of Christ
(1) Not a response to current events, but a consistent study of the Scriptures
(2) We saw last week that Christ often warned that we could be deceived about this matter
(3) There is much confusion – this week I heard a preacher on TV declare Jesus is certainly coming soon, and his ministry is also raising $3,000,000 for a new ministry center
(4) One wonders which he really believes, Jesus is coming and it is all over, or they need to expand
(5) There are countless examples of conflicted minds
B. Someone asked my definition of the “rapture”
(1) It is the "secret catching away" of the church to meet Jesus in the air. It signals the end of the gentile age, the beginning of the tribulation period, the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, the conversion of the Jews and finally, the second coming of Jesus and the great white throne judgment with all kinds of time line variables within this definition.
(2) I offer you today Dr. Robert Reymond’s excellent student on who is to inherit the land of promise and a reformed and covenantal response to dispensationalism http://www.ugandamission.net/doctrine/reymond-landpromise.pdf 
C. It is always to the Scriptures we must return
(1) Paul has been seeking to dispel the confusion
(2) And to offer the comfort of Christ’s resurrection and His second coming

I. Times and seasons:
A. Everyone wants advanced notice of what is going to happen
(1) This shows a lack of trust in God at some level
(2) We somehow doubt He can handle tomorrow
B. They already knew Christ was coming like “a thief in the night”
(1) Even in the midst of wars and rumors of wars, people will be saying “There is peace and security”
(2) Does this describe our current day?
(3) Do you hear a lot of folks speaking this way?
C. When least expected, suddenly besieged as labor pains
(1) Sudden destruction – no turning back
(2) No escape

II. Not in darkness
A. “The light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19
(1) Darkness is not evil, it only conceals the evil
(2) Scriptural color of sin is ???
B. We are children of light
(1) Therefore we benefit from revelation not concealment
(2) Children of the day – God’s guiding
C. No slumber or sleep
(1) Be awake, alert – live in the light (day)
(2) Be sober – not drunk and disoriented
(3) Be prepared, be watchful
D. In fact, we are to equipped to stand guard for the faith
(1) Breastplate of faith and love – defensive protection
(2) Helmet, the hope of salvation – deliverance form evil
(3) Here is faith, hope, and love, the three greatest gifts

III. God’s destiny for us
A. Not for wrath
(1) But salvation in Christ Jesus
(2) Who died for us
B. Christ’s power is with us no matter what
(1) Awake or asleep
(2) That we might live with him (John 14)
C. This doctrine of His second coming is not to discourage
(1) We are to encourage each other
(2) We are to build each other up

"Basic Instructions"
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Introduction:
A. There are basically two theological systems within the Christian Church
(1) Now there are a lot of subgroups
(2) Calvinism and Arminianism
B. Yet it has become my observation that most American Christians and maybe elsewhere, really fall into a third division
(1) You will not find this in the theology books
(2) Nor will you find it on a google search
(3) But I think it is real nonetheless
(4) I call this system______"circumstantialism"____
C. Today we come to the end of our study of 1 Thessalonians
(1) I have entitled this “Basic Instructions”
(2) It is basic instruction for Christian living
(3) The church is both an organization and an organism
(4) It is alive and has certain characteristics it should display
(5) Failure to display does not negate what it is
(6) Basic patterns for living on this earth in such a way as to reflect there is something different about you
(7) For some there is a very clear change in their lives
(8) While others have less need for outward radical change
(9) But we all need radical inward change
D. Today our text is the final section of Paul’s first letter to the church at Thessalonika
(1) In Paul’s inability to personally visit, he sends a letter of encouragement instead
(2) And now at the end of that letter he draws quite a number of issues together with the admonition to live in this way

I. Dealing with Others
A. Respect those in Christian leadership
(1) No qualification for those only deserving respect
(2) Toilers in the Lord – who warn, instruct, and encourage in the Lord
(3) Esteem them for whom they serve, not for how they serve
(4) Preserve the peace of Christ
B. Patients with others
(1) Admonish the idle (disorderly), those out of step
(2) Encourage those fainthearted, those who struggle with issues of faith, especially death
(3) Help the weak, those easily ensnared by temptation
(4) See that there is no evil for evil (Romans 12)
(5) Seek to do good
C. Three constants in the Christian life
(1) Always rejoice
(2) Always pray (without ceasing)
(3) Always give thanks (regardless of circumstances) for you are under God’s will in Christ
D. Two things to avoid
(1) Quenching the Spirit
(2) Despising prophecies (fore-teller or forth-teller)
E. Some sound advice
(1) Test all things – Word is measuring stick
(2) Hold to what is good – Word is measuring stick
(3) Abstain from evil – Word is measuring stick

II. A benediction – blessing
A. May God Himself sanctify you – completely, that is separate you from your sin
(1) Every bit of you, spirit and flesh
(2) Blameless
B. All based on God’s faithfulness, not our own

III. Personal requests
A. Pray for us, greet others
B. See that others read this letter (it is important)
C. May Christ bless you