WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.720 Well, thank you, everyone who's participated. 00:00:03.060 --> 00:00:08.800 If you keep that passage open, it will be helpful as we're going to be looking at a few verses as we go along. 00:00:08.800 --> 00:00:11.800 But before we do that, should we just pray together? Let's pray. 00:00:17.019 --> 00:00:23.820 Heavenly Father, as we turn to your word this evening to hear what it would teach us, how it applies to our lives, 00:00:23.879 --> 00:00:27.920 we ask that the speaker would decrease and that your word would increase. 00:00:27.920 --> 00:00:32.200 We ask that your will would be done in everything that is said. 00:00:32.859 --> 00:00:36.740 And Lord, we pray that we would leave this building changed people for your glory. 00:00:37.160 --> 00:00:38.920 In Jesus' name. Amen. 00:00:41.679 --> 00:00:46.020 As people who live in Scotland, we're not that used to summer, are we? 00:00:46.060 --> 00:00:47.520 And so we love to go abroad. 00:00:47.680 --> 00:00:50.840 Now, many of you have probably already been on holiday this summer. 00:00:51.020 --> 00:00:55.719 And I wonder if as you're on holiday, you felt a little bit visible. 00:00:55.719 --> 00:01:06.700 So I know when I go on holiday, I stand out quite a bit because I have this kind of pale glow amongst the sea of bronze people as I'm away. 00:01:07.420 --> 00:01:10.039 So like many other British people, I stand out on holiday. 00:01:10.039 --> 00:01:15.000 I'm completely different, very distinguishable from those who live in a sunny country. 00:01:15.599 --> 00:01:17.700 So on holiday, I generally have two colors. 00:01:18.000 --> 00:01:21.700 I have sun-starved white and lobster red. 00:01:21.879 --> 00:01:23.659 Those are the two colors that I have. 00:01:23.659 --> 00:01:27.319 So you can, as with many other British, you can spot me a mile away. 00:01:27.500 --> 00:01:28.319 I stand out. 00:01:29.640 --> 00:01:34.340 Well, in our first, as Graham began our series on 1 Thessalonians, 00:01:34.399 --> 00:01:39.140 he started us off by thinking about the things that make Christians stand out. 00:01:39.599 --> 00:01:42.199 So what is it that makes a Christian stand out? 00:01:42.539 --> 00:01:43.459 What makes us different? 00:01:44.340 --> 00:01:46.759 In chapter one, we thought about the Christian individual. 00:01:46.760 --> 00:01:52.480 But in chapter five, this evening, we're going to be thinking about the whole of the church community. 00:01:52.780 --> 00:01:56.980 And Paul tells the church to be a countercultural community. 00:01:58.219 --> 00:02:01.280 This evening, Paul is saying, be countercultural. 00:02:02.280 --> 00:02:05.000 So in chapter one, you see the marks of a Christian. 00:02:05.860 --> 00:02:09.620 Chapters two and three, Paul outlines his own ministry to the Thessalonians 00:02:09.620 --> 00:02:13.219 and a report that Timothy brought back to him of how they're getting on. 00:02:14.039 --> 00:02:18.700 Paul was so happy to receive this news because he'd been praying for them, 00:02:19.020 --> 00:02:22.939 almost having those nail-biting moments, figuring out how they're doing. 00:02:23.700 --> 00:02:26.340 And then Timothy comes back and says they're doing well. 00:02:26.560 --> 00:02:27.580 And he rejoices. 00:02:27.580 --> 00:02:35.820 And then chapters four and five, Paul is addressing things that Timothy may have reported as being slightly off 00:02:35.820 --> 00:02:40.040 or things that the Thessalonians were doing, but they should continue to grow in. 00:02:40.980 --> 00:02:45.240 And all of this is to be done in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ. 00:02:46.020 --> 00:02:49.080 So we started about thinking of the Christian individual. 00:02:49.720 --> 00:02:55.980 And now we think about the marks of a church, what it means to be a countercultural community. 00:02:55.979 --> 00:03:03.120 And everything in this letter shows that a Christian is fundamentally different from those around us. 00:03:03.959 --> 00:03:09.979 I'd like to do something slightly different this evening by starting off by putting this whole passage 00:03:09.979 --> 00:03:13.359 in the context of Paul's wish and prayer for these Christians. 00:03:13.859 --> 00:03:17.739 So if you look at verses 23 and 24 with me, 00:03:19.099 --> 00:03:25.219 Paul reminds his original readers and us that the only way we can be countercultural, 00:03:25.219 --> 00:03:30.520 the only way we can be different in this society is because of God's power living within us. 00:03:31.620 --> 00:03:34.219 So there are three aspects to Paul's short prayer. 00:03:35.099 --> 00:03:40.219 Sanctification, the second coming of Jesus Christ and God's calling. 00:03:41.699 --> 00:03:48.740 Working out all of these things that Paul has been teaching in this letter is only possible 00:03:48.740 --> 00:03:51.360 because the Spirit of God dwelling within believers. 00:03:52.659 --> 00:03:56.780 And Paul is praying for their sanctification, meaning that they would grow in their holiness. 00:03:57.740 --> 00:04:05.100 Living a moral life and simply being a good person will not help you on that day when Jesus Christ returns. 00:04:06.480 --> 00:04:08.540 However, being in Jesus Christ's will. 00:04:08.539 --> 00:04:14.879 Being chosen and being called by God into his family, being transformed by the Holy Spirit 00:04:14.879 --> 00:04:18.539 is all working out God's will for your life. 00:04:19.480 --> 00:04:24.639 And because of Jesus' death on the cross, you will be blameless at his return if you are a Christian. 00:04:25.379 --> 00:04:31.539 So this is Paul's prayer and encouragement for the Thessalonians to live this countercultural lifestyle. 00:04:31.540 --> 00:04:36.660 Because they have been called by God, they are being sanctified by the Holy Spirit 00:04:36.660 --> 00:04:41.379 and because they are awaiting the return of Christ and they will be found blameless. 00:04:42.180 --> 00:04:46.300 Therefore, Paul says, let your relationships mirror these truths. 00:04:47.860 --> 00:04:53.860 Let these truths permeate every area of your life and become different from the world around you. 00:04:54.660 --> 00:04:58.840 Be a countercultural community that is prepared for Jesus as he returns 00:04:58.840 --> 00:05:00.900 and be preparing others for that day. 00:05:01.540 --> 00:05:08.500 And to be a countercultural community, Paul focuses on three relationships within the church. 00:05:09.220 --> 00:05:13.020 Relationship with leaders, with each other and with God. 00:05:13.740 --> 00:05:17.920 So the first relationship that Paul speaks about is their relationship with leaders 00:05:17.920 --> 00:05:21.800 in verses 12 to 13 and 25 to 27. 00:05:22.220 --> 00:05:23.960 Relationship with leaders. 00:05:25.180 --> 00:05:28.439 Now think for a second how our world treats leaders today. 00:05:28.439 --> 00:05:35.279 All you have to do is turn on shows like Question Time, where it's open season on the politician 00:05:35.279 --> 00:05:36.660 sitting on the stage. 00:05:37.240 --> 00:05:41.800 The media seem to be going beyond all personal boundaries to get the newest scoop 00:05:41.800 --> 00:05:46.139 on the moral or political failure of the leaders of this country. 00:05:47.180 --> 00:05:50.980 Phrases like dump Trump roll easily off our lips. 00:05:50.980 --> 00:05:55.939 Our society today, generally speaking, has no regard for authority. 00:05:56.939 --> 00:05:59.520 People mock those in places of authority. 00:06:00.620 --> 00:06:05.319 Comedians get a good laugh out of us by ridiculing and pulling politicians down. 00:06:06.720 --> 00:06:11.240 But Paul says that Christians are to have good relationships with their leaders. 00:06:11.240 --> 00:06:13.780 And here he has elders in mind. 00:06:14.660 --> 00:06:19.120 So men who have devoted themselves to the teaching and training of a local church. 00:06:19.540 --> 00:06:23.960 Men who have given sacrificially of themselves that the church may know God more. 00:06:24.699 --> 00:06:27.759 Men who are dedicated to the teaching of God's word. 00:06:28.759 --> 00:06:32.579 And for the caring of a church by applying God's word. 00:06:32.579 --> 00:06:39.519 So in verse 12, Paul is encouraging the Thessalonians to have a right relationship with their leaders 00:06:39.519 --> 00:06:41.620 because of their work in the church. 00:06:42.819 --> 00:06:45.199 Now Paul isn't asking them politely to do these things. 00:06:46.419 --> 00:06:51.139 He is urging them, pushing them on, encouraging them to have this relationship with their leaders. 00:06:51.599 --> 00:06:58.740 And he draws out three categories for leaders and three attitudes that the whole church should have towards them. 00:06:58.740 --> 00:07:05.620 So the three categories of work for elders are those who work hard or labour, 00:07:06.439 --> 00:07:10.040 those who are over, and those who admonish. 00:07:11.019 --> 00:07:17.259 So this is a short job description of what we should expect from our elders here at Bronzefield Evangelical Church. 00:07:18.639 --> 00:07:23.780 The labouring or working hard in verse 12 is a general principle, not just for elders. 00:07:23.860 --> 00:07:25.439 So we can't sit back and relax. 00:07:25.759 --> 00:07:28.699 This is for everybody, every member in the church. 00:07:28.920 --> 00:07:33.180 However, elders do bear a bigger responsibility in the work of the church. 00:07:34.319 --> 00:07:35.319 Elders work hard. 00:07:36.439 --> 00:07:40.280 And secondly, they are over, meaning that they rule, they're in a position of authority. 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:45.420 The NIV, the new NIV translates it as care for you in the Lord, 00:07:45.519 --> 00:07:48.639 but it's better translated as those who are over you. 00:07:50.300 --> 00:07:54.040 Elders are not just those who sit in a meeting and discuss church life once a month. 00:07:54.040 --> 00:07:57.900 That is what they do, but their job is far more than that. 00:07:59.620 --> 00:08:03.080 They have a responsibility for each and every person under their care. 00:08:04.200 --> 00:08:11.200 It is their responsibility to give advice, to lead, to guide, to counsel people and to teach people. 00:08:11.199 --> 00:08:16.099 And all of this is to be done based on the Bible, on the Word of God. 00:08:16.100 --> 00:08:22.900 Now at Brunsfield, we have six elders, each of them with very busy lives, 00:08:23.379 --> 00:08:28.160 each of them working hard in jobs, in other ministries across the city, 00:08:28.160 --> 00:08:31.040 and each of them also have families that they're responsible for. 00:08:32.019 --> 00:08:36.200 Now I have the privilege of seeing some of these men in action day in, day out in the office. 00:08:36.660 --> 00:08:40.740 And I have the privilege of sitting in their elders meetings and seeing all of the works that they do. 00:08:41.460 --> 00:08:42.980 And let me tell you that it is a lot. 00:08:42.980 --> 00:08:50.159 But despite their busyness, despite the time constraints on their lives, 00:08:50.460 --> 00:08:53.420 they work tirelessly for us here at Brunsfield. 00:08:54.820 --> 00:08:58.460 These men are responsible for how they teach us as a congregation. 00:08:58.779 --> 00:08:59.480 They are leaders. 00:09:00.039 --> 00:09:01.820 And therefore, when we are making big decisions, 00:09:02.759 --> 00:09:04.279 when we're looking for help, 00:09:04.720 --> 00:09:07.920 when we want to learn about what the Bible teaches about something, 00:09:08.320 --> 00:09:10.220 these are the men that we should be going to. 00:09:10.220 --> 00:09:16.160 These are the men who one day will have to give an account before God on how they led this church. 00:09:16.860 --> 00:09:18.879 They are in a position of authority. 00:09:19.460 --> 00:09:20.379 They are over us. 00:09:22.259 --> 00:09:27.019 And lastly, an elder is someone who admonishes the church, meaning church discipline. 00:09:28.100 --> 00:09:31.120 Now church discipline isn't something we really like to think about today. 00:09:32.100 --> 00:09:35.620 Because society tells us that no one can correct us or rebuke us. 00:09:37.440 --> 00:09:40.160 Every person does what is right in their own eyes. 00:09:40.960 --> 00:09:45.759 Today, parents are afraid that saying no to their children might damage their relationship. 00:09:46.920 --> 00:09:53.960 People feel that it is judgmental to tell someone that they're not living according to God's will for humanity. 00:09:55.100 --> 00:09:59.440 People have bought into this idea that there is no such thing as objective truth. 00:09:59.960 --> 00:10:02.320 But each person can pick and choose what they want. 00:10:02.320 --> 00:10:05.920 Everyone does what is right in their own eyes. 00:10:07.280 --> 00:10:10.860 And all of this is factored into a global lack of church discipline. 00:10:11.860 --> 00:10:15.360 But elders are to practice church discipline based on the Bible. 00:10:15.360 --> 00:10:20.000 And in the New Testament, there are three areas that discipline is necessary. 00:10:20.639 --> 00:10:24.019 In doctrine, in holy living, and in church unity. 00:10:24.019 --> 00:10:29.699 So elders have a responsibility to discipline church members on their doctrine. 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:34.079 To make sure that we are being faithful to the Bible's teaching. 00:10:34.620 --> 00:10:35.620 On holy living. 00:10:36.039 --> 00:10:41.220 To make sure that we are killing sin before it is killing us, as John Owen famously said. 00:10:41.799 --> 00:10:43.000 And on church unity. 00:10:43.000 --> 00:10:45.980 Looking at these responsibilities. 00:10:46.440 --> 00:10:52.000 Doesn't that help us see the need to pray for these men that God has put over us? 00:10:54.139 --> 00:10:55.360 Pray for Graham. 00:10:55.639 --> 00:10:56.460 For Ian. 00:10:56.639 --> 00:10:57.159 For Peter. 00:10:57.559 --> 00:10:58.240 For Paul. 00:10:58.740 --> 00:10:59.500 For Fraser. 00:10:59.659 --> 00:11:00.220 And for David. 00:11:00.220 --> 00:11:06.360 And Paul encourages the church to respect them. 00:11:06.840 --> 00:11:08.040 To esteem the elders. 00:11:08.420 --> 00:11:11.259 And to be at peace with each other for the elders. 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:14.500 So how we treat our elders is important. 00:11:15.259 --> 00:11:20.180 If we're going to be a counter-cultural community, we need to respect and esteem them. 00:11:21.060 --> 00:11:25.279 That means we go along with their decisions, as long as they're based on the Bible. 00:11:26.139 --> 00:11:28.259 That we listen to the counsel that they give. 00:11:28.259 --> 00:11:31.559 We accept their discipline and we acknowledge their leadership. 00:11:34.159 --> 00:11:38.100 We help them in their work and we back them up in every way we can. 00:11:38.159 --> 00:11:40.819 As long as they are acting and making decisions on the Bible. 00:11:41.159 --> 00:11:43.299 And God's will for his church and his people. 00:11:44.439 --> 00:11:46.299 And we pray for them. 00:11:48.960 --> 00:11:52.319 Living this way in relation to our spiritual leaders. 00:11:52.480 --> 00:11:54.159 Will lead to a life of peace. 00:11:54.159 --> 00:11:56.620 Both among church members and their leaders. 00:11:56.620 --> 00:11:58.560 And among the church in general. 00:12:00.879 --> 00:12:03.220 Is this the relationship that we have with our elders? 00:12:05.320 --> 00:12:07.539 When was the last time that we prayed for them? 00:12:09.220 --> 00:12:14.500 When was the last time that we consciously thanked them on a Sunday for all of the work they do? 00:12:15.399 --> 00:12:17.679 Or last time we sent them an email of encouragement? 00:12:17.679 --> 00:12:22.659 Our elders are such a blessing to us and we should have their backs. 00:12:23.759 --> 00:12:28.679 We should stand by them, respect them and we should submit to and learn from them. 00:12:28.679 --> 00:12:35.000 The result of us as one church family having this relationship that Paul describes. 00:12:35.539 --> 00:12:40.819 Will be one church that is united around one common goal and vision. 00:12:41.719 --> 00:12:49.719 And that is the Brunsfield Evangelical Church exists to glorify God through lives being transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ. 00:12:49.720 --> 00:12:53.620 To be able to do this. 00:12:53.620 --> 00:12:56.960 To be this community that stands out for Jesus. 00:12:57.960 --> 00:13:01.540 To be a community that reaches out to those around us. 00:13:01.740 --> 00:13:06.980 We must be united and that starts first and foremost with the relationship with our leaders. 00:13:06.980 --> 00:13:10.600 And in verses 25 and 27. 00:13:11.379 --> 00:13:16.920 Paul gives very specific tasks for the Thessalonian church to do for him because he is their leader. 00:13:17.960 --> 00:13:19.180 They are to pray for him. 00:13:19.899 --> 00:13:22.100 Greet people on his behalf with a holy kiss. 00:13:22.759 --> 00:13:25.480 And read this letter before the whole church. 00:13:27.700 --> 00:13:29.279 So that's the first relationship. 00:13:29.840 --> 00:13:34.800 And the second relationship that Paul talks about is their relationship with each other. 00:13:34.799 --> 00:13:37.199 Versus 14 and 15. 00:13:37.199 --> 00:13:38.919 Their relationship with each other. 00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:42.839 Now because of our individualistic society. 00:13:43.319 --> 00:13:45.919 Because of the strive for complete autonomy. 00:13:46.479 --> 00:13:50.679 Because of our desire to have this perfect appearance that everything is okay. 00:13:52.179 --> 00:13:54.359 Our world lacks community. 00:13:56.819 --> 00:14:02.620 Currently in the UK the group that feels loneliest are those between 16 and 24. 00:14:02.620 --> 00:14:10.139 It's estimated that 10% of this age group always or often feels lonely. 00:14:11.060 --> 00:14:13.860 And that's compared to the 3% of those over 65. 00:14:14.899 --> 00:14:17.960 Our world is becoming lonelier and lonelier. 00:14:18.720 --> 00:14:20.740 People are starting to feel more isolated. 00:14:22.820 --> 00:14:28.620 So maybe you saw on the news this week that there is basically a church without God down in Stockbridge. 00:14:28.620 --> 00:14:32.360 People gather on a Sunday morning to sing songs. 00:14:32.720 --> 00:14:34.879 Listen to stories and poems. 00:14:35.460 --> 00:14:39.740 And to have some form of community which is disconnected from our creator. 00:14:41.039 --> 00:14:42.740 We live in a lonely world. 00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:46.200 But Paul says that we're to be different. 00:14:46.860 --> 00:14:49.060 We are to create this kind of community. 00:14:49.840 --> 00:14:52.120 Just glance over verses 14 and 15. 00:14:52.120 --> 00:14:56.799 And see some of the words that Paul says should characterize our church. 00:14:56.860 --> 00:14:58.480 And the relationships in the church. 00:14:59.440 --> 00:15:01.220 Warn the lazy and disruptive. 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:03.000 Encourage the disheartened. 00:15:03.340 --> 00:15:04.039 Help the weak. 00:15:04.159 --> 00:15:05.360 Be patient with everybody. 00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:07.220 Don't repay wrong for wrong. 00:15:07.639 --> 00:15:09.759 Strive to do good for each other in the church. 00:15:10.039 --> 00:15:12.580 And then he broadens it out at the end of verse 15. 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:14.120 And says do good to everyone. 00:15:15.279 --> 00:15:17.279 That's referring to those outside the church. 00:15:17.279 --> 00:15:20.519 This list is all encompassing. 00:15:21.039 --> 00:15:23.959 It has stuff that we maybe find slightly easier. 00:15:24.279 --> 00:15:26.839 Like encouraging and helping people practically. 00:15:28.199 --> 00:15:30.779 But there's also some pretty difficult stuff in there too. 00:15:33.679 --> 00:15:40.939 Comforting, confronting lazy people over their lack of drive by using the Bible is not easy. 00:15:41.620 --> 00:15:44.539 It actually leads to some pretty uncomfortable conversation. 00:15:44.539 --> 00:15:50.120 But God has weaved work into the fabric of humanity. 00:15:50.799 --> 00:15:52.299 We were created to work. 00:15:52.919 --> 00:15:55.659 Whether that's working in a nine to five office job. 00:15:56.139 --> 00:15:58.159 Whether that's caring for someone. 00:15:58.519 --> 00:15:59.860 Whether that's serving in the church. 00:15:59.980 --> 00:16:00.980 Whether that's volunteering. 00:16:01.559 --> 00:16:05.659 Or whether that's working, doing the work you do around the house every single day. 00:16:06.179 --> 00:16:08.759 Whatever shape or form that work takes. 00:16:08.899 --> 00:16:10.579 Do it all for the glory of God. 00:16:10.580 --> 00:16:15.560 Paul says don't be lazy and warn those who are. 00:16:16.420 --> 00:16:19.360 Now people can be out of work for many reasons. 00:16:19.800 --> 00:16:23.100 That could be ill health or a lack of jobs and so on. 00:16:24.139 --> 00:16:27.259 Paul is not saying that being unemployed means you're lazy. 00:16:28.200 --> 00:16:33.900 But he is saying that people shouldn't be sitting on their hands or twiddling their thumbs until Jesus returns. 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:39.440 Likewise, I don't think it's easy to warn those who are disruptive, is it? 00:16:39.440 --> 00:16:46.680 But this warning shouldn't come from our own opinion or our own preferences and the way things should be done. 00:16:46.940 --> 00:16:50.860 It should be based on the instructions that God has given in his word. 00:16:51.820 --> 00:16:54.120 This book is not just a rule book. 00:16:54.660 --> 00:16:57.020 It is not just a self-help book. 00:16:57.020 --> 00:16:58.680 But it is a revelation of God. 00:16:59.040 --> 00:17:00.120 Of his will. 00:17:00.900 --> 00:17:01.800 For his people. 00:17:02.840 --> 00:17:03.680 Love the Bible. 00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:05.519 Live the Bible. 00:17:05.680 --> 00:17:07.480 Eat, breathe and sleep the Bible. 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:09.759 This is what we live by. 00:17:11.860 --> 00:17:14.480 And warn people according to what the Bible says. 00:17:18.120 --> 00:17:21.160 Do you know how we can have these kind of relationships in church? 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:25.019 By not wearing a mask on a Sunday. 00:17:26.920 --> 00:17:29.039 It's so easy and I'm guilty of this myself. 00:17:29.140 --> 00:17:32.059 Walking through the doors on a Sunday morning and when you get asked, 00:17:32.059 --> 00:17:33.179 how are you doing? 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:35.039 Without even thinking. 00:17:35.379 --> 00:17:36.339 You just say, oh, I'm fine. 00:17:36.399 --> 00:17:36.839 How are you? 00:17:38.339 --> 00:17:39.700 Do you know what fine stands for? 00:17:41.099 --> 00:17:43.379 Feelings inside not expressed. 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:50.320 So often we walk into church wearing a mask, pretending that everything is okay. 00:17:51.580 --> 00:17:56.420 And then people feel this strange kind of pressure because everybody else seems to be okay. 00:17:58.100 --> 00:18:04.860 And so it turns out we have a room on a Sunday morning of 150 people all pretending to be happy and perfectly all right. 00:18:05.400 --> 00:18:07.780 Because that's the socially acceptable thing to do. 00:18:07.779 --> 00:18:10.759 Do you want me to tell you a secret? 00:18:12.039 --> 00:18:15.079 That's probably at least 130 people wearing a mask. 00:18:17.899 --> 00:18:21.539 How different would our relationships be in church if we were honest? 00:18:23.399 --> 00:18:27.579 Imagine someone walking through the door and responding to the how are you question with, 00:18:27.700 --> 00:18:28.779 well, actually I'm struggling. 00:18:29.579 --> 00:18:32.799 This and this happened to me this week and I have no idea how to deal with it. 00:18:32.799 --> 00:18:39.980 That gives us the opportunity to share life, to share the ups and downs with people, 00:18:40.079 --> 00:18:42.940 to care for each other well and to pray with each other. 00:18:44.480 --> 00:18:49.240 Imagine the difference it would make if when that person comes in and you say, 00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:51.680 I have no idea how to deal with this. 00:18:52.119 --> 00:18:53.500 Can we just pray about it together? 00:18:53.500 --> 00:19:01.519 That is the most practical application of encourage the disheartened. 00:19:02.539 --> 00:19:08.299 Praying with somebody, listening to somebody and practically helping people where possible. 00:19:08.559 --> 00:19:11.180 That is the life that Paul is calling us to. 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:16.099 But it requires each and every one of us to be open. 00:19:17.460 --> 00:19:19.839 To be prepared, to be vulnerable. 00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:23.899 Now don't get me wrong, use your God-given discernment. 00:19:24.679 --> 00:19:28.959 It isn't always right to tell everybody absolutely everything that's going on in your life. 00:19:29.039 --> 00:19:32.699 And there are very legitimate reasons you might want to keep something to yourself. 00:19:34.079 --> 00:19:39.079 But so often in church we like to serve practically and help out on rotas and things. 00:19:40.339 --> 00:19:43.000 One thing churches don't do well is work in the pew. 00:19:43.939 --> 00:19:45.699 To see how each other are getting on. 00:19:45.700 --> 00:19:50.680 Are your relationships with each other like this? 00:19:52.019 --> 00:19:54.720 As we finish this service this evening. 00:19:55.160 --> 00:19:57.860 As we come to church next Sunday morning and evening. 00:19:57.980 --> 00:19:59.559 As we meet people through the week. 00:20:00.059 --> 00:20:00.860 Why not be honest? 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:04.519 See what a difference it makes. 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:10.940 Why don't we be open and share the truth of how we're really doing. 00:20:11.039 --> 00:20:13.539 If every single person in this room tonight. 00:20:14.819 --> 00:20:17.660 Asked one person every week over the next month. 00:20:18.039 --> 00:20:19.700 How they can be praying for them. 00:20:20.139 --> 00:20:21.480 How they can be helping them. 00:20:21.879 --> 00:20:23.139 And actually doing it. 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:26.839 We will have a church that is more honest and open. 00:20:27.400 --> 00:20:29.519 We will have deeper relationships. 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:31.799 Stronger relationships. 00:20:31.799 --> 00:20:34.139 And we will be a community. 00:20:34.139 --> 00:20:39.919 We will be a community that is characterized by care for and love for each other. 00:20:41.319 --> 00:20:46.039 And all of this is to be done in light of God's desire for our sanctification. 00:20:46.619 --> 00:20:48.019 For our being made more holy. 00:20:48.220 --> 00:20:49.700 More into the likeness of Jesus. 00:20:50.419 --> 00:20:52.839 And in anticipation of his second coming. 00:20:53.819 --> 00:20:57.519 Living like this will be completely counter-cultural. 00:20:58.200 --> 00:20:59.700 It will change the way we view each other. 00:20:59.700 --> 00:21:04.100 And it will change the way those outside the church view us. 00:21:05.480 --> 00:21:09.180 It will create opportunities for us to tell people about Jesus. 00:21:10.740 --> 00:21:11.240 Why? 00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:15.960 Well because on a Sunday morning this room is full of people from different ages. 00:21:16.680 --> 00:21:17.620 Different stages. 00:21:17.779 --> 00:21:18.420 Different jobs. 00:21:18.559 --> 00:21:19.400 Different countries. 00:21:19.860 --> 00:21:20.740 Different backgrounds. 00:21:21.319 --> 00:21:23.059 But we all have one thing in common. 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:27.600 We are part of one family under the lordship of Jesus Christ. 00:21:27.599 --> 00:21:31.339 Jesus' death on the cross made forgiveness of sins possible. 00:21:32.059 --> 00:21:35.339 It gave us the privilege of being in a right relationship with God. 00:21:36.299 --> 00:21:38.740 But it also gave us a global family. 00:21:39.319 --> 00:21:41.819 The size of which we will never be able to comprehend. 00:21:43.740 --> 00:21:46.779 A practical example of this is two weeks ago. 00:21:47.459 --> 00:21:50.139 A visitor came to church on a Sunday morning from Egypt. 00:21:50.599 --> 00:21:51.599 I'm from Scotland. 00:21:51.599 --> 00:21:54.399 He was a university lecturer. 00:21:55.019 --> 00:21:56.459 I'm a university student. 00:21:57.379 --> 00:21:59.259 He loved science and academia. 00:21:59.480 --> 00:22:01.019 I have no idea about science. 00:22:01.339 --> 00:22:03.480 And me and academia don't really get on that well. 00:22:04.339 --> 00:22:07.119 We had basically nothing in common. 00:22:07.919 --> 00:22:12.419 But for 15 minutes before the church service we were able to speak together about Jesus. 00:22:12.420 --> 00:22:17.039 We spoke about how we both became Christians. 00:22:17.160 --> 00:22:19.400 How it's a privilege to be in church on a Sunday. 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:22.820 How it is a privilege to have God's word in our own language. 00:22:24.400 --> 00:22:26.259 Worldly speaking we had nothing in common. 00:22:26.880 --> 00:22:29.000 But we shared the most important thing in the world. 00:22:29.560 --> 00:22:30.380 Jesus Christ. 00:22:32.320 --> 00:22:36.259 That's the joy and blessing of Christian community. 00:22:36.259 --> 00:22:38.819 Be different Paul says. 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:43.240 Be counter cultural and have good relationships with each other. 00:22:44.660 --> 00:22:51.579 And then the third and final relationship that Paul speaks about is their relationship with God. 00:22:52.180 --> 00:22:54.680 In verses 16 to 22. 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:56.400 Relationship with God. 00:22:57.599 --> 00:23:04.400 So verses 16 to 18 are calling for us to have a very God orientated focus on our lives. 00:23:04.400 --> 00:23:05.400 Rejoice. 00:23:05.400 --> 00:23:06.900 Rejoice always. 00:23:08.100 --> 00:23:09.280 Pray continually. 00:23:10.300 --> 00:23:12.900 And give thanks in all circumstances. 00:23:14.600 --> 00:23:15.320 Paul. 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:17.320 Have you lost your mind? 00:23:18.580 --> 00:23:20.620 Do you know how difficult this is? 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:26.460 Especially when this joy is probably in relation to suffering. 00:23:27.120 --> 00:23:29.640 By living in a world that hates Jesus. 00:23:29.940 --> 00:23:31.060 And hated these Christians. 00:23:31.059 --> 00:23:36.539 But Paul knows more than most what it means to suffer for the gospel. 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:39.759 Paul has been stoned for his preaching. 00:23:40.279 --> 00:23:41.339 He's been whipped. 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:43.039 He's been shipwrecked. 00:23:43.059 --> 00:23:43.799 He's gone hungry. 00:23:43.899 --> 00:23:47.279 And even in Thessalonica in Acts chapter 17. 00:23:48.119 --> 00:23:51.619 We're told that he had to flee just weeks after he arrived. 00:23:51.919 --> 00:23:53.700 Because a mob wanted him dead. 00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:55.700 Because of what he was preaching. 00:23:55.700 --> 00:23:59.180 And yet he still says to these people. 00:23:59.519 --> 00:24:00.120 Rejoice. 00:24:02.120 --> 00:24:05.740 Paul knows that everything is given from God. 00:24:06.680 --> 00:24:15.940 And Paul also knows that no persecution or trial is ever severe enough that it can pull him away from his Savior Jesus Christ. 00:24:16.080 --> 00:24:17.440 And his relationship with God. 00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:25.660 The glorious truth that Jesus died and rose again and that he reigns in heaven cannot be taken away by suffering. 00:24:27.740 --> 00:24:28.299 Christian. 00:24:29.620 --> 00:24:30.220 Rejoice. 00:24:31.240 --> 00:24:33.920 Because you have been forgiven by Jesus. 00:24:34.980 --> 00:24:41.340 He took your punishment on the cross so that you can be freed from the destructive master of sin. 00:24:41.339 --> 00:24:48.799 And be freed to serve a glorious king who is characterized by love and kindness for his people. 00:24:49.899 --> 00:24:53.619 God has declared you free from your sins and rebellion against him. 00:24:54.139 --> 00:24:56.299 We have all the cause to rejoice in the world. 00:24:58.319 --> 00:25:02.199 And if you're not a Christian this evening, that is the message of the gospel. 00:25:02.799 --> 00:25:07.899 That Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on a cross taking the punishment for sin. 00:25:07.900 --> 00:25:11.380 That he rose again, defeating sin and death. 00:25:11.740 --> 00:25:13.120 And that he is now in heaven. 00:25:14.040 --> 00:25:17.880 And will return one day to gather his people to himself. 00:25:18.220 --> 00:25:19.220 Do you know Jesus? 00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:26.180 In him alone can true joy and true satisfaction be found. 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:32.000 Now this joy doesn't mean that Christians will always be happy. 00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:37.799 The Bible tells us to expect pain and suffering on account of what we believe. 00:25:37.900 --> 00:25:41.380 But in the midst of that sorrow, in the midst of that suffering. 00:25:44.319 --> 00:25:47.799 Our relationship with God through Jesus Christ will pull us through. 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:50.299 It can never be severed. 00:25:51.299 --> 00:25:53.200 And our suffering is only temporary. 00:25:54.019 --> 00:25:55.039 Jesus will return. 00:25:55.539 --> 00:26:00.200 Therefore, Paul says, always be praying and always be thanking God. 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:05.779 Just a few weeks ago, I heard a story of a woman who was in a hospital. 00:26:06.779 --> 00:26:09.859 And she was being visited by the new assistant pastor. 00:26:10.079 --> 00:26:11.359 Just arrived in his post. 00:26:11.839 --> 00:26:14.119 And he went for his first hospital visit. 00:26:14.819 --> 00:26:18.839 And he was taken aback because this woman was always smiling. 00:26:19.380 --> 00:26:20.200 She couldn't walk. 00:26:20.299 --> 00:26:21.380 She'd lost the use of her legs. 00:26:21.420 --> 00:26:22.700 But she was always smiling. 00:26:22.700 --> 00:26:28.759 She was thankful for the fact, she said, that she could sit up and read her Bible. 00:26:30.380 --> 00:26:33.420 So a few weeks go past and the man goes and visits again. 00:26:34.480 --> 00:26:36.819 And then she'd lost the use of her arms. 00:26:37.920 --> 00:26:41.480 And still that smile took him aback every single time. 00:26:41.480 --> 00:26:44.740 She said that she was thankful for her sight. 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:47.460 And then this went on for months and months. 00:26:47.519 --> 00:26:48.940 And her health deteriorated. 00:26:49.120 --> 00:26:50.240 Got worse and worse. 00:26:50.299 --> 00:26:53.160 And the young man just couldn't grasp how thankful she always was. 00:26:55.059 --> 00:26:56.559 And then on the last visit. 00:26:58.180 --> 00:26:59.440 When she couldn't move. 00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:01.839 She was blind. 00:27:02.400 --> 00:27:03.680 Had no use of her body. 00:27:03.819 --> 00:27:04.740 In the eyes of the world. 00:27:04.819 --> 00:27:08.299 She had every single reason to be miserable to her core. 00:27:08.299 --> 00:27:12.980 The young man asked, what are you thankful for? 00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:17.379 And she said, I'm so thankful that I will be meeting Jesus Christ. 00:27:18.139 --> 00:27:20.839 And that I will have a perfectly new glorified body. 00:27:24.139 --> 00:27:25.559 Rejoice always. 00:27:26.500 --> 00:27:29.519 Pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. 00:27:31.240 --> 00:27:36.359 The only way that this is possible as Christians is because we have the Holy Spirit. 00:27:38.299 --> 00:27:40.119 God living within us. 00:27:40.159 --> 00:27:44.500 Now that is a marvelous truth that I've been a Christian for a number of years. 00:27:44.559 --> 00:27:48.180 And I still can't get my head around how amazing that is. 00:27:49.299 --> 00:27:52.359 We have God living within us. 00:27:53.960 --> 00:27:57.579 In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is described as a fire. 00:27:58.440 --> 00:28:00.240 He is God living within believers. 00:28:00.379 --> 00:28:04.680 And in verse 19, Paul says, do not quench the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:28:04.680 --> 00:28:10.799 Now looking at that verse in this context, I think it's referring to two things. 00:28:11.539 --> 00:28:14.620 Firstly, it's referring to the work of sanctification. 00:28:14.980 --> 00:28:16.620 The work of us being made more holy. 00:28:17.820 --> 00:28:23.640 The Holy Spirit enables us to live out this counter-cultural life as a church community. 00:28:24.660 --> 00:28:28.240 The Holy Spirit is conforming us to the image of Jesus. 00:28:28.880 --> 00:28:30.820 Paul says, do not quench that work. 00:28:30.819 --> 00:28:38.279 Do not resist or do not try to hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in your life or in the life of others. 00:28:38.960 --> 00:28:40.359 But instead, be supportive. 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:45.980 Be encouraging people to grow in their holiness by the power of the Spirit. 00:28:47.359 --> 00:28:51.119 And then secondly, the work of the Holy Spirit has to do with prophecy. 00:28:52.399 --> 00:28:55.899 And Paul says, do not treat such prophecies with content. 00:28:55.900 --> 00:29:02.220 In the original context of the Thessalonian church, we do not know what this prophecy looked like. 00:29:03.600 --> 00:29:09.340 But in a sense, we don't really need to know what it was like exactly because the teaching remains the same. 00:29:10.060 --> 00:29:12.240 Paul says, test everything. 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:19.340 If it stands true according to the Bible, according to the word of God, let it be heard by the congregation. 00:29:19.339 --> 00:29:23.519 But if it does not stand up, then do not give it airtime. 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:29.240 The Thessalonian church didn't have the New Testament as we have it today. 00:29:30.500 --> 00:29:37.179 They only had the Old Testament, but even that wasn't available for them to pick up and read at any time. 00:29:37.519 --> 00:29:41.279 And so God used prophecy to bring his word to his people. 00:29:41.279 --> 00:29:48.639 They would give instructions to the church, declarations about God and what he has done. 00:29:50.359 --> 00:29:52.879 Prophecies were to strengthen believers in their faith. 00:29:53.920 --> 00:29:58.399 Encourage believers as they face a world which hates them and their king, Jesus. 00:29:58.839 --> 00:30:02.240 And to comfort the discouraged and downtrodden. 00:30:03.420 --> 00:30:07.799 But it appears that there might have been those who despised these words and who didn't listen. 00:30:07.799 --> 00:30:14.639 And Paul is telling the whole church, listen to what people say, but test everything. 00:30:15.519 --> 00:30:20.359 God's word is one good, cohesive word and revelation of himself. 00:30:20.879 --> 00:30:22.680 It does not contradict itself. 00:30:24.139 --> 00:30:28.279 God's word is not changing just like God is not changing. 00:30:29.220 --> 00:30:32.919 Therefore, any word from God should be tested. 00:30:32.920 --> 00:30:46.740 Be like the Bereans who in Acts 17, when they hear the message of Jesus, accept it with great eagerness and examined the scriptures every single day to see if what Paul was saying was true. 00:30:48.779 --> 00:30:52.680 Do we have this relationship with God? 00:30:54.700 --> 00:30:56.500 God's word is truth. 00:30:56.500 --> 00:31:26.480 God's word is. 00:31:26.500 --> 00:31:56.480 God's word is truth. 00:31:56.480 --> 00:31:58.539 Do not just take it. 00:31:59.059 --> 00:32:03.700 Go home, pick up your Bible and check if what has been said is correct. 00:32:05.140 --> 00:32:11.160 Go and search the Bible for yourself and see if the preacher has been faithful to the word of God. 00:32:11.160 --> 00:32:12.160 God's word is truth. 00:32:12.160 --> 00:32:13.160 God's word is truth. 00:32:13.160 --> 00:32:26.160 As Christians who have been set apart by God and for God through Jesus' death on the cross and who are being made more into the image of his son through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are being called to live countercultural lives. 00:32:26.160 --> 00:32:27.160 God's word is truth. 00:32:29.160 --> 00:32:31.160 But this doesn't come naturally to us. 00:32:31.160 --> 00:32:32.160 And it isn't easy. 00:32:32.160 --> 00:32:33.160 It isn't easy. 00:32:33.160 --> 00:32:34.160 It isn't a walk in the park. 00:32:34.160 --> 00:32:41.580 It's difficult to live with all of these relationships being perfect just as Paul describes they should be. 00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:46.059 But that is where the glorious truth of verse 24 comes in. 00:32:46.579 --> 00:32:49.259 God wants us to live this way. 00:32:49.259 --> 00:32:53.339 And the one who calls us is faithful and he will do it. 00:32:54.379 --> 00:33:02.660 And that means that this life of countercultural holiness that God calls us to will be made possible because of who God is. 00:33:03.079 --> 00:33:04.740 He is faithful. 00:33:04.740 --> 00:33:14.640 Do not look to your own strength as you try to grow in holiness, but look to and rely on the work of the Holy Spirit and rely on God. 00:33:15.380 --> 00:33:16.500 Let's pray together. 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:28.160 Heavenly Father, we come before you this evening as an unholy people. 00:33:28.160 --> 00:33:40.860 As people who at our core are sinful, we rebel against you every single day, every single minute of every single day. 00:33:41.000 --> 00:33:42.540 And yet you are faithful. 00:33:44.000 --> 00:33:48.820 You call us to yourself and you make us holy. 00:33:49.140 --> 00:33:52.920 You make us more into the image of your son through the work of your Holy Spirit. 00:33:52.920 --> 00:34:09.500 Father, we thank you that you have not left us in this world by ourselves, but you have revealed yourself through your word and you have given us your Holy Spirit that he may guide us, train us in holiness and be preparing us for the return of Jesus. 00:34:11.380 --> 00:34:13.360 Lord, we eagerly await for that day. 00:34:16.559 --> 00:34:22.320 Give us strength to live in this world to glorify you. 00:34:22.920 --> 00:34:24.400 In your son's name we ask. 00:34:24.900 --> 00:34:25.220 Amen.