Recorded [Live!] Rejoice online meeting -
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Thank you for listening; God bless you!
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notes:
1 Thess 2:14, 19, 20
Thessalonians was written to the church, in Thessaloniki. They were referred to as being ‘in Christ Jesus;’ they were a younger church, not as mature as the other churches. So Paul writes in such a way as to inspire them and commending them for withstanding persecution.
It is very likely Jesus’ return will be in our times. The Thessalonian church also believed the same. They wondered about those who died in the Lord, worried about their future, where they were. Many misconceptions arose, and Paul wrote this letter to address these. Chapter 4 is proof of that.
The objective of the letter: 4:13.
1 Thess 1:2,3 – 3 key phrases:
work of faith,
labor of love,
patience of hope
Faith must be constant, must not waver in trials. It is the cornerstone of a believer’s life.
Labor of Love – labor requires effort, sometimes painful, strenuous. Love between believers, in the church, with society, with God. These all require serious effort to sustain such a high level of Love.
Are we consistent in our hope? Or is it fluctuating? Hope must increase, especially through difficult times.
Paul loved the Thessalonians a bit more because of these 3 attributes they possessed.
1 Thess 1:4 when we pray its not only about supplication and requests – but praise. Paul gives glory to God for the Thessalonian church. There must room for recommendation, not just submitting applications, and supplications.
“…Even though there is no clear way before them, they are facing difficulties -- yet Lord I give You praise for that person, that family, their faith-- for holding on, continuing in ministry, unwavering..” – this is recommended in prayer. Our hope is never in vain.
Vs 5: You know your election... The church is concerned regarding the future, those dead, life after death, etc. Thessaloniki is the capital of Macedonia, a rich and wealthy nation. Yet they gave value to the gospel and accepted it. They paid a great price as believers, despite having the option of choosing the easier way out. Paul reminds them of their election – “Even in great trials do not be shaken”
1:6 they received the word “..in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit”. Not when all was good and well in life. But when they went through horrendous difficulties, they accepted the Word with Joy. That must be our attitude. We attend our meetings not to please man, our pastor – but with real Joy, in the midst of affliction. That will require the help of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice always- even when nothing is going as planned, doors are closing, sickness is spreading, tribulations are abounding
1:8 we become renowned throughout the regions. But.. For what? Which area specifically? Is it for our qualifications, our wealth? Our famous pastor? Our family name? No! We must be renowned for our faith in Christ!
Our faith in Christ must be spread abroad, others must give glory to God for you for your faith, your sacrifice.
1 Thess 2:13 - heard (past), received (past), effectually works (present continuous). Not enough to hear and receive the Word. When difficulties come this word must work effectively, continuously in me.
For those in whom the Word works effectively, the three attributes are evident - work of faith, the labor of love, the patience of hope
After the Word works effectively in us, we will become disciples, real followers. 1 Thess 2:19, 20 Paul says – our glory, our hope, our pride before the Lord - is YOU.
Acts 17:11. The Thessalonians searched the scriptures to verify the apostle's preaching.
1 Thess 3:3 therefore... We are appointed unto afflictions. everyone has problems in life, but we are ‘appointed’ to it. A very serious term. We are legally declared to receive affliction. But – in that case, He who appointed has also made a way out. He is with us. He has the solution to every single one of them. That is why we are still thriving in the same place where many would have fallen. An appointment does not mean we are rejected, but we are selected for a higher purpose. Do not be shaken.
Therefore, Paul prays - not to have the problem removed - but that our hearts may be established, continue steadfast in the midst of suffering. Let us also pray for others likewise, not to have the problem removed, but that we will stand strong.
We are not as those without hope, for when Christ appears, those who are asleep in Him (dead) will arise; Paul reassures the Thessalonians. Then we who are alive and remain will be taken up. Our Lord is coming soon! Let our hope increase!
Chp 5: rejoice always, pray without ceasing. For He who called is faithful.
