April 3, 2011
Morning Service

I Thess.

 

Review:

1.                    We have just finished the Gospel according to Matthew.  The four Gospels are accounts of Jesus of Nazareth’s life, death, and resurrection.  These four accounts are given by men who were disciples of Jesus.  Three of these men were martyred, or killed for their faith in believing that Jesus was the very Son of God.  God saw fit to allow John to die of old age, and to receive the Revelation of Jesus Christ before he died. 

2.                  God has protected, and preserved these writings so that all mankind would have the opportunity to hear these Gospels, and be saved from the wrath of God that is coming on this world.

3.                  As we were finishing up the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told of the signs that would accompany the destruction of Jerusalem, His second coming, and the end of the age. 

4.                  The Gospels, and teachings of Jesus are shared for different reasons;

·     To point people to the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.

·     This Lamb of God, who is also;  Rev 1:8 KJVR  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. 

 

IS ABLE, AND WILL;

1. Deliver you from the wrath of God that is coming on this world.  Rom 1:18 KJVR  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
2. Give you a changed life, if you truly want it.  2Co 5:17 KJVR  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

·                     I believe there lies within every person a desire to be what God wants them to be.  The desire to please Almighty God.

·                     If we make the wrong choices in life satan can lead us down a path of destruction that only Jesus can deliver you from.  Paul describes this kind of life like this;  Gal 5:19-21 KJVR  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  (20)  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  (21)  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 

·                     If you have made these life decisions, following the things of the flesh, you are headed for a life of destruction, and the wrath of God.  Paul said we all have had to overcome this lifestyle in order to receive happiness;  Gal 5:22-23 KJVR  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  (23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

·                     What man or woman doesn’t want true love?  Joy, peace.  To be able to look at others through the eyes of forgiveness.  To be longsuffering, to be gentile, to be good, to be faithful, to be meek, and to be temperate…..In essence to treat others the way we would like to be treated.

·                     This Lamb of God, who is coming again to this world, as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, Almighty God, has the love, and the capabilities of giving you this new life if you will just ask Him.

·                     There is nothing more rewarding, or encouraging, than to know God has given you a new life, and that you can share this with others.

·                     I can promise you, with all assurance, that He will do it, if you just ask Him.

 

These two reasons, the looming day of the wrath of God, and knowing we can only miss this wrath by being in Christ, and having a changed life, is why Christ is preached as the answer to mankind’s problems.

 

OUR PATH OF STUDY;

 

In August of 2009 we studied I Thess.  We went from there to Paul’s letters to Timothy, and then to the Gospel of John, then to Acts, and we just finished the Gospel of Matthew.  I want to review briefly IThess. And then we will finish with II Thess.

 

 

 

 

Thessalonica was in Macedonia, just north of Athens Greece.  Paul had received a vision from God, that he should take the Gospel to this region.

 

1.                   Paul begins I Thess. By reminding them of how they accepted Gospel, and became followers of Jesus Christ.  He commends them for their Christian witness, and faithfulness of waiting for the Lord’s return.  He reminds them because of their faithfulness, and looking for Christ’s return, that they will be delivered from the wrath of God.

2.                  In chapter two Paul reminds them of his establishing the church in Thessalonica.  He speaks of being taken away from them for a season, and couldn’t get back to them because satan hindered his return.

3.                  In chapter three he reminds them of sending Timothy to them, and of Timothy’s encouraging report of their growth, and faithfulness.  Paul also speaks of his desire to get back with them, and gives them a blessing for their walk with God.  Again he mentions the coming of the Lord.

4.                  In chapter 4 Paul instructs the church what they need to do for growing in the Lord.  That each of them should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification, and honor.  How that God has given each of us of His Holy Spirit.  He speaks of brotherly love, living a quiet life, and walking properly before non believers.  Paul finishes chapter 4 by explaining what is going to happen at the Lord’s return, and to comfort one another with these words.

5.                  In chapter 5 the Apostle gives a description of the day of the Lord’s return.  Telling them that they are not in darkness concerning this event, but have been told of the signs of the time.  Encouraging them to stay ready.  Reminding them that God has not appointed the church wrath, but the salvation of God.  Paul closes this letter with instructions for Holy living.

1Th 5:14-24 KJVR  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.  (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.  (16)  Rejoice evermore.  (17)  Pray without ceasing.  (18)  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  (19)  Quench not the Spirit.  (20)  Despise not prophesyings.  (21)  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  (22)  Abstain from all appearance of evil.  (23)  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.  (24)  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

 

This letter is full of passages concerning the coming of the Lord.  With His coming will be great, and wonderful rewards for the faithful, and unbelievers will experience the wrath of God.

 

FOR THE NON CHRISTIAN:

 

If you have not made the proper arrangements for this coming day, that is if you have not accepted the grace of God for salvation, been baptized for the remission of your past sins, I encourage you to accept this marvelous gift from God, and do not continue to reject His wonderful love to mankind.

 

If you are in question concerning the steps of coming to God, and receiving this wonderful gift of eternal life, Greg will be giving a lesson on Baptism this evening, plan on attending this study.

 

The first step however, is to give yourself wholly, and totally to God.  You can do this by coming to this altar, and telling God you are sorry for your past sins, and ask Him to come into your heart, and life, AND HE WILL DO IT.

 

Father help us to yield ourselves as obedient vessels for Your glory.