Final Instructions Paul's Epistles - I Thessalonians - Part 7

Final Instructions

Paul's Epistles - I Thessalonians - Part 7

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

House of Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

INTRODUCTION

We began looking at the basics of Christianity and the foundation of the church. How it was constructed, how it is to operate, and the instructions we as followers of Christ are given.

We looked at the Book of Acts, which shows the ups and downs of the Apostles and the early church. Many of the issues they had then, we still deal with today. So it is good for us to read these books and keep an eye on ourselves.

After Acts, we looked at the first few chapters of Revelation to read what the letters Jesus sent to the churches consisted of. We learned where the church were doing good, where they were messing up, and in all cases, how they were “supposed” to be.

We took those letters, compiled them and read them as if it were Christ’s instructions to us, as individuals, and as a church.

From the letter’s of Christ, we turned then to Paul’s letters, or epistles.

First looking at the Book of Romans, then to I and II Corinthians, from there to Galatians, and now we are looking at his letter to the Thessalonians.

This letter is believed to be Paul’s first letter.

We will now look at Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE I Thessalonians 5:12-28

  Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt ²¹ but test them all; hold on to what is good, ²² reject every kind of evil.

²³ May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

²⁵ Brothers and sisters, pray for us. ²⁶ Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. ²⁷ I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

    I.      BROTHERS AND SISTERS ACKNOWLEDGE (know) WORKERS (preachers) AND WARN THE IDLE AND DISRUPTIVE

a. Those who work hard

                                                                                  i. LIT – “And we ask you, brothers, to know those laboring among you, and leading you in the Lord…”

1. Know for sure the Preacher you are following is truly preaching the Word.

                                                                               ii. They care for you in the Lord

                                                                            iii. They admonish you

                                                                              iv. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work

1. Holding regard for the “work” they do, not the person.

b. Live in peace with each other

                                                                                  i. Peace created by having a Preacher truly preaching truth, and his work being held in high esteem (greatly appreciated as such)

c. Warn those who are idle and disruptive

                                                                                  i. Meaning warn the preachers who stop preaching truth (idle)

1. Disruptive should have been translated “fainthearted”

2. Or, spineless preachers

                                                                               ii. Encourage the disheartened (discouraged)

                                                                            iii. Help the weak (spiritually speaking)

                                                                              iv. Be patient with everyone

1. Referring to the previous list

a. The idle

b. Spineless

c. Discouraged

d. Spiritually weak

                                                                                 v. Make sure NOBODY pays back wrong for wrong

1. To ensure Biblical Christianity and patience

                                                                              vi. But always strive to do what is good for each other, and for others

1. Each other (Christians)

2. And for others (Non-Christians)

II.      REJOICE ALWAYS (WE HAVE EVERY REASON TO DO SO!)

a. Continually pray

                                                                                  i. Pray about everything

b. Give thanks in all circumstances

                                                                                  i. Meaning to be content, regardless of outward circumstances

c. For this IS God’s will for you in Christ Jesus

                                                                                  i. No matter what happens, or how negative things seem to be, we never stop giving thanks to the Lord, which is the Will of God.

d. Do NOT quench the Spirit

                                                                                  i. Disobeying these commands would quench, or prevent the Spirit from doing great works in God’s people.

                                                                               ii. Do not treat prophecies with contempt

1. Why would they? Because this gift has been abused much

2. However, we are to recognize the value of TRUE Spiritual Gift of Prophecy

3. I Corinthians 14:3

                                                                            iii. Test them

1. How do we test these things? Simple, anything that is said to be of the Lord will ALWAYS be scriptural!

                                                                              iv. Hold on to what is good

1. Sift through and hold to what is scriptural

2. Reject what is not scriptural

                                                                                 v. Reject every kind of evil

III.      MAY GOD HIMSELF

a. The God of peace

                                                                                  i. Sanctify you through and through

                                                                               ii. Meaning sanctification is a “progressive process”

                                                                            iii. Which can only come by the Holy Spirit

b. May your whole Spirit, Soul & Body be kept

                                                                                  i. We are created in God’s Image (Triune)

                                                                               ii. All creatures have 2 parts, Body (the physical) and Soul (the life that drives the body)

1. But we were created with the 3^rd, the ability to have a Spirit.

2. The Spirit is what makes us part of God

3. Sin removes the God Spirit (the key to salvation) from us.

4. We NEED God’s Spirit to be COMPLETE!

                                                                            iii. Blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

1. Reference to the Rapture Paul spoke of in the previous verses

                                                                              iv. The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

1. God will do exactly what He says He will do

2. He will sanctify us completely

c. Pray for us

                                                                                  i. Paul was aware of his own weaknesses, and consistently asked for others to pray for him. (I Corinthians 2:1-5)

                                                                               ii. Greet all God’s people with an holy kiss

1. This was a custom then, we currently handshake

2. Simply put, be sure to greet other believers as brothers and sisters

CONCLUSION – I CHARGE YOU BEFORE THE LORD

-         TO HAVE THIS LETTER READ TO ALL THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Want to learn more about Salvation and Getting Saved?    CLICK HERE!

Day of the Lord Paul's Epistles - I Thessalonians - Part 6

Day of the Lord

Paul's Epistles - I Thessalonians - Part 6

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

House of Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

INTRODUCTION

We began looking at the basics of Christianity and the foundation of the church. How it was constructed, how it is to operate, and the instructions we as followers of Christ are given.

We looked at the Book of Acts, which shows the ups and downs of the Apostles and the early church. Many of the issues they had then, we still deal with today. So it is good for us to read these books and keep an eye on ourselves.

After Acts, we looked at the first few chapters of Revelation to read what the letters Jesus sent to the churches consisted of. We learned where the church were doing good, where they were messing up, and in all cases, how they were “supposed” to be.

We took those letters, compiled them and read them as if it were Christ’s instructions to us, as individuals, and as a church.

From the letter’s of Christ, we turned then to Paul’s letters, or epistles.

First looking at the Book of Romans, then to I and II Corinthians, from there to Galatians, and now we are looking at his letter to the Thessalonians.

This letter is believed to be Paul’s first letter.

We will now look at Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE I Thessalonians 5:1-11

 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, ² for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³ While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.⁵ You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. ⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. ⁹ For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁰ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

    I.      BROTHERS AND SISTERS (Instructions to the saved)

a. Times and dates (seasons)

                                                                                  i. Paul knows they are anxious about death, and the resurrection

1. This was addressed in previous verses about those who died in Christ, those who still lived and when we receive our resurrected bodies.

                                                                               ii. Also, they were anxious about The Day of the Lord and the Tribulation

                                                                            iii. They were curious and anxious for the return of the Lord as well

1. Paul explained in previous verses the Rapture would come before the Tribulation

2. This is NOT the Second Coming though. That takes place AFTER the Tribulation

                                                                              iv. Paul answers, “About times and dates, we do not need to write to you.”

                                                                                 v. In other words, do not worry or be anxious.

b. You know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night

                                                                                  i. No one but the Father knows the time and date

1. We can make an educated guess of the approximate time of year, though we will not know the “time or date”

2. The feasts and festivals of God given in the Old Testament were all references to Holy events.

3. Just as Passover was given to signify the redemption of Israel, it foreshadowed our deliverance from sin.

4. As the Feast of First Fruits signified the resurrection of Israel as a free people, it foreshadowed Christ’s resurrection day.

a. These days were fulfilled in the New Testament with 100% accuracy

b. Next to be fulfilled is the “Feast of Trumpets”

                                                                                                                                                                                                            i.      Signifies the calling of Israel to judgment

                                                                                                                                                                                                         ii.      This will be fulfilled when the Trumpet is blasted and the Rapture takes place. Rosh Hashana is the “sacred assembly and the day of rest”

c. We will be called by the trumpet, to be with the Lord for rest while judgment falls upon the earth during Tribulation.

5. Rosh Hashana (feast of trumpets” takes place around September/October (different every year.)

6. So we know the season, and what is to come, but we do not know the time nor day.

                                                                               ii. While people are saying “Peace and safety”

1. This refers to Israel, but will also characterize the world

2. This is about the antichrist signing the seven-year pact with Israel and other nations

a. Daniel 9:27

3. Then, sudden destruction comes upon them

a. At the mid-point of the seven-year period, the antichrist will break his pact and invade Israel

                                                                                                                                                                                                            i.      Revelation 12:1-6

c. As labor pains on a pregnant woman, there is no escape

                                                                                  i. The Great Tribulation is coming upon the world

1. Matthew 24:21

II.      HOWEVER, YOU ARE NOT IN DARKNESS OF NIGHT

a. You are not in darkness

                                                                                  i. Christians have Spiritual enlightenment which comes from the Word of God

                                                                               ii. We know what is coming, what to look for, and how to avoid it!

                                                                            iii. We are children of the light (refers to us knowing Christ)

                                                                              iv. The Light of the World (John 8:12)

                                                                                 v. We are in light, not darkness

b. Let us not be like others who sleep

                                                                                  i. Lethargy and apathy

1. Growing tired, or being lazy and losing interest

2. In what?

a. As Paul said in earlier verses…DOING GOOD

                                                                               ii. Let us not sleep as others do, BUT let us WATCH and BE SOBER

1. Watching for Christ’s return means staying in relationship with Him

a. Jesus told the parable about the 10 virgins watching for the groom.

b. Half of them were foolish and let their oil go out of their lamps.

c. The wise kept oil in theirs (Holy Spirit)

d. In the night, the bridegroom (Jesus) came to take them away, the ones with no oil missed out.

                                                                                                                                                                                                            i.      Later the others came to the door and cried, “Lord, Lord, open the door for us.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                         ii.      But He replied, “I do not know you.”

e. Jesus closes the parable with, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

2. Be sober

a. Paul is not referring to alcohol here, but staying sober as in clear headed and serious

b. Clear headed and serious about what?

                                                                                                                                                                                                            i.      Your relationship with Christ

c. Those who sleep and are drunk, do so at night

                                                                                  i. Not literally sleeping and drunk, Paul is metaphorically speaking of a Spiritual state

                                                                               ii. They are not serious or clear headed about their relationship with Christ, and have grown tired of doing good.

                                                                            iii. They are no longer watchful (meaning concerned) with Christ’s return

                                                                              iv. And so, they live in the dark, spiritually speaking.

III.      SINCE WE BELONG TO THE DAY

a. Let us (believers) who are of the day (have Spiritual light)  be sober

                                                                                  i. Putting on the breastplate of Faith and Love

1. Not “Righteousness” for battle as in the Whole Armor of God

2. Rather, Faith in Christ, which produces love

3. So we may continue TO DO GOOD

                                                                               ii. And the Helmet of Salvation

1. Same as the Whole Armor of God

2. Because it protects our thinking with the Truth that we have a guarantee of deliverance from this present evil world, pertaining to the Rapture Paul is speaking of.

b. God did not appoint us to suffer wrath

                                                                                  i. He has not appointed believer’s to go through the Great Tribulation

                                                                               ii. Some argue this point, but Paul is speaking specifically of the Rapture in this chapter, and has made it clear in black and white, even stating it is the “Doctrine of Christ”

1. In verse 15 of the previous chapter, “¹⁵ According to the Lord’s word,”

2. As he describes the Rapture of the Church before the judgment of earth in the Great Tribulation

                                                                            iii. ⁹ For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

                                                                              iv. This scriptural truth is not only established by Paul, in accordance to the teaching of Christ, but also is in line with God’s Holy Days.

c. He died for us, so we may live with Him

                                                                                  i. The Rapture made possible through Salvation in Christ

                                                                               ii. 10 “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.”

1. This refers to the previous chapter about being alive or already dead IN CHRIST, and the Rapture, where the dead receive their resurrected bodies before those of us still alive who will be “caught up” to the clouds to be with the Lord

CONCLUSION –  Therefore encourage one another, BUILD EACH OTHER UP, JUST AS YOU ARE DOING.

This is how Paul closed his last chapter, “Therefore encourage one another, build each other up”

The last chapter was about encouraging and building each other up by sharing the truth according to Jesus about those who have died and those who are still alive receiving their resurrected bodies at the Rapture, and now he tells us to do the same with how we will be Raptured before the Tribulation and the Trumpet call, to be with Jesus for a time of rest (Seven year feast in heaven) during the earth’s Tribulation, before the Second Coming of Christ.

Want to learn more about Salvation and Getting Saved?    CLICK HERE!