WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.560 1 Thessalonians chapter 3 verses 6 through 13 today. 00:00:11.939 --> 00:00:17.519 But now that Timothy has come to us from you and has brought us the good news of your faith 00:00:17.519 --> 00:00:24.679 and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us as we long to see you. 00:00:24.679 --> 00:00:34.019 For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction, we have been comforted about you through your faith. 00:00:35.200 --> 00:00:40.000 For now we live if you are standing fast in the Lord. 00:00:41.719 --> 00:00:44.460 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you? 00:00:45.200 --> 00:00:48.359 For all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 00:00:48.700 --> 00:00:53.000 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face 00:00:53.000 --> 00:00:55.780 and supply what is lacking in your faith. 00:00:57.219 --> 00:01:02.500 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you 00:01:02.500 --> 00:01:07.519 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another 00:01:07.519 --> 00:01:10.079 and for all as we do for you 00:01:10.079 --> 00:01:15.900 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father 00:01:15.900 --> 00:01:21.060 at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 00:01:21.939 --> 00:01:22.500 Amen. 00:01:23.000 --> 00:01:27.159 Well, all of us have passions in our lives, don't we? 00:01:29.060 --> 00:01:38.219 I don't mean just mere interest, but passions, priorities that shape the way that we live our lives. 00:01:38.219 --> 00:01:39.680 They shape who we are. 00:01:39.780 --> 00:01:40.700 They shape what we do. 00:01:40.819 --> 00:01:43.939 They are identity shaping in some sense. 00:01:43.939 --> 00:01:55.439 They are those things that give us purpose, that arrest our thoughts and capture our affections 00:01:55.439 --> 00:01:58.340 and drive the initiatives of our lives. 00:01:58.340 --> 00:02:01.920 For you, they may be your kids. 00:02:02.620 --> 00:02:06.260 It may be your relationships. 00:02:07.439 --> 00:02:08.840 It might be your career. 00:02:09.920 --> 00:02:11.520 It might be certain hobbies. 00:02:12.500 --> 00:02:14.960 It could be charitable endeavors or causes. 00:02:14.960 --> 00:02:17.360 It could be a combination of those things. 00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:22.180 It could be passions, things that help you get up in the morning, things that are on your mind, 00:02:22.740 --> 00:02:28.960 things that you're driving out, things that you will shape your schedule in order to pursue 00:02:28.960 --> 00:02:33.060 and in order to do and participate in. 00:02:33.060 --> 00:02:40.120 This passage shows us Paul's greatest passion. 00:02:40.120 --> 00:02:46.680 We've been studying about it now for several weeks, going all the way back to chapter 2 and verse 17. 00:02:46.819 --> 00:02:52.300 It's really one big unit starting in 2.17, working all the way through the end of chapter 3. 00:02:52.500 --> 00:02:59.580 What it is is essentially Paul's memoirs of his passion, the thing that helps him get up in the morning, 00:03:00.040 --> 00:03:04.000 the thing that's on his mind, the thing that shapes his prayer, 00:03:04.120 --> 00:03:08.620 the thing that shapes everything that he does, his affections and arrests his attention. 00:03:08.620 --> 00:03:10.620 And what is that passion? 00:03:11.560 --> 00:03:14.580 It is the salvation of others. 00:03:15.580 --> 00:03:17.099 It's the salvation of others. 00:03:19.060 --> 00:03:24.759 Let's take a moment and just rehearse that context so that we can fully appreciate this passage 00:03:24.759 --> 00:03:27.360 and all that Paul indicates for us here. 00:03:28.360 --> 00:03:31.879 Remember that since being forced to leave Thessalonica, 00:03:31.879 --> 00:03:38.799 Paul and his team in verse, in chapter 2 said that they were endeavoring more eagerly 00:03:38.799 --> 00:03:40.780 and with great desire to do what? 00:03:41.159 --> 00:03:43.180 To get back to Thessalonica. 00:03:47.219 --> 00:03:49.319 And he was keen on doing that 00:03:49.319 --> 00:03:55.019 because he feared that Satan might have tempted them to abandon the faith. 00:03:55.020 --> 00:04:01.219 And that in abandoning the faith, there would be no fruitfulness in this gospel labor there. 00:04:02.000 --> 00:04:04.080 And he kept trying to get back, but he couldn't get back. 00:04:04.160 --> 00:04:07.500 He says, Satan keeps hindering us and I can't get back to you, 00:04:07.520 --> 00:04:09.800 but I keep trying to get back to you. 00:04:09.820 --> 00:04:15.340 And I want to get back to you because I'm afraid that the afflictions that you are enduring right now, 00:04:15.420 --> 00:04:17.180 that Satan's going to use them, he's going to tempt you, 00:04:17.199 --> 00:04:18.759 and you're going to abandon Christ. 00:04:18.759 --> 00:04:21.879 That's his passion. 00:04:23.539 --> 00:04:27.180 With an eye fixed on Jesus' return. 00:04:27.319 --> 00:04:31.079 Have you noticed, just as a side note here, 00:04:31.099 --> 00:04:37.899 have you noticed how many times Paul has referenced the return of Christ in this letter? 00:04:39.259 --> 00:04:40.899 Over and over and over. 00:04:41.019 --> 00:04:43.379 It's probably the strongest theme in the letter. 00:04:43.659 --> 00:04:46.240 His mind is fixed on the return of Christ. 00:04:46.240 --> 00:04:51.519 When it comes to affliction, he's thinking about the comfort that will come at Christ's return. 00:04:52.660 --> 00:04:56.560 Even as he thinks about his ministry to the people in Thessalonica, 00:04:56.680 --> 00:04:58.280 what is it that is on his mind? 00:04:58.360 --> 00:04:59.759 It's the return of Christ. 00:04:59.879 --> 00:05:01.079 He knows Christ is coming. 00:05:01.460 --> 00:05:04.439 And he knows that when he comes again, he's coming in judgment. 00:05:05.699 --> 00:05:09.560 And that no one who is unbelieving at the judgment will be saved. 00:05:10.259 --> 00:05:12.180 And that's what's driving his passion. 00:05:12.800 --> 00:05:13.939 He wants to get back. 00:05:13.939 --> 00:05:19.600 He's concerned that this affliction is going to tempt them to abandon Christ, 00:05:19.719 --> 00:05:24.480 and that he will not have the joy of presenting them faithful to Christ at Christ's return, 00:05:24.540 --> 00:05:25.480 that they would be lost. 00:05:28.920 --> 00:05:31.439 And since he was unable to get there himself, 00:05:32.120 --> 00:05:36.120 we learned last week that Paul sent Timothy in his stead. 00:05:36.839 --> 00:05:38.740 And he sent him really for two reasons. 00:05:38.740 --> 00:05:42.000 First thing Timothy was to do was to investigate. 00:05:43.180 --> 00:05:44.000 Timothy, go. 00:05:45.000 --> 00:05:45.620 Check on them. 00:05:45.699 --> 00:05:46.540 See how they are. 00:05:46.960 --> 00:05:48.100 And come back and let me know. 00:05:48.220 --> 00:05:49.800 Tell me, are they persevering? 00:05:50.019 --> 00:05:51.040 Are they being faithful? 00:05:52.160 --> 00:05:53.699 Are they staying true to Christ? 00:05:54.840 --> 00:05:58.639 And then Timothy was to strengthen their faith as he was there. 00:05:58.699 --> 00:06:00.060 But he was to do it in a particular way. 00:06:00.160 --> 00:06:02.480 Remember, last week, how were they to persevere? 00:06:02.740 --> 00:06:04.860 It was through gospel exhortation. 00:06:04.860 --> 00:06:08.439 It would come not through Timothy patting them on the shoulder and saying, 00:06:08.620 --> 00:06:10.759 now, there, there, everything will be okay. 00:06:11.020 --> 00:06:11.939 No, it wouldn't be that. 00:06:12.060 --> 00:06:15.819 It would be Timothy coming and establishing and exhorting their faith 00:06:15.819 --> 00:06:21.060 by preaching the gospel again and again and again and again. 00:06:21.699 --> 00:06:28.160 Biblical exhortation, biblical exposition is the path to a persevering faith. 00:06:28.540 --> 00:06:29.220 Paul knew that. 00:06:29.220 --> 00:06:33.320 So he sends Timothy in his place and he says, I want you to investigate and report back. 00:06:33.620 --> 00:06:35.220 And while you're there, strengthen them. 00:06:35.620 --> 00:06:37.000 Preach the gospel to them. 00:06:37.660 --> 00:06:38.640 Strengthen them with it. 00:06:39.740 --> 00:06:42.700 And then when we get to verse six, which we read just a moment ago, 00:06:42.860 --> 00:06:47.940 Paul recounts the moment that Timothy returns and offers his report. 00:06:49.340 --> 00:06:55.200 And as it turns out, the Thessalonian Christians were persevering in faith and love 00:06:55.200 --> 00:06:57.640 and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:06:57.639 --> 00:07:02.039 Not only that, but they remembered Paul kindly, 00:07:03.259 --> 00:07:07.199 longing to see him as much as he had longed to see them. 00:07:08.099 --> 00:07:10.060 That would have been such an encouragement to him, wouldn't it? 00:07:10.680 --> 00:07:13.800 It would seem that some of his comments in chapter two 00:07:13.800 --> 00:07:18.419 were coming from a fear that maybe the enemies in Thessalonica 00:07:18.419 --> 00:07:21.079 were accusing Paul of being an unfaithful minister. 00:07:21.079 --> 00:07:25.740 That somehow they had turned the hearts of the Thessalonians away from Paul, 00:07:25.740 --> 00:07:27.819 as had happened in other places. 00:07:28.879 --> 00:07:32.379 Timothy comes back and he says, not only are they faithful to Christ, 00:07:32.480 --> 00:07:33.400 but they love you, Paul. 00:07:33.759 --> 00:07:35.900 They remember good things about you, Paul. 00:07:36.460 --> 00:07:39.379 They want you to be there as much as you want to be there, Paul. 00:07:40.500 --> 00:07:41.360 What an encouragement. 00:07:43.040 --> 00:07:47.519 All of Paul's tension that is building in the previous verses 00:07:47.519 --> 00:07:53.899 suddenly in this passage burst into joyful expressions of relief. 00:07:55.419 --> 00:07:58.779 Relief due to the good news brought by Timothy. 00:08:00.060 --> 00:08:04.979 And all of this revealing the nature of Paul's deep passion 00:08:04.979 --> 00:08:08.399 for helping others follow Jesus. 00:08:08.399 --> 00:08:12.019 The key statement comes to us in verse eight. 00:08:12.120 --> 00:08:13.519 Would you just set your eyes on it again? 00:08:14.179 --> 00:08:15.560 Notice what Paul says here. 00:08:17.239 --> 00:08:24.060 For now we live if you are standing fast in the Lord. 00:08:25.719 --> 00:08:29.439 Oh, Thessalonians, now I'm really living 00:08:29.439 --> 00:08:35.120 if you are steadfast in Christ. 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:36.779 What does he mean? 00:08:37.659 --> 00:08:38.519 Well, it's clear, isn't it? 00:08:40.700 --> 00:08:45.000 Paul's life was bound up in magnifying Christ 00:08:45.000 --> 00:08:46.799 by making disciples. 00:08:48.259 --> 00:08:51.659 It's a passion that superseded all other passions for him. 00:08:53.440 --> 00:08:56.899 And the idea of the Thessalonians falling away from Christ 00:08:56.899 --> 00:08:58.980 was like death to him. 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:02.399 But Timothy's report was life-giving. 00:09:03.100 --> 00:09:04.779 It was like he could breathe again. 00:09:04.779 --> 00:09:09.860 In fact, the word, live, it could be translated breath or breathing. 00:09:10.819 --> 00:09:14.439 It's as if all that tension, all that anxiety in the verses leading up, 00:09:14.600 --> 00:09:16.980 all of this concern that he had for the Thessalonians, 00:09:17.100 --> 00:09:19.459 finally Timothy comes and it's like he can finally, 00:09:20.339 --> 00:09:21.819 like he can breathe again. 00:09:22.559 --> 00:09:23.860 Oh, now I live. 00:09:24.740 --> 00:09:29.699 Now that I know you are standing firm in Christ. 00:09:30.740 --> 00:09:31.839 It's what he lived for. 00:09:31.840 --> 00:09:34.759 Seeing other people follow Jesus. 00:09:34.920 --> 00:09:36.480 Helping other people follow Jesus. 00:09:36.480 --> 00:09:39.820 And of course, that begs the question, 00:09:40.700 --> 00:09:42.039 what are we living for? 00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:44.139 What are we living for? 00:09:45.860 --> 00:09:49.899 There's four facets of Paul's reaction and response here 00:09:49.899 --> 00:09:50.860 that I want to point out. 00:09:51.480 --> 00:09:52.759 I want to show you his comfort. 00:09:53.560 --> 00:09:55.039 I want to show you his worship. 00:09:55.039 --> 00:09:57.099 His persistence. 00:09:58.019 --> 00:10:00.939 And then of course, his prayer at the end. 00:10:01.699 --> 00:10:05.019 And my hope is to move through the first three fairly quickly 00:10:05.019 --> 00:10:08.079 so we can camp just a little while on the last one. 00:10:08.599 --> 00:10:11.679 First, I want you to notice the report brought him comfort. 00:10:12.459 --> 00:10:13.599 It brought him comfort. 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:15.360 Verses seven and eight again. 00:10:15.559 --> 00:10:16.459 For this reason. 00:10:17.459 --> 00:10:18.079 What reason? 00:10:18.080 --> 00:10:20.980 For the report that Timothy's just brought back in verse six. 00:10:21.060 --> 00:10:23.300 He says, for this reason, because of the report, 00:10:23.879 --> 00:10:25.900 in all our distress and affliction, 00:10:26.100 --> 00:10:28.280 we have been comforted. 00:10:29.200 --> 00:10:29.639 Comforted. 00:10:29.800 --> 00:10:30.960 Now that makes a lot of sense 00:10:30.960 --> 00:10:34.060 because we've just been looking at anxiety on Paul's part, 00:10:34.100 --> 00:10:34.480 haven't we? 00:10:34.900 --> 00:10:38.060 Just set your eye back up on verse five. 00:10:39.020 --> 00:10:40.879 When he's explaining what he was feeling 00:10:40.879 --> 00:10:43.240 at the time that he sent Timothy to them, 00:10:43.280 --> 00:10:44.320 he says, for this reason, 00:10:44.379 --> 00:10:46.000 when I could bear it no longer, 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:48.019 I can hardly bear this. 00:10:48.539 --> 00:10:52.259 I sent to learn about your faith for fear. 00:10:53.360 --> 00:10:54.080 He's afraid. 00:10:54.919 --> 00:10:56.039 He's anxious. 00:10:56.860 --> 00:10:58.940 That somehow the tempter had tempted you 00:10:58.940 --> 00:11:00.820 and our labor would be in vain. 00:11:01.980 --> 00:11:03.639 That's the pinnacle of his anxiety. 00:11:03.779 --> 00:11:04.919 And now that Timothy has come back, 00:11:04.960 --> 00:11:05.740 the first thing he says, 00:11:05.840 --> 00:11:07.840 oh, I just can't tell you enough 00:11:07.840 --> 00:11:09.399 that just hearing from Timothy 00:11:09.399 --> 00:11:11.820 in all of the distress that we have 00:11:11.820 --> 00:11:12.980 and all of our anxiety, 00:11:12.980 --> 00:11:16.019 in all of the affliction that we've experienced 00:11:16.019 --> 00:11:17.740 in other cities like Berea, 00:11:18.860 --> 00:11:22.240 oh, we have been comforted by God 00:11:22.240 --> 00:11:25.840 about you through your faith. 00:11:26.519 --> 00:11:27.820 For now we live. 00:11:28.320 --> 00:11:30.159 If you're standing fast in the Lord. 00:11:32.120 --> 00:11:35.580 Making disciples is hard work in many respects. 00:11:35.740 --> 00:11:37.039 It's not an easy task, is it? 00:11:37.039 --> 00:11:39.779 One of the more difficult parts, 00:11:40.039 --> 00:11:40.839 as you know, 00:11:40.939 --> 00:11:43.099 any of you who have labored in gospel ministry 00:11:43.099 --> 00:11:44.360 in any way, 00:11:44.939 --> 00:11:47.099 understand that one of the more difficult things 00:11:47.099 --> 00:11:48.819 is the burden that you carry 00:11:48.819 --> 00:11:51.279 for the spiritual lives of others. 00:11:52.799 --> 00:11:54.319 It really is a burden. 00:11:55.219 --> 00:11:56.699 It's a burden that you feel 00:11:56.699 --> 00:11:57.939 for the lost in your life. 00:11:58.079 --> 00:11:59.059 It should be at least. 00:11:59.699 --> 00:12:00.980 It's a burden that you feel 00:12:00.980 --> 00:12:03.240 for those who have professed faith 00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:05.599 but are not living as a Christian 00:12:05.600 --> 00:12:06.220 not to live. 00:12:07.080 --> 00:12:07.659 It's a burden. 00:12:08.960 --> 00:12:09.860 It's distressing. 00:12:11.700 --> 00:12:13.100 It brings anxiety. 00:12:15.220 --> 00:12:17.639 No one demonstrated this more clearly 00:12:17.639 --> 00:12:18.560 than Jesus did. 00:12:20.060 --> 00:12:21.100 Matthew chapter nine, 00:12:21.200 --> 00:12:22.220 when he saw the crowds, 00:12:22.340 --> 00:12:24.379 he had compassion for them. 00:12:25.279 --> 00:12:26.019 The word compassion, 00:12:26.220 --> 00:12:26.980 it literally means, 00:12:27.100 --> 00:12:28.159 if you translate it literally, 00:12:28.279 --> 00:12:29.860 it's a moving of the bowels. 00:12:30.960 --> 00:12:32.960 There was a physical response to Jesus 00:12:32.960 --> 00:12:35.399 when he considered the lostness of the people 00:12:35.399 --> 00:12:35.959 in Israel. 00:12:37.379 --> 00:12:38.840 Made his stomach hurt. 00:12:39.720 --> 00:12:41.100 He had compassion on them. 00:12:41.980 --> 00:12:42.319 Why? 00:12:43.139 --> 00:12:45.000 Because they were harassed and helpless 00:12:45.000 --> 00:12:46.319 like sheep without a shepherd. 00:12:47.919 --> 00:12:49.500 And then he turns to his disciples 00:12:49.500 --> 00:12:50.039 and he says, 00:12:50.139 --> 00:12:51.399 the harvest is plenteous. 00:12:52.679 --> 00:12:54.319 But the laborers are few. 00:12:55.939 --> 00:12:58.779 Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest 00:12:58.779 --> 00:13:00.699 to send out laborers into the harvest. 00:13:00.700 --> 00:13:02.700 What is that compassion 00:13:02.700 --> 00:13:04.900 if it isn't an intense burden 00:13:04.900 --> 00:13:07.400 for the souls of those who are lost? 00:13:09.160 --> 00:13:11.900 What is that compassion that Jesus has 00:13:11.900 --> 00:13:13.320 if it is not a burden 00:13:13.320 --> 00:13:14.520 for the souls of those 00:13:14.520 --> 00:13:16.280 who are wandering away from him 00:13:16.280 --> 00:13:17.620 because of affliction 00:13:17.620 --> 00:13:18.920 or the appeal of sin 00:13:18.920 --> 00:13:20.240 or whatever it may be 00:13:20.240 --> 00:13:21.480 that may be leading them away? 00:13:22.460 --> 00:13:23.700 And here we find Paul 00:13:24.460 --> 00:13:26.040 walking in Christ on footsteps. 00:13:26.039 --> 00:13:28.980 Paul's distress and affliction, 00:13:29.079 --> 00:13:30.620 it refers to that anxiety 00:13:30.620 --> 00:13:32.959 being torn away, 00:13:33.839 --> 00:13:35.079 hindered by Satan, 00:13:36.120 --> 00:13:37.419 fearing that affliction 00:13:37.419 --> 00:13:38.860 caused them to leave the faith 00:13:38.860 --> 00:13:40.559 they first professed. 00:13:41.379 --> 00:13:43.179 It's an emotional burden 00:13:43.179 --> 00:13:45.259 felt by those who labor 00:13:45.259 --> 00:13:47.099 in the field of souls, isn't it? 00:13:48.019 --> 00:13:50.539 A burden surely that you have felt before. 00:13:50.539 --> 00:13:53.679 A burden hopefully you haven't gone 00:13:53.679 --> 00:13:55.379 callous towards. 00:13:57.319 --> 00:13:59.219 The important thing to recognize here 00:13:59.219 --> 00:14:01.679 is that the source of Paul's comfort 00:14:01.679 --> 00:14:06.379 is the report of the Thessalonians' faith. 00:14:07.519 --> 00:14:08.179 Notice that. 00:14:08.500 --> 00:14:10.120 It's not the only thing in the report. 00:14:11.319 --> 00:14:12.339 Timothy's report said, 00:14:12.459 --> 00:14:15.079 yes, they're faithfully following Jesus. 00:14:15.259 --> 00:14:16.919 Also, Paul, they love you 00:14:16.919 --> 00:14:18.000 and they want to see you. 00:14:18.039 --> 00:14:18.939 That would have been an encouragement, 00:14:19.099 --> 00:14:19.419 wouldn't it? 00:14:20.539 --> 00:14:21.819 It's not just their faith 00:14:21.819 --> 00:14:22.839 that Timothy reports about, 00:14:22.959 --> 00:14:24.179 but it's just their faith 00:14:24.179 --> 00:14:25.799 that Paul responds to in comfort. 00:14:28.679 --> 00:14:31.360 He says, oh, now we live 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:33.620 if you're standing in the Lord. 00:14:35.079 --> 00:14:36.659 In all our distress and affliction, 00:14:36.779 --> 00:14:37.779 we've been comforted about you 00:14:37.779 --> 00:14:40.399 through your faith. 00:14:41.500 --> 00:14:42.980 Now, have you noticed the language 00:14:42.980 --> 00:14:43.719 that he's using here? 00:14:43.779 --> 00:14:45.199 We've seen this before. 00:14:45.539 --> 00:14:46.799 Look back at verse six. 00:14:47.339 --> 00:14:48.539 Timothy has come to us from you. 00:14:48.539 --> 00:14:49.419 He's brought us good news 00:14:49.419 --> 00:14:52.219 of your faith and love. 00:14:52.379 --> 00:14:53.759 Then we get down to verse seven. 00:14:54.199 --> 00:14:55.459 We've been comforted about you 00:14:55.459 --> 00:14:56.120 through your faith. 00:14:56.219 --> 00:14:58.819 For now we live if you are standing fast. 00:14:59.839 --> 00:15:01.299 Remember those three dynamics? 00:15:02.339 --> 00:15:06.620 Faith, love, steadfastness of hope. 00:15:06.860 --> 00:15:08.339 We've seen that before, haven't we? 00:15:09.139 --> 00:15:11.259 Set your eyes on chapter one, verse two. 00:15:11.259 --> 00:15:14.120 We give thanks to God always for all of you, 00:15:14.220 --> 00:15:15.759 constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 00:15:16.340 --> 00:15:17.939 remembering before our God and Father 00:15:17.939 --> 00:15:21.120 your work of faith and labor of love 00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:23.139 and steadfastness of hope 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:24.779 in our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:15:24.960 --> 00:15:25.919 What is that about? 00:15:26.960 --> 00:15:28.419 It's about their salvation. 00:15:29.860 --> 00:15:31.519 What is it that Paul's comforted about? 00:15:32.200 --> 00:15:33.679 That they belong to God, 00:15:33.779 --> 00:15:35.659 that they're standing firm in the faith. 00:15:35.700 --> 00:15:37.639 That's what he's most comforted about here. 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:40.059 It's amazing. 00:15:41.699 --> 00:15:44.919 The level of our passion for magnifying Christ 00:15:44.919 --> 00:15:46.720 through making disciples will be seen 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:49.480 in how we respond to the reports of fruitfulness 00:15:49.480 --> 00:15:50.580 in the lives of others. 00:15:52.080 --> 00:15:53.419 And what is his report? 00:15:53.899 --> 00:15:56.199 Oh, he feels comfort, joy 00:15:56.199 --> 00:15:59.679 at the report that they are indeed 00:15:59.679 --> 00:16:02.200 continuing in the faith. 00:16:02.799 --> 00:16:04.279 His focus was their salvation. 00:16:04.279 --> 00:16:07.839 So the report gave him comfort, right? 00:16:08.419 --> 00:16:10.220 Number two, I want you to see his worship. 00:16:10.819 --> 00:16:14.439 The report produced authentic worship. 00:16:15.740 --> 00:16:18.519 Verse nine, Paul says, 00:16:18.659 --> 00:16:21.079 for what thanksgiving can we return to God for you? 00:16:22.279 --> 00:16:24.860 For all the joy that we feel for your sake 00:16:24.860 --> 00:16:29.980 before our God, worship, praise. 00:16:29.980 --> 00:16:35.320 I think we need to grasp the theological underpinning 00:16:35.320 --> 00:16:36.519 of Paul's worship here. 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:42.220 Though the ministerial effort belonged to him, 00:16:42.820 --> 00:16:44.180 Timothy and Silas, 00:16:44.960 --> 00:16:46.879 and the perseverance of faith 00:16:46.879 --> 00:16:48.800 belonged to the Thessalonian Christians, 00:16:49.940 --> 00:16:52.740 his thanksgiving is not directed to Timothy, 00:16:53.420 --> 00:16:56.120 neither is it directed to the Thessalonians. 00:16:56.120 --> 00:17:00.899 His thanksgiving is wholly given to God. 00:17:01.840 --> 00:17:02.440 Why? 00:17:03.659 --> 00:17:06.160 Because he understands God to be the one 00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:09.279 ultimately responsible for the salvation of those 00:17:09.279 --> 00:17:11.660 to whom he and Timothy and Silas 00:17:11.660 --> 00:17:12.740 have proclaimed the gospel. 00:17:13.900 --> 00:17:16.660 So that when he hears reports of their continued faith, 00:17:16.880 --> 00:17:19.720 he does not elaborate in thanksgiving to them 00:17:19.720 --> 00:17:20.759 or to Timothy. 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:22.960 He turns and he worships God. 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:27.860 What thanksgiving can I possibly offer to him for this? 00:17:28.420 --> 00:17:30.480 How wonderful that he's done this. 00:17:30.799 --> 00:17:33.500 My thanksgiving cannot even match the joy 00:17:33.500 --> 00:17:35.319 that God has given me 00:17:35.319 --> 00:17:37.420 through the faith that he's given you. 00:17:38.460 --> 00:17:39.000 Worship. 00:17:40.019 --> 00:17:40.579 Worship. 00:17:42.920 --> 00:17:45.940 This is now the third time Paul has thanked God 00:17:45.940 --> 00:17:47.980 for the Thessalonians' faith in this letter. 00:17:48.759 --> 00:17:51.140 The first one's in chapter one, two, and three. 00:17:51.140 --> 00:17:54.540 We give thanks to God always for all of you, 00:17:55.080 --> 00:17:56.800 remembering before our God and Father 00:17:56.800 --> 00:18:00.120 your faith, love, and hope in Christ Jesus. 00:18:01.300 --> 00:18:03.120 In chapter two and verse 13, 00:18:03.420 --> 00:18:05.600 we also thank God constantly for this, 00:18:05.920 --> 00:18:07.680 that when you receive the word of God, 00:18:07.960 --> 00:18:09.080 which you heard from us, 00:18:09.140 --> 00:18:11.220 you accepted it not as the word of men, 00:18:11.320 --> 00:18:13.180 but as what it really is, the word of God, 00:18:13.540 --> 00:18:15.340 which is at work in you believers. 00:18:15.339 --> 00:18:18.339 Three times now, 00:18:19.159 --> 00:18:20.740 he's acknowledged their faith 00:18:20.740 --> 00:18:23.740 and the work of God's grace in their life, 00:18:23.799 --> 00:18:24.899 and he's turned and he's said, 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:26.559 oh, thank you, Lord, for doing this. 00:18:27.199 --> 00:18:28.199 Praise God 00:18:28.199 --> 00:18:30.959 that you have saved them 00:18:30.959 --> 00:18:33.759 and that you're holding them fast. 00:18:35.699 --> 00:18:36.619 Not only that, 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:38.859 Paul wrote explicitly in chapter one 00:18:38.859 --> 00:18:41.500 that the Thessalonian Christians' conversion 00:18:41.500 --> 00:18:42.359 and perseverance 00:18:42.359 --> 00:18:44.819 resulted from God's election 00:18:44.819 --> 00:18:46.979 and the Holy Spirit's empowerment. 00:18:47.779 --> 00:18:49.759 Again at chapter one, four through six. 00:18:50.619 --> 00:18:52.159 We know, brothers, loved by God, 00:18:52.219 --> 00:18:53.759 that he has chosen you 00:18:53.759 --> 00:18:56.240 because our gospel came to you 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:57.579 not in word, 00:18:58.139 --> 00:19:00.199 but in power and in the Holy Spirit. 00:19:01.799 --> 00:19:04.219 And it filled you with the joy of the Holy Spirit. 00:19:05.219 --> 00:19:06.059 What is he acknowledging? 00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.799 There's a pattern here, isn't there? 00:19:07.799 --> 00:19:09.599 There's a pattern that he recognizes 00:19:09.599 --> 00:19:10.419 that ultimately, 00:19:10.799 --> 00:19:11.639 at the end of the day, 00:19:11.940 --> 00:19:13.240 this is a work of grace. 00:19:15.659 --> 00:19:17.559 So what part does Paul and Timothy 00:19:17.559 --> 00:19:19.539 and the others play in this work of grace? 00:19:19.899 --> 00:19:21.339 Well, a significant part actually, 00:19:21.399 --> 00:19:22.119 as it turns out. 00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:24.659 We must also take account 00:19:24.659 --> 00:19:26.460 of the various ways 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:28.419 Paul has written of himself and his team 00:19:28.419 --> 00:19:31.460 functioning as God's instruments of grace 00:19:31.460 --> 00:19:32.879 in this work. 00:19:33.659 --> 00:19:35.359 Chapter two, verses three and four. 00:19:36.359 --> 00:19:36.839 Paul said, 00:19:36.839 --> 00:19:38.980 that our appeal does not spring from error 00:19:38.980 --> 00:19:39.919 or impurity 00:19:39.919 --> 00:19:41.759 or any attempt to deceive. 00:19:42.819 --> 00:19:44.619 So then why is he preaching the gospel 00:19:44.619 --> 00:19:45.500 in Thessalonica? 00:19:45.699 --> 00:19:46.279 He says, 00:19:47.279 --> 00:19:48.819 we have been approved by God 00:19:48.819 --> 00:19:50.459 and entrusted by God 00:19:50.459 --> 00:19:51.179 with the gospel. 00:19:52.639 --> 00:19:54.159 So we're preaching to you, 00:19:54.359 --> 00:19:55.699 not to please you, 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:56.659 but to please God 00:19:56.659 --> 00:19:57.799 because he's the one 00:19:57.799 --> 00:19:58.919 who has called us to this 00:19:58.919 --> 00:19:59.799 and he's the one 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:00.759 who tests our hearts. 00:20:01.659 --> 00:20:03.000 And then we saw last week 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:04.220 in chapter three in verse two, 00:20:04.220 --> 00:20:05.299 we sent Timothy, 00:20:05.500 --> 00:20:06.039 our brother 00:20:06.039 --> 00:20:08.460 and God's co-worker 00:20:08.460 --> 00:20:10.519 in the gospel of Christ 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:12.900 to establish and exhort you 00:20:12.900 --> 00:20:13.819 in your faith. 00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:14.559 What does he mean? 00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:16.200 This is God's work 00:20:16.200 --> 00:20:17.680 and he's using Paul 00:20:17.680 --> 00:20:18.180 and Timothy 00:20:18.180 --> 00:20:19.400 and Silas to do it. 00:20:19.960 --> 00:20:21.620 But it's ultimately God's work. 00:20:21.860 --> 00:20:22.980 So when he gets the report 00:20:22.980 --> 00:20:23.819 of their faithfulness, 00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:24.720 what does he do? 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:26.160 He worships God. 00:20:26.660 --> 00:20:27.579 What else would he do? 00:20:27.579 --> 00:20:30.639 This is God's saving work. 00:20:31.899 --> 00:20:33.099 Now in all of these passages 00:20:33.099 --> 00:20:34.539 taken together 00:20:34.539 --> 00:20:35.419 with chapter three 00:20:35.419 --> 00:20:36.299 in verse nine, 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:37.919 they reveal Paul's 00:20:37.919 --> 00:20:39.220 understanding of grace. 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:42.259 That is the fruitfulness 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:43.779 of all gospel ministry 00:20:43.779 --> 00:20:45.859 results from God's work 00:20:45.859 --> 00:20:47.179 of grace in 00:20:47.179 --> 00:20:49.000 and through his people. 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:52.299 Even as he sent Timothy 00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:53.939 to establish and exhort them, 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:55.720 he knew Timothy 00:20:55.720 --> 00:20:56.939 was only acting merely 00:20:56.940 --> 00:20:57.960 as an instrument 00:20:57.960 --> 00:21:00.440 in the hands of God. 00:21:01.759 --> 00:21:03.180 And because he believed grace 00:21:03.180 --> 00:21:03.960 to be the cause 00:21:03.960 --> 00:21:04.740 of their conversion 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:05.460 and perseverance, 00:21:06.120 --> 00:21:07.259 the report he received 00:21:07.259 --> 00:21:08.980 produced praise. 00:21:09.460 --> 00:21:10.140 So what am I saying? 00:21:11.460 --> 00:21:13.259 That Paul's efforts 00:21:13.259 --> 00:21:14.759 and the fruitfulness 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:15.779 he experienced 00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:17.740 weren't about him. 00:21:19.180 --> 00:21:20.500 They weren't about him. 00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:24.220 His boast wasn't 00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:25.620 in his ability 00:21:25.619 --> 00:21:27.819 to turn a phrase 00:21:27.819 --> 00:21:29.339 in just the right way 00:21:29.339 --> 00:21:30.719 so that he could grab 00:21:30.719 --> 00:21:31.299 the attention 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:31.879 of the people 00:21:31.879 --> 00:21:32.759 that heard him preach 00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:36.139 and change their affections 00:21:36.139 --> 00:21:36.619 for God. 00:21:37.339 --> 00:21:38.699 He knew that wasn't true. 00:21:39.879 --> 00:21:40.959 His boast was only 00:21:40.959 --> 00:21:41.919 in the grace of God. 00:21:44.139 --> 00:21:45.379 He didn't desire 00:21:45.379 --> 00:21:46.219 their salvation 00:21:46.219 --> 00:21:47.739 for some personal gain. 00:21:48.399 --> 00:21:49.439 He wanted Christ 00:21:49.439 --> 00:21:50.359 to be magnified. 00:21:50.359 --> 00:21:52.259 and understanding 00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:52.979 the reality 00:21:52.979 --> 00:21:54.119 of their situation, 00:21:54.619 --> 00:21:56.039 he was immediately 00:21:56.039 --> 00:21:57.859 moved to worship. 00:21:58.619 --> 00:21:59.439 So we see his comfort. 00:22:00.179 --> 00:22:01.019 We see his worship. 00:22:01.599 --> 00:22:01.879 Third, 00:22:01.959 --> 00:22:02.439 I want you to see 00:22:02.439 --> 00:22:03.339 his persistence. 00:22:04.459 --> 00:22:05.639 The report prompted 00:22:05.639 --> 00:22:07.500 further ministry. 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:08.819 It's interesting, 00:22:08.919 --> 00:22:09.219 isn't it? 00:22:09.359 --> 00:22:09.939 Verse 10, 00:22:09.940 --> 00:22:12.559 As we pray most earnestly 00:22:12.559 --> 00:22:13.320 night and day 00:22:13.320 --> 00:22:14.660 that we may see you 00:22:14.660 --> 00:22:15.580 face to face 00:22:15.580 --> 00:22:17.600 and supply what is lacking 00:22:17.600 --> 00:22:18.360 in your faith. 00:22:19.539 --> 00:22:21.000 This verse seems strange, 00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:21.559 doesn't it? 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:24.380 Paul's worship 00:22:24.380 --> 00:22:25.900 is offered to God 00:22:25.900 --> 00:22:26.759 in the context 00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:28.620 of earnest prayer 00:22:28.620 --> 00:22:30.620 that God would allow him 00:22:30.620 --> 00:22:31.120 to go back 00:22:31.120 --> 00:22:32.000 to Thessalonica. 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:35.100 So he prays here 00:22:35.100 --> 00:22:36.059 the same prayer 00:22:36.059 --> 00:22:37.799 and with the same urgency 00:22:37.799 --> 00:22:39.579 as he had in chapter 2 00:22:39.579 --> 00:22:41.059 and verse 17. 00:22:41.759 --> 00:22:42.539 Just set your eyes 00:22:42.539 --> 00:22:43.099 on it again. 00:22:43.440 --> 00:22:44.419 Since we were torn away 00:22:44.419 --> 00:22:45.139 from you brothers 00:22:45.139 --> 00:22:46.720 for a short time 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:47.259 in person, 00:22:47.379 --> 00:22:47.899 not in heart, 00:22:48.139 --> 00:22:48.919 we endeavored 00:22:48.919 --> 00:22:49.879 the more eagerly 00:22:49.879 --> 00:22:51.159 and with great desire 00:22:51.159 --> 00:22:52.399 to see you face to face. 00:22:52.539 --> 00:22:53.059 He's praying 00:22:53.059 --> 00:22:54.079 the same thing again. 00:22:54.859 --> 00:22:56.019 What's weird about that 00:22:56.019 --> 00:22:57.399 is that he's gotten 00:22:57.399 --> 00:22:58.259 the report back 00:22:58.259 --> 00:23:00.700 that they're being faithful. 00:23:02.339 --> 00:23:03.279 They're doing everything 00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:03.899 that he hoped 00:23:03.899 --> 00:23:05.279 that they would be doing. 00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:08.399 The question is 00:23:08.399 --> 00:23:09.420 why does he still feel 00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:10.779 such an urgency for this? 00:23:10.920 --> 00:23:13.460 Why that he now knows 00:23:13.460 --> 00:23:15.000 of their persevering faith, 00:23:15.519 --> 00:23:16.599 why does he still 00:23:16.599 --> 00:23:17.519 want to go back? 00:23:18.859 --> 00:23:20.000 Well, it's just another sign 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:22.379 that this is what he lived for. 00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:24.220 His whole life 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:25.619 was bound up in this. 00:23:26.420 --> 00:23:27.779 Seeing other people through, 00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:29.539 not in the moment, 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.779 but to the end. 00:23:31.779 --> 00:23:34.639 It's also a reminder 00:23:34.639 --> 00:23:36.180 that the task 00:23:36.180 --> 00:23:37.799 of discipling 00:23:37.799 --> 00:23:40.399 is never really finished, 00:23:40.460 --> 00:23:40.819 is it? 00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:43.779 It's never really finished. 00:23:45.599 --> 00:23:46.819 He wanted to keep 00:23:46.819 --> 00:23:47.599 discipling them 00:23:47.599 --> 00:23:48.180 in the gospel, 00:23:48.619 --> 00:23:49.639 supplying, he says, 00:23:49.740 --> 00:23:51.319 whatever may be lacking 00:23:51.319 --> 00:23:52.779 in their faith 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:53.480 and understanding 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:54.299 of the truth. 00:23:55.639 --> 00:23:57.279 Remember what his aim was. 00:23:58.079 --> 00:23:59.039 His goal. 00:23:59.039 --> 00:24:01.500 His aim was to present 00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:02.859 them faithful to Christ 00:24:02.859 --> 00:24:03.819 at Christ's return. 00:24:04.779 --> 00:24:05.539 And since Christ 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:06.599 had not yet returned, 00:24:07.399 --> 00:24:08.059 Paul's task 00:24:08.059 --> 00:24:08.879 was not complete. 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:11.279 And there again, 00:24:11.359 --> 00:24:12.000 we must note 00:24:12.000 --> 00:24:13.399 this desire 00:24:13.399 --> 00:24:15.019 to see them face to face. 00:24:16.180 --> 00:24:17.180 While the letter 00:24:17.180 --> 00:24:17.940 would have been 00:24:17.940 --> 00:24:19.920 sufficient for the moment, 00:24:20.920 --> 00:24:21.759 he knows 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:23.519 nothing was as effective 00:24:23.519 --> 00:24:24.480 as personal, 00:24:25.579 --> 00:24:27.240 embodied ministry 00:24:27.240 --> 00:24:28.620 to others. 00:24:29.900 --> 00:24:30.460 So, 00:24:31.099 --> 00:24:32.200 what do we see here? 00:24:32.940 --> 00:24:34.240 We see that 00:24:34.240 --> 00:24:35.160 in Paul's 00:24:35.160 --> 00:24:36.200 desire 00:24:36.200 --> 00:24:37.440 and purpose 00:24:37.440 --> 00:24:39.039 to make disciples 00:24:39.039 --> 00:24:40.620 and magnify Christ, 00:24:41.579 --> 00:24:42.359 that when Timothy 00:24:42.359 --> 00:24:43.559 reports of fruitfulness, 00:24:44.259 --> 00:24:45.140 he's comforted 00:24:45.140 --> 00:24:46.779 because his anxiety 00:24:46.779 --> 00:24:48.160 is for their souls. 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:50.920 He worships 00:24:50.920 --> 00:24:52.740 because he recognizes 00:24:52.740 --> 00:24:53.660 that this is a work 00:24:53.660 --> 00:24:54.519 of God's grace 00:24:54.519 --> 00:24:56.180 and he's just 00:24:56.180 --> 00:24:56.900 privileged to be 00:24:56.900 --> 00:24:57.599 a part of it 00:24:57.599 --> 00:24:59.639 in God's grace. 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:01.059 And then, 00:25:01.299 --> 00:25:02.379 it just makes him 00:25:02.379 --> 00:25:02.859 want to do it 00:25:02.859 --> 00:25:03.420 more and more. 00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:05.819 Truly, 00:25:05.940 --> 00:25:06.599 if you've ever 00:25:06.599 --> 00:25:07.639 led somebody to Christ 00:25:07.639 --> 00:25:08.099 or if you've ever 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:09.019 had one of those moments 00:25:09.019 --> 00:25:09.879 where the Lord 00:25:09.879 --> 00:25:10.700 just allows you 00:25:10.700 --> 00:25:12.359 just a brief moment 00:25:12.359 --> 00:25:14.400 to see some fruitfulness 00:25:14.400 --> 00:25:15.059 in the life 00:25:15.059 --> 00:25:15.879 of somebody else 00:25:15.879 --> 00:25:16.720 because of 00:25:16.720 --> 00:25:18.039 your efforts 00:25:18.039 --> 00:25:19.059 in gospel ministry, 00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:20.339 either in evangelism 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:21.519 or just discipling them, 00:25:21.519 --> 00:25:23.700 it makes you 00:25:23.700 --> 00:25:24.139 want to do it 00:25:24.139 --> 00:25:24.319 more, 00:25:24.400 --> 00:25:24.839 doesn't it? 00:25:26.879 --> 00:25:27.960 You get a glimpse 00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:28.819 of God's grace 00:25:28.819 --> 00:25:29.420 in that way. 00:25:29.559 --> 00:25:30.819 It's so joyful. 00:25:31.019 --> 00:25:31.920 It makes you want more. 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:33.079 And of course, 00:25:33.139 --> 00:25:33.940 we see that in Paul. 00:25:34.319 --> 00:25:34.819 And then we get 00:25:34.819 --> 00:25:35.639 to the final thing. 00:25:36.019 --> 00:25:36.660 I want you to see 00:25:36.660 --> 00:25:37.180 his prayer. 00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:38.960 His prayer. 00:25:39.839 --> 00:25:40.460 The report 00:25:40.460 --> 00:25:42.319 shaped the way 00:25:42.319 --> 00:25:43.000 that he prayed 00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:43.559 thereafter. 00:25:44.839 --> 00:25:45.539 Verse 11. 00:25:47.059 --> 00:25:48.119 Now may our God 00:25:48.119 --> 00:25:49.220 and Father himself 00:25:49.220 --> 00:25:50.259 and our Lord Jesus 00:25:50.259 --> 00:25:51.759 direct our way 00:25:51.759 --> 00:25:52.279 to you. 00:25:53.019 --> 00:25:53.779 And may the Lord 00:25:53.779 --> 00:25:54.819 make you increase 00:25:54.819 --> 00:25:55.880 and abound in love 00:25:55.880 --> 00:25:56.620 for one another 00:25:56.620 --> 00:25:57.559 and for all 00:25:57.559 --> 00:25:59.519 as we do for you 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:01.680 so that he may 00:26:01.680 --> 00:26:02.940 establish your hearts 00:26:02.940 --> 00:26:04.180 blameless in holiness 00:26:04.180 --> 00:26:05.460 before our God 00:26:05.460 --> 00:26:05.960 and Father 00:26:05.960 --> 00:26:07.220 at the coming 00:26:07.220 --> 00:26:08.120 of our Lord Jesus 00:26:08.120 --> 00:26:09.640 with all his saints. 00:26:09.920 --> 00:26:10.900 Oh, there it is again. 00:26:11.559 --> 00:26:12.519 The coming of the Lord. 00:26:13.579 --> 00:26:14.980 Where is his mind fixed? 00:26:15.980 --> 00:26:17.380 On the return of Christ. 00:26:17.380 --> 00:26:19.640 And what is his desire 00:26:19.640 --> 00:26:20.760 at the return of Christ? 00:26:21.340 --> 00:26:22.580 To see these people 00:26:22.580 --> 00:26:23.040 and more 00:26:23.040 --> 00:26:24.400 faithful, 00:26:25.680 --> 00:26:26.200 believing, 00:26:27.880 --> 00:26:28.220 holy. 00:26:29.880 --> 00:26:31.080 Now we've already read 00:26:31.080 --> 00:26:31.780 that Paul was 00:26:31.780 --> 00:26:32.800 earnestly praying. 00:26:33.580 --> 00:26:34.760 But in these verses, 00:26:35.500 --> 00:26:36.440 he actually writes 00:26:36.440 --> 00:26:37.400 his prayer for us. 00:26:38.060 --> 00:26:38.700 This is a prayer. 00:26:41.000 --> 00:26:41.620 And there's so much 00:26:41.620 --> 00:26:42.240 we can learn 00:26:42.240 --> 00:26:42.900 about the prayers 00:26:42.900 --> 00:26:43.480 of the Bible. 00:26:44.680 --> 00:26:46.180 In the case of this one, 00:26:46.180 --> 00:26:48.340 we learn that our work 00:26:48.340 --> 00:26:49.620 in gospel ministry 00:26:49.620 --> 00:26:51.660 shapes our prayer. 00:26:52.740 --> 00:26:53.340 Shapes the way 00:26:53.340 --> 00:26:54.180 we pray to God. 00:26:54.900 --> 00:26:56.140 Again, relying on him 00:26:56.140 --> 00:26:56.759 to do his work 00:26:56.759 --> 00:26:57.620 of grace in others. 00:26:58.720 --> 00:26:59.400 The very fact 00:26:59.400 --> 00:27:00.120 that Paul committed 00:27:00.120 --> 00:27:00.860 these things to prayer 00:27:00.860 --> 00:27:02.299 reflects that understanding 00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:02.900 of grace. 00:27:03.279 --> 00:27:04.720 He knows that he's engaging 00:27:04.720 --> 00:27:05.900 in God's work. 00:27:06.460 --> 00:27:08.160 So he asks for God's blessings. 00:27:09.000 --> 00:27:09.860 And he submits 00:27:09.860 --> 00:27:10.960 to Christ's lordship 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:12.000 over his request. 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:14.660 And unsurprisingly, 00:27:15.160 --> 00:27:17.299 he includes a request 00:27:17.299 --> 00:27:18.460 for Christ to direct 00:27:18.460 --> 00:27:19.039 his way back 00:27:19.039 --> 00:27:19.859 to Thessalonica. 00:27:20.539 --> 00:27:21.240 I don't know 00:27:21.240 --> 00:27:22.200 if he ever made it back. 00:27:22.980 --> 00:27:23.680 Perhaps somebody 00:27:23.680 --> 00:27:25.319 has determined that. 00:27:25.980 --> 00:27:27.099 I just don't know. 00:27:28.099 --> 00:27:29.099 But he's still praying 00:27:29.099 --> 00:27:29.579 for it. 00:27:31.039 --> 00:27:32.299 Lord, let me go back. 00:27:33.740 --> 00:27:34.960 But it's not his prayer 00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:35.579 to go back 00:27:35.579 --> 00:27:36.339 that really grabs 00:27:36.339 --> 00:27:37.200 my attention here. 00:27:38.299 --> 00:27:39.019 It's his prayer 00:27:39.019 --> 00:27:39.799 for the church. 00:27:39.799 --> 00:27:41.980 Do you notice 00:27:41.980 --> 00:27:42.779 what he prayed for them? 00:27:45.019 --> 00:27:46.359 From Paul's intensity 00:27:46.359 --> 00:27:47.019 of desire 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:48.180 to get to Thessalonica, 00:27:48.279 --> 00:27:49.039 we might conclude 00:27:49.039 --> 00:27:50.899 that certain persons, 00:27:51.599 --> 00:27:52.899 maybe vocational ministers 00:27:52.899 --> 00:27:55.299 or those who are 00:27:55.299 --> 00:27:57.419 especially mature believers, 00:27:58.819 --> 00:28:00.519 we might conclude 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:01.799 that those kinds of people 00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:02.539 are necessary 00:28:02.539 --> 00:28:04.019 for our spiritual progress. 00:28:05.220 --> 00:28:06.419 It would be tempting 00:28:06.419 --> 00:28:07.139 to say that 00:28:07.139 --> 00:28:08.000 the responsibility 00:28:08.000 --> 00:28:09.299 and effectiveness 00:28:09.299 --> 00:28:10.960 of gospel ministry 00:28:10.960 --> 00:28:12.680 applies only to those 00:28:12.680 --> 00:28:13.480 whom God 00:28:13.480 --> 00:28:14.919 especially called 00:28:14.919 --> 00:28:16.539 and gifted 00:28:16.539 --> 00:28:17.799 for that task. 00:28:20.299 --> 00:28:20.940 However, 00:28:21.299 --> 00:28:22.619 in Paul's prayer, 00:28:23.240 --> 00:28:24.299 we actually discover 00:28:24.299 --> 00:28:25.119 that isn't true. 00:28:26.799 --> 00:28:28.039 While we're thankful 00:28:28.039 --> 00:28:29.059 for how God uses 00:28:29.059 --> 00:28:29.799 and gifts us 00:28:29.799 --> 00:28:30.980 with certain spiritual leaders, 00:28:31.399 --> 00:28:33.240 the work of gospel ministry 00:28:33.240 --> 00:28:33.980 belongs 00:28:33.980 --> 00:28:36.039 to the entire church. 00:28:36.039 --> 00:28:38.599 it belongs to you, 00:28:39.180 --> 00:28:40.139 not just to me. 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:43.039 It belongs to us together. 00:28:44.299 --> 00:28:45.259 I want to unpack that. 00:28:46.200 --> 00:28:46.659 First, 00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:48.200 notice the comparison 00:28:48.200 --> 00:28:49.779 that Paul uses 00:28:49.779 --> 00:28:50.940 in verse 12. 00:28:53.759 --> 00:28:54.599 And may the Lord 00:28:54.599 --> 00:28:55.779 make you increase 00:28:55.779 --> 00:28:56.920 and abound in love 00:28:56.920 --> 00:28:57.659 for one another 00:28:57.659 --> 00:28:58.299 and for all 00:28:58.299 --> 00:28:59.299 as we do for you. 00:29:00.079 --> 00:29:01.299 As we do for you. 00:29:01.339 --> 00:29:01.960 There's a comparison 00:29:01.960 --> 00:29:02.839 he's making there. 00:29:02.839 --> 00:29:05.839 He prays that God 00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:06.859 will so work 00:29:06.859 --> 00:29:08.139 in the Thessalonians' hearts 00:29:08.139 --> 00:29:09.779 that they will increase 00:29:09.779 --> 00:29:10.579 and abound, 00:29:10.740 --> 00:29:11.879 that they will grow 00:29:11.879 --> 00:29:13.240 and maintain 00:29:13.240 --> 00:29:15.939 the same love 00:29:15.939 --> 00:29:17.679 that he has 00:29:17.679 --> 00:29:18.220 for them. 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:22.059 Think about the magnitude 00:29:22.059 --> 00:29:22.579 of that. 00:29:23.539 --> 00:29:24.799 How has Paul's love 00:29:24.799 --> 00:29:25.959 for them been displayed 00:29:25.959 --> 00:29:26.980 throughout this letter? 00:29:26.980 --> 00:29:30.220 He risked his life 00:29:30.220 --> 00:29:31.819 to preach the gospel 00:29:31.819 --> 00:29:32.740 to them in the beginning. 00:29:33.819 --> 00:29:34.460 He showed up 00:29:34.460 --> 00:29:35.360 to Thessalonica 00:29:35.360 --> 00:29:36.799 with fresh wounds 00:29:36.799 --> 00:29:37.720 from being beaten 00:29:37.720 --> 00:29:38.440 nearly to death 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:39.099 in Philippi. 00:29:39.900 --> 00:29:41.259 And he persevered 00:29:41.259 --> 00:29:42.440 in gospel preaching. 00:29:43.120 --> 00:29:43.420 Why? 00:29:43.819 --> 00:29:45.039 That was out of love 00:29:45.039 --> 00:29:47.079 for their souls. 00:29:47.880 --> 00:29:48.900 That's how he loved them. 00:29:50.180 --> 00:29:51.480 How else did he love them? 00:29:52.319 --> 00:29:53.140 He viewed them 00:29:53.140 --> 00:29:54.200 as a spiritual family 00:29:54.200 --> 00:29:55.039 constantly. 00:29:55.319 --> 00:29:56.240 He's referring to them 00:29:56.240 --> 00:29:56.799 as brothers. 00:29:57.759 --> 00:29:59.059 He even uses the analogy 00:29:59.059 --> 00:29:59.799 in chapter 2 00:29:59.799 --> 00:30:01.160 of a spiritual father 00:30:01.160 --> 00:30:02.360 and as a spiritual mother 00:30:02.360 --> 00:30:03.039 in the way that he 00:30:03.039 --> 00:30:04.279 ministered the gospel 00:30:04.279 --> 00:30:04.839 to them. 00:30:06.360 --> 00:30:06.839 Then he wrote 00:30:06.839 --> 00:30:07.539 that being forced 00:30:07.539 --> 00:30:08.120 to leave them 00:30:08.120 --> 00:30:10.039 was like being orphaned, 00:30:10.160 --> 00:30:10.799 torn away 00:30:10.799 --> 00:30:11.680 from his family 00:30:11.680 --> 00:30:13.799 and that his eager desire 00:30:13.799 --> 00:30:14.599 was to minister 00:30:14.599 --> 00:30:15.140 to them 00:30:15.140 --> 00:30:17.099 face to face 00:30:17.099 --> 00:30:18.400 to be with them. 00:30:18.640 --> 00:30:19.180 That's the way 00:30:19.180 --> 00:30:19.779 he loved them. 00:30:20.839 --> 00:30:21.740 Most importantly, 00:30:22.480 --> 00:30:23.319 his purpose 00:30:23.319 --> 00:30:24.500 in ministering to them, 00:30:24.819 --> 00:30:25.620 the thing that really 00:30:25.619 --> 00:30:27.179 drove his relationship 00:30:27.179 --> 00:30:27.919 with them 00:30:27.919 --> 00:30:29.559 was to do everything 00:30:29.559 --> 00:30:30.139 he could 00:30:30.139 --> 00:30:32.119 to see them persevere 00:30:32.119 --> 00:30:34.099 to the return of Christ 00:30:34.099 --> 00:30:36.259 by establishing 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:37.239 and exhorting them 00:30:37.239 --> 00:30:37.779 in the faith. 00:30:38.519 --> 00:30:39.139 In other words, 00:30:39.719 --> 00:30:40.539 Paul's prayer 00:30:40.539 --> 00:30:41.639 for the Thessalonians 00:30:41.639 --> 00:30:42.839 was that they would 00:30:42.839 --> 00:30:43.939 have the same heart 00:30:43.939 --> 00:30:45.019 for gospel ministry 00:30:45.019 --> 00:30:45.759 to one another 00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:47.239 as he had for them. 00:30:48.679 --> 00:30:49.939 That's what he prays. 00:30:49.940 --> 00:30:52.620 Lord, help them 00:30:52.620 --> 00:30:54.160 love one another 00:30:54.160 --> 00:30:55.420 in this way, 00:30:56.019 --> 00:30:56.779 the way that you 00:30:56.779 --> 00:30:57.420 have helped me 00:30:57.420 --> 00:30:58.140 to love them. 00:30:59.940 --> 00:31:01.259 Help them sacrifice 00:31:01.259 --> 00:31:02.100 of themselves 00:31:02.100 --> 00:31:03.820 in order to share 00:31:03.820 --> 00:31:04.360 the gospel. 00:31:06.480 --> 00:31:07.380 Help them view 00:31:07.380 --> 00:31:07.880 themselves 00:31:07.880 --> 00:31:09.320 as a spiritual family, 00:31:09.460 --> 00:31:09.960 not as mere 00:31:09.960 --> 00:31:10.640 acquaintances 00:31:10.640 --> 00:31:11.519 that happen to show 00:31:11.519 --> 00:31:12.500 up at the same place 00:31:12.500 --> 00:31:13.279 on Sunday morning 00:31:13.279 --> 00:31:14.680 for a worship service. 00:31:16.519 --> 00:31:17.019 Oh, Lord, 00:31:17.080 --> 00:31:18.059 help them love 00:31:18.059 --> 00:31:18.799 each other enough 00:31:18.799 --> 00:31:19.639 that the passion 00:31:19.639 --> 00:31:20.220 of their heart 00:31:20.220 --> 00:31:20.759 is that they could 00:31:20.759 --> 00:31:21.879 see one another 00:31:21.879 --> 00:31:23.399 persevere to the end, 00:31:23.680 --> 00:31:24.299 that they wouldn't 00:31:24.299 --> 00:31:25.619 just let one another 00:31:25.619 --> 00:31:26.659 drift off 00:31:26.659 --> 00:31:28.259 into no man's land 00:31:28.259 --> 00:31:29.639 and spiritual things 00:31:29.639 --> 00:31:30.119 or that they would 00:31:30.119 --> 00:31:31.299 just drift off 00:31:31.299 --> 00:31:32.279 into sinful behaviors. 00:31:32.379 --> 00:31:32.960 No, but that they 00:31:32.960 --> 00:31:34.539 would love you enough, 00:31:35.159 --> 00:31:35.819 that they would love 00:31:35.819 --> 00:31:36.619 one another enough, 00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:37.119 that they would 00:31:37.119 --> 00:31:38.279 constantly minister 00:31:38.279 --> 00:31:38.960 the gospel 00:31:38.960 --> 00:31:39.720 to one another. 00:31:39.740 --> 00:31:40.460 That's his prayer. 00:31:42.299 --> 00:31:43.099 Notice, secondly, 00:31:44.059 --> 00:31:44.799 the scope 00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:45.579 of the ministry 00:31:45.579 --> 00:31:46.259 he wanted them 00:31:46.259 --> 00:31:46.799 to pursue. 00:31:48.799 --> 00:31:49.180 He prayed 00:31:49.180 --> 00:31:49.740 that their love 00:31:49.740 --> 00:31:50.279 would increase 00:31:50.279 --> 00:31:50.779 and abound 00:31:50.779 --> 00:31:51.599 toward two different 00:31:51.599 --> 00:31:52.379 groups of people. 00:31:53.159 --> 00:31:54.159 To one another, 00:31:54.799 --> 00:31:55.460 that would be 00:31:55.460 --> 00:31:56.359 professing believers 00:31:56.359 --> 00:31:57.139 in the church. 00:31:57.819 --> 00:31:58.500 And then he adds 00:31:58.500 --> 00:31:58.899 in there, 00:31:59.779 --> 00:32:01.759 and for all. 00:32:02.680 --> 00:32:03.339 Oh, who is that? 00:32:04.700 --> 00:32:05.680 Those who are not 00:32:05.680 --> 00:32:06.539 professing believers 00:32:06.539 --> 00:32:07.200 in the church. 00:32:09.440 --> 00:32:10.720 Refers to the two 00:32:10.720 --> 00:32:11.879 distinct facets 00:32:11.879 --> 00:32:13.059 of making disciples. 00:32:15.220 --> 00:32:15.700 Evangelism 00:32:15.700 --> 00:32:18.059 and discipling. 00:32:19.900 --> 00:32:20.319 Isn't that 00:32:20.319 --> 00:32:22.700 what Jesus tells us 00:32:22.700 --> 00:32:23.500 in the Great Commission? 00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:27.500 Go and make disciples. 00:32:28.519 --> 00:32:28.900 How? 00:32:30.860 --> 00:32:31.519 Baptizing them 00:32:31.519 --> 00:32:32.420 in the name of the Father 00:32:32.420 --> 00:32:32.779 and Son 00:32:32.779 --> 00:32:33.559 and the Holy Spirit. 00:32:33.799 --> 00:32:34.799 That's evangelism. 00:32:36.340 --> 00:32:37.019 Teaching them 00:32:37.019 --> 00:32:37.819 to observe 00:32:37.819 --> 00:32:39.319 everything I have 00:32:39.319 --> 00:32:40.059 commanded you. 00:32:40.720 --> 00:32:41.759 That's discipling. 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:43.619 And now Paul 00:32:43.619 --> 00:32:44.980 prays for the Thessalonians 00:32:44.980 --> 00:32:45.559 and he says, 00:32:45.660 --> 00:32:46.059 Oh God, 00:32:46.819 --> 00:32:47.680 I just want them, 00:32:48.039 --> 00:32:48.519 I want them 00:32:48.519 --> 00:32:49.079 to keep preaching 00:32:49.079 --> 00:32:49.539 the gospel 00:32:49.539 --> 00:32:50.119 to the people 00:32:50.119 --> 00:32:50.579 in their city 00:32:50.579 --> 00:32:51.220 that hate them 00:32:51.220 --> 00:32:51.980 and want to kill them. 00:32:53.579 --> 00:32:53.940 God, 00:32:54.019 --> 00:32:54.680 give them a heart 00:32:54.680 --> 00:32:55.579 to disciple 00:32:55.579 --> 00:32:56.220 one another 00:32:56.220 --> 00:32:58.079 so they don't feel 00:32:58.079 --> 00:32:58.879 like they have to rely 00:32:58.879 --> 00:32:59.660 on me and Timothy 00:32:59.660 --> 00:33:00.539 to come there 00:33:00.539 --> 00:33:00.960 because we don't know 00:33:00.960 --> 00:33:01.559 if we'll get back. 00:33:01.559 --> 00:33:06.339 Another way to say it 00:33:06.339 --> 00:33:07.460 is that our efforts 00:33:07.460 --> 00:33:08.799 to minister to one another 00:33:08.799 --> 00:33:10.859 and to unbelievers 00:33:10.859 --> 00:33:11.639 in our lives 00:33:11.639 --> 00:33:14.419 are directly proportionate 00:33:14.419 --> 00:33:16.179 to the love 00:33:16.179 --> 00:33:16.940 that we have 00:33:16.940 --> 00:33:17.919 and maintain 00:33:17.919 --> 00:33:18.559 for them. 00:33:21.079 --> 00:33:22.619 To love one another 00:33:22.619 --> 00:33:23.359 in the church 00:33:23.359 --> 00:33:24.559 necessarily 00:33:24.559 --> 00:33:28.579 is to help one another 00:33:28.579 --> 00:33:29.919 progress in the faith. 00:33:29.920 --> 00:33:32.820 even on the hardest days 00:33:32.820 --> 00:33:33.860 with the hardest people. 00:33:36.380 --> 00:33:38.519 To love the world 00:33:38.519 --> 00:33:40.560 the way that Christ loved it 00:33:40.560 --> 00:33:43.460 is to break through 00:33:43.460 --> 00:33:44.180 the offenses 00:33:44.180 --> 00:33:46.920 and the discouragements 00:33:46.920 --> 00:33:50.340 and minister the gospel 00:33:50.340 --> 00:33:51.000 to the people 00:33:51.000 --> 00:33:52.360 that are all around us 00:33:52.360 --> 00:33:52.840 who need it. 00:33:54.920 --> 00:33:55.360 Finally, 00:33:55.800 --> 00:33:56.960 notice the purpose 00:33:56.960 --> 00:33:57.580 of his prayer. 00:33:57.579 --> 00:33:59.500 there's a purpose statement 00:33:59.500 --> 00:34:00.659 here in the last verse. 00:34:01.980 --> 00:34:03.059 Paul asked that God 00:34:03.059 --> 00:34:04.799 would do this work 00:34:04.799 --> 00:34:05.339 in the hearts 00:34:05.339 --> 00:34:06.299 of the Thessalonians 00:34:06.299 --> 00:34:07.220 so that, 00:34:07.279 --> 00:34:08.299 that's the purpose statement, 00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:09.219 so that 00:34:09.219 --> 00:34:10.719 he may establish 00:34:10.719 --> 00:34:11.420 their hearts 00:34:11.420 --> 00:34:12.099 in holiness 00:34:12.099 --> 00:34:13.619 at the coming 00:34:13.619 --> 00:34:14.480 of our Lord Jesus. 00:34:17.799 --> 00:34:18.460 He says, 00:34:18.539 --> 00:34:19.219 all I can think about 00:34:19.219 --> 00:34:19.659 is the fact 00:34:19.659 --> 00:34:20.099 that Christ 00:34:20.099 --> 00:34:20.860 is going to return 00:34:20.860 --> 00:34:22.039 and he's going to return 00:34:22.039 --> 00:34:22.539 in judgment 00:34:22.539 --> 00:34:24.039 and I want to be used 00:34:24.039 --> 00:34:25.019 of him in the meantime 00:34:25.019 --> 00:34:26.679 to present people faithful 00:34:26.679 --> 00:34:27.619 in that moment 00:34:27.619 --> 00:34:28.420 so they'll escape 00:34:28.420 --> 00:34:29.039 that judgment 00:34:29.039 --> 00:34:30.539 and then he says, 00:34:30.659 --> 00:34:30.800 Lord, 00:34:31.019 --> 00:34:32.000 would you do this work 00:34:32.000 --> 00:34:32.519 in their hearts 00:34:32.519 --> 00:34:33.139 so that they'll have 00:34:33.139 --> 00:34:33.900 that same passion? 00:34:34.420 --> 00:34:35.159 This is the way, 00:34:35.320 --> 00:34:35.460 Lord, 00:34:35.579 --> 00:34:36.619 that people will be 00:34:36.619 --> 00:34:37.380 presented to you 00:34:37.380 --> 00:34:37.780 faithful 00:34:37.780 --> 00:34:39.360 at the coming of Christ. 00:34:40.340 --> 00:34:41.380 It's going to take them 00:34:41.380 --> 00:34:43.480 loving and ministering 00:34:43.480 --> 00:34:44.059 to one another 00:34:44.059 --> 00:34:44.659 and for all. 00:34:45.440 --> 00:34:45.739 Again, 00:34:45.860 --> 00:34:46.599 Paul recognizes 00:34:46.599 --> 00:34:48.179 that all gospel ministry 00:34:48.179 --> 00:34:49.400 is God's work of grace 00:34:49.400 --> 00:34:51.820 but God uses 00:34:51.820 --> 00:34:52.619 human instruments 00:34:52.619 --> 00:34:53.360 to accomplish 00:34:53.360 --> 00:34:54.260 his saving work. 00:34:55.960 --> 00:34:56.300 Listen, 00:34:56.440 --> 00:34:57.480 if people are going 00:34:57.480 --> 00:34:58.160 to be saved, 00:34:58.820 --> 00:35:00.099 they're not going 00:35:00.099 --> 00:35:00.619 to be saved 00:35:00.619 --> 00:35:01.420 by epiphany. 00:35:03.360 --> 00:35:03.980 They're not just 00:35:03.980 --> 00:35:04.539 going to wake up 00:35:04.539 --> 00:35:05.099 one day and say, 00:35:05.180 --> 00:35:05.380 you know what, 00:35:05.400 --> 00:35:06.280 I think I'll be a Christian. 00:35:08.440 --> 00:35:09.119 That's not how 00:35:09.119 --> 00:35:10.039 God saves people. 00:35:11.079 --> 00:35:12.340 That would be irregular 00:35:12.340 --> 00:35:14.599 if he did it that way 00:35:14.599 --> 00:35:15.400 and of course 00:35:15.400 --> 00:35:16.059 it's in his power 00:35:16.059 --> 00:35:16.579 to do it. 00:35:17.700 --> 00:35:18.840 What is the normative way 00:35:18.840 --> 00:35:19.920 that people come to Christ? 00:35:21.180 --> 00:35:22.340 Somebody loves them enough 00:35:22.340 --> 00:35:24.400 to share the gospel 00:35:24.400 --> 00:35:26.340 and to love them 00:35:26.340 --> 00:35:27.240 through their questions 00:35:27.240 --> 00:35:29.700 and through their rejections 00:35:29.700 --> 00:35:31.559 and to pray for them 00:35:31.559 --> 00:35:33.700 and to care for them 00:35:33.700 --> 00:35:35.579 and to show Christ's love 00:35:35.579 --> 00:35:36.120 for them 00:35:36.120 --> 00:35:37.559 and to be patient 00:35:37.559 --> 00:35:38.160 with them 00:35:38.160 --> 00:35:40.420 and God uses 00:35:40.420 --> 00:35:41.860 the work of the word 00:35:41.860 --> 00:35:43.519 as an opportunity 00:35:43.519 --> 00:35:44.940 to instill his grace 00:35:44.940 --> 00:35:45.440 in their lives 00:35:45.440 --> 00:35:46.079 and he saves them. 00:35:46.600 --> 00:35:47.559 If people are going 00:35:47.559 --> 00:35:48.140 to be saved, 00:35:48.840 --> 00:35:49.380 it's going to be 00:35:49.380 --> 00:35:50.980 because we are faithful 00:35:50.980 --> 00:35:52.220 to love them 00:35:52.220 --> 00:35:52.860 with the gospel 00:35:52.860 --> 00:35:55.079 and if we're all 00:35:55.079 --> 00:35:55.640 going to continue 00:35:55.640 --> 00:35:56.320 to the end 00:35:56.320 --> 00:35:57.860 in the grace of God, 00:35:58.340 --> 00:35:59.559 the best chances 00:35:59.559 --> 00:36:01.539 are that we understand 00:36:01.539 --> 00:36:02.480 that we need one another 00:36:02.480 --> 00:36:03.579 and that we're going 00:36:03.579 --> 00:36:04.700 to help one another 00:36:04.700 --> 00:36:06.500 along to the very end. 00:36:08.140 --> 00:36:09.180 The bottom line is 00:36:09.180 --> 00:36:10.180 the Thessalonian church, 00:36:10.300 --> 00:36:11.460 they didn't really need Paul. 00:36:13.460 --> 00:36:13.920 Of course, 00:36:13.960 --> 00:36:14.880 they were thankful for him. 00:36:15.760 --> 00:36:15.960 Of course, 00:36:16.000 --> 00:36:16.800 somebody had to preach 00:36:16.800 --> 00:36:18.120 the gospel to begin with 00:36:18.120 --> 00:36:20.300 but it's not as if 00:36:20.300 --> 00:36:20.980 the only way 00:36:20.980 --> 00:36:21.519 that they were going 00:36:21.519 --> 00:36:22.480 to make it to the end 00:36:22.480 --> 00:36:23.300 faithful to Christ 00:36:23.300 --> 00:36:24.360 is if Paul did indeed 00:36:24.360 --> 00:36:25.380 make it back to the city 00:36:25.380 --> 00:36:26.220 to minister to them. 00:36:27.039 --> 00:36:27.360 No, 00:36:27.500 --> 00:36:28.220 his prayer shows 00:36:28.220 --> 00:36:29.039 that's not the case. 00:36:30.740 --> 00:36:32.260 God's ongoing work 00:36:32.260 --> 00:36:32.820 in their lives 00:36:32.820 --> 00:36:34.039 would come primarily 00:36:34.039 --> 00:36:36.260 through their ministry 00:36:36.260 --> 00:36:36.960 to one another. 00:36:38.760 --> 00:36:39.760 So we should pray 00:36:39.760 --> 00:36:40.620 as Paul prayed 00:36:40.619 --> 00:36:42.679 and we should endeavor 00:36:42.679 --> 00:36:43.579 to live out 00:36:43.579 --> 00:36:44.880 Paul's prayer 00:36:44.880 --> 00:36:45.739 in God's grace. 00:36:46.880 --> 00:36:47.940 We need one another 00:36:47.940 --> 00:36:50.380 and we need to learn 00:36:50.380 --> 00:36:51.319 how to love one another 00:36:51.319 --> 00:36:52.199 in such a way 00:36:52.199 --> 00:36:53.759 that God will use 00:36:53.759 --> 00:36:54.219 our ministry 00:36:54.219 --> 00:36:55.219 to persevere us 00:36:55.219 --> 00:36:55.900 at Christ's return. 00:36:57.739 --> 00:36:58.139 Now, 00:36:58.279 --> 00:36:59.079 I think we should finish 00:36:59.079 --> 00:36:59.819 with a question. 00:37:03.059 --> 00:37:04.000 Why was Paul 00:37:04.000 --> 00:37:05.480 so consumed with this? 00:37:06.019 --> 00:37:06.900 That's how he opened, right? 00:37:07.039 --> 00:37:08.039 This is his passion. 00:37:09.059 --> 00:37:10.179 The key verse is verse 8. 00:37:10.699 --> 00:37:11.619 Now we live 00:37:11.619 --> 00:37:13.039 if you're standing fast 00:37:13.039 --> 00:37:13.440 in the Lord. 00:37:13.659 --> 00:37:15.159 This is what my life 00:37:15.159 --> 00:37:15.659 is all about. 00:37:15.719 --> 00:37:16.559 I live for this, 00:37:16.659 --> 00:37:17.319 Paul says. 00:37:18.099 --> 00:37:19.599 I'm so happy about it. 00:37:20.579 --> 00:37:21.159 But why? 00:37:22.679 --> 00:37:23.480 What reason 00:37:23.480 --> 00:37:24.440 could he possibly give 00:37:24.440 --> 00:37:26.500 for being so consumed 00:37:26.500 --> 00:37:27.480 with this particular thing? 00:37:27.519 --> 00:37:27.819 After all, 00:37:27.839 --> 00:37:28.639 most people in our day 00:37:28.639 --> 00:37:29.500 would say that faith 00:37:29.500 --> 00:37:30.839 is a personal matter. 00:37:30.919 --> 00:37:31.599 You just need to let people 00:37:31.599 --> 00:37:32.579 work it out for themselves 00:37:32.579 --> 00:37:33.359 and leave them alone. 00:37:34.099 --> 00:37:35.399 Paul would have disagreed 00:37:35.399 --> 00:37:36.099 wholeheartedly. 00:37:36.679 --> 00:37:37.619 I think we should too. 00:37:38.899 --> 00:37:40.159 Why should we care about that? 00:37:40.179 --> 00:37:42.279 Just three quick things. 00:37:43.719 --> 00:37:44.079 One, 00:37:45.079 --> 00:37:46.679 because the gospel's true. 00:37:48.099 --> 00:37:49.039 We should care 00:37:49.039 --> 00:37:50.199 because the gospel's true. 00:37:51.500 --> 00:37:52.839 And as Paul wrote 00:37:52.839 --> 00:37:53.719 to the church in Rome, 00:37:54.859 --> 00:37:56.179 the gospel is the power 00:37:56.179 --> 00:37:57.319 of God unto salvation 00:37:57.319 --> 00:37:58.219 for all who believe. 00:37:59.339 --> 00:38:00.899 If they are to be saved, 00:38:01.239 --> 00:38:02.079 it will be because 00:38:02.079 --> 00:38:03.299 they believe the gospel. 00:38:03.699 --> 00:38:05.019 Because God in his grace 00:38:05.019 --> 00:38:05.699 saves them 00:38:05.699 --> 00:38:06.460 through the preaching 00:38:06.460 --> 00:38:07.099 of the gospel. 00:38:07.099 --> 00:38:08.699 That should motivate us. 00:38:09.159 --> 00:38:10.380 If nothing else does, 00:38:10.759 --> 00:38:11.559 just the fact 00:38:11.559 --> 00:38:13.339 that it's true. 00:38:15.019 --> 00:38:16.339 And we know it. 00:38:17.639 --> 00:38:18.460 Why wouldn't we want 00:38:18.460 --> 00:38:19.039 to share that? 00:38:20.940 --> 00:38:22.360 Jesus is coming back. 00:38:22.360 --> 00:38:26.320 And he is coming back 00:38:26.320 --> 00:38:26.840 in judgment. 00:38:28.840 --> 00:38:30.000 Does that burden you 00:38:30.000 --> 00:38:30.559 for the people 00:38:30.559 --> 00:38:31.740 who are lost in your life? 00:38:32.480 --> 00:38:33.420 That at his return, 00:38:33.880 --> 00:38:34.980 if they are unbelieving, 00:38:35.320 --> 00:38:36.400 they will perish. 00:38:37.380 --> 00:38:38.240 They'll perish. 00:38:40.539 --> 00:38:42.039 That should motivate us 00:38:42.039 --> 00:38:44.599 to preach the gospel. 00:38:45.140 --> 00:38:45.740 It's true. 00:38:46.200 --> 00:38:47.280 And the Lord's coming back 00:38:47.280 --> 00:38:47.980 and we want them 00:38:47.980 --> 00:38:48.559 to be saved. 00:38:48.559 --> 00:38:50.099 Secondly, 00:38:50.719 --> 00:38:52.639 we should care about this 00:38:52.639 --> 00:38:54.480 because Jesus calls us to it. 00:38:55.619 --> 00:38:56.960 Jesus calls us to it. 00:38:57.400 --> 00:38:58.539 It's not an option. 00:38:59.299 --> 00:39:00.420 It's a mandate. 00:39:03.119 --> 00:39:04.699 Paul understood that uniquely 00:39:04.699 --> 00:39:07.199 as an apostle of Christ. 00:39:08.199 --> 00:39:10.039 But it is not unique to him 00:39:10.039 --> 00:39:11.179 only as an apostle, 00:39:11.340 --> 00:39:12.119 but as a Christian. 00:39:12.960 --> 00:39:13.679 And we know that 00:39:13.679 --> 00:39:15.019 because of what Jesus said. 00:39:15.019 --> 00:39:15.460 Go. 00:39:17.679 --> 00:39:19.460 Make disciples of every nation. 00:39:21.259 --> 00:39:22.800 Teach them to observe all things. 00:39:23.179 --> 00:39:23.539 And by the way, 00:39:23.579 --> 00:39:24.300 I'm going with you. 00:39:24.940 --> 00:39:26.380 As you go in faithfulness, 00:39:26.699 --> 00:39:28.000 I'm going in fruitfulness, 00:39:28.139 --> 00:39:28.699 Jesus says. 00:39:28.759 --> 00:39:29.920 What an encouragement that is. 00:39:30.219 --> 00:39:30.800 We should go 00:39:30.800 --> 00:39:31.820 because this is what God 00:39:31.820 --> 00:39:33.179 has called us to do. 00:39:33.320 --> 00:39:34.400 Jesus, our Lord, 00:39:34.980 --> 00:39:35.420 has said, 00:39:35.619 --> 00:39:36.659 this is what I want you to do. 00:39:37.219 --> 00:39:37.940 Share the gospel 00:39:37.940 --> 00:39:39.259 and help one another persevere. 00:39:40.219 --> 00:39:40.559 Third, 00:39:41.860 --> 00:39:43.900 because we're compelled by love. 00:39:45.500 --> 00:39:46.860 We're compelled by love. 00:39:47.820 --> 00:39:49.119 First by Christ's love. 00:39:49.759 --> 00:39:51.500 You can't manufacture love, right? 00:39:52.239 --> 00:39:53.079 You know that. 00:39:54.639 --> 00:39:56.400 The thought of an arranged marriage 00:39:56.400 --> 00:39:58.980 would cause us to be aghast, 00:39:59.199 --> 00:40:00.099 even though I think 00:40:00.099 --> 00:40:01.420 Ashlyn and Harper and Charlie 00:40:01.420 --> 00:40:02.219 would do well 00:40:02.219 --> 00:40:04.219 in an arranged marriage. 00:40:05.659 --> 00:40:07.119 And I'm taking applications. 00:40:09.960 --> 00:40:10.699 Ashlyn's first. 00:40:10.900 --> 00:40:11.699 A couple more years. 00:40:11.800 --> 00:40:12.699 If any of you are interested. 00:40:12.699 --> 00:40:16.500 The thought of that 00:40:16.500 --> 00:40:17.419 is terrible, isn't it? 00:40:18.379 --> 00:40:18.739 Why? 00:40:19.519 --> 00:40:21.439 Because you can't manufacture love 00:40:21.439 --> 00:40:22.899 or at least the element 00:40:22.899 --> 00:40:24.859 of affection in love. 00:40:28.239 --> 00:40:29.739 You can't just pray a prayer today 00:40:29.739 --> 00:40:30.480 and suddenly you're just 00:40:30.480 --> 00:40:31.119 going to love people. 00:40:31.179 --> 00:40:31.939 It doesn't work like that. 00:40:32.039 --> 00:40:32.919 We're by nature, 00:40:33.019 --> 00:40:33.460 we're just like, 00:40:33.539 --> 00:40:34.599 we're kind of mean people, 00:40:34.679 --> 00:40:34.899 aren't we? 00:40:34.939 --> 00:40:35.779 Like we're sinners. 00:40:36.159 --> 00:40:37.179 And we don't by nature 00:40:37.179 --> 00:40:38.419 really love people that much. 00:40:38.420 --> 00:40:44.039 Well, where does this start? 00:40:45.000 --> 00:40:46.659 We're compelled by Christ's love, 00:40:46.740 --> 00:40:47.079 aren't we? 00:40:48.300 --> 00:40:49.500 That's what Paul says 00:40:49.500 --> 00:40:50.139 to the Corinthians. 00:40:50.380 --> 00:40:50.800 He says, 00:40:51.460 --> 00:40:53.320 the love of Christ constrains me, 00:40:53.400 --> 00:40:54.139 it compels me, 00:40:54.200 --> 00:40:55.039 it grips me. 00:40:55.380 --> 00:40:56.720 As I look at the cross, 00:40:56.960 --> 00:40:58.000 I can't help 00:40:58.000 --> 00:41:00.139 but see Christ's love 00:41:00.139 --> 00:41:01.940 and want to share that love 00:41:01.940 --> 00:41:02.720 with other people. 00:41:02.719 --> 00:41:04.359 The love of Christ 00:41:04.359 --> 00:41:05.939 compels us 00:41:05.939 --> 00:41:07.959 to have that same love 00:41:07.959 --> 00:41:08.719 for others. 00:41:09.139 --> 00:41:10.519 It's a work of grace 00:41:10.519 --> 00:41:11.559 in our own lives. 00:41:11.839 --> 00:41:13.319 Why did Paul care about this? 00:41:13.679 --> 00:41:14.480 Why should we? 00:41:15.119 --> 00:41:16.339 We should be compelled 00:41:16.339 --> 00:41:17.879 by Christ's love 00:41:17.879 --> 00:41:20.559 to disciple one another 00:41:20.559 --> 00:41:22.500 and to evangelize 00:41:22.500 --> 00:41:24.159 the unbelievers around us. 00:41:24.539 --> 00:41:25.779 Not because we want to win 00:41:25.779 --> 00:41:26.259 an argument. 00:41:27.559 --> 00:41:29.079 Not because we want to have 00:41:29.079 --> 00:41:29.899 a bigger church 00:41:29.899 --> 00:41:32.539 so we can have a bigger 00:41:32.539 --> 00:41:33.539 facility or 00:41:33.539 --> 00:41:36.059 pay our bills. 00:41:37.420 --> 00:41:37.779 No. 00:41:38.659 --> 00:41:40.000 Because we want to love them 00:41:40.000 --> 00:41:41.300 the way that Christ loves them 00:41:41.300 --> 00:41:42.659 and has shown his love to them 00:41:42.659 --> 00:41:44.119 by dying on the cross for sin. 00:41:45.519 --> 00:41:47.059 The more we look at the cross, 00:41:47.480 --> 00:41:49.019 I think the more we'll be motivated 00:41:49.019 --> 00:41:51.059 to share the love of the cross 00:41:51.059 --> 00:41:51.639 with others, 00:41:52.179 --> 00:41:53.019 even when it's hard.