WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.240 Thank you so much, Kristen, for reading. 00:00:10.240 --> 00:00:16.160 It's a long passage for an epistle, but I think it will hang together well. 00:00:17.199 --> 00:00:18.160 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.240 But there are other times we hear stories that make us sad. 00:00:33.240 --> 00:00:38.079 And I think one of the saddest that I often sometimes hear is how maybe some Christian 00:00:38.079 --> 00:00:39.560 leader who has fallen. 00:00:39.560 --> 00:00:44.039 I mean, we know some famous examples like Ravi Zacharias, right? 00:00:44.039 --> 00:00:49.039 He was this great apologist and so many people really helped in their faith. 00:00:49.039 --> 00:00:54.840 And then after his death, people discovered a big pattern of deceit and adultery and other 00:00:54.840 --> 00:00:55.840 things. 00:00:55.840 --> 00:00:58.679 And it's very doubtful that this guy was a Christian. 00:00:58.679 --> 00:01:01.960 And there have been other famous leaders like that. 00:01:01.960 --> 00:01:05.959 And the worst thing about it is just the impact on ordinary Christians, right? 00:01:05.959 --> 00:01:11.659 People who have, wow, this was such a great leader and now actually I have doubts about 00:01:11.659 --> 00:01:12.659 my faith. 00:01:12.659 --> 00:01:16.379 Because, you know, I looked up to this guy, but he was a fraud. 00:01:16.379 --> 00:01:17.379 How about the things he taught? 00:01:17.379 --> 00:01:20.219 Isn't that also now maybe not true? 00:01:20.219 --> 00:01:21.219 Right? 00:01:21.219 --> 00:01:22.219 That's very sad. 00:01:22.219 --> 00:01:24.359 I mean, you can imagine that, right? 00:01:24.359 --> 00:01:28.299 Maybe you're here, you come from another church, maybe you've been hurt by leaders and it makes 00:01:28.299 --> 00:01:29.299 you doubt your faith. 00:01:29.299 --> 00:01:31.579 It makes you doubt the church. 00:01:31.579 --> 00:01:35.579 Now, I know what Christians often say, don't look at leaders, look to Jesus, right? 00:01:35.579 --> 00:01:38.739 Jesus is perfect and he won't let you down. 00:01:38.739 --> 00:01:40.159 That is true, of course. 00:01:40.159 --> 00:01:42.579 It's wonderful that Jesus doesn't let us down. 00:01:42.579 --> 00:01:45.579 Ultimately, our faith should be based on what Jesus did, right? 00:01:45.579 --> 00:01:48.219 How he died and rose again. 00:01:48.219 --> 00:01:50.140 And yet that is not really what the Bible says. 00:01:50.140 --> 00:01:52.599 It doesn't say, don't look at leaders. 00:01:52.599 --> 00:01:54.819 The Bible says, no, leaders are very important. 00:01:54.819 --> 00:01:57.579 So you need really, really good ones. 00:01:57.579 --> 00:02:03.000 That is, I think, what God wants to say today, right? 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:09.139 Because, yeah, maybe you've been, if you think about your journey, how important have certain 00:02:09.139 --> 00:02:10.960 people been in your life? 00:02:10.960 --> 00:02:16.539 How important has a certain church and the leaders there, the preachers been for your faith? 00:02:16.539 --> 00:02:17.680 It matters. 00:02:17.680 --> 00:02:21.280 So if you're a Christian, I hope when Paul says, hey, leaders are important and here's 00:02:21.280 --> 00:02:24.439 why and this is what you need, we want to listen. 00:02:24.439 --> 00:02:28.000 Maybe you're here, you're not a Christian, you wouldn't think it's that important. 00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:32.939 Well, you're exploring Christianity, how are you going to do that, you know, on your own? 00:02:32.939 --> 00:02:35.500 You probably need to be part of a, come to a church, right? 00:02:35.500 --> 00:02:40.060 Because that's why you're here and that means that, yeah, churches have leaders. 00:02:40.060 --> 00:02:42.960 I think this is relevant for you too. 00:02:42.960 --> 00:02:47.340 But I think that's where Paul is going because as you heard the reading, maybe it's a bit 00:02:47.340 --> 00:02:49.340 of an unusual passage, right? 00:02:49.340 --> 00:02:52.900 If you read Paul's letters, how does he start? 00:02:52.900 --> 00:02:57.120 Well, he starts with some thanksgiving and prayer and then he, well, he explains something 00:02:57.120 --> 00:03:01.800 about the gospel, he explains something about Jesus and then he tells you to live in the 00:03:01.800 --> 00:03:02.620 light of it, right? 00:03:02.620 --> 00:03:05.240 That's most of the letters in the New Testament. 00:03:05.240 --> 00:03:09.680 Except as you read these two chapters, he talks a lot about himself. 00:03:09.680 --> 00:03:13.740 He spends all his time talking, hey, this is what I'm like, what we were like when we 00:03:13.740 --> 00:03:14.740 were with you. 00:03:14.740 --> 00:03:19.599 Spends so much time talking about himself and then he talks about what happened, right? 00:03:19.599 --> 00:03:26.400 I mean, we heard last week, Paul came to Thessalonica, preached the gospel, started a church, 00:03:26.400 --> 00:03:30.020 but then persecution arose and after three weeks he had to leave. 00:03:30.020 --> 00:03:34.240 And so he explains kind of what happened and how he felt and what he did. 00:03:34.860 --> 00:03:37.420 I mean, it's very useful background information, right? 00:03:37.719 --> 00:03:42.180 I mean, we know a lot about this letter just because of what he just explains, how, you know, 00:03:42.620 --> 00:03:44.879 hey, we didn't stop caring for you, right? 00:03:45.000 --> 00:03:50.920 Verse 17, hey, we were torn away from you brothers for a short time, but we endeavored 00:03:50.920 --> 00:03:53.759 to more eagerly with great desire to see you. 00:03:53.759 --> 00:03:55.739 But yeah, Satan got in the way, right? 00:03:56.259 --> 00:04:00.099 So 3 verse 1, we sent Timothy to you to find out about you. 00:04:00.340 --> 00:04:05.280 And verse 6, now he's come back and he says, he's preached the good news of your faith and 00:04:05.280 --> 00:04:07.899 your love and wow, right? 00:04:08.099 --> 00:04:11.579 So we know a lot about the historical circumstances, that's helpful. 00:04:12.659 --> 00:04:15.340 But still, presumably Timothy said the same thing. 00:04:15.340 --> 00:04:22.860 Why do we have this big section about him telling us, hey, this is, you know, this is what we 00:04:22.860 --> 00:04:23.860 were like as leaders? 00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:28.180 And then explaining all this, this journey. 00:04:28.980 --> 00:04:30.040 There's always a question, right? 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:32.420 Why is the author including this? 00:04:32.480 --> 00:04:34.560 Why does he spend so much time talking about himself? 00:04:36.139 --> 00:04:38.379 Some people think Paul is kind of defending himself. 00:04:39.339 --> 00:04:42.459 Maybe the Thessalonians, they had their doubts about Paul, right? 00:04:42.639 --> 00:04:47.319 This guy, he started the church, but then after three weeks he was gone and he hasn't been 00:04:47.319 --> 00:04:47.620 back. 00:04:48.459 --> 00:04:50.420 As we heard last week, can we trust this guy? 00:04:50.519 --> 00:04:51.560 I mean, can we trust his message? 00:04:52.120 --> 00:04:54.279 If you can't trust a guy, can you trust the message? 00:04:55.860 --> 00:04:59.759 Although I don't think he's really, he doesn't sound very defensive though, right? 00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:06.860 And in 3 verse 6 he says, hey, Timothy said that you always remember us kindly and long 00:05:06.860 --> 00:05:09.719 to see us as we long to see you, right? 00:05:09.759 --> 00:05:11.459 It's a warm and friendly letter. 00:05:11.620 --> 00:05:14.039 It's not like Galatians or Corinthians. 00:05:14.319 --> 00:05:17.399 It's not that he's really having to prove himself. 00:05:19.459 --> 00:05:25.539 And yet he still thinks it's important for the Thessalonians to know what, you know, what 00:05:25.539 --> 00:05:28.439 good authentic gospel leaders are like. 00:05:28.439 --> 00:05:32.219 Yeah, because, yeah, I guess they're still vulnerable. 00:05:32.879 --> 00:05:35.160 They're having a hard time, as we heard last week, right? 00:05:35.240 --> 00:05:36.680 They were facing persecution. 00:05:37.839 --> 00:05:40.639 And it's very easy for people to sow doubts. 00:05:40.740 --> 00:05:43.720 Hey, that guy Paul, I'm not sure if you can trust him, right? 00:05:43.759 --> 00:05:46.300 He's only been here, he was only there for three weeks and he hasn't been back. 00:05:46.560 --> 00:05:47.420 You can't trust him. 00:05:47.920 --> 00:05:49.600 Or maybe some other guys come in, right? 00:05:50.199 --> 00:05:52.159 And they stay for six months. 00:05:52.899 --> 00:05:57.519 They have a bit of a weird message, you know, that Jesus is not enough and that you should 00:05:57.519 --> 00:05:58.459 get circumcised. 00:05:58.579 --> 00:06:01.219 But, I mean, they've been here so much longer than Paul, right? 00:06:01.279 --> 00:06:03.359 Maybe these are the, these are much better leaders. 00:06:04.379 --> 00:06:05.779 Now, Paul just thinks it's good. 00:06:05.859 --> 00:06:08.159 Hey, I want you to recognize good leaders. 00:06:08.299 --> 00:06:13.599 I want you to know who is trustworthy, who you can trust, whose message you can trust. 00:06:13.799 --> 00:06:14.759 That will protect you. 00:06:15.379 --> 00:06:16.319 That will help you. 00:06:16.319 --> 00:06:21.860 So, I think that's why, well, he's giving this big description of what they were like. 00:06:22.420 --> 00:06:26.759 And why, why that's important, we're going to come to that in the second point. 00:06:27.379 --> 00:06:32.180 But, yeah, let's go through verses 1 to 12. 00:06:32.360 --> 00:06:37.939 Let's go through, yeah, I think that's the main section about, yeah, and I think the point 00:06:37.939 --> 00:06:40.420 is, yeah, we need authentic Christian leaders. 00:06:40.600 --> 00:06:41.719 We need good Christian leaders. 00:06:41.720 --> 00:06:44.080 And, yeah, he's giving a great model. 00:06:44.240 --> 00:06:46.320 So, they trust him and know who else to trust. 00:06:46.640 --> 00:06:47.840 And it's a beautiful passage. 00:06:47.980 --> 00:06:49.660 It's a famous passage about leadership. 00:06:51.020 --> 00:06:53.160 There's quite a lot in verses 1 to 12. 00:06:53.920 --> 00:06:58.080 The best way, I think, to organize it, Paul has some kind of structure, right? 00:06:58.100 --> 00:07:00.400 Maybe you heard the word four a couple of times. 00:07:00.740 --> 00:07:03.980 So, it's in four sections and all of them are a contrast, right? 00:07:03.980 --> 00:07:05.260 So, verse 1, 4. 00:07:05.380 --> 00:07:06.160 Verse 2, but. 00:07:06.380 --> 00:07:07.380 Verse 3, 4. 00:07:07.660 --> 00:07:08.480 Verse 4, but. 00:07:08.580 --> 00:07:09.620 Verse 5, 4. 00:07:09.900 --> 00:07:10.660 Verse 7, but. 00:07:10.660 --> 00:07:13.160 These four contrasts. 00:07:13.280 --> 00:07:14.760 So, four characteristics. 00:07:16.200 --> 00:07:18.800 And, in a way, verse 1 is like a kind of headline, right? 00:07:19.260 --> 00:07:23.760 You yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 00:07:24.780 --> 00:07:27.180 That sounds like it wasn't a failure. 00:07:27.680 --> 00:07:28.940 The word in isn't there. 00:07:29.020 --> 00:07:30.860 Our coming to you wasn't vain. 00:07:31.000 --> 00:07:31.840 It wasn't empty. 00:07:32.040 --> 00:07:33.220 It wasn't a fake. 00:07:33.300 --> 00:07:33.879 It was real. 00:07:34.280 --> 00:07:35.000 It was genuine. 00:07:35.800 --> 00:07:36.860 Well, in what ways? 00:07:36.860 --> 00:07:41.879 Well, first of all, you know, why were we such good leaders? 00:07:42.240 --> 00:07:43.319 We were willing to suffer. 00:07:44.319 --> 00:07:47.699 Paul and his team, they were willing to suffer. 00:07:48.580 --> 00:07:49.580 And verse 2, but. 00:07:49.960 --> 00:07:54.699 Though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated in Philippi, as you know. 00:07:55.240 --> 00:07:59.360 We had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God. 00:07:59.920 --> 00:08:01.600 I mean, they just came from Philippi. 00:08:01.600 --> 00:08:05.140 And the nice thing about having the book of Acts is that we know what happened, right? 00:08:05.680 --> 00:08:08.480 So, this was Paul's experience in Philippi. 00:08:09.280 --> 00:08:10.480 So, he started a church. 00:08:10.720 --> 00:08:13.200 And then, Acts 16, verse 19. 00:08:13.320 --> 00:08:17.640 They seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 00:08:18.320 --> 00:08:20.780 And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, 00:08:21.180 --> 00:08:23.720 These men are Jews and they're disturbing our city. 00:08:23.720 --> 00:08:26.640 And then, the crowns joined in attacking them. 00:08:26.980 --> 00:08:31.160 And the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. 00:08:31.720 --> 00:08:37.680 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 00:08:38.100 --> 00:08:40.740 So, that's kind of Paul's experience in Philippi, right? 00:08:41.600 --> 00:08:43.019 And then, he gets to Thessalonica. 00:08:43.139 --> 00:08:44.300 Now, I don't know what you would do. 00:08:45.580 --> 00:08:47.200 I would be, keep quiet, okay? 00:08:47.240 --> 00:08:48.300 I don't want to have that again. 00:08:49.000 --> 00:08:50.720 Well, not Paul, right? 00:08:50.720 --> 00:08:56.639 Even though we were shamefully treated in Philippi, we had boldness to declare, right? 00:08:56.700 --> 00:08:58.560 To declare the gospel, right? 00:08:58.600 --> 00:08:59.899 He boldly preached it. 00:09:00.060 --> 00:09:01.279 These guys were not fakes. 00:09:01.379 --> 00:09:03.200 They really believed this, right? 00:09:03.220 --> 00:09:07.399 If people are willing to suffer for something, no one likes suffering, right? 00:09:07.399 --> 00:09:11.660 So, if these guys are willing to do that, that shows they must be pretty genuine, right? 00:09:11.660 --> 00:09:12.500 In what they believe. 00:09:13.040 --> 00:09:15.220 They must be really real. 00:09:15.360 --> 00:09:17.639 They're not into it for themselves, right? 00:09:17.639 --> 00:09:18.660 It's still the same today. 00:09:18.659 --> 00:09:21.799 If someone is willing to preach something, that gets them vilified. 00:09:22.299 --> 00:09:23.459 That gets them arrested. 00:09:25.019 --> 00:09:26.919 That's a sign you can really trust them, right? 00:09:26.939 --> 00:09:27.419 In some way. 00:09:28.100 --> 00:09:28.879 Or the disciples. 00:09:29.079 --> 00:09:33.219 Why can't we trust the disciples that they really believed in Jesus' resurrection? 00:09:33.419 --> 00:09:36.620 Well, because they suffered for it, and they didn't stop preaching it, right? 00:09:38.639 --> 00:09:39.399 What else? 00:09:39.659 --> 00:09:40.860 Well, verses 3 and 4. 00:09:40.980 --> 00:09:43.480 They were faithful with God's truth. 00:09:43.579 --> 00:09:47.039 So, they preached the message, but they were also very faithful with it, right? 00:09:47.039 --> 00:09:47.639 Verse 3. 00:09:48.120 --> 00:09:55.480 For our appeal, our message, does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 00:09:56.480 --> 00:10:01.360 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak. 00:10:01.360 --> 00:10:03.599 Not to please man, but to please God. 00:10:04.459 --> 00:10:04.620 Right? 00:10:04.620 --> 00:10:12.399 So, you know, we've been entrusted by God with the gospel, and so, yeah, that's what we speak. 00:10:12.500 --> 00:10:15.679 And so, we don't preach from deceit. 00:10:15.779 --> 00:10:16.980 We don't preach from error. 00:10:17.279 --> 00:10:18.879 We don't preach from wrong motives. 00:10:19.000 --> 00:10:20.980 We don't want to change the message. 00:10:21.120 --> 00:10:22.820 I mean, it would be good to change the message, right? 00:10:23.220 --> 00:10:24.060 Make it more popular. 00:10:24.519 --> 00:10:25.340 Get more people. 00:10:25.740 --> 00:10:26.779 Get less persecution. 00:10:26.779 --> 00:10:29.799 But no, we're not going to change the message, right? 00:10:29.839 --> 00:10:34.639 Because we've been entrusted by God with this, and so we don't try to please people. 00:10:34.779 --> 00:10:37.539 We try to please God, he says, right? 00:10:38.120 --> 00:10:39.319 Even though it's very tempting. 00:10:39.480 --> 00:10:41.879 That's what Christians should do. 00:10:42.339 --> 00:10:44.159 Just, yeah, tell the truth. 00:10:44.659 --> 00:10:46.539 Even if it's not very popular. 00:10:46.679 --> 00:10:49.759 Even though, you know, maybe some people don't like it. 00:10:49.759 --> 00:10:56.299 If you are willing to not be liked by preaching something, that's a good sign that someone is trustworthy, right? 00:10:56.700 --> 00:11:02.600 That they really, again, that they really believe, that they really have conviction in God, in the truth. 00:11:04.220 --> 00:11:10.080 Of course, these two points sound like someone who's just very brash and doesn't care about people. 00:11:10.659 --> 00:11:12.799 Of course, Paul was more than that, right? 00:11:12.799 --> 00:11:15.120 Because that's what he goes on to in 5 to 8. 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:18.860 His selfless, loving care. 00:11:18.860 --> 00:11:21.560 You can hear the contrast. 00:11:21.720 --> 00:11:27.700 Verse 5, we were never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed. 00:11:28.159 --> 00:11:30.840 God is witness, nor did we see glory from people. 00:11:32.800 --> 00:11:39.220 That's someone who's self-serving, who wants your money, who wants your praise, who wants all kinds of things from you. 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:41.419 But Paul says we didn't want any of that. 00:11:41.519 --> 00:11:42.960 We were selfless. 00:11:42.960 --> 00:11:47.300 Instead, verse 7, we were gentle among you. 00:11:47.299 --> 00:11:51.000 Like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 00:11:51.000 --> 00:11:53.740 We didn't do ministry to get something from you. 00:11:53.740 --> 00:11:55.940 We were selfless, like a nursing mother. 00:11:56.059 --> 00:11:58.460 And we've had quite a few new babies here at Watermark. 00:11:59.200 --> 00:12:02.519 Can you think of anyone more selfless than a nursing mother? 00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:04.960 When you get nothing out of it, right? 00:12:04.960 --> 00:12:07.240 The baby doesn't give you any money. 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:08.840 It doesn't give you any praise. 00:12:08.840 --> 00:12:10.379 You know, babies don't give anything. 00:12:10.480 --> 00:12:11.440 They just poop and cry. 00:12:12.460 --> 00:12:15.639 And yet, you serve them day after day. 00:12:17.019 --> 00:12:18.960 That's really selfless care. 00:12:19.280 --> 00:12:21.900 And so Paul says, yeah, we didn't make any demands. 00:12:22.259 --> 00:12:23.440 We were just selfless. 00:12:23.560 --> 00:12:24.560 And we loved you. 00:12:24.639 --> 00:12:25.660 And we cared for you. 00:12:25.740 --> 00:12:27.680 And we shared our life with you. 00:12:28.579 --> 00:12:29.739 That's what they were like. 00:12:30.739 --> 00:12:35.120 And verses 9 to 12, look at our exemplary conduct. 00:12:36.519 --> 00:12:37.359 It's interesting. 00:12:37.500 --> 00:12:38.899 He says we were like a mother. 00:12:39.139 --> 00:12:41.439 And then verse 11, we were like a father. 00:12:41.759 --> 00:12:42.539 Now, we have his children. 00:12:43.339 --> 00:12:47.539 Of course, as a father, hey, you instruct your children, right? 00:12:47.539 --> 00:12:48.059 That's what he says. 00:12:48.099 --> 00:12:48.979 We were like a father. 00:12:49.659 --> 00:12:53.740 Verse 12, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you 00:12:53.740 --> 00:12:56.600 and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God. 00:12:58.139 --> 00:13:01.159 But I don't think it's just that we were telling you what to do 00:13:01.159 --> 00:13:03.779 because, you know, the worst leaders also tell you what to do. 00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:05.379 What is the thing? 00:13:06.240 --> 00:13:12.360 He emphasizes our example, how we did ourselves what we told you, right? 00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:15.440 In chapter 5, he's going to tell them, hey, work hard 00:13:15.440 --> 00:13:16.940 and don't be a burden to people. 00:13:17.580 --> 00:13:20.180 Well, we ourselves, hey, we worked hard 00:13:20.180 --> 00:13:22.340 and we were not a burden to you, right? 00:13:22.340 --> 00:13:25.460 He says, hey, we want you to live a life worthy of God. 00:13:25.580 --> 00:13:28.940 But verse 10, you are witnesses and God also, 00:13:29.060 --> 00:13:33.500 how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct towards you believers. 00:13:34.519 --> 00:13:34.660 Right? 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:37.440 You know, someone who practices what they preach. 00:13:38.019 --> 00:13:39.480 They don't just tell you to be holy, 00:13:39.580 --> 00:13:42.879 but they themselves, they apply it to themselves. 00:13:43.060 --> 00:13:44.480 They live it out themselves. 00:13:45.280 --> 00:13:46.340 That's really important. 00:13:47.100 --> 00:13:49.560 Jesus, he talks about the Pharisees as those who, 00:13:49.559 --> 00:13:51.199 they lay heavy burdens on people, 00:13:51.539 --> 00:13:54.099 but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger. 00:13:55.519 --> 00:13:57.639 So people who tell you, do this, do that, 00:13:57.779 --> 00:13:59.859 and they themselves don't do it. 00:13:59.959 --> 00:14:05.339 Now, here are, Paul says, hey, we were great examples to you. 00:14:05.959 --> 00:14:06.159 Right? 00:14:06.159 --> 00:14:07.819 We live this out ourselves. 00:14:08.199 --> 00:14:10.740 We told you how to live, but we did it ourselves as well. 00:14:11.319 --> 00:14:12.079 Exemplary conduct. 00:14:13.620 --> 00:14:15.399 By the way, this is a good thing for parents. 00:14:15.719 --> 00:14:17.740 You know, it's not just what you tell your children to do. 00:14:17.839 --> 00:14:19.659 You need to do it yourself, right? 00:14:20.939 --> 00:14:22.539 If you're a bad example, 00:14:22.939 --> 00:14:24.459 your children are not going to listen to you. 00:14:24.860 --> 00:14:26.059 I think that's very helpful to know. 00:14:26.939 --> 00:14:27.839 But there you have it. 00:14:27.879 --> 00:14:30.199 Paul's reminder of, yeah, how they lived, 00:14:30.419 --> 00:14:32.779 how they were when they were with them those weeks. 00:14:32.779 --> 00:14:35.600 And he says, look, Thessalonians, look at us. 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:36.419 You can trust us. 00:14:36.799 --> 00:14:36.919 Right? 00:14:37.000 --> 00:14:39.679 Don't let anyone sow any doubt in your mind. 00:14:40.199 --> 00:14:40.379 Right? 00:14:40.519 --> 00:14:42.379 This is what good leaders look like. 00:14:43.360 --> 00:14:46.339 In a way, you know, it's just being like Jesus, right? 00:14:46.399 --> 00:14:47.759 It's all these things. 00:14:47.839 --> 00:14:50.500 Of course, you can say that Jesus was willing to suffer. 00:14:50.759 --> 00:14:52.579 Jesus was faithful with God's truth. 00:14:53.120 --> 00:14:54.980 Jesus was the most selfless person ever. 00:14:56.019 --> 00:14:56.980 It's just like Jesus. 00:14:57.779 --> 00:14:59.179 Of course, Jesus is the true shepherd, 00:14:59.459 --> 00:15:00.240 but he's not here. 00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:02.980 That's why he gives under shepherds. 00:15:04.480 --> 00:15:07.100 But yeah, here's a great model of what it's like to, 00:15:07.600 --> 00:15:08.899 well, what leaders should be like. 00:15:09.940 --> 00:15:11.700 Now, that's an easy way to apply. 00:15:11.840 --> 00:15:13.240 Now, there's quite a lot of people here, 00:15:13.320 --> 00:15:16.639 but I think about 70 or 80 leaders among us, right? 00:15:16.680 --> 00:15:18.580 If you add the kids leaders and the youth leaders 00:15:18.580 --> 00:15:21.120 and the CG leaders and ministry leaders. 00:15:21.500 --> 00:15:24.299 Last week, if you were here, you saw all those kids leaders. 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:26.360 There's quite a lot of people here. 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:29.639 Well, here is a bit of the bar that Paul sets. 00:15:30.240 --> 00:15:35.340 For me as an elder, well, okay, this is what leaders should be like. 00:15:35.659 --> 00:15:38.080 It's a high bar, but it's good. 00:15:38.180 --> 00:15:39.100 It's beautiful, right? 00:15:39.840 --> 00:15:42.500 So yeah, how do we measure up? 00:15:42.659 --> 00:15:45.340 Am I willing to teach the truth, no matter the cost? 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:49.019 Do I really selflessly love people? 00:15:49.159 --> 00:15:50.899 And am I in this just out of love 00:15:50.899 --> 00:15:52.639 and not for what I can get out of it? 00:15:52.639 --> 00:15:56.639 Do I live out in my own life what I teach others? 00:15:57.360 --> 00:15:59.960 They're really great questions, a great challenge. 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:02.759 Though again, I think we're a wonderful church. 00:16:02.899 --> 00:16:07.399 We have wonderful people leading CG and leading kids and youth. 00:16:08.100 --> 00:16:09.080 We're a great church. 00:16:09.159 --> 00:16:12.080 So many people giving their time selflessly, caring for others. 00:16:14.019 --> 00:16:15.319 Now, that's a good application. 00:16:15.320 --> 00:16:17.760 But I don't think that's the main point. 00:16:17.940 --> 00:16:20.580 Paul is not saying, hey, elders of Thessalonica, 00:16:20.680 --> 00:16:22.000 this is what I want you to do. 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:23.800 Although I hope they listen and learn. 00:16:25.840 --> 00:16:27.220 Well, here's a question, though. 00:16:27.660 --> 00:16:30.600 Why is having good leaders so important? 00:16:31.720 --> 00:16:34.460 Why does Paul make such a point of this? 00:16:34.460 --> 00:16:37.920 And for that, I want to kind of look at the rest of the passage. 00:16:38.800 --> 00:16:40.720 Because in a way, there's no direct teaching. 00:16:40.840 --> 00:16:43.500 He's just talking about, you know, what happened. 00:16:43.940 --> 00:16:44.900 What, you know. 00:16:45.360 --> 00:16:47.060 And of course, there's things we can learn, right? 00:16:47.120 --> 00:16:48.700 Sometimes Satan gets in the way. 00:16:49.500 --> 00:16:52.420 It's good to send a young co-worker if you can't go yourself. 00:16:52.759 --> 00:16:55.379 But that's not, I think, the kind of things we're supposed to learn. 00:16:56.860 --> 00:17:01.420 Clearly, though, you can see Paul's incredible concern for these people, right? 00:17:01.700 --> 00:17:04.019 You can see how much he cares for them. 00:17:04.019 --> 00:17:08.460 How anxious he was when, you know, he was torn away and couldn't care for them. 00:17:08.500 --> 00:17:11.639 And how happy he was when they were doing well, right? 00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:13.460 It shows his heart, right? 00:17:13.819 --> 00:17:16.059 You know, that's part of being a good leader. 00:17:16.180 --> 00:17:18.059 You really care about people long-term. 00:17:19.420 --> 00:17:20.819 It's a great characteristic. 00:17:21.079 --> 00:17:24.519 But actually, I want to look at the underlying point. 00:17:24.619 --> 00:17:26.139 Why is Paul so concerned? 00:17:26.400 --> 00:17:27.059 Not just because he... 00:17:27.059 --> 00:17:29.359 Why is this something to be really concerned about? 00:17:29.819 --> 00:17:32.519 Why is this something that is so important? 00:17:32.519 --> 00:17:43.519 And I think if you read this passage, if you read the New Testament, one big thing that comes through underlying it all, 00:17:44.019 --> 00:17:46.900 well, because Christians need to endure to the end. 00:17:48.240 --> 00:17:49.900 Christians need to endure to the end. 00:17:51.180 --> 00:17:55.720 Christians need to keep trusting Jesus all the way to the end, until they die or until Jesus returns. 00:17:55.720 --> 00:17:58.440 But we need to endure to the end. 00:17:58.720 --> 00:18:01.299 It's vitally, eternally important. 00:18:02.420 --> 00:18:04.920 And I mean both parts of that phrase, right? 00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:06.839 Christians need to endure. 00:18:08.039 --> 00:18:11.220 The Christian life is not cruising to the end. 00:18:12.200 --> 00:18:14.100 It's not smooth sailing to the end. 00:18:14.640 --> 00:18:16.519 It's going to be hard. 00:18:16.519 --> 00:18:20.819 And Paul makes it so clear throughout this passage, right? 00:18:20.920 --> 00:18:26.240 I mean, already last week, he said, hey, 1 verse 6, you received the word in much affliction. 00:18:27.139 --> 00:18:33.259 But then, yeah, 2 verse 14, hey, you became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:35.319 How did you become imitators? 00:18:35.700 --> 00:18:39.799 Well, you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews. 00:18:39.799 --> 00:18:44.480 3 verse 2, I sent Timothy to encourage you. 00:18:44.859 --> 00:18:45.259 Why? 00:18:45.639 --> 00:18:50.119 Verse 3, 3 verse 3, so that no one may move by these afflictions. 00:18:50.519 --> 00:18:53.039 For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 00:18:53.480 --> 00:18:57.940 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction. 00:18:58.319 --> 00:19:01.319 Just as it has come to pass and just as you know, right? 00:19:01.859 --> 00:19:03.799 He has been telling them, we're going to suffer. 00:19:04.159 --> 00:19:05.819 We're going to face these things. 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:07.119 I mean, what? 00:19:07.119 --> 00:19:09.759 It's all through this passage. 00:19:10.039 --> 00:19:11.599 And of course, Paul himself, right? 00:19:11.939 --> 00:19:14.419 He has been in Philippi, in Thessalonica. 00:19:14.599 --> 00:19:15.819 That's why he had to leave. 00:19:16.959 --> 00:19:21.879 3 verse 7, in all our distress and affliction, and affliction, we've been comforted. 00:19:22.579 --> 00:19:27.259 The whole picture you get of the Christian life here is that it's, well, it's enduring affliction, right? 00:19:29.079 --> 00:19:30.079 It's not easy. 00:19:31.059 --> 00:19:32.819 And it's not just for a little bit, right? 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:35.099 It is all the way to the end. 00:19:35.099 --> 00:19:39.599 But Thessalonians has such a big focus on Jesus' return. 00:19:40.339 --> 00:19:42.599 Every chapter ends with Jesus' return. 00:19:44.559 --> 00:19:47.359 Because, of course, Jesus' return is the most important thing, right? 00:19:48.219 --> 00:19:50.179 What is this whole Christianity about? 00:19:50.339 --> 00:19:53.719 It's about how this world is, you know, is a mess. 00:19:53.799 --> 00:19:55.219 It's cursed because of sin. 00:19:55.339 --> 00:20:00.779 But God is going to come and judge and save his people and judge the world and make everything right. 00:20:00.779 --> 00:20:04.619 That's why we need to believe in Jesus, so that, you know, we'll be safe in the judgment. 00:20:04.899 --> 00:20:07.740 That's the whole point of being a Christian, right? 00:20:08.259 --> 00:20:12.339 If you're here, you're not a Christian, you may wonder what's the big thing about being a Christian. 00:20:12.539 --> 00:20:14.539 Well, that one day you'll be saved. 00:20:14.839 --> 00:20:17.180 At the end of chapter 1, we heard it last week, right? 00:20:17.539 --> 00:20:23.799 Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come because he paid for our sins so that we can stand in the judgment. 00:20:23.799 --> 00:20:28.799 But every chapter ends with that, and that is Paul's big concern, right? 00:20:29.579 --> 00:20:31.460 2 verse 19 and 20. 00:20:32.099 --> 00:20:37.659 What is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus had his coming? 00:20:38.099 --> 00:20:39.039 Is it not you? 00:20:39.639 --> 00:20:40.960 For you are glory and joy. 00:20:41.539 --> 00:20:43.599 And what brings Paul the greatest joy? 00:20:43.960 --> 00:20:45.599 Well, he's thinking about Jesus' return. 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:47.099 It's not that I've planted a church. 00:20:47.819 --> 00:20:49.519 It's not that some people came to faith. 00:20:49.940 --> 00:20:53.440 But that one day before Jesus, that's where they are, right? 00:20:53.440 --> 00:20:57.299 When we're before Jesus, then that is my great joy. 00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:00.380 And 3 verse 13, right? 00:21:00.460 --> 00:21:01.960 And he prays for them at the end. 00:21:02.299 --> 00:21:03.660 What does he ask God to do? 00:21:04.059 --> 00:21:05.259 Well, 3 verse 13. 00:21:05.400 --> 00:21:12.259 So that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:13.559 What does he pray? 00:21:13.860 --> 00:21:17.259 Is that they are there at the end, blameless before Jesus. 00:21:18.059 --> 00:21:19.000 That is what he wants. 00:21:19.820 --> 00:21:20.740 That's the goal. 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:21.920 That is Paul's concern. 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:23.620 Why was he so worried about them? 00:21:24.779 --> 00:21:26.340 It's not, yeah. 00:21:26.440 --> 00:21:27.100 Why was he worried? 00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:28.120 Well, 3 verse 5. 00:21:28.880 --> 00:21:36.060 I was sent to learn about your faith for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 00:21:36.400 --> 00:21:37.920 He was worried that they would give up. 00:21:38.539 --> 00:21:40.440 He was worried that they wouldn't make it. 00:21:41.440 --> 00:21:42.340 And 3 verse 8. 00:21:42.560 --> 00:21:43.580 The positive. 00:21:43.579 --> 00:21:46.939 For now we live if you are standing fast in the Lord. 00:21:47.599 --> 00:21:49.039 Why is he so happy? 00:21:49.399 --> 00:21:50.419 Well, because they're still going. 00:21:50.980 --> 00:21:52.000 They're still standing fast. 00:21:52.059 --> 00:21:53.139 They're still trusting Jesus. 00:21:53.279 --> 00:21:54.679 They're still being Christians. 00:21:55.779 --> 00:21:56.039 Right? 00:21:56.079 --> 00:21:57.899 What does he pray for that they're established? 00:21:58.000 --> 00:21:59.099 I hope you see that. 00:21:59.519 --> 00:22:04.220 The big thing about being a Christian is it's hard, but you need to make it all the way to the end. 00:22:04.220 --> 00:22:04.259 Yes. 00:22:05.740 --> 00:22:08.880 I mean, if the Christian life was easy, Paul didn't need to worry. 00:22:09.640 --> 00:22:09.860 Right? 00:22:09.900 --> 00:22:10.720 He planted a church. 00:22:10.819 --> 00:22:11.880 People became Christians. 00:22:12.700 --> 00:22:14.019 Well, now they are blessed. 00:22:14.360 --> 00:22:17.000 And they're going to be prosperous and healthy and wealthy. 00:22:17.619 --> 00:22:19.640 Because I know the plans I have for you. 00:22:20.140 --> 00:22:21.700 Plans for good and not for evil. 00:22:22.160 --> 00:22:22.299 Right? 00:22:22.700 --> 00:22:24.960 You know, God has a wonderful plan for their life. 00:22:25.220 --> 00:22:26.099 They're going to be fine. 00:22:26.500 --> 00:22:27.480 Let me go to the next town. 00:22:28.839 --> 00:22:30.940 Then Paul wouldn't be anxious. 00:22:31.339 --> 00:22:32.579 Except he is very anxious. 00:22:33.019 --> 00:22:37.579 He's very worried about them because there are very young Christians who haven't had much help. 00:22:37.579 --> 00:22:41.599 And he's just worried that they give up under all the persecution they're facing. 00:22:42.640 --> 00:22:42.740 Right? 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:42.819 Right? 00:22:44.319 --> 00:22:48.039 That's why Paul just really cares that they make it. 00:22:49.000 --> 00:22:54.380 That's why he, maybe you wondered why he's so angry with the Jews in 2 verse 15 and 16. 00:22:54.859 --> 00:22:56.740 Well, because they stop people being saved. 00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:57.180 Right? 00:22:57.960 --> 00:22:59.859 It's not that he is anti-Semitic. 00:22:59.920 --> 00:23:00.960 He himself is a Jew. 00:23:01.680 --> 00:23:03.680 You can ask me more later about that. 00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:06.900 But, you know, there's people who stop the preaching of the gospel. 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:08.259 Who stop people being saved. 00:23:08.640 --> 00:23:10.039 Who get people to give up their faith. 00:23:10.140 --> 00:23:12.359 That makes him angry because he's just so concerned. 00:23:12.740 --> 00:23:14.120 That people make it to the end. 00:23:14.819 --> 00:23:16.059 I hope you get the point. 00:23:16.160 --> 00:23:16.299 Right? 00:23:16.299 --> 00:23:17.880 We need to endure to the end. 00:23:18.299 --> 00:23:20.519 That's the underlying thing here. 00:23:20.880 --> 00:23:24.660 Why Paul cares so much about them. 00:23:25.559 --> 00:23:27.859 Well, are you aware of that? 00:23:27.980 --> 00:23:29.400 Are we ready for that? 00:23:30.160 --> 00:23:31.579 Okay, you're a Christian. 00:23:31.579 --> 00:23:36.079 Do you know that Christian life is going to be tough and you need to make it to the end? 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:37.980 Is that what you believe? 00:23:38.079 --> 00:23:38.980 Are you ready for that? 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:41.559 Is that how you see the church? 00:23:41.700 --> 00:23:43.400 That it's nice to come here together. 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:48.360 But the main thing God brings us together is to help us make it to the end. 00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:49.720 Right? 00:23:49.839 --> 00:23:52.400 Someone doesn't come to your CG for a few weeks. 00:23:53.140 --> 00:23:54.039 Ah, they're probably busy. 00:23:54.200 --> 00:23:55.620 They probably have better things to do. 00:23:56.480 --> 00:23:59.539 Or do you think, well, I want to make sure they make it to the end. 00:23:59.680 --> 00:24:00.460 Let me... 00:24:00.460 --> 00:24:01.860 Are you concerned about them? 00:24:01.900 --> 00:24:03.360 And, you know, give them a text. 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:04.120 Hey, how are you doing? 00:24:04.119 --> 00:24:04.519 Right? 00:24:05.259 --> 00:24:08.319 I mean, if we really believe this, we want to care for each other. 00:24:08.519 --> 00:24:08.559 Right? 00:24:08.599 --> 00:24:12.359 We care for ourselves and care for others that we all make it. 00:24:13.419 --> 00:24:16.879 Of course, it varies from time to time and from place to place. 00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:20.000 Hong Kong is a relatively easy place to be a Christian. 00:24:20.339 --> 00:24:20.439 Right? 00:24:20.779 --> 00:24:23.099 There's plenty of places in the world where it's really hard. 00:24:23.779 --> 00:24:26.119 Where, yeah, your life is at risk. 00:24:26.739 --> 00:24:28.179 Here, it's different. 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:31.139 Of course, it doesn't mean that it's fully easy here. 00:24:31.679 --> 00:24:33.519 Satan has lots of tools that he can use. 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:33.740 Right? 00:24:33.799 --> 00:24:35.200 He can seduce us with money. 00:24:36.279 --> 00:24:42.139 He can keep us so busy and so focused on our careers that we just keep quiet and no one hears the gospel. 00:24:43.180 --> 00:24:44.339 Satan has other tools. 00:24:44.619 --> 00:24:48.779 But still, things might change in the future. 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:53.019 We need to be ready for, yeah, for a race. 00:24:53.359 --> 00:24:54.559 For a... 00:24:54.559 --> 00:24:55.339 Not a walk. 00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:56.000 Not a stroll. 00:24:56.099 --> 00:24:56.420 A race. 00:24:56.960 --> 00:24:57.200 Right? 00:24:57.299 --> 00:24:57.900 A fight. 00:24:58.220 --> 00:25:01.379 That's all the kind of metaphors Paul uses. 00:25:01.380 --> 00:25:02.380 A race. 00:25:02.380 --> 00:25:03.380 A race. 00:25:03.380 --> 00:25:08.140 And yeah, if you put those two things together, there's one reason why you need good leaders. 00:25:09.340 --> 00:25:09.620 Right? 00:25:09.619 --> 00:25:12.019 Christians need to endure to the end. 00:25:12.019 --> 00:25:17.779 And so, yeah, if you have a leader who falls and a lot of people get their faith destroyed, you don't want that. 00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:17.979 Right? 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:28.979 You want leaders who help you, who are trustworthy, who tell you the truth that you can rely on, who care for you selflessly, who do anything to help you endure to the end. 00:25:29.019 --> 00:25:30.199 Because that is what we need. 00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:31.599 Right? 00:25:31.599 --> 00:25:31.959 Right? 00:25:31.959 --> 00:25:33.519 That those two things go together. 00:25:34.219 --> 00:25:38.579 And if anyone doesn't fit the profile, if he falls short in a big way, well, beware. 00:25:39.179 --> 00:25:39.359 Right? 00:25:39.679 --> 00:25:41.779 They might lead you away from Christ. 00:25:41.879 --> 00:25:43.659 They might take advantage of you. 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:44.859 Destroy your faith. 00:25:44.939 --> 00:25:45.799 You don't want that. 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:46.740 Right? 00:25:47.359 --> 00:25:53.599 If leaders really help in your Christian life, and it's so important to make it to the end, yeah, you want good leaders. 00:25:54.279 --> 00:25:56.659 And if they're the foundation of your faith, you need a good foundation. 00:25:56.660 --> 00:26:00.440 So let me make a few applications along those lines. 00:26:01.560 --> 00:26:03.340 Maybe you're here as a newcomer. 00:26:03.460 --> 00:26:04.420 We have quite a few visitors. 00:26:04.660 --> 00:26:06.480 I think last week was our biggest Sunday yet. 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:08.860 Maybe you're looking for a church. 00:26:09.560 --> 00:26:11.360 Why would you choose a certain church? 00:26:12.279 --> 00:26:19.880 Maybe because it's got great music, very convenient parking, and lots of young adults who could be your friends. 00:26:20.140 --> 00:26:21.240 They're all very good things. 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:25.140 But what's actually far more important? 00:26:25.140 --> 00:26:31.259 I mean, we heard last week, you know, that the gospel is preached, God's word is preached, and that it's producing fruit in people's lives. 00:26:32.140 --> 00:26:34.240 And then from today, well, what are the leaders like? 00:26:35.020 --> 00:26:37.040 Are they people who are a godly example? 00:26:37.300 --> 00:26:37.420 Right? 00:26:37.860 --> 00:26:42.680 People who selflessly serve, who preach the truth no matter the cost. 00:26:42.860 --> 00:26:43.040 Right? 00:26:43.320 --> 00:26:44.759 Because those things really matter. 00:26:46.120 --> 00:26:47.900 I'm not saying you should join Watermark. 00:26:48.100 --> 00:26:49.800 There's lots of good churches in Hong Kong. 00:26:50.120 --> 00:26:51.580 But it's a real consideration. 00:26:51.740 --> 00:26:51.860 Right? 00:26:51.860 --> 00:26:53.740 It's more important than some other things. 00:26:53.740 --> 00:26:57.779 Or maybe you're a member and you need to move. 00:26:58.400 --> 00:27:01.160 Because we have, you know, we're an international church. 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:05.279 We have people who get jobs overseas or who go back to family. 00:27:05.859 --> 00:27:09.960 Or, you know, maybe you move to a different part of Hong Kong and Wong Tuk Hang is just too far. 00:27:10.779 --> 00:27:12.599 You know, what kind of church are you going to look for? 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:17.759 Well, look at the teaching and look at the leaders and look at the fruit in the people's lives. 00:27:17.839 --> 00:27:20.339 They're more important than lots of other things. 00:27:20.339 --> 00:27:20.579 Right? 00:27:21.639 --> 00:27:25.059 Again, it's great for people who are committed to stay here. 00:27:25.159 --> 00:27:28.000 But, you know, the reality of life is that sometimes you move. 00:27:28.079 --> 00:27:31.259 You want to have a good church with good leaders. 00:27:34.099 --> 00:27:34.939 Here's another one. 00:27:35.299 --> 00:27:36.259 I think that's helpful. 00:27:36.819 --> 00:27:37.220 Accountability. 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:38.539 Right? 00:27:38.679 --> 00:27:41.000 If leaders are so important, I hope you pray for them. 00:27:41.559 --> 00:27:42.579 I hope you pray for us. 00:27:42.619 --> 00:27:42.779 Right? 00:27:42.819 --> 00:27:43.519 For the elders. 00:27:43.759 --> 00:27:44.259 For the pastors. 00:27:44.259 --> 00:27:47.700 If you're in a CG, do you pray for your CG leader? 00:27:47.879 --> 00:27:48.940 That would be a great thing to do. 00:27:49.440 --> 00:27:49.619 Right? 00:27:50.140 --> 00:27:52.099 That we would not go astray. 00:27:52.220 --> 00:27:55.000 Because the sad thing is that we're human. 00:27:55.140 --> 00:27:55.579 We're sinners. 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:57.259 We can go astray. 00:27:58.059 --> 00:28:01.180 And if we do, please do something. 00:28:01.319 --> 00:28:01.440 Right? 00:28:01.819 --> 00:28:07.480 If you see us go away, you know, please meet up. 00:28:08.160 --> 00:28:09.279 Please tell us what you see. 00:28:09.819 --> 00:28:11.720 And hopefully the spirit will grant repentance. 00:28:11.899 --> 00:28:11.980 Right? 00:28:12.099 --> 00:28:15.519 We need, you know, we need to make it to the end. 00:28:15.559 --> 00:28:16.240 We can go wrong. 00:28:16.859 --> 00:28:20.460 We'd love you to speak to us if you see something go wrong. 00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:21.319 That's really important. 00:28:22.160 --> 00:28:25.559 And if we don't listen, you know, maybe you should go to another church. 00:28:26.720 --> 00:28:28.839 Or get us to resign. 00:28:29.000 --> 00:28:31.599 Maybe that would be a great, good for the other watermarkers too. 00:28:31.599 --> 00:28:35.980 But, you know, this is very, yeah, leaders are really important. 00:28:35.980 --> 00:28:39.500 And Paul wants, he shows you this is what a good leader is like. 00:28:39.579 --> 00:28:40.980 This is the kind of leaders you should have. 00:28:42.279 --> 00:28:43.079 That's important. 00:28:43.200 --> 00:28:45.099 But this can all sound quite negative. 00:28:45.339 --> 00:28:45.460 Right? 00:28:45.860 --> 00:28:48.279 This is a warm and positive passage. 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:51.220 You know, there are high stakes, absolutely. 00:28:51.500 --> 00:28:57.000 But, you know, I hope if you have good Christ-like leaders that you can be really thankful. 00:28:57.460 --> 00:28:58.240 Please encourage them. 00:28:58.279 --> 00:28:59.140 Maybe that's a nice thing. 00:28:59.279 --> 00:28:59.420 Right? 00:29:00.120 --> 00:29:01.279 Let's be positive. 00:29:01.279 --> 00:29:04.700 That they, but pray for them that they will stay on track. 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:06.779 That they will help you stay on track. 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:09.019 Because eternity matters. 00:29:09.139 --> 00:29:09.299 Right? 00:29:09.379 --> 00:29:11.940 Making it to the end is what matters. 00:29:13.500 --> 00:29:20.539 And even if things, you know, and even though that's all true, remember there's also a bigger reality. 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:22.960 Now, I put a lot of emphasis on leaders. 00:29:23.420 --> 00:29:25.779 This passage talks a lot about human responsibility. 00:29:25.779 --> 00:29:26.259 Right? 00:29:26.319 --> 00:29:31.019 It talks a lot about our need to, you know, to make it to the end. 00:29:31.920 --> 00:29:34.099 On leaders helping you make it to the end. 00:29:35.079 --> 00:29:38.619 And yet, if your salvation was on my shoulders, I couldn't handle that. 00:29:39.639 --> 00:29:44.160 So, you know, I said that every chapter ends with Jesus' return. 00:29:44.920 --> 00:29:46.700 Let's go to the end of chapter five. 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:48.579 Actually, I've put it on the screen. 00:29:49.259 --> 00:29:50.579 These are some famous words. 00:29:50.680 --> 00:29:51.779 This is how Paul finishes. 00:29:51.940 --> 00:29:53.139 Yes, he exhorts them. 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:54.180 Yes, he encourages them. 00:29:54.180 --> 00:29:56.720 Yes, he tells them to keep going. 00:29:57.000 --> 00:30:00.799 But now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. 00:30:01.519 --> 00:30:06.799 May your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:30:07.440 --> 00:30:09.000 He who calls you is faithful. 00:30:09.660 --> 00:30:10.720 He will surely do it. 00:30:11.940 --> 00:30:13.620 And it talks about making it to the end. 00:30:14.160 --> 00:30:15.240 Standing before Jesus. 00:30:17.220 --> 00:30:21.539 But ultimately, you know, there's someone who wants you to be there. 00:30:21.539 --> 00:30:24.240 Someone who is gracious and powerful. 00:30:25.079 --> 00:30:28.000 And so even though we need to press on, we need good leaders. 00:30:28.759 --> 00:30:33.299 Ultimately, you're not going to be there because of God, because of faithful leaders, but because of a faithful God. 00:30:34.119 --> 00:30:34.339 Right? 00:30:34.339 --> 00:30:42.179 Yes, as we press on, let's keep our hope and our trust ultimately in the God who works through these things. 00:30:42.259 --> 00:30:42.379 Right? 00:30:42.399 --> 00:30:43.279 Who gives us leaders. 00:30:43.399 --> 00:30:44.220 Who gives us the church. 00:30:44.599 --> 00:30:46.859 Gives us what we need to make it to the end. 00:30:47.799 --> 00:30:51.059 And that's why in a moment we're going to sing, he will hold me fast. 00:30:51.179 --> 00:30:53.240 Because that is our ultimate confidence. 00:30:53.240 --> 00:30:57.120 But yeah, I think a lot of us for us to think about. 00:30:57.279 --> 00:31:02.339 A lot of us for us to think about, you know, how we press on, how we help each other. 00:31:03.039 --> 00:31:04.880 And yeah, what do we need in leaders? 00:31:05.380 --> 00:31:06.120 Why don't I pray? 00:31:06.819 --> 00:31:08.640 And then after that we'll pray together. 00:31:09.779 --> 00:31:10.900 So we will pray in groups. 00:31:12.180 --> 00:31:20.440 Father, thank you for Paul and his great example of selfless care, of faithfulness to you, of his example. 00:31:20.440 --> 00:31:25.500 Paul, we, yeah, that was so encouraging for the Thessalonians to remember. 00:31:26.440 --> 00:31:27.500 And man, they could trust him. 00:31:27.840 --> 00:31:29.720 Would we have trustworthy leaders? 00:31:30.080 --> 00:31:32.080 Would we ourselves be trustworthy people? 00:31:32.180 --> 00:31:35.960 Of course, we all, in a way, we're a church, we're there for each other. 00:31:36.259 --> 00:31:40.480 We want to live up to this, but especially those who you've put in charge. 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:44.940 Would you make them the people they need to be? 00:31:45.039 --> 00:31:46.559 Help us to support and encourage. 00:31:47.059 --> 00:31:47.799 Help us to discern. 00:31:47.799 --> 00:31:51.359 Help us to be willing to step up and hold accountable when needed. 00:31:52.079 --> 00:31:54.159 But say, yeah, we want to endure to the end. 00:31:54.259 --> 00:31:55.139 Thank you for that end. 00:31:55.279 --> 00:31:56.700 Thank you for that Jesus will come. 00:31:57.079 --> 00:31:58.139 He'll make everything right. 00:31:58.259 --> 00:31:59.279 Everything will be wonderful. 00:31:59.919 --> 00:32:00.819 But we need to get there. 00:32:01.279 --> 00:32:02.099 We need to make it. 00:32:02.720 --> 00:32:03.919 And so please help us with that. 00:32:04.019 --> 00:32:05.639 Work through our church. 00:32:05.859 --> 00:32:08.759 Work through our leaders to get us there. 00:32:08.960 --> 00:32:09.480 Get us home. 00:32:10.180 --> 00:32:11.019 In Jesus' name. 00:32:11.500 --> 00:32:11.759 Amen. 00:32:17.799 --> 00:32:24.019 Thank you. 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:24.019