WEBVTT 00:00:00.720 --> 00:00:05.040 Thank you so much Fiona for leading us in worship this evening. 00:00:06.740 --> 00:00:13.580 Welcome to you all. It's great to be here and great to be continuing our series in 1 Thessalonians. 00:00:14.259 --> 00:00:21.260 If you don't have a Bible, grab one from an end of a pew. It would be useful to have it in front of you as we go through this evening. 00:00:21.260 --> 00:00:31.240 I wonder as we start if we could consider how painful it is to be separated from a loved one. 00:00:31.679 --> 00:00:34.520 I'm sure many of us know it well in different forms. 00:00:35.300 --> 00:00:38.760 Some of us perhaps are used with our other half going away on business. 00:00:39.960 --> 00:00:46.579 And you kind of, you get used to it, you acclimatise to it over time, don't you? 00:00:46.579 --> 00:00:52.519 If regularly one of you is away and you kind of just fall into the pattern. 00:00:53.420 --> 00:01:01.140 But isn't it tough? Even if you're used to it, going to your bed and there's no one there. 00:01:02.179 --> 00:01:12.280 Or when things go wrong and you break the flask on the coffee machine and there's coffee dripping over the countertop. 00:01:12.280 --> 00:01:16.219 And you just want to give up. You want someone to talk to. 00:01:16.320 --> 00:01:23.879 You want someone to come in and say it's okay and mop up the dirty remains and kind of make the place livable again. 00:01:25.420 --> 00:01:33.079 Or perhaps some of us know the separation from a loved one and having children going away to university or to live elsewhere. 00:01:33.079 --> 00:01:36.099 And we care for them deeply. 00:01:36.700 --> 00:01:43.439 And we've watched them come up from nothing to the young men and young women that they are now. 00:01:44.219 --> 00:01:49.000 And we would long for everything just to be as it was 10 years ago. 00:01:49.219 --> 00:01:52.900 Maybe 20 when they were nice little things that you could deal with. 00:01:53.900 --> 00:01:56.280 And yet they can't forever remain children. 00:01:56.280 --> 00:02:03.780 And we care desperately for them even though they've grown up and even though they need to make their own choices. 00:02:05.560 --> 00:02:09.120 Perhaps for some of us it's just the reality of living in a city church. 00:02:10.439 --> 00:02:14.199 And we see folk that we've known for years grow and move on. 00:02:14.639 --> 00:02:16.719 They came as students maybe with us. 00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:22.199 And our hearts were bonded in that time in church and then off they go. 00:02:22.199 --> 00:02:37.339 And the situations of life frequently seem to wrench those whom we love away from us to other cities or to other churches or just away from us. 00:02:38.959 --> 00:02:44.319 And often in these cases we know that hard times are going to come for them. 00:02:44.319 --> 00:02:55.819 We know that the other half or the child going away for university or the friend that's just leaving for another place. 00:02:56.079 --> 00:02:58.060 We know that hard times are going to come. 00:02:58.340 --> 00:03:01.819 Whether that's financial hardship or whether that's isolation. 00:03:02.379 --> 00:03:04.819 Whether that's stress or worry. 00:03:05.340 --> 00:03:07.459 Health problems or trouble at work. 00:03:08.439 --> 00:03:11.219 Frustrations with friends or whatever it might be. 00:03:11.219 --> 00:03:15.219 We can see the afflictions coming down the road to them. 00:03:16.400 --> 00:03:18.219 And yet we cannot intervene. 00:03:19.500 --> 00:03:20.719 It's just not possible. 00:03:21.219 --> 00:03:23.680 And we desperately long that they would be okay. 00:03:24.560 --> 00:03:29.259 We pray desperately to God that he would care for them when we cannot. 00:03:31.319 --> 00:03:33.460 And with our minds in that mindset. 00:03:34.360 --> 00:03:38.759 I think that's the right mindset that we come to this passage this evening. 00:03:38.759 --> 00:03:42.759 Remember Paul established this church in Thessalonica. 00:03:43.759 --> 00:03:45.799 And left amid the riot. 00:03:47.000 --> 00:03:49.459 Within a very few number of weeks. 00:03:49.539 --> 00:03:51.739 Maybe as little as two or three weeks. 00:03:52.299 --> 00:03:56.379 And we saw last week how Paul considered himself like a mother. 00:03:57.039 --> 00:03:58.659 Like a father to these people. 00:03:58.799 --> 00:04:01.000 Like a faithful steward in the household. 00:04:01.000 --> 00:04:04.639 And though they had only had those few days together. 00:04:06.000 --> 00:04:08.639 I hope we'll see the depth of love. 00:04:08.780 --> 00:04:09.759 The depth of care. 00:04:09.860 --> 00:04:13.199 And the compassion that Paul had for these new disciples. 00:04:14.020 --> 00:04:16.459 And that we'll see that they have the same love for him. 00:04:17.519 --> 00:04:18.899 And for his team. 00:04:19.480 --> 00:04:22.360 And as we consider the love that they have for one another. 00:04:22.459 --> 00:04:23.420 Way back when. 00:04:24.280 --> 00:04:28.020 I hope that we'll be challenged about our love and care for each other. 00:04:28.420 --> 00:04:30.199 And for the church at large this evening. 00:04:30.780 --> 00:04:32.020 So let me pray. 00:04:32.420 --> 00:04:36.140 And then we'll get stuck into the meat of our passage this evening. 00:04:36.700 --> 00:04:37.140 Father. 00:04:38.100 --> 00:04:39.879 We're aware that this evening. 00:04:40.300 --> 00:04:43.220 You have given us a wonderful day. 00:04:43.220 --> 00:04:46.500 And now as we turn aside to look at your word. 00:04:47.000 --> 00:04:49.980 To learn what it is that you would say to us. 00:04:49.980 --> 00:04:54.000 In this passage of scripture that we have for us this evening. 00:04:54.140 --> 00:04:54.580 We pray. 00:04:54.720 --> 00:04:58.320 Would you bring alive this inspired word to us? 00:04:58.680 --> 00:05:00.360 Would you challenge our hearts? 00:05:00.440 --> 00:05:01.720 Would you encourage us? 00:05:02.800 --> 00:05:05.260 Would you deepen our love for you. 00:05:05.420 --> 00:05:08.700 And our love for the other Christians in our lives. 00:05:09.040 --> 00:05:10.220 And we pray Lord. 00:05:10.220 --> 00:05:13.940 Would you deal with us ever so gently this evening. 00:05:14.960 --> 00:05:17.760 And would we know that you're at work in our lives. 00:05:18.060 --> 00:05:19.500 We pray in Jesus name. 00:05:20.460 --> 00:05:20.840 Amen. 00:05:21.860 --> 00:05:22.800 So firstly. 00:05:23.360 --> 00:05:24.720 Having read our passage together. 00:05:25.160 --> 00:05:27.740 Didn't you hear Paul's depths of love. 00:05:28.120 --> 00:05:30.840 For the young Christians here at Thessalonica. 00:05:31.380 --> 00:05:32.980 Particularly in chapter 2. 00:05:33.340 --> 00:05:35.340 17 to the end of chapter 2. 00:05:36.020 --> 00:05:39.640 Last week we heard that language of being like a mother. 00:05:39.639 --> 00:05:40.860 Of being like a father. 00:05:42.219 --> 00:05:46.759 And that depth of feeling certainly continues into our passage this week. 00:05:47.300 --> 00:05:51.379 Paul feels as if the separation of the apostles team. 00:05:51.579 --> 00:05:53.439 From this little fledgling church. 00:05:53.599 --> 00:05:55.159 It was like an orphaning. 00:05:56.919 --> 00:06:00.659 Yet notice the pains that Paul takes to show. 00:06:00.919 --> 00:06:02.339 That they're not forgotten. 00:06:02.959 --> 00:06:04.879 They're not uncared for. 00:06:04.879 --> 00:06:08.540 Paul's desire has always been for them. 00:06:08.899 --> 00:06:11.240 He desperately wants to see them again. 00:06:12.000 --> 00:06:13.379 A great desire. 00:06:14.439 --> 00:06:16.500 With even more eagerness. 00:06:17.500 --> 00:06:19.240 He wants to be with them. 00:06:20.839 --> 00:06:22.420 On various occasions. 00:06:22.420 --> 00:06:24.139 He wanted to double back. 00:06:24.259 --> 00:06:25.180 To get to them. 00:06:26.259 --> 00:06:28.339 And the desire to hear about them. 00:06:28.500 --> 00:06:29.600 Has been so great. 00:06:29.759 --> 00:06:31.519 That Paul is willing to be left alone. 00:06:31.519 --> 00:06:32.139 In Athens. 00:06:32.799 --> 00:06:33.959 In a pagan city. 00:06:35.060 --> 00:06:36.879 This little church planting team. 00:06:37.459 --> 00:06:39.500 We saw in week one. 00:06:39.579 --> 00:06:41.180 When Graham took us through the context. 00:06:41.299 --> 00:06:42.740 They've been pushed and pulled. 00:06:43.259 --> 00:06:44.740 They've been stretched to their very limits. 00:06:44.740 --> 00:06:47.839 And yet Paul is not content. 00:06:47.839 --> 00:06:49.899 To abandon these people. 00:06:50.199 --> 00:06:52.979 That he struggled to gain for Christ. 00:06:54.419 --> 00:06:55.339 Being prominent. 00:06:55.539 --> 00:06:56.740 And having already faced. 00:06:56.740 --> 00:06:59.240 The malice of these Thessalonian Jews twice. 00:06:59.240 --> 00:07:00.800 First in Thessalonica. 00:07:00.939 --> 00:07:01.720 And then Berea. 00:07:02.139 --> 00:07:04.620 It seems impossible for Paul to go back. 00:07:06.040 --> 00:07:07.120 But did you notice. 00:07:07.360 --> 00:07:09.040 That it didn't just seem to be. 00:07:09.259 --> 00:07:10.639 That he couldn't go back. 00:07:10.740 --> 00:07:11.720 For fear of people. 00:07:12.780 --> 00:07:14.420 He has this explanation. 00:07:14.660 --> 00:07:16.220 That Satan has hindered. 00:07:16.439 --> 00:07:17.960 His return to them. 00:07:19.860 --> 00:07:21.540 I'm not sure if Paul is. 00:07:21.819 --> 00:07:24.500 Just giving a supernatural explanation. 00:07:24.920 --> 00:07:26.600 For the actions of the. 00:07:26.600 --> 00:07:28.580 Of Thessalonica's Jewish community. 00:07:28.580 --> 00:07:29.720 Who've rejected Jesus. 00:07:29.960 --> 00:07:31.960 And been afflicting these Christians. 00:07:32.920 --> 00:07:35.060 Or if something else. 00:07:35.060 --> 00:07:37.400 Is keeping him from revisiting this area. 00:07:38.680 --> 00:07:39.640 Perhaps the basis. 00:07:39.640 --> 00:07:41.200 For this being. 00:07:41.360 --> 00:07:42.000 Satan's work. 00:07:42.140 --> 00:07:43.460 Is that many elements. 00:07:43.560 --> 00:07:44.680 Have compounded together. 00:07:44.840 --> 00:07:46.600 To keep him from going back. 00:07:48.080 --> 00:07:49.340 Perhaps there's been something. 00:07:49.700 --> 00:07:51.480 Explicitly supernatural going on. 00:07:51.560 --> 00:07:52.980 Which Paul wasn't able to. 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:54.180 Overcome. 00:07:54.180 --> 00:07:56.639 I'm not sure. 00:07:57.900 --> 00:07:59.180 But it's certainly not. 00:07:59.259 --> 00:08:00.040 That Paul is saying. 00:08:00.180 --> 00:08:01.439 That it was out of God's control. 00:08:02.019 --> 00:08:03.199 Don't take the wrong. 00:08:03.400 --> 00:08:04.280 Spin off this. 00:08:04.620 --> 00:08:05.600 We'll see shortly. 00:08:05.780 --> 00:08:07.160 At the end of our passage. 00:08:07.439 --> 00:08:08.900 About Paul's prayer. 00:08:09.019 --> 00:08:10.680 And how he's trusting God. 00:08:11.720 --> 00:08:12.399 And certainly. 00:08:12.519 --> 00:08:13.720 God would be using. 00:08:13.860 --> 00:08:15.220 Even these circumstances. 00:08:15.220 --> 00:08:16.019 To grow. 00:08:16.500 --> 00:08:17.360 And to test. 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:18.699 The Thessalonian Christians. 00:08:19.280 --> 00:08:20.220 To ensure. 00:08:20.680 --> 00:08:21.759 That their confidence. 00:08:21.759 --> 00:08:22.759 Was in God. 00:08:22.759 --> 00:08:25.339 Isn't that often. 00:08:25.339 --> 00:08:25.860 The lesson. 00:08:25.860 --> 00:08:27.099 That we are to learn. 00:08:27.219 --> 00:08:28.480 In times of disappointment. 00:08:28.480 --> 00:08:30.079 And in spoiled plans. 00:08:31.980 --> 00:08:33.379 To rely. 00:08:33.600 --> 00:08:34.179 Afresh. 00:08:34.179 --> 00:08:35.960 On God's plans. 00:08:36.539 --> 00:08:37.720 And not to be confident. 00:08:37.720 --> 00:08:39.399 In what we can cobble together. 00:08:39.620 --> 00:08:40.299 Ourselves. 00:08:41.720 --> 00:08:43.600 I'm preaching to myself here. 00:08:43.600 --> 00:08:46.000 And it's not. 00:08:46.120 --> 00:08:47.080 That we apathetically. 00:08:47.080 --> 00:08:48.800 Accept whatever happens. 00:08:48.800 --> 00:08:49.659 To us. 00:08:51.159 --> 00:08:52.420 But that we strive. 00:08:52.420 --> 00:08:53.500 To know his will. 00:08:53.659 --> 00:08:54.840 To seek his glory. 00:08:55.879 --> 00:08:56.899 And to trust. 00:08:57.060 --> 00:08:58.540 That what he is doing. 00:08:58.899 --> 00:08:59.840 Is better. 00:09:00.120 --> 00:09:01.700 Even when we can't see the purpose. 00:09:01.840 --> 00:09:03.139 And when we can't see the method. 00:09:06.139 --> 00:09:07.639 Whatever it was. 00:09:07.639 --> 00:09:08.800 That kept Paul. 00:09:08.800 --> 00:09:10.240 From seeing them in person. 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:12.139 It certainly didn't. 00:09:12.220 --> 00:09:13.220 Dull his love for them. 00:09:14.420 --> 00:09:15.779 And I was struck. 00:09:15.860 --> 00:09:17.639 As I was digging into this passage. 00:09:18.019 --> 00:09:19.899 That Paul's language seems. 00:09:20.240 --> 00:09:21.560 It seems overboard. 00:09:22.320 --> 00:09:23.920 It almost sounds heretical. 00:09:24.060 --> 00:09:25.180 I don't think Paul was. 00:09:25.340 --> 00:09:26.759 But it almost sounds. 00:09:26.920 --> 00:09:29.060 Notice verses 19 and 20. 00:09:29.899 --> 00:09:31.639 The Thessalonian church. 00:09:31.639 --> 00:09:33.420 Was the team's hope. 00:09:33.920 --> 00:09:34.740 Their joy. 00:09:34.879 --> 00:09:36.259 Their crown of boasting. 00:09:36.680 --> 00:09:38.700 Even their glory and joy. 00:09:38.700 --> 00:09:41.020 I'd be very careful. 00:09:41.020 --> 00:09:41.960 About using that words. 00:09:41.960 --> 00:09:43.060 About anyone human. 00:09:43.060 --> 00:09:43.640 Wouldn't you? 00:09:45.160 --> 00:09:47.379 After Paul's work in Turkey. 00:09:47.379 --> 00:09:49.680 Which ended with a real uncertainty. 00:09:49.680 --> 00:09:51.320 About where they were going next. 00:09:51.960 --> 00:09:53.920 After the short time in Philippi. 00:09:53.920 --> 00:09:55.480 Which ended abruptly. 00:09:55.480 --> 00:09:57.540 With only the small group of disciples. 00:09:58.120 --> 00:09:59.860 Following the work in Athens. 00:09:59.860 --> 00:10:01.680 That happened after this. 00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:03.819 Which seems to have been slow. 00:10:04.019 --> 00:10:04.659 Hard work. 00:10:04.779 --> 00:10:06.000 With few converts. 00:10:06.819 --> 00:10:08.179 In the middle of all this. 00:10:08.279 --> 00:10:10.179 Was Paul's work in Thessalonica. 00:10:11.179 --> 00:10:13.479 Probably the most promising church. 00:10:13.479 --> 00:10:15.139 That Paul had planted in Europe. 00:10:15.139 --> 00:10:19.319 And down in chapter 3 verse 8. 00:10:19.399 --> 00:10:21.100 Paul goes on to say. 00:10:22.620 --> 00:10:24.379 He goes as far to say. 00:10:24.539 --> 00:10:26.279 As now we really live. 00:10:26.759 --> 00:10:29.340 Since you are standing firm in the Lord. 00:10:30.600 --> 00:10:32.080 Isn't that overboard Paul? 00:10:33.179 --> 00:10:36.360 It seems that they're so closely bound together. 00:10:37.100 --> 00:10:39.519 That the standing of the church in Thessalonica. 00:10:40.460 --> 00:10:44.299 It almost made the rise and fall of Paul. 00:10:44.299 --> 00:10:47.319 And of the missionary team that he was with. 00:10:48.599 --> 00:10:50.679 It would have had a massive impact on them. 00:10:50.679 --> 00:10:52.219 If this church had fallen. 00:10:53.740 --> 00:10:56.019 And they were so concerned. 00:10:57.620 --> 00:11:01.399 That almost life has lost its savor. 00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:06.740 Until they found out that the church was okay. 00:11:10.459 --> 00:11:14.079 And I start to think about my own attitudes to church. 00:11:14.080 --> 00:11:15.100 As I come on Sunday. 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:17.960 As I meet with people during the week. 00:11:18.900 --> 00:11:21.020 And of fellow Christians generally. 00:11:21.320 --> 00:11:24.259 And can I say that they're my joy. 00:11:24.400 --> 00:11:25.360 And hope and crown. 00:11:26.020 --> 00:11:27.900 I hope you don't take this the wrong way. 00:11:28.000 --> 00:11:30.400 But I don't think I've ever said. 00:11:30.580 --> 00:11:31.980 That the guys at Brunsfield. 00:11:32.100 --> 00:11:33.520 Are my crown of glory. 00:11:34.020 --> 00:11:35.180 Well then I'm a pastor. 00:11:35.420 --> 00:11:36.780 Or a church planter anyway. 00:11:36.779 --> 00:11:43.620 But do you see the passion that Paul is expressing here for other Christians? 00:11:45.699 --> 00:11:48.399 This group was particularly close to Paul's heart. 00:11:48.699 --> 00:11:54.480 But and maybe we shouldn't expect that we'll be as passionate about all churches this way. 00:11:54.639 --> 00:11:58.759 But how is our care and compassion for each other at Brunsfield? 00:11:58.759 --> 00:12:04.980 Is our attitude that of some sort of casual observer? 00:12:05.779 --> 00:12:08.639 Are we more like satisfied customers? 00:12:10.899 --> 00:12:14.639 Could our attitude be best summed up as cool apathy? 00:12:14.639 --> 00:12:21.600 Or if we found in ourselves to write a letter to Brunsfield. 00:12:21.740 --> 00:12:23.759 Would we find ourselves full of passion? 00:12:24.699 --> 00:12:26.279 Enthusing and overflowing. 00:12:27.860 --> 00:12:29.480 Longing for the good of the community. 00:12:29.699 --> 00:12:32.259 Deeply concerned over the struggles and challenges. 00:12:32.559 --> 00:12:34.059 Rejoicing in how they're flourishing. 00:12:34.059 --> 00:12:40.159 I find myself struck by my own coolness. 00:12:41.919 --> 00:12:45.739 And how do we begin to bring our change of our own attitudes? 00:12:46.859 --> 00:12:51.839 How do we begin to communally change the attitudes of our meetings together? 00:12:53.099 --> 00:12:57.619 How are we going to pray for God to enliven our hearts and knit them together? 00:12:59.239 --> 00:13:00.819 In true fellowship. 00:13:01.159 --> 00:13:02.179 In partnership. 00:13:02.179 --> 00:13:02.459 Worship. 00:13:03.359 --> 00:13:05.079 It's no simple thing. 00:13:07.199 --> 00:13:11.319 But surely as we seek each other's best interests. 00:13:12.099 --> 00:13:14.939 As we invite the Spirit of God to stir us. 00:13:15.059 --> 00:13:19.759 As we focus our minds on Jesus and worship our great God together. 00:13:20.539 --> 00:13:23.859 Surely God will be at work binding us together, won't He? 00:13:25.339 --> 00:13:27.159 As we pray for one another. 00:13:27.859 --> 00:13:29.500 And meet up with one another. 00:13:29.939 --> 00:13:31.500 As we get to know one another. 00:13:31.500 --> 00:13:33.340 And as we worship with one another. 00:13:33.960 --> 00:13:35.639 As we learn with one another. 00:13:35.720 --> 00:13:37.600 As we share in communion with one another. 00:13:37.960 --> 00:13:40.940 As we run clubs and courses and events together. 00:13:41.340 --> 00:13:43.740 As we move houses for one another. 00:13:44.059 --> 00:13:45.600 And as we cook for one another. 00:13:45.679 --> 00:13:47.960 And as we serve with one another. 00:13:47.960 --> 00:13:51.139 As we forgive one another. 00:13:51.139 --> 00:13:51.180 As we forgive one another. 00:13:52.180 --> 00:13:54.180 If our hearts are open. 00:13:55.680 --> 00:13:59.200 And we honestly seek God to meld our hearts together. 00:13:59.420 --> 00:14:04.060 Won't we find ourselves growing in fellowship and in mutual love? 00:14:04.059 --> 00:14:08.079 And some of you guys are so good at that. 00:14:08.899 --> 00:14:10.500 And it's fantastic to see. 00:14:10.579 --> 00:14:16.379 And I just long for the moment when it clicks for all of us in the same way. 00:14:16.379 --> 00:14:20.259 This church in Thessalonica. 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:22.759 It was Paul's utter delight. 00:14:23.840 --> 00:14:27.679 He desperately desired to hear about them. 00:14:28.220 --> 00:14:30.200 To know that they were doing well. 00:14:30.659 --> 00:14:33.879 He eagerly desired to see these Christians again. 00:14:34.259 --> 00:14:36.320 To encourage them in the faith. 00:14:36.320 --> 00:14:40.520 If you had to give point one a title. 00:14:40.660 --> 00:14:43.420 They were Paul's desire and delight. 00:14:44.960 --> 00:14:48.379 And as we move into verses one to six of chapter three. 00:14:48.520 --> 00:14:51.720 We find Timothy's mission and report. 00:14:53.480 --> 00:14:55.260 Timothy's mission and report. 00:14:55.800 --> 00:14:59.900 In the light of Paul's longing to hear about these Thessalonians. 00:15:00.420 --> 00:15:03.020 This young man Timothy is sent on a mission. 00:15:03.019 --> 00:15:07.819 It's perhaps important to remember that at this stage. 00:15:08.439 --> 00:15:11.559 Timothy isn't Paul's right hand man. 00:15:12.340 --> 00:15:17.100 This isn't the man who's journeyed with Paul for 20 years. 00:15:18.539 --> 00:15:20.699 He's still fairly new to the team here. 00:15:22.299 --> 00:15:25.559 He's only just joined before they went to Greece. 00:15:26.899 --> 00:15:30.279 And perhaps there was substantial risk in this scenario. 00:15:30.879 --> 00:15:31.759 Think about it with me. 00:15:31.759 --> 00:15:33.759 Timothy still young and inexperienced. 00:15:34.779 --> 00:15:39.039 Leaving Paul alone in Athens with no church. 00:15:39.200 --> 00:15:39.779 No haven. 00:15:40.179 --> 00:15:41.419 No support network. 00:15:41.819 --> 00:15:45.799 To go back to an area where they've been almost lynched twice. 00:15:47.340 --> 00:15:49.720 To hear from a group of new converts. 00:15:50.080 --> 00:15:54.159 That quite possibly have abandoned their newfound faith. 00:15:55.319 --> 00:15:58.100 Is it any wonder why Paul's concerned? 00:15:58.100 --> 00:16:00.100 There's risk here. 00:16:00.100 --> 00:16:00.580 There's risk here. 00:16:01.860 --> 00:16:04.960 But notice what Paul is thinking in all this. 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:08.159 Timothy's role wasn't just to go and be a spy. 00:16:08.320 --> 00:16:09.920 He wasn't just to gather information. 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:15.440 He was to strengthen and to encourage this young church. 00:16:15.440 --> 00:16:24.400 And especially to ensure that they would be resilient to affliction and suffering. 00:16:24.399 --> 00:16:28.159 Clearly when Paul was there the first time. 00:16:28.159 --> 00:16:32.240 He hadn't stood up with some sort of prosperity gospel. 00:16:32.559 --> 00:16:37.139 And left them to find out a hard way that the Christian life isn't easy. 00:16:38.279 --> 00:16:43.919 And notice verse 4 where Paul reminds them that they were forewarned by him. 00:16:43.919 --> 00:16:47.500 Paul saw the trouble coming. 00:16:48.000 --> 00:16:49.559 But he didn't shy away. 00:16:50.799 --> 00:16:53.699 And he taught them to expect trouble. 00:16:54.839 --> 00:16:56.539 But even with that teaching. 00:16:56.779 --> 00:16:58.500 Even with that foreknowledge. 00:16:58.860 --> 00:16:59.860 Paul was still worried. 00:17:01.099 --> 00:17:04.259 He was still worried that they would be tempted to leave the faith. 00:17:04.259 --> 00:17:12.299 Paul was still concerned that Satan who was evidently at work against Paul. 00:17:12.599 --> 00:17:15.059 In keeping him from returning to these people. 00:17:15.539 --> 00:17:21.519 That Satan would also be at work drawing the Thessalonian Christians away from the faith. 00:17:22.619 --> 00:17:25.240 Teasing them away with affliction. 00:17:25.420 --> 00:17:26.279 With persecution. 00:17:26.279 --> 00:17:33.139 And whether again that's just the actions of the society around them. 00:17:33.660 --> 00:17:37.160 The actions of the Jews who would have persecuted them and ostracized them. 00:17:37.619 --> 00:17:40.359 And the Gentiles who would probably have criminalized them. 00:17:40.859 --> 00:17:43.279 Or whether that's by another means we can't really tell. 00:17:44.579 --> 00:17:53.440 But we come to this idea that hardship is absolutely sure as Christians. 00:17:53.440 --> 00:17:57.600 And that's a hard reality for us. 00:17:59.100 --> 00:18:03.559 In modern Western Christianity we don't like to talk about afflictions. 00:18:03.620 --> 00:18:05.360 And the fact that they're bound to come our way. 00:18:06.940 --> 00:18:12.299 We often fall into the pattern of thinking that faith in Christ will make us comfortable and happy. 00:18:12.500 --> 00:18:15.720 Even if it's not the explicit belief on our foreheads. 00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:18.320 It's the thing that permeates our mind. 00:18:19.740 --> 00:18:23.220 And we forget that if we fully follow Jesus. 00:18:23.440 --> 00:18:25.980 We're going to be at odds with this world. 00:18:27.920 --> 00:18:31.380 We'll face the subtle discomfort of the staff room. 00:18:32.299 --> 00:18:35.740 The awkward silences when we walk into the office. 00:18:36.080 --> 00:18:38.660 The tough questions when we're out on site. 00:18:39.600 --> 00:18:40.920 Of course we will. 00:18:42.320 --> 00:18:43.740 Because we don't belong here. 00:18:45.120 --> 00:18:51.420 Our citizenship isn't of Scotland or of the UK or of Europe or even of this world. 00:18:51.420 --> 00:18:54.060 We're citizens of another kingdom. 00:18:54.060 --> 00:18:55.980 Of God's kingdom. 00:18:56.980 --> 00:18:58.800 And we don't belong here. 00:18:58.900 --> 00:19:00.039 And while we're here. 00:19:00.580 --> 00:19:01.820 As Peter puts it. 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:05.060 Strangers in exiles awaiting the return of our Lord. 00:19:06.100 --> 00:19:07.960 We need to be ready for it. 00:19:07.960 --> 00:19:12.100 Not that we should go and stand out like sore thumbs. 00:19:12.720 --> 00:19:16.620 Not that we should go around hoping for the little jibe. 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:18.759 So we can claim persecution. 00:19:19.319 --> 00:19:20.519 Oh I'm such a good Christian. 00:19:21.180 --> 00:19:24.120 Oh yeah someone gossiped about me behind my back. 00:19:24.220 --> 00:19:25.220 Oh I've been persecuted. 00:19:25.440 --> 00:19:26.579 I'm such a good Christian. 00:19:27.279 --> 00:19:27.559 No. 00:19:27.559 --> 00:19:35.460 But if we aren't prepared for the struggles of living among people who are fundamentally different to us. 00:19:35.700 --> 00:19:38.980 Who will fundamentally misunderstand us. 00:19:39.639 --> 00:19:41.419 Then we're never going to be stable. 00:19:42.099 --> 00:19:43.659 We're never going to be level headed. 00:19:44.839 --> 00:19:49.000 And we'll never be able to reach out with open arms and point them to our saviour. 00:19:51.339 --> 00:19:53.759 Paul was deeply worried about these Christians. 00:19:53.759 --> 00:19:57.339 But do you see the relief of verse 6? 00:19:58.559 --> 00:20:01.900 The tension and the anxiety of not knowing. 00:20:02.599 --> 00:20:06.500 It fades into the bliss of hearing good news. 00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:14.379 This is the only place in the Bible where the Greek word for good news is used for anything other than the gospel. 00:20:15.140 --> 00:20:17.220 That's how good a news this was. 00:20:18.859 --> 00:20:22.460 This was the best news that Paul could have heard. 00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:26.519 Timothy returned with a good report. 00:20:27.599 --> 00:20:28.660 These guys faith. 00:20:29.279 --> 00:20:30.480 It's in good steading. 00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:33.579 Their love is still growing and abounding. 00:20:34.119 --> 00:20:35.640 They still remember you Paul. 00:20:36.039 --> 00:20:38.460 They remember us fondly when we were there. 00:20:39.599 --> 00:20:44.519 And they still hope that you'll be able to come back to them again in the future. 00:20:45.119 --> 00:20:49.440 It seems as if their hearts have been tuned to the same music. 00:20:49.440 --> 00:20:52.180 Though they are still apart. 00:20:52.180 --> 00:20:55.059 They move to the same beat of faith. 00:20:55.580 --> 00:20:57.860 They resonate with the same love. 00:20:59.640 --> 00:21:03.160 And God has been exceptionally gracious to this little church. 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:08.759 Keeping them and growing them even as their apostles being forced away from them. 00:21:08.759 --> 00:21:13.819 And so we see that Paul's delight and desire for the Thessalonians. 00:21:14.099 --> 00:21:18.480 It's been vindicated in Timothy's mission and in his report. 00:21:19.259 --> 00:21:23.079 And now we come to the third and the final section of our passage. 00:21:23.700 --> 00:21:26.220 Paul's encouragement and prayer. 00:21:26.220 --> 00:21:30.380 The report that Timothy brought. 00:21:30.480 --> 00:21:32.120 It wasn't just good news. 00:21:32.980 --> 00:21:36.259 It wasn't one of those texts that I received from my mother. 00:21:36.600 --> 00:21:40.519 Whenever they get home safely after having just seen us. 00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:41.819 Home safe. 00:21:42.140 --> 00:21:42.759 Good night. 00:21:43.579 --> 00:21:46.720 They drive hundreds of miles without me ever seeing them. 00:21:46.799 --> 00:21:48.079 And I never get the text. 00:21:48.240 --> 00:21:49.600 But when they've left me. 00:21:49.600 --> 00:21:52.299 They seem to have this need to send the text. 00:21:52.700 --> 00:21:53.299 Home safe. 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:53.940 Good night. 00:21:53.940 --> 00:21:57.900 These reports of the Thessalonians. 00:21:59.059 --> 00:22:01.259 Their attitudes and faith. 00:22:02.160 --> 00:22:06.880 They were in turn an encouragement to the apostle and his team. 00:22:07.480 --> 00:22:09.559 It wasn't just positive news. 00:22:09.640 --> 00:22:11.160 It was encouraging. 00:22:12.259 --> 00:22:15.600 It's not that the Thessalonians have been undergoing hardship. 00:22:15.600 --> 00:22:19.580 While Paul enjoys a little cruise through the Greek islands. 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:25.220 He and his companions have themselves been in distress and affliction. 00:22:26.379 --> 00:22:31.039 And now they're being comforted through the faith of this church in Thessalonica. 00:22:32.500 --> 00:22:34.159 Paul and his fellow workers. 00:22:34.339 --> 00:22:35.240 They're not robots. 00:22:36.299 --> 00:22:42.699 So often we think of Paul as this machine who just kept on going and ignored everything around him. 00:22:42.700 --> 00:22:44.840 But it's not true. 00:22:46.360 --> 00:22:49.279 He couldn't go on without a bit of encouragement. 00:22:50.420 --> 00:22:52.519 And nor are the staff and the elders here. 00:22:53.299 --> 00:23:00.980 It's not that they can keep pouring themselves out for the gospel without some sign of God's grace in their lives. 00:23:01.539 --> 00:23:03.460 And in the lives of their hearers. 00:23:03.460 --> 00:23:06.740 And here are the Thessalonians. 00:23:06.740 --> 00:23:12.440 And they're so able to spur Paul on to keep going. 00:23:13.259 --> 00:23:15.240 Their word has been profitable. 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:18.480 When Paul preached it wasn't a waste of time. 00:23:18.920 --> 00:23:20.480 Even in Thessalonica. 00:23:20.660 --> 00:23:22.500 Even with the riots. 00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:24.420 Even with the malice of the people. 00:23:25.319 --> 00:23:27.880 So despite the hardships of where Paul is now. 00:23:28.120 --> 00:23:30.620 Probably Corinth where he's writing this letter from. 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:32.819 He can keep on going. 00:23:33.460 --> 00:23:35.779 Knowing that God is able to keep. 00:23:36.519 --> 00:23:39.279 Knowing that God is able to work in every situation. 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:44.200 Knowing that the call to go into Europe wasn't a mistake or a misunderstanding. 00:23:45.579 --> 00:23:48.220 But that God was faithfully working. 00:23:48.600 --> 00:23:54.200 And nothing would stop him from fulfilling his divine will. 00:23:55.940 --> 00:24:02.960 Paul's encouragement moves him to then pray in continual thanksgiving. 00:24:02.960 --> 00:24:05.480 Do you notice his words? 00:24:05.620 --> 00:24:08.120 It's almost as if he's failing for words. 00:24:08.480 --> 00:24:13.600 As he thinks of the overwhelming joy that he has for them. 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:17.519 We see Paul here as a deeply emotional man. 00:24:18.640 --> 00:24:21.000 He's continually praising God. 00:24:21.940 --> 00:24:25.400 Longing that God would open up a way for them to see each other again. 00:24:25.400 --> 00:24:31.019 And for Paul to be able to teach them and train them more fully in the faith. 00:24:31.019 --> 00:24:37.299 This is a wonderful snapshot of how deeply Paul felt for these Christians. 00:24:37.299 --> 00:24:40.339 And both how thankful he was to God. 00:24:40.559 --> 00:24:46.559 As well as how dependent he was to God for his work in their situation. 00:24:46.559 --> 00:24:53.200 And so now Paul transitions into the next formal prayer in his letter. 00:24:53.619 --> 00:24:56.639 And this is going to move our letter into the next section. 00:24:57.619 --> 00:25:03.159 We ought to notice that there are three main prayer requests in this little prayer at the end of chapter 3. 00:25:04.019 --> 00:25:06.419 And the first is that they would see each other. 00:25:06.420 --> 00:25:12.259 We just can't get away from the fact that Paul wants to see this church again. 00:25:12.620 --> 00:25:14.259 It's his overwhelming desire. 00:25:14.380 --> 00:25:16.060 He keeps coming back to it. 00:25:16.600 --> 00:25:18.900 But he knows that only God can make it happen. 00:25:19.800 --> 00:25:21.640 And then he prays for two other things. 00:25:21.820 --> 00:25:26.039 And these are going to get picked up as two topics next week. 00:25:26.340 --> 00:25:28.680 When Luca takes us through the next section. 00:25:28.680 --> 00:25:34.039 But the two topics are for their love and for their holiness. 00:25:36.600 --> 00:25:39.140 Though they already love one another. 00:25:40.320 --> 00:25:45.759 Paul is hoping and praying that God will grow their love. 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:50.460 Not only within the church but beyond the church walls as well. 00:25:52.620 --> 00:25:57.000 That their love would attain to how Paul loves them. 00:25:58.680 --> 00:26:02.279 But to disagree with the Beatles as dangerous as that is. 00:26:02.640 --> 00:26:04.299 Love isn't all you need. 00:26:05.519 --> 00:26:10.180 Paul also longs that the Christians in Thessalonica would be holy. 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:14.500 That when Christ returns they'll be found blameless. 00:26:15.080 --> 00:26:17.480 That's a high bar for these Christians. 00:26:19.279 --> 00:26:22.240 And as we come to the end of our text here this evening. 00:26:23.080 --> 00:26:26.519 I wonder how is our love and our holiness. 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:34.500 I wonder are our prayers marked by a desire to love more and to be more holy. 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:39.019 Are these our two overwhelming desires? 00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:43.339 To be pure before God. 00:26:43.700 --> 00:26:47.319 And to care more deeply for our brothers and sisters. 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:51.039 When we read Paul's words here. 00:26:51.099 --> 00:26:53.839 They don't seem to be optional extras for the super spiritual. 00:26:54.839 --> 00:26:59.599 They're Paul's desire for all Christians as they mature in the faith. 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:04.639 And again here's one of these places where it cuts to the heart. 00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:08.779 Because so often these aren't on the top of our wish lists. 00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:12.439 These aren't the things that we have at the top of the prayer journal. 00:27:12.440 --> 00:27:17.480 My deepest desire for myself and the Christians around me. 00:27:18.920 --> 00:27:22.840 Most days it is not a growth in holiness and love. 00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:26.519 Most days it's about better circumstances. 00:27:27.240 --> 00:27:28.860 It's about better health. 00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:30.900 It's about better family relationships. 00:27:31.980 --> 00:27:34.740 Maybe it's about better devotional times. 00:27:34.740 --> 00:27:39.859 But Paul's prayer is for their depth of love. 00:27:40.380 --> 00:27:42.660 And for their strength and holiness. 00:27:44.460 --> 00:27:51.220 And as we think about these folk that Paul has been worried about for so long. 00:27:51.940 --> 00:27:56.579 He's been yearning to see them and to hear about them. 00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:59.880 He still desperately wishes to see them again. 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:02.440 He delights in them. 00:28:02.440 --> 00:28:05.120 He's been encouraged by them. 00:28:07.320 --> 00:28:10.000 And when we read this prayer at the end. 00:28:10.180 --> 00:28:15.299 Surely we can't think that Paul was praying some little safe prayer for them. 00:28:16.299 --> 00:28:18.559 This is the height that you get to. 00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:20.900 This is the top of the mountain. 00:28:22.480 --> 00:28:25.140 And so just as we finish here. 00:28:25.500 --> 00:28:27.640 Just before I hand back over to Fiona. 00:28:27.640 --> 00:28:31.300 I wonder can we take three or four minutes. 00:28:31.880 --> 00:28:34.259 Just to silently reflect. 00:28:35.560 --> 00:28:37.200 And after we take those moments. 00:28:37.540 --> 00:28:39.840 I'll pray to finish this section. 00:28:40.000 --> 00:28:41.640 And then Fiona and... 00:28:41.640 --> 00:28:44.480 Sorry Melissa. 00:28:45.320 --> 00:28:49.160 Fiona and Melissa can come and finish our service for us. 00:28:49.160 --> 00:28:50.840 But as we pray now. 00:28:50.900 --> 00:28:52.460 Let's pray boldly. 00:28:52.640 --> 00:28:55.019 That we would abound in love. 00:28:55.160 --> 00:28:58.080 That we would be strengthened in our faith. 00:28:58.720 --> 00:29:00.460 So that we would be holy. 00:29:00.779 --> 00:29:03.220 And await our Lord's return. 00:29:04.080 --> 00:29:06.460 These are high callings for our lives. 00:29:06.540 --> 00:29:07.400 And so let's pray. 00:29:08.400 --> 00:29:08.920 Together. 00:29:08.920 --> 00:29:09.040 Together. 00:29:09.040 --> 00:29:09.100 Together. 00:29:09.100 --> 00:29:09.120 Together. 00:29:09.120 --> 00:29:09.160 Together. 00:29:09.160 --> 00:29:09.180 Together. 00:29:09.180 --> 00:29:09.200 Together. 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:11.200 Together. 00:29:11.200 --> 00:29:13.259 Together. 00:29:13.259 --> 00:29:13.279 Together. 00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:13.320 Together. 00:29:13.320 --> 00:29:17.320 Together. 00:29:17.319 --> 00:29:17.500 Together. 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:18.879 Together. 00:29:18.879 --> 00:29:19.259 Together. 00:29:19.259 --> 00:29:19.379 Now. 00:29:19.379 --> 00:29:19.779 Together. 00:29:19.779 --> 00:29:21.359 Together. 00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:21.819 Together. 00:29:21.899 --> 00:29:21.980 Together. 00:29:21.980 --> 00:29:23.819 Together. 00:29:23.819 --> 00:29:24.480 Together. 00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:24.980 Together. 00:29:25.539 --> 00:29:25.720 Together. 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:25.939 � 00:29:37.839 --> 00:29:38.939 89. 00:29:38.939 --> 00:29:40.799 RJ 4 Avicosen. 00:29:40.799 --> 00:29:45.099 Lord. 00:29:45.099 --> 00:29:46.259 Together. 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:47.259 chutney. 00:29:47.259 --> 00:29:49.960 not only for you, but for each other. 00:29:51.980 --> 00:29:58.299 It is the one mark that Jesus used to distinguish us 00:29:58.299 --> 00:30:00.759 from all the people in the world around us. 00:30:01.799 --> 00:30:08.180 And so we pray, would you cause our love to abound for each other more and more? 00:30:09.779 --> 00:30:14.500 And would we become known as a people who love each other, 00:30:14.500 --> 00:30:23.019 who love you and who are flat out passionate for all that you have for us? 00:30:24.900 --> 00:30:36.019 And Lord, we're so aware that love in this world sense can be so misinterpreted. 00:30:36.740 --> 00:30:41.660 And so we pray, Lord, that you would be growing us and strengthening us in holiness. 00:30:41.660 --> 00:30:46.220 That you would be showing us how to live. 00:30:47.220 --> 00:30:51.560 That you would be teaching us to say no to sin and yes to you. 00:30:52.540 --> 00:30:56.160 And that we would be strongly following after you. 00:30:56.620 --> 00:31:01.900 Striving, as Paul strived, to finish the race well. 00:31:02.120 --> 00:31:05.360 To complete what you set before him. 00:31:05.359 --> 00:31:16.479 Father, these are high things. 00:31:17.919 --> 00:31:22.959 And no amount of effort on our own basis can achieve them. 00:31:23.039 --> 00:31:26.579 And yet we are utterly sure of your grace. 00:31:26.579 --> 00:31:29.799 And we know your power. 00:31:31.119 --> 00:31:33.859 We just saw this morning your eternity. 00:31:35.299 --> 00:31:38.679 And we pray, Lord, this evening that you would come. 00:31:39.659 --> 00:31:42.139 And that you would align our hearts with yours. 00:31:43.139 --> 00:31:45.759 And that we would follow hard after you. 00:31:46.439 --> 00:31:50.279 Not just today, not just this week, but for the rest of our lives. 00:31:50.279 --> 00:31:53.259 Knowing your power at work in our lives. 00:31:55.259 --> 00:31:57.079 Lord God, help us, we pray. 00:31:58.759 --> 00:32:00.059 In Jesus' name. 00:32:00.819 --> 00:32:01.180 Amen.