WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.500 Thank you very much, Jackson. Well, folks, it is wonderful to be with you again. 00:00:04.660 --> 00:00:11.859 Please do keep that passage open in front of you in 2 Thessalonians as we dive into this final section. 00:00:12.380 --> 00:00:23.679 Now, as I was preparing for tonight, I came across a little story that I think summarizes or gets to the heart of one of the problems that Paul is addressing in 2 Thessalonians. 00:00:23.800 --> 00:00:25.980 Now, let me take you on a journey with me. 00:00:25.980 --> 00:00:31.100 The story is about four people. It's a bit of a tongue twister, so I'm going to take my time. 00:00:31.760 --> 00:00:37.380 And their names were everybody, somebody, anybody and nobody. 00:00:38.159 --> 00:00:42.980 Now, there was an important job to be done and everybody was asked to do it. 00:00:43.840 --> 00:00:46.980 Everybody was sure that somebody would do it. 00:00:48.560 --> 00:00:51.719 And anybody could have done it, but nobody did it. 00:00:51.719 --> 00:00:56.939 Somebody got angry about that because it was everybody's job. 00:00:57.799 --> 00:01:02.640 Everybody thought anybody could do it, but nobody realized that everyone wouldn't do it. 00:01:03.700 --> 00:01:10.680 It ended up that everybody blamed somebody when nobody did what anybody could have done. 00:01:10.680 --> 00:01:17.920 Now, this story can be summarized in many different ways and you can take a different angle on it. 00:01:17.940 --> 00:01:22.420 But the angle I want to take tonight is that there is a lack of accountability. 00:01:23.440 --> 00:01:26.980 There is something to be done and four people do nothing about it. 00:01:27.960 --> 00:01:30.620 Accountability is something that we're used to today. 00:01:30.760 --> 00:01:33.160 It's part and parcel of every family. 00:01:33.159 --> 00:01:45.819 So parents, they hold each other accountable for the household, paying the bills, making sure money is coming in, making sure the house is fed and looked after. 00:01:46.939 --> 00:01:49.019 Parents hold their children accountable. 00:01:49.239 --> 00:01:52.179 Are they behaving, obeying the rules of the house? 00:01:52.259 --> 00:01:54.000 Are they doing their schoolwork? 00:01:54.099 --> 00:01:57.920 Are they growing in the Lord as they have been taught about Jesus? 00:01:57.920 --> 00:02:12.680 Children hold each other accountable when the parents aren't around, or at least they're supposed to, to make sure that they're safe and they follow the rules that their parents have put in place, or for the most part anyway. 00:02:14.259 --> 00:02:17.840 Accountability is part of every single family. 00:02:17.840 --> 00:02:29.460 And it makes sense with people in such close proximity to one another to keep an eye out for each other, to make sure that everyone is okay and that the family grow together. 00:02:31.120 --> 00:02:33.539 And the same is true for the church family, isn't it? 00:02:34.580 --> 00:02:39.080 Accountability is necessary in every and any church. 00:02:39.640 --> 00:02:42.719 It ensures that we as leaders are leading well. 00:02:42.860 --> 00:02:45.439 We're being examples of what it means to follow Jesus. 00:02:45.439 --> 00:02:52.240 As church members, it means that we're caring for one another, building each other up in the Lord. 00:02:54.139 --> 00:03:05.780 And as a whole church family, being accountable to one another means that we all continue to work together as one unit until the Lord returns or we are taken home to be with him. 00:03:06.680 --> 00:03:15.020 It means that we all work together to ensure that the church runs smoothly and that it is not run by a small number of people. 00:03:15.439 --> 00:03:19.900 And that is precisely the problem that Paul is addressing tonight in Thessalonica. 00:03:20.879 --> 00:03:22.439 Remember the setting of this book. 00:03:22.539 --> 00:03:25.539 There was persecutions coming from outside the church. 00:03:25.639 --> 00:03:30.120 There were false teachers in the church saying that Jesus has already returned. 00:03:30.120 --> 00:03:38.180 And this resulted in some people in the church stopping work altogether, doing nothing. 00:03:38.879 --> 00:03:44.099 It's as if they were saying, well, if Jesus has already come back, why should I bother showing up? 00:03:44.219 --> 00:03:45.759 Why should I bother doing anything? 00:03:46.819 --> 00:03:52.879 Maybe you've seen those signs or those t-shirts that are quite irreverent, but they say, look busy, Jesus is coming. 00:03:52.879 --> 00:03:58.799 Well, the motto of some of these people was Jesus has already come, so sit back and relax. 00:04:00.240 --> 00:04:05.280 And in the context of the first century church, that would have had massive implications. 00:04:06.579 --> 00:04:11.000 See, these Christians didn't just gather on a Sunday morning or evening for a few hours. 00:04:11.340 --> 00:04:13.379 They did everything together. 00:04:13.500 --> 00:04:14.579 They shared everything. 00:04:15.199 --> 00:04:21.500 They would have used their money to pay for meals for the whole church that they would have celebrated most days together. 00:04:21.500 --> 00:04:25.759 They were a very close community of Christians. 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:34.339 And so this evening, as we dive into 2 Thessalonians chapter 3, Paul gives some final exhortations to this church 00:04:34.339 --> 00:04:41.100 and some teaching on what this church and each individual within this church should be doing on a daily basis. 00:04:42.019 --> 00:04:49.579 See, a church family has an obligation to hold each other accountable as they pursue living a life for Jesus 00:04:49.579 --> 00:04:51.819 and growing in light of his return. 00:04:52.959 --> 00:04:58.560 And in this passage, Paul outlines what this church should be holding each other accountable to. 00:04:59.359 --> 00:05:04.120 And in turn, what we should be holding each other accountable to as a church in Brunsfield. 00:05:05.319 --> 00:05:08.500 So the first thing Paul says is, 00:05:09.039 --> 00:05:12.680 don't be lazy, be proactive in verses 6 to 10. 00:05:12.680 --> 00:05:19.660 Look at the language that Paul uses to describe just how serious a problem this was in Thessalonica. 00:05:19.920 --> 00:05:21.120 Read verse 6 with me. 00:05:22.319 --> 00:05:26.379 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, 00:05:26.379 --> 00:05:30.439 to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive, 00:05:30.980 --> 00:05:35.259 and do not live according to the teaching you received from us. 00:05:35.259 --> 00:05:42.899 See, Paul isn't just saying that being proactive and working is good and being idle and lazy is bad. 00:05:43.579 --> 00:05:49.899 He commands these Christians in the name of Jesus to stay away from those who have a poor work ethic 00:05:49.899 --> 00:05:56.480 because he was concerned about how that was reflecting on Jesus and their witness to the outside world 00:05:56.480 --> 00:05:58.120 and their witness to each other. 00:05:59.500 --> 00:06:03.519 Idleness, laziness is not God glorifying. 00:06:03.519 --> 00:06:09.680 Genesis tells us that humanity was created with a pattern of work and rest, 00:06:09.680 --> 00:06:17.359 but in Thessalonica, a theological problem had turned into a practical neglect of the church. 00:06:18.560 --> 00:06:21.599 See, all theology has practical implications. 00:06:22.459 --> 00:06:25.279 And this is a really important thing that we need to understand. 00:06:25.419 --> 00:06:30.939 Our theology, our understanding of God, shapes the way we live as Christians. 00:06:30.939 --> 00:06:34.759 Now, I've heard some Christians say, I'm not a theologian. 00:06:34.920 --> 00:06:36.199 I don't need theology. 00:06:37.379 --> 00:06:43.459 Well, if you have thoughts about God, and every single one of us do, then you are a theologian. 00:06:44.100 --> 00:06:48.779 The important thing is to make sure that we are being the best theologians we can be. 00:06:48.779 --> 00:06:54.500 And if anyone tells you that theology doesn't matter, take them to 2 Thessalonians 00:06:54.500 --> 00:07:02.239 and show them that a wrong theology of the return of Jesus was causing division and laziness in a church family 00:07:02.239 --> 00:07:07.119 that had been a big problem, which is why Paul wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians. 00:07:07.120 --> 00:07:14.319 Theology matters and a theological problem can have, and very often does have, 00:07:14.860 --> 00:07:18.939 practical implications that can hurt others and can hurt the church. 00:07:20.620 --> 00:07:24.319 And at the end of verse 6, Paul is referring to his teaching 00:07:24.319 --> 00:07:28.720 and saying that the truth of the gospel should change how you live. 00:07:29.579 --> 00:07:31.959 Look at the severity of language he's using. 00:07:31.959 --> 00:07:37.079 We command you, verse 6, keep away from lazy believers, verse 6. 00:07:37.500 --> 00:07:42.879 And in verse 10, he says, the one who is unwilling to work shall not eat. 00:07:44.719 --> 00:07:50.899 See, the faithful members were working hard, contributing to meals, to community life, 00:07:50.919 --> 00:07:53.639 but others were being lazy with their feet up all day. 00:07:53.740 --> 00:07:56.419 They wanted all the benefits without the labor. 00:07:56.420 --> 00:08:03.319 But the gospel should change the way Christians view their life and everything in it. 00:08:04.220 --> 00:08:08.020 A Christian should do everything to the best of their ability for God's glory. 00:08:08.120 --> 00:08:10.060 That includes our work. 00:08:10.720 --> 00:08:14.759 It includes our gathering together as a church. 00:08:16.639 --> 00:08:22.460 And Paul then says, let the example of other Christians who live this kind of gospel-shaped life, 00:08:22.459 --> 00:08:26.519 this gospel-shaped proactivity, spur you on. 00:08:27.739 --> 00:08:34.000 In verses 7 to 10, Paul speaks about the example that he was to this church as he spent time with them. 00:08:34.079 --> 00:08:35.340 Read verse 8 with me. 00:08:36.379 --> 00:08:42.079 We worked night and day laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 00:08:43.779 --> 00:08:48.299 Now in Acts 17, we read that Paul and his companions were in Thessalonica 00:08:48.299 --> 00:08:54.620 for anywhere between two to four weeks, a relatively short period of time, 00:08:55.579 --> 00:09:00.579 and yet it was enough time for them to be examples to this church of how Christians should live. 00:09:01.240 --> 00:09:04.799 So Paul is working during the day as a tent maker to earn his wages, 00:09:05.279 --> 00:09:08.719 and then he's gathering with the Lord's people in service at night, 00:09:08.759 --> 00:09:10.079 and he's teaching them the truth. 00:09:11.579 --> 00:09:14.519 Paul's life matched what he taught. 00:09:14.519 --> 00:09:17.439 And the same should be true of every Christian. 00:09:19.019 --> 00:09:25.399 Paul details more about his time with this church in the passage that Archie read to us from 1 Thessalonians 2. 00:09:26.360 --> 00:09:31.579 Their work went hand in hand with them, sharing the gospel and teaching the truth to this church. 00:09:32.039 --> 00:09:34.600 Paul says, Christians, don't be lazy. 00:09:35.480 --> 00:09:36.220 Be proactive. 00:09:38.299 --> 00:09:43.319 Now we're in a time post-COVID where volunteering in every church is down. 00:09:44.519 --> 00:09:47.159 People are prioritizing other things in life. 00:09:47.259 --> 00:09:49.720 We're back to the crazy busyness that we had before. 00:09:50.879 --> 00:09:53.340 But in almost every Zoom call over lockdown, 00:09:53.860 --> 00:09:58.120 I remember people bemoaning the way they used to run their lives. 00:09:58.620 --> 00:10:00.799 Running around doing a hundred different things, 00:10:00.899 --> 00:10:04.159 being so busy that they couldn't make sense of anything. 00:10:05.259 --> 00:10:07.000 But we've gone right back to it, haven't we? 00:10:07.000 --> 00:10:11.259 And here is a call to reprioritize, 00:10:11.679 --> 00:10:15.679 to not neglect your church family that you were created to be part of, 00:10:15.820 --> 00:10:18.159 and that you have been gifted to serve in. 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:24.919 It should challenge the pattern that we see in the world that's easy to fall into ourselves, 00:10:24.919 --> 00:10:28.340 of working nine to five and then watching Netflix until midnight. 00:10:29.860 --> 00:10:31.059 Church is a family. 00:10:31.059 --> 00:10:37.079 If you're a mom or dad at home, you do the dishes, you make dinner, you look after the kids. 00:10:37.559 --> 00:10:41.019 You're not volunteering, but you do it because it's your duty. 00:10:42.739 --> 00:10:44.219 It's the same in the church. 00:10:45.859 --> 00:10:48.059 Service in the church is part of our DNA. 00:10:48.259 --> 00:10:50.799 It's not an optional, oh, I'm going to go and volunteer today. 00:10:50.879 --> 00:10:51.679 You're a Christian. 00:10:52.119 --> 00:10:55.039 You're part of the church family, Paul says, so do your duty. 00:10:55.839 --> 00:10:57.739 Be proactive in your service. 00:10:57.740 --> 00:10:59.580 He worked night and day. 00:10:59.659 --> 00:11:01.159 Now, I don't think we should take that literally. 00:11:01.340 --> 00:11:02.799 I don't think we should do that today. 00:11:02.899 --> 00:11:06.840 We need to be wise and not tire ourselves out, not burn out. 00:11:07.960 --> 00:11:12.259 But there is an element of sacrifice that is expected as we serve the Lord. 00:11:13.659 --> 00:11:19.419 One of the phrases I often use when I speak about serving the Lord is sustainable sacrifice. 00:11:20.180 --> 00:11:23.399 There will always be, and I think there should always be, 00:11:23.519 --> 00:11:26.240 sacrifices as we serve our church family. 00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:33.240 But we need to make sure that those sacrifices are sustainable and for God's glory, not our own. 00:11:34.899 --> 00:11:41.240 Now, Brunsfield has so many examples of people who have been wonderfully proactive for the glory of God. 00:11:42.180 --> 00:11:48.680 I go and sit in people's homes, older members' homes, and hear the stories of all they've done over the years. 00:11:48.679 --> 00:11:50.739 And I'm astounded. 00:11:52.559 --> 00:11:54.219 But that work continues now. 00:11:54.299 --> 00:12:00.739 Even if they can't come out to every service, if they can't be involved in all the ministries they used to be involved in, 00:12:00.939 --> 00:12:05.659 they still get on their knees every single day and pray for this church and all of its members. 00:12:05.659 --> 00:12:12.740 Or there are other members who, like Paul, may have only been with us for a very short while, 00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:15.279 but got stuck right in from the get-go. 00:12:15.819 --> 00:12:21.120 Serving in ministries, involved in one-to-ones, sharing the gospel, encouraging the church. 00:12:22.659 --> 00:12:27.079 The temptation might be, especially in a city-centre church like this, 00:12:27.080 --> 00:12:30.639 where there seems to be a constant flow of people coming and going, 00:12:30.759 --> 00:12:35.580 to think that there's no point really getting stuck into church if I'm only here for a few years. 00:12:36.840 --> 00:12:37.600 Well, that's wrong. 00:12:38.480 --> 00:12:41.580 And Paul would stand very strongly against that in this passage. 00:12:41.740 --> 00:12:43.879 Instead, he says, we are to get stuck in. 00:12:44.520 --> 00:12:47.780 Don't be lazy, but proactively serve one another. 00:12:47.940 --> 00:12:51.240 Grow in your faith as we eagerly await the return of Jesus. 00:12:52.540 --> 00:12:55.660 Paul says, don't be lazy, be proactive. 00:12:55.659 --> 00:13:00.259 And the second thing Paul says is, don't be a burden, be productive. 00:13:00.620 --> 00:13:02.360 In verses 11 to 12. 00:13:03.839 --> 00:13:07.939 I remember as a kid, you were always warned not to do things for your own good, right? 00:13:08.240 --> 00:13:10.319 Kids hate it. I hated it as well. 00:13:10.819 --> 00:13:16.459 I remember once being on a Cubs camp and we were burning our names into wooden plaques for our bedrooms at home. 00:13:16.819 --> 00:13:21.759 And obviously the leader said, don't touch the pointed bit at the end or you'll get hurt. 00:13:22.839 --> 00:13:25.259 I was always a bit of a clown. Not much has changed. 00:13:25.659 --> 00:13:28.740 And we didn't really believe the leader. 00:13:29.480 --> 00:13:31.120 So what do a group of lads do? 00:13:31.219 --> 00:13:34.939 Well, we egg each other on to see who breaks the rules and to see what happens. 00:13:35.579 --> 00:13:40.639 So yes, I touched the end of the wood burner and I obviously burnt the tips of my fingers. 00:13:40.639 --> 00:13:48.840 But nobody believed the leader until they saw the pain I was in and the consequences of not heeding his actions. 00:13:48.840 --> 00:13:53.759 Now the church in Thessalonica, they've been warned of these false teachers. 00:13:54.399 --> 00:13:56.080 They've been warned of their influence. 00:13:56.180 --> 00:13:58.600 And now Paul addresses head on the root of the problem. 00:13:58.700 --> 00:13:59.660 He says, here it is. 00:14:00.040 --> 00:14:02.080 Read verses 11 to 12 with me. 00:14:02.080 --> 00:14:06.180 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. 00:14:06.900 --> 00:14:08.120 They are not busy. 00:14:08.240 --> 00:14:09.320 They are busy bodies. 00:14:09.960 --> 00:14:17.400 Such people we command and urge in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 00:14:17.399 --> 00:14:32.319 It's not just that people were being lazy and not proactive, but they were being a burden on the church as a whole and distracting the church from their mission of growing in faith and sharing the gospel until Jesus returns. 00:14:33.459 --> 00:14:36.579 That's why Paul says, don't be a burden, but be productive. 00:14:36.580 --> 00:14:43.480 Because there were some, as verse 11 says, who were not busy, but were busy bodies. 00:14:44.400 --> 00:14:49.240 A play on words that show that they weren't being productive or busy themselves. 00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:54.540 They were instead busying themselves with other people's work and other people's productivity. 00:14:55.400 --> 00:15:01.200 Meddling, sticking their noses in where others were trying to live the life that Paul commanded them to. 00:15:02.420 --> 00:15:06.300 And you can imagine the disunity that these people were causing, can't you? 00:15:07.100 --> 00:15:10.040 Always wanting to say how the church should be run. 00:15:10.620 --> 00:15:16.259 Always wanting to be in the important meetings to be seen as the one serving to get recognition. 00:15:18.560 --> 00:15:21.100 But without doing any of the work. 00:15:21.820 --> 00:15:25.940 And sowing disunity and discouraging people as they went. 00:15:27.720 --> 00:15:33.580 And they're a distraction because they expect to be fed and cared for whilst they do nothing. 00:15:33.580 --> 00:15:41.220 That's why Paul says in verse 12, we command you and urge you in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food you eat. 00:15:43.259 --> 00:15:47.800 The way to correct an unproductive life, Paul says, is to get to work. 00:15:49.040 --> 00:15:52.560 Nobody should be unnecessarily dependent on others. 00:15:52.639 --> 00:15:53.860 Now, don't get me wrong. 00:15:54.360 --> 00:15:56.060 Christian charity is important. 00:15:56.700 --> 00:15:58.759 We need to care for one another. 00:15:58.759 --> 00:16:03.019 But the problem here is that the people weren't in genuine need. 00:16:03.600 --> 00:16:06.519 They were in need because of their own irresponsibility. 00:16:07.559 --> 00:16:09.879 So Paul says, if you're able, go and work. 00:16:10.679 --> 00:16:11.419 Earn your keep. 00:16:11.580 --> 00:16:13.200 Earn your food with your own wages. 00:16:13.399 --> 00:16:17.539 And stop using the time that God has given you, that God has gifted you. 00:16:18.000 --> 00:16:22.080 To meddle in the lives of other faithful believers and distract them from Christ. 00:16:22.080 --> 00:16:29.280 Paul is building on the command that he gave these Christians in 1 Thessalonians 4 verses 11 to 12. 00:16:29.520 --> 00:16:33.879 Where it says, make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:38.600 You should mind your own business and work with your hands just as we told you. 00:16:38.940 --> 00:16:42.960 So that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders. 00:16:43.440 --> 00:16:45.980 And so that you will not be dependent on anyone. 00:16:47.320 --> 00:16:48.980 Paul says, don't be a burden. 00:16:49.440 --> 00:16:50.320 But be productive. 00:16:50.320 --> 00:16:54.220 What are we busy ourselves with? 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:58.860 How much time do we waste on things that we don't need to do? 00:17:00.060 --> 00:17:06.140 A quick Google search will come up with hundreds upon hundreds of articles about being less busy and more productive. 00:17:07.160 --> 00:17:11.240 We're a generation that feels we're the busiest we've ever been. 00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:13.460 But we aren't necessarily the most productive. 00:17:14.480 --> 00:17:18.420 Because looking busy and being busy is the in thing at the moment. 00:17:18.420 --> 00:17:21.100 Constantly getting pings on our phone. 00:17:21.100 --> 00:17:23.840 Phone calls, floods of emails, text messages. 00:17:24.460 --> 00:17:26.560 One social event after the other. 00:17:28.000 --> 00:17:29.920 But busyness isn't a sign of productivity. 00:17:30.200 --> 00:17:32.980 It's easy to think that we are busy. 00:17:33.980 --> 00:17:35.380 But are we busy bodies? 00:17:35.380 --> 00:17:39.900 Busy bodies genuinely think that they are busy and productive. 00:17:39.900 --> 00:17:43.340 But this is where accountability in the church is so important. 00:17:44.060 --> 00:17:51.440 Listening to the voices of other wise brothers and sisters in Christ who help you see whether you're using your time wisely or not. 00:17:51.440 --> 00:17:55.740 And how you're using your time in the church as we serve one another. 00:17:57.160 --> 00:17:58.720 Now are we doing this? 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:04.700 Or when we hear about serving in church during the notices in a service do we switch off? 00:18:05.940 --> 00:18:09.940 Do we come to church and sit back and expect to be served? 00:18:10.080 --> 00:18:12.740 Or are we actively thinking how we can serve others? 00:18:12.740 --> 00:18:16.220 That may be on a rota on a Sunday morning or evening. 00:18:16.359 --> 00:18:18.900 It may be with a conversation over the pew. 00:18:19.559 --> 00:18:22.359 As you encourage someone else and you point them to Jesus. 00:18:23.519 --> 00:18:27.359 It may be simply asking someone how you can pray for them and doing it right there and then. 00:18:29.120 --> 00:18:33.819 Being productive in our faith for the upbuilding of others and for the church. 00:18:33.819 --> 00:18:38.419 It doesn't always have to involve the seemingly important things. 00:18:38.759 --> 00:18:40.019 The upfront things. 00:18:40.980 --> 00:18:45.839 But holding each other accountable and pointing each other to Jesus as we live is key. 00:18:47.339 --> 00:18:49.619 So Paul says don't be a burden but be productive. 00:18:51.439 --> 00:18:54.200 And the third thing Paul says is don't grow weary. 00:18:54.439 --> 00:18:56.200 Do good in verse 13. 00:18:57.279 --> 00:19:02.240 Now in this context of persecution of false teachers and then lazy believers. 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:05.880 Who are irresponsible and causing division. 00:19:05.880 --> 00:19:10.720 It is understandable that the faithful believers in this church were discouraged. 00:19:11.700 --> 00:19:15.079 A bit like a piece of glass that's thrown into the sea. 00:19:15.220 --> 00:19:16.420 Initially it looks fine. 00:19:17.299 --> 00:19:19.160 And nothing seems to be happening to it. 00:19:19.180 --> 00:19:20.339 But as time goes on. 00:19:20.759 --> 00:19:25.120 The constant move of the current brushing the glass against the sand. 00:19:25.620 --> 00:19:28.099 The glass starts to get less and less sharp. 00:19:28.880 --> 00:19:31.019 It loses its vibrant color. 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:32.660 And one day it's found on a beach. 00:19:32.660 --> 00:19:36.619 And it looks like a piece of see-through glass. 00:19:36.759 --> 00:19:37.339 A pebble. 00:19:38.259 --> 00:19:39.500 That's not sharp at all. 00:19:41.299 --> 00:19:44.720 Well just like a piece of glass that's been worn down by the sea. 00:19:45.119 --> 00:19:50.720 These Christians it seems have been worn down by the discouragement going on around them. 00:19:50.720 --> 00:19:53.779 They were the ones doing all the work. 00:19:53.880 --> 00:19:57.319 But with the constant meddling of the lazy wayward believers. 00:19:57.960 --> 00:20:01.400 They could have become disheartened and thought that they should just give up. 00:20:01.579 --> 00:20:02.039 They're tired. 00:20:03.319 --> 00:20:05.539 Paul acknowledges that this is a danger. 00:20:05.680 --> 00:20:07.519 And so he doesn't admonish them. 00:20:08.339 --> 00:20:10.480 He doesn't say just man up and get over it. 00:20:11.299 --> 00:20:12.960 But in verse 13 he says, 00:20:12.960 --> 00:20:16.940 As for you brothers and sisters never tire of doing what is good. 00:20:18.740 --> 00:20:24.579 Paul recognizes that for a church to be healthy its members must never tire of doing good. 00:20:25.460 --> 00:20:33.180 He's encouraging the faithful members who are serving diligently to keep on serving in the church for the glory of God. 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:40.200 Encouraging them to hold those accountable who've chosen to be a burden and lazy. 00:20:41.340 --> 00:20:44.420 And he's admonishing the lazy member to start doing good. 00:20:45.700 --> 00:20:47.920 He says, don't grow weary but do good. 00:20:48.900 --> 00:20:51.799 Now as a church family here at Brunsfield, are we doing good? 00:20:52.460 --> 00:20:55.299 Are we holding each other accountable to serve the Lord? 00:20:55.400 --> 00:20:56.400 To serve this church? 00:20:56.500 --> 00:20:57.560 To serve this community? 00:20:59.180 --> 00:21:01.680 Paul is primarily speaking to the church here. 00:21:01.680 --> 00:21:03.980 And how they interact with each other. 00:21:05.279 --> 00:21:10.600 Especially at this time of year, which can be a burden and a hard time for so many people. 00:21:11.140 --> 00:21:12.840 How can we do good for one another? 00:21:14.060 --> 00:21:16.640 We can draw alongside those who are struggling. 00:21:16.860 --> 00:21:22.400 Invite those who would otherwise be by themselves at Christmas into our family life. 00:21:23.720 --> 00:21:25.420 To join our celebrations. 00:21:26.440 --> 00:21:31.180 Then thinking of the new year, could we start a one-to-one with a fellow church member to read the Bible together? 00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:33.100 To pray for one another? 00:21:33.100 --> 00:21:34.920 To encourage one another? 00:21:35.060 --> 00:21:37.519 And hold each other accountable to this passage? 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:46.900 In many churches today, the sad reality is that you'll find roughly 20% of the members doing 80% of the work. 00:21:46.900 --> 00:21:51.340 That's super discouraging for those who are working hard. 00:21:51.400 --> 00:21:54.460 And if you're here and that's you, I know that's discouraging. 00:21:55.620 --> 00:22:03.140 If you're part of the 20% that's working hard, I hope you're encouraged to know that you're doing exactly what God asks you to do. 00:22:03.700 --> 00:22:05.380 To serve Him faithfully. 00:22:05.500 --> 00:22:07.940 You are honoring and glorifying God in your service. 00:22:08.040 --> 00:22:10.220 But you need to remember to rest. 00:22:10.220 --> 00:22:16.400 And if you're part of the 80% who isn't serving, please do grab one of the elders. 00:22:17.380 --> 00:22:18.819 Ask them how you can serve. 00:22:18.940 --> 00:22:22.860 Speak to Jill about where there are gaps in the rotors and other things that need doing. 00:22:23.120 --> 00:22:27.960 Because God has gifted you to serve this church and you are here. 00:22:28.460 --> 00:22:29.440 So get stuck in. 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:36.000 And then thinking wider than that, we need to ask ourselves if this church disappeared overnight. 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:39.360 Would it be noticed? 00:22:40.059 --> 00:22:41.640 And would we be missed in the community? 00:22:43.440 --> 00:22:47.960 The Bible makes the clear application that Christians should be sharing Jesus with the world. 00:22:48.019 --> 00:22:52.860 And that goes beyond the invite to a Christmas service as good as that is. 00:22:52.859 --> 00:22:57.719 But it means that we need to actively and intentionally get into our community. 00:22:59.179 --> 00:23:05.359 And in the communities that you live in to share the gospel and tell people about the hope that is found in Jesus. 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:08.879 Don't grow weary, Paul says, but do good. 00:23:10.899 --> 00:23:15.099 And the fourth thing he says, and these final two points will be much shorter. 00:23:16.599 --> 00:23:17.740 Don't be naive. 00:23:18.339 --> 00:23:21.099 Take note in verses 14 to 15. 00:23:21.099 --> 00:23:25.519 See, bad theology has negative implications for the church. 00:23:25.639 --> 00:23:29.879 And enticing people to sin is a serious matter in every church. 00:23:29.939 --> 00:23:31.980 And that's what was happening here in Thessalonica. 00:23:33.480 --> 00:23:35.799 It was spreading like gangrene. 00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:38.740 It started off as a small imperfection in the flesh. 00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:47.399 But then very, very quickly developed into a serious problem that neither dealt with or it could have put this whole church family in jeopardy. 00:23:47.400 --> 00:23:52.360 And I think that's why Paul wrote 1st and 2nd Thessalonians so closely together. 00:23:52.860 --> 00:24:00.280 And why these books stress the importance of holding correct doctrine and living out the Christian life until Jesus returns. 00:24:01.940 --> 00:24:07.019 Paul recognizes the importance of that, which is why he says in verse 6, 00:24:07.460 --> 00:24:10.380 keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive. 00:24:10.380 --> 00:24:12.740 Now why is he so strong? 00:24:14.300 --> 00:24:19.440 Because the problem of sin and enticing others to sin in the church is very serious. 00:24:20.940 --> 00:24:25.900 If sin is allowed to exist in the church, if sin is known about and tolerated, 00:24:26.080 --> 00:24:28.540 then there is no difference between the church and the world. 00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:33.680 So Paul says in verses 14 to 15, read those with me. 00:24:34.700 --> 00:24:38.599 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. 00:24:39.099 --> 00:24:42.859 Do not associate with them in order that they may feel ashamed. 00:24:43.619 --> 00:24:48.319 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer. 00:24:50.579 --> 00:24:53.279 Paul says, hold fast to the truth in this letter. 00:24:53.279 --> 00:24:56.259 To recognize the authority of God's word. 00:24:56.720 --> 00:24:59.279 And that needs to be the basis for church accountability. 00:25:00.720 --> 00:25:04.599 See, we don't hold each other accountable to our own standards because they change. 00:25:05.180 --> 00:25:10.039 But we hold each other accountable to the word of God and his plan and desire for his people. 00:25:12.000 --> 00:25:15.660 Paul says, take special note of those who disregard God's word. 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:17.899 Now I'm not exactly sure what that looked like. 00:25:17.900 --> 00:25:25.580 But I imagine it meant recognizing those who are living contrary to God's word and knowing the danger of having fellowship with them. 00:25:26.820 --> 00:25:29.340 This is first century church discipline. 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:36.880 Where people are removed from fellowship for a time so that they can see the seriousness of not following God's word. 00:25:37.740 --> 00:25:41.900 But also with the hope and prayer that they would be reconciled. 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:45.600 See, it's important that Paul says in verse 15, 00:25:45.599 --> 00:25:48.500 He doesn't say, treat them as if you never knew them. 00:25:49.519 --> 00:25:52.159 But he says, warn them as you would a fellow believer. 00:25:53.199 --> 00:25:56.859 Church discipline is never punitive, but always redemptive. 00:25:58.359 --> 00:25:59.759 Paul says, don't be naive. 00:25:59.980 --> 00:26:05.000 Be wise about who you associate with and the impact that that is going to have on your whole church family. 00:26:06.179 --> 00:26:11.980 And he highlights the danger of surrounding yourself with people who can say the right things, 00:26:12.639 --> 00:26:13.839 but never get anything done. 00:26:13.839 --> 00:26:20.159 Church discipline is good and necessary to ensure that we're serving God as he wants us to. 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:22.539 Don't be naive, Paul says. 00:26:22.720 --> 00:26:23.379 Take note. 00:26:24.599 --> 00:26:30.879 And the final thing Paul says is, don't forget grace and peace in verses 16 to 18. 00:26:31.879 --> 00:26:41.000 So way back five weeks ago, we began this letter thinking about the first few verses where Paul begins by speaking about the grace and peace of Jesus. 00:26:41.000 --> 00:26:45.599 And he ends this letter with a prayer for those same things. 00:26:45.599 --> 00:26:47.099 Read verse 16 with me. 00:26:48.039 --> 00:26:52.660 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. 00:26:52.740 --> 00:26:54.660 The Lord be with all of you. 00:26:55.619 --> 00:26:58.200 This is the fourth prayer in this very short letter. 00:26:58.279 --> 00:27:04.940 And each of them perfectly worded to highlight the needs following what he's just taught them. 00:27:04.940 --> 00:27:07.580 So it makes sense here, doesn't it? 00:27:07.580 --> 00:27:18.279 That Paul prays for God to enable them by his divine power to have peace as they put this church accountability at its best into practice. 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:26.379 And then the final words of the letter in verse 18 are the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 00:27:26.380 --> 00:27:37.500 Now how can a church be transformed from a mixed bag of laziness, of false teaching and genuine faith into a healthy church? 00:27:38.800 --> 00:27:40.540 Only by the grace of God. 00:27:41.320 --> 00:27:48.060 People are transformed as God does a work in their hearts by his spirit and calls them to be the believers he wants them to be. 00:27:48.059 --> 00:27:52.500 The grace and peace of God keeps you rooted in him. 00:27:52.819 --> 00:27:58.720 They enable you to hold fast to his teaching and to strive to grow in light of his return. 00:28:00.279 --> 00:28:02.720 Paul says, don't forget the gospel. 00:28:03.679 --> 00:28:09.720 Be mindful of the change that Jesus can bring about in people's lives as you live as a church family. 00:28:10.099 --> 00:28:16.539 As you hold each other accountable, as you spur each other on in peace and grace to be the church God wants you to be. 00:28:18.059 --> 00:28:24.740 And we started off this evening with a story of four people named everybody, somebody, anybody and nobody. 00:28:25.319 --> 00:28:27.559 And an important job that never got done. 00:28:27.839 --> 00:28:34.859 It's a silly example, but it highlights the reality of chaos that the lack of accountability can bring. 00:28:35.559 --> 00:28:39.980 We are all called as a whole church family to hold each other accountable. 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:45.899 To be an encouragement to one another and to remind each other to be proactive. 00:28:45.900 --> 00:28:55.200 To be productive, to be productive, to do good, to take note and to not forget grace and peace, all for the glory of God and the upbuilding of his church. 00:28:56.340 --> 00:28:57.220 Let's pray together. 00:28:57.220 --> 00:29:04.420 Heavenly Father, we thank you for your words. 00:29:05.400 --> 00:29:08.600 And Lord, I pray that you would challenge us where we need to be challenged. 00:29:09.500 --> 00:29:12.180 Help us to live the Christian life that you want us to. 00:29:12.259 --> 00:29:16.940 Help us to live for your glory and to give you all the honor and praise. 00:29:18.000 --> 00:29:21.759 Father, would you give us the strength to continue to do good and to serve you? 00:29:21.759 --> 00:29:30.079 And would you give us the humility to always point people to Jesus and the wonder of the gospel that we know and we love. 00:29:30.299 --> 00:29:34.920 And that we would and give us opportunities to proclaim that gospel to those around us. 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:36.640 In Jesus name we pray. 00:29:37.140 --> 00:29:37.480 Amen.