WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.400 If anybody would like a pen to take notes, if you've got paper with you, thanks Yelena. 00:00:07.259 --> 00:00:09.900 Yelena has some pens there, so they'll be passed round. 00:00:11.359 --> 00:00:19.719 So we're reading from 1 Thessalonians chapter 2, it's on page 1187, as we continue on our 00:00:19.719 --> 00:00:21.859 series through this book. 00:00:21.859 --> 00:00:29.759 And I'll read it and then invite Alex up and I'll pray for him and we can hear God's 00:00:29.759 --> 00:00:30.100 words. 00:00:30.299 --> 00:00:32.420 So let's read together then. 00:00:32.640 --> 00:00:39.879 1 Thessalonians chapter 2, starting at verse 17, on page 1187. 00:00:47.179 --> 00:00:50.179 Let's hear God's word to us. 00:00:52.519 --> 00:00:59.079 But brothers and sisters, when we were torn away from you for a short time, in person, 00:00:59.320 --> 00:01:05.680 not in thought, out of our intense longing, we made every effort to see you. 00:01:06.180 --> 00:01:08.079 For we wanted to come to you. 00:01:08.640 --> 00:01:13.719 Certainly I, Paul, did again and again, but Satan stopped us. 00:01:14.480 --> 00:01:20.680 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our 00:01:20.680 --> 00:01:22.440 Lord Jesus Christ when he comes? 00:01:23.300 --> 00:01:24.200 Is it not you? 00:01:25.220 --> 00:01:27.720 Indeed, you are our glory and joy. 00:01:28.780 --> 00:01:34.540 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 00:01:34.540 --> 00:01:42.260 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker, in spreading the gospel of Christ 00:01:42.260 --> 00:01:50.939 to strengthen and encourage you in your faith so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. 00:01:50.939 --> 00:01:54.980 You know quite well that we were destined for them. 00:01:55.759 --> 00:02:00.599 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. 00:02:01.599 --> 00:02:04.259 And it turned out that way, as you well know. 00:02:04.260 --> 00:02:12.039 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. 00:02:12.759 --> 00:02:20.140 I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. 00:02:21.759 --> 00:02:30.840 Alex, I don't think you need an introduction, so I'm just going to pray for you. 00:02:30.840 --> 00:02:34.840 Let's pray. 00:02:36.420 --> 00:02:41.120 Our Father God, we thank you again for the opportunity to hear your word. 00:02:42.699 --> 00:02:47.740 Thank you for those who you have gifted and enabled to speak it. 00:02:48.580 --> 00:02:54.560 We pray for Alex now that he might know the strengthening of your Holy Spirit. 00:02:54.560 --> 00:03:03.120 We pray that you would help him to communicate clearly and that he would be resting in you. 00:03:04.219 --> 00:03:09.599 And we pray for ourselves that we would be hearing what you are saying, 00:03:10.520 --> 00:03:16.520 being changed, being transformed, and ultimately being encouraged and strengthened. 00:03:16.520 --> 00:03:21.480 We pray this in Jesus' name for his glory. 00:03:22.800 --> 00:03:23.200 Amen. 00:03:25.200 --> 00:03:25.960 Thanks, Johnny. 00:03:32.340 --> 00:03:35.760 Well, it's still good morning, so good morning, everyone. 00:03:35.759 --> 00:04:05.739 Thank you. 00:04:05.740 --> 00:04:06.740 Thank you. 00:04:06.740 --> 00:04:35.720 Thank you. 00:04:35.720 --> 00:04:43.360 and Dad. Well, my first term in college, this says dear Mum and Dad, well my first term 00:04:43.360 --> 00:04:47.900 of college has gone fairly well. Life up here in the city is a bit different from home, 00:04:48.380 --> 00:04:54.200 but I'm adjusting well and settling in now. The course itself is so different from the 00:04:54.200 --> 00:05:00.240 Leaving Cert, but at least it's what I want to be studying, I think. Although I do hope 00:05:00.240 --> 00:05:05.700 it'll get a bit more practical next year. There's a good hockey club up here, and I 00:05:05.699 --> 00:05:10.800 have made one of the teams, and so I'm making friends through that and getting exercise 00:05:10.800 --> 00:05:16.060 other than the five-mile cycle commute every day. We won our first few league matches earlier 00:05:16.060 --> 00:05:21.219 in the season, but we've started to drag our heels a bit now. I think the social aspect 00:05:21.219 --> 00:05:26.399 is affecting some of the performances. Well, that's the news for now. I hope you're 00:05:26.399 --> 00:05:30.719 all well at home and the cat hasn't eaten the dog yet. I'll be back for Christmas in 00:05:30.719 --> 00:05:34.019 a couple of weeks after these exams. Much love, your son. 00:05:35.699 --> 00:05:43.180 That's a standard letter home from college. A child touching base with his parents after 00:05:43.180 --> 00:05:52.939 leaving the big bad world of third-level education, where we learn more than just our course material. 00:05:52.939 --> 00:06:00.420 There's nothing standoutish about this letter. The boy is alive. He's adjusting to the faster pace 00:06:00.420 --> 00:06:07.740 of life. Study is okay. He's socializing a bit. Although we're not 100% sure how involved he is in the 00:06:07.740 --> 00:06:14.060 socializing that is affecting the hockey team's performances. And he's getting exercise. So as parents, 00:06:14.060 --> 00:06:21.620 are we glad to get this letter? Or email? Yes, we are. But there's still so much that's unknown. 00:06:22.379 --> 00:06:28.579 We don't know if he's eating properly, sleeping properly, making all his lectures, managing his 00:06:28.579 --> 00:06:33.879 finances properly. And if we are Christians today, if we are followers of the Lord Jesus, 00:06:33.879 --> 00:06:40.759 then we would also like to hear that he is doing well in his faith. That he has found a good Bible 00:06:40.759 --> 00:06:47.540 teaching church to go to. That he has met other believers on campus, and he is praying for 00:06:47.540 --> 00:06:54.680 opportunities to share his faith with his classmates, housemates, and teammates. We would want to know that 00:06:54.680 --> 00:07:01.459 when faced with the busyness of life in the city, the distractions and temptations of university life, 00:07:01.459 --> 00:07:08.459 and the freedom of living away from his parents, that he would still love the Lord. Pursue him, 00:07:08.939 --> 00:07:16.419 and grow in the faith, in his faith in the Lord Jesus. There is a PS, but that'll come at the end 00:07:16.419 --> 00:07:24.060 of the letter, as all good letters do. So today our passage is 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 verses 17 00:07:24.060 --> 00:07:30.479 through to chapter 3 verse 5. If you want to keep your finger in that, we'll be referring to it a lot. 00:07:30.480 --> 00:07:35.920 And Paul here is writing to his dear friends, who he loves. 00:07:38.420 --> 00:07:45.319 He is pained to be separated from them. We know this because he talks about it, being torn from them, 00:07:45.840 --> 00:07:49.460 and his intense longing to see them there in 17 and 18. 00:07:49.459 --> 00:07:57.639 This pain, however, is not so much for their welfare, and him wanting their company. No. 00:07:58.339 --> 00:08:06.099 He wants, verse 2 of chapter 3, he wants to strengthen and encourage them in their faith. 00:08:06.740 --> 00:08:11.740 And that's what we're going to be spending this morning looking at. Strengthening and encouraging 00:08:11.740 --> 00:08:19.400 them in their faith. This is Paul's desire for the church in Thessalonica, and I believe that that is 00:08:19.400 --> 00:08:26.100 his desire for this church in Cargilline too. That we would be strengthened and encouraged in the faith. 00:08:26.600 --> 00:08:31.639 Why? Well, he goes on to explain. So that no one would be unsettled by these trials. 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:35.360 And later on we'll be looking a little bit more at those trials. 00:08:36.779 --> 00:08:41.740 But imagine back to the letter for a second. If there had been no letter home by the student 00:08:41.740 --> 00:08:48.399 having just left for the big city. There was no homing pigeon sent with news. There was no herald 00:08:48.399 --> 00:08:55.179 ordered to announce his news of survival. A parent would be concerned to hear from him 00:08:55.179 --> 00:09:00.839 and how he was getting on. And back in the time of Paul's writing it was no different. 00:09:01.779 --> 00:09:09.979 Paul had had to leave Thessalonica unwillingly, and so now at the time of writing he hasn't heard 00:09:09.979 --> 00:09:18.620 from them and is concerned. Such is his concern that he is prepared to send Timothy to find out 00:09:18.620 --> 00:09:22.819 how they are and to strengthen and encourage them in their faith. 00:09:22.820 --> 00:09:30.400 He commends Timothy in his introduction as our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading 00:09:30.400 --> 00:09:37.220 the gospel of Christ. Timothy was only a young fellow at the time, so he may not have been 00:09:37.220 --> 00:09:42.980 taken seriously when he arrived there on his own. So perhaps this was Paul's way of breaking down 00:09:42.980 --> 00:09:49.240 any barriers there might have been so that the believers there would accept Timothy. But what a 00:09:49.240 --> 00:09:57.659 commendation he sends Timothy off with. God's fellow worker. Timothy is working with God to spread the 00:09:57.659 --> 00:10:04.840 gospel of Christ, which means both initial evangelism and also the nurture of the church. 00:10:05.960 --> 00:10:14.700 So we're going to look at those two things now. Evangelism. It's the introducing people to the 00:10:14.700 --> 00:10:22.460 person of Christ, telling them why he came, died and rose again from the dead. And the reason Timothy 00:10:22.460 --> 00:10:29.080 is sent to continue the work started by Paul of introducing people to Christ. Carraghlein, 00:10:29.620 --> 00:10:35.520 our estate, Heronswood, Cork, the workplace, the world. We all need to hear this good news too, 00:10:35.519 --> 00:10:44.519 that Jesus Christ entered the world to offer us forgiveness from our rebellion against God and to 00:10:44.519 --> 00:10:51.519 offer us hope for today and for the forever future. We all need to hear this every day. Let's remind 00:10:51.519 --> 00:10:56.519 ourselves, each other, our families about this every day. We need to hear that good news daily. 00:10:58.279 --> 00:11:04.519 And Timothy was also sent to nurture. The Oxford English Dictionary describes nurture as 00:11:04.519 --> 00:11:12.679 to care for and protect someone or something while they are growing. And this is also why Timothy was sent, 00:11:12.679 --> 00:11:21.439 to help grow in knowledge and love of Christ. These young Christians in Thessalonica were in danger of 00:11:21.439 --> 00:11:29.960 the tempter. We hear about the tempter there in verse 5. 00:11:29.960 --> 00:11:39.420 So these young Christians in Thessalonica were in danger of the tempter leading them astray. 00:11:40.120 --> 00:11:44.420 They were also young in their faith, so they needed to be cared for and protected. 00:11:46.120 --> 00:11:51.759 As a parent will anticipate the dangers that threaten their child, so too Paul anticipates the 00:11:51.759 --> 00:11:57.060 dangers lying ahead for his children in Thessalonica and sends Timothy to protect them. 00:11:57.059 --> 00:12:04.919 How does he do this? With the gospel. By encouraging them in their faith, he is discipling them, 00:12:05.559 --> 00:12:12.219 speaking the truth into their lives so that the tempter wouldn't deceive them with false promises 00:12:12.219 --> 00:12:20.500 of an easy life. This is absolutely key to this letter because Paul is getting to the very heart of 00:12:20.500 --> 00:12:30.059 the church. He doesn't say, oh, I heard you need a new praise time leader, or the rota has a few gaps in it, 00:12:30.220 --> 00:12:35.840 or you need help with the kids and the youth program. So I'm sending Timothy to help out a bit. Slot him in 00:12:35.840 --> 00:12:44.899 wherever you think is helpful. No, he is sending Timothy whose key purpose in life is all about spreading the 00:12:44.899 --> 00:12:54.679 gospel of Christ. To strengthen and encourage them and us in their faith. That's where Paul's priorities 00:12:54.679 --> 00:13:01.600 are for this church in Thessalonica, and I believe here in Cargilline too. Their faith and making it work 00:13:01.600 --> 00:13:09.639 out practically and encouraging them in it. Why is Paul so concerned about their faith? Have they not 00:13:09.639 --> 00:13:15.279 already heard the gospel of Christ? Been told of their need of a savior? Been encouraged to live a 00:13:15.279 --> 00:13:22.220 repentant life? Yes, they have. But faith is not a one-off. It's not a decision you make once and then 00:13:22.220 --> 00:13:27.740 carry on your life unaffected, but safely knowing that you will go to heaven when you die. He tells us 00:13:27.740 --> 00:13:34.740 in verse 3 of chapter 3, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. 00:13:34.740 --> 00:13:43.700 We heard last week from Tom when he was speaking about these trials that they faced. And we know 00:13:43.700 --> 00:13:51.740 too from our own life's experiences that trials do come. To both believers and those who don't believe, 00:13:52.600 --> 00:14:02.180 life is hard. So trials are not a surprise. And Paul continues in verse 4 by saying that he had told 00:14:02.179 --> 00:14:11.279 them to expect to suffer and even to suffer for their faith. I'm sure Paul had often thought it would be 00:14:11.279 --> 00:14:19.459 much easier not to follow Christ, to go along with the crowd and live an easy, stress-free life as a tent maker. 00:14:20.500 --> 00:14:26.899 Especially when he remembers back to his time before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, which we learn 00:14:26.899 --> 00:14:33.100 about in Acts 9 when he used to viciously persecute Christians himself. That was a much better life. 00:14:36.100 --> 00:14:43.019 Life as a Christian is not easy. We always seem to be rowing against the tide or fighting an uphill battle. 00:14:44.179 --> 00:14:48.340 And that is why Paul is so concerned for these Christians in Thessalonica, 00:14:48.340 --> 00:14:55.220 because he knows how real the tempter is and how good he is at manipulating us into giving up 00:14:55.220 --> 00:14:57.700 or rebelling against God's rule. 00:14:59.700 --> 00:15:02.240 Paul loves these believers like a parent. 00:15:03.100 --> 00:15:07.360 And so nothing is more important to him than their following Christ. 00:15:07.740 --> 00:15:13.040 And he wants to do everything that he can to ensure that they are not blown off course 00:15:13.039 --> 00:15:15.719 by the tempter, by Satan. 00:15:16.939 --> 00:15:21.099 Satan has already thwarted Paul's own plans to go and visit them. 00:15:21.919 --> 00:15:23.819 Chapter 2, verse 18 says, 00:15:24.659 --> 00:15:28.099 For we wanted to come to you. Certainly I, Paul, did again and again. 00:15:28.740 --> 00:15:29.959 But Satan stopped us. 00:15:30.860 --> 00:15:32.599 So, here we have an illustration. 00:15:32.600 --> 00:15:43.180 Here we have two big bookends. 00:15:44.680 --> 00:15:46.680 Both being satanic opposition. 00:15:47.379 --> 00:15:49.460 They nearly look satanic if you look at them closely. 00:15:51.720 --> 00:15:53.639 But they are satanic opposition. 00:15:54.300 --> 00:15:58.540 In verse 18, Satan is preventing Paul from visiting the church. 00:15:58.539 --> 00:16:06.199 And in verses 3 and 4, Satan is trying to cast doubts in the minds of the Christians, 00:16:06.579 --> 00:16:07.699 to unsettle them. 00:16:08.819 --> 00:16:13.620 Satan's biggest weapon is to prevent the spreading of the gospel of Christ. 00:16:14.679 --> 00:16:18.179 So it shouldn't be a surprise to Paul or to us 00:16:18.179 --> 00:16:22.399 when trials or opposition or persecution comes. 00:16:22.399 --> 00:16:29.059 It stands to reason, therefore, 00:16:29.259 --> 00:16:32.679 that the best way to thwart Satan's plans 00:16:32.679 --> 00:16:34.759 is the spread of the gospel. 00:16:36.159 --> 00:16:37.399 And so... 00:16:37.399 --> 00:16:48.399 And so... 00:16:48.399 --> 00:16:51.639 In between these two bookends of opposition 00:16:51.639 --> 00:16:53.500 is the good news. 00:16:54.259 --> 00:16:54.779 The gospel. 00:16:55.819 --> 00:16:56.939 Brought by Timothy. 00:16:57.819 --> 00:16:58.779 Sent by Paul. 00:16:59.500 --> 00:17:02.259 To strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians 00:17:02.259 --> 00:17:03.600 in their faith. 00:17:05.579 --> 00:17:07.819 Here in Carragalline, or even in Ireland, 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:11.259 as a church, we are very unlikely to face vicious persecution 00:17:11.259 --> 00:17:14.619 like our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. 00:17:15.819 --> 00:17:18.339 However, Satan is still at work. 00:17:19.360 --> 00:17:22.600 Casting doubts in our mind about God's sovereignty. 00:17:23.700 --> 00:17:26.740 Causing us to think about giving up on faith. 00:17:27.740 --> 00:17:30.900 Or even just causing us to be so comfortable in our life 00:17:30.900 --> 00:17:34.620 that we start to think our lives are pretty good without God. 00:17:34.980 --> 00:17:36.680 And there's no need to change anything. 00:17:37.060 --> 00:17:39.180 Or let God disrupt our comfort. 00:17:41.280 --> 00:17:43.180 So how can you be a Timothy? 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:44.820 How can I be a Timothy? 00:17:44.819 --> 00:17:47.039 If Satan is still at work, 00:17:47.259 --> 00:17:50.220 how can we strengthen and encourage each other? 00:17:51.220 --> 00:17:53.159 Well, how does Timothy do it to the Thessalonians? 00:17:54.740 --> 00:17:55.579 Verse 2. 00:17:56.879 --> 00:17:58.500 He shares the gospel of Christ. 00:17:58.500 --> 00:18:05.160 So, when we meet for coffee during the week, 00:18:05.660 --> 00:18:09.779 we should be speaking of the good news of the forgiveness of sins. 00:18:09.779 --> 00:18:14.039 The freedom that life in Christ gives us. 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:18.539 When we meet up during the week for a one-to-one Bible study, 00:18:18.779 --> 00:18:20.839 and I encourage us all to do that if we can. 00:18:20.839 --> 00:18:23.019 Or when we meet at Polo, 00:18:23.819 --> 00:18:25.159 we should study the Bible. 00:18:26.199 --> 00:18:27.980 Letting it mould and shape us. 00:18:29.139 --> 00:18:33.019 We should be praying its truths into each other's lives. 00:18:34.019 --> 00:18:37.659 Challenging each other as to how we read it 00:18:37.659 --> 00:18:39.419 is affecting us in our lives. 00:18:39.420 --> 00:18:42.720 The more we hear of the gospel, 00:18:43.380 --> 00:18:44.920 the more we start to think it 00:18:44.920 --> 00:18:46.920 and let it affect how we think, 00:18:47.420 --> 00:18:48.420 how we make decisions, 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:50.420 how we react to situations. 00:18:51.039 --> 00:18:53.640 We should be making these times a priority in our week 00:18:53.640 --> 00:18:56.960 so that we can strengthen and encourage each other 00:18:56.960 --> 00:18:58.600 in the faith 00:18:58.600 --> 00:19:02.220 and therefore be strengthened and encouraged ourselves. 00:19:02.220 --> 00:19:10.740 Maybe you feel more like a Thessalonian 00:19:10.740 --> 00:19:12.620 and you need encouragement. 00:19:13.339 --> 00:19:14.600 I think we all are. 00:19:15.740 --> 00:19:17.400 When we meet at Growth Group, 00:19:17.600 --> 00:19:18.900 there is a great opportunity 00:19:18.900 --> 00:19:20.779 to share with each other 00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:22.240 how we are really doing. 00:19:23.100 --> 00:19:24.740 Where we can be vulnerable with each other 00:19:24.740 --> 00:19:26.440 and say how we struggle 00:19:26.440 --> 00:19:29.079 and pray for each other through those struggles. 00:19:30.600 --> 00:19:32.120 When we chat over coffee, 00:19:32.220 --> 00:19:34.799 at half time during our Sunday morning service, 00:19:35.360 --> 00:19:36.779 do we really need to find out 00:19:36.779 --> 00:19:38.579 the score in the football match the night before? 00:19:39.579 --> 00:19:42.200 Or how long the kids slept for last night? 00:19:42.920 --> 00:19:44.980 Yes, it's important to share life with each other, 00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:46.480 even the small details. 00:19:47.140 --> 00:19:49.120 But when else is there an opportunity 00:19:49.120 --> 00:19:50.319 during the week to ask, 00:19:50.880 --> 00:19:51.779 how is your faith? 00:19:53.579 --> 00:19:55.519 How are you doing with God these days? 00:19:56.539 --> 00:19:58.019 Johnny's always encouraging us 00:19:58.019 --> 00:19:59.039 on a Sunday morning 00:19:59.039 --> 00:20:01.120 to make the most of that time in our service. 00:20:01.119 --> 00:20:03.759 And here we see the Bible saying the same thing. 00:20:03.759 --> 00:20:08.900 Paul's deepest desire 00:20:08.900 --> 00:20:13.359 was for the spiritual welfare of these believers. 00:20:14.640 --> 00:20:17.240 So much so that he sent his right-hand man, Timothy, 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:19.079 with the express purpose 00:20:19.079 --> 00:20:21.680 to strengthen and encourage them. 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:27.400 When I was thinking this through in my own life, 00:20:27.560 --> 00:20:30.160 I was really challenged and rebuked 00:20:30.160 --> 00:20:32.039 that I don't feel this way. 00:20:32.740 --> 00:20:35.200 I said goodbye to the Crusader kids back in May, 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:36.460 and to be honest, 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:37.759 I haven't given much thought 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:39.880 to their faith since. 00:20:41.180 --> 00:20:43.080 I'm delighted to talk to many of you 00:20:43.080 --> 00:20:43.900 on a Sunday morning, 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:45.380 but once Monday morning comes, 00:20:45.799 --> 00:20:47.259 I go into autopilot again, 00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:49.559 thinking about my work 00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:51.059 and my little life. 00:20:55.119 --> 00:20:58.940 Is my or our deepest desire 00:20:58.940 --> 00:21:00.640 for the faith of others? 00:21:00.640 --> 00:21:04.460 Do we love to hear 00:21:04.460 --> 00:21:06.080 how each other is really doing? 00:21:08.340 --> 00:21:09.580 Every time research 00:21:09.580 --> 00:21:11.360 seems to be carried out 00:21:11.360 --> 00:21:12.360 and people are asked 00:21:12.360 --> 00:21:14.060 towards the end of their lives, 00:21:14.400 --> 00:21:16.300 what do you regret most in life? 00:21:17.280 --> 00:21:18.320 Nobody ever says 00:21:18.320 --> 00:21:20.140 they wish they had spent more time working. 00:21:20.700 --> 00:21:21.880 Nearly everyone says 00:21:21.880 --> 00:21:23.860 they wish they had spent more time 00:21:23.860 --> 00:21:24.520 with their family. 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:27.339 It seems to be that our kids 00:21:27.339 --> 00:21:29.079 and our relationships 00:21:29.079 --> 00:21:30.599 with people 00:21:30.599 --> 00:21:32.740 are the things that give us 00:21:32.740 --> 00:21:34.099 most pleasure and pride. 00:21:35.500 --> 00:21:37.039 And so it is here with Paul 00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:38.099 and the Thessalonians. 00:21:38.859 --> 00:21:40.359 What an endorsement he gives them. 00:21:40.660 --> 00:21:41.299 Verse 19. 00:21:42.460 --> 00:21:43.599 For what is our hope, 00:21:44.119 --> 00:21:45.200 our joy, 00:21:45.660 --> 00:21:46.720 or the crown 00:21:46.720 --> 00:21:48.139 in which we will glory 00:21:48.139 --> 00:21:50.420 in the presence of our Lord Jesus 00:21:50.420 --> 00:21:51.759 when he comes? 00:21:51.980 --> 00:21:52.819 Is it not you? 00:21:52.819 --> 00:21:54.599 Indeed you 00:21:54.599 --> 00:21:55.960 are our glory 00:21:55.960 --> 00:21:56.639 and our joy. 00:21:58.559 --> 00:21:59.859 You can see the pride 00:21:59.859 --> 00:22:00.759 that parents feel 00:22:00.759 --> 00:22:01.500 when their child 00:22:01.500 --> 00:22:02.599 takes their first step 00:22:02.599 --> 00:22:04.939 or says their first word. 00:22:05.339 --> 00:22:06.539 And that's how Paul feels 00:22:06.539 --> 00:22:07.439 about this church. 00:22:08.200 --> 00:22:09.139 He is so pleased 00:22:09.139 --> 00:22:10.000 to have met them, 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:11.700 to have taught them, 00:22:13.460 --> 00:22:14.899 and seen them come to faith, 00:22:15.559 --> 00:22:16.319 to know 00:22:16.319 --> 00:22:17.359 and to love them. 00:22:19.319 --> 00:22:21.139 Paul can almost imagine himself 00:22:21.139 --> 00:22:22.119 before the Lord 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:25.039 bringing the church with him 00:22:25.039 --> 00:22:26.619 as proof that he has been faithful 00:22:26.619 --> 00:22:28.239 in his calling as a missionary. 00:22:29.459 --> 00:22:30.979 His children or converts, 00:22:31.239 --> 00:22:32.539 those he introduced to Christ, 00:22:33.339 --> 00:22:34.639 were the source of his joy. 00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:36.619 Not because of anything 00:22:36.619 --> 00:22:38.019 Paul had done himself, 00:22:38.479 --> 00:22:39.819 but because of what Christ 00:22:39.819 --> 00:22:41.399 had done in the lives 00:22:41.399 --> 00:22:42.039 of these people. 00:22:43.479 --> 00:22:44.539 Paul pictures himself 00:22:44.539 --> 00:22:46.000 with the Thessalonians 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:47.359 on the final day of judgment, 00:22:47.759 --> 00:22:49.419 being presented to the Lord Jesus, 00:22:49.420 --> 00:22:52.060 and he desperately wants them 00:22:52.060 --> 00:22:52.500 to grow 00:22:52.500 --> 00:22:53.900 and to be encouraged 00:22:53.900 --> 00:22:54.720 and comforted 00:22:54.720 --> 00:22:56.120 in their difficult walk 00:22:56.120 --> 00:22:56.740 with the Lord 00:22:56.740 --> 00:22:58.740 so that they will be with him 00:22:58.740 --> 00:22:59.340 on that day. 00:23:01.019 --> 00:23:02.019 Do we have 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:03.720 that same desperation? 00:23:04.340 --> 00:23:05.460 Are we eager 00:23:05.460 --> 00:23:06.360 to see each other, 00:23:06.920 --> 00:23:07.900 the crusader kids 00:23:07.900 --> 00:23:08.440 that we know, 00:23:08.700 --> 00:23:09.400 our friends, 00:23:09.519 --> 00:23:10.039 our neighbours, 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:11.940 being presented 00:23:11.940 --> 00:23:12.820 before Christ 00:23:12.820 --> 00:23:13.880 when he comes again, 00:23:14.480 --> 00:23:15.660 standing beside us? 00:23:15.660 --> 00:23:17.840 Do we love each other enough 00:23:17.840 --> 00:23:19.759 to call each other 00:23:19.759 --> 00:23:20.960 our crowning glory? 00:23:24.460 --> 00:23:25.500 As I was thinking 00:23:25.500 --> 00:23:26.740 through this 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:27.259 during the week, 00:23:27.300 --> 00:23:27.880 I was struck 00:23:27.880 --> 00:23:29.519 by how often 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:30.320 we talk about 00:23:30.320 --> 00:23:32.000 how being a Christian 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:32.680 is all about 00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:33.940 a personal relationship 00:23:33.940 --> 00:23:35.140 with Jesus, 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:37.180 or the lovely romantic notion 00:23:37.180 --> 00:23:39.100 that if I was stranded 00:23:39.100 --> 00:23:40.160 on a desert island, 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:41.300 all I would need 00:23:41.300 --> 00:23:41.880 is the Bible 00:23:41.880 --> 00:23:42.779 and Jesus and I 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:43.300 would be happy 00:23:43.300 --> 00:23:44.140 on our own forever. 00:23:44.140 --> 00:23:45.780 Well, to be honest, 00:23:45.840 --> 00:23:46.759 that sounds quite miserable 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.140 to me. 00:23:48.800 --> 00:23:49.460 I'm not good 00:23:49.460 --> 00:23:50.160 in my own company. 00:23:50.580 --> 00:23:52.140 Chris left 00:23:52.140 --> 00:23:53.900 last week 00:23:53.900 --> 00:23:54.680 for a couple of days 00:23:54.680 --> 00:23:55.700 and it was a great opportunity 00:23:55.700 --> 00:23:57.040 to spend time 00:23:57.040 --> 00:23:57.640 preparing this, 00:23:57.700 --> 00:23:58.220 but to be honest, 00:23:58.259 --> 00:23:58.820 it was miserable. 00:24:03.180 --> 00:24:03.860 I'm not good 00:24:03.860 --> 00:24:04.480 in my own company. 00:24:05.060 --> 00:24:05.840 I need you. 00:24:07.300 --> 00:24:08.340 I need Christ 00:24:08.340 --> 00:24:10.140 working in my life 00:24:10.140 --> 00:24:11.540 through you, 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:12.100 the church. 00:24:14.140 --> 00:24:15.259 I know I am weak 00:24:15.259 --> 00:24:16.520 and likely 00:24:16.520 --> 00:24:17.200 to be tempted 00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:18.000 by a seemingly 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:19.020 easier life 00:24:19.020 --> 00:24:20.520 and without you, 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:22.480 then I would fail 00:24:22.480 --> 00:24:24.040 and I suspect 00:24:24.040 --> 00:24:25.420 that I'm not alone 00:24:25.420 --> 00:24:25.980 in that feeling. 00:24:27.259 --> 00:24:28.640 It is through the church 00:24:28.640 --> 00:24:30.200 and the gospel 00:24:30.200 --> 00:24:31.520 that God works 00:24:31.520 --> 00:24:32.380 in my life, 00:24:34.259 --> 00:24:34.680 strengthening 00:24:34.680 --> 00:24:36.020 and encouraging me 00:24:36.020 --> 00:24:36.940 in my faith. 00:24:36.940 --> 00:24:39.539 I love that 00:24:39.539 --> 00:24:40.580 on a Thursday night 00:24:40.580 --> 00:24:41.100 I can go out 00:24:41.100 --> 00:24:41.500 and I can get 00:24:41.500 --> 00:24:42.580 a kicking in my shins 00:24:42.580 --> 00:24:44.500 from the same people 00:24:44.500 --> 00:24:46.880 who comfort 00:24:46.880 --> 00:24:48.240 and pray for me 00:24:48.240 --> 00:24:48.860 the night before 00:24:48.860 --> 00:24:49.519 in growth group. 00:24:49.519 --> 00:24:54.799 P.S. 00:24:55.619 --> 00:24:56.240 Mum and Dad, 00:24:56.440 --> 00:24:57.299 I can't believe 00:24:57.299 --> 00:24:58.180 I almost forgot. 00:24:58.779 --> 00:24:59.539 In Freshers Week 00:24:59.539 --> 00:25:00.619 I joined the hockey club, 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:01.799 the skiing club, 00:25:02.139 --> 00:25:02.680 the friends of 00:25:02.680 --> 00:25:03.720 Star Wars Society, 00:25:03.960 --> 00:25:04.720 they call themselves 00:25:04.720 --> 00:25:05.559 the Jedi Sock, 00:25:06.339 --> 00:25:07.700 and the Christian Union. 00:25:09.299 --> 00:25:10.500 I am weakly 00:25:10.500 --> 00:25:12.700 hearing the Bible 00:25:12.700 --> 00:25:13.839 taught with passion. 00:25:13.839 --> 00:25:16.759 I am making friends 00:25:16.759 --> 00:25:17.419 with these people 00:25:17.419 --> 00:25:19.179 and I think these 00:25:19.179 --> 00:25:19.720 are going to be 00:25:19.720 --> 00:25:20.799 friendships for life. 00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:23.039 Some of them 00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:23.799 go to a church 00:25:23.799 --> 00:25:25.139 which is really close 00:25:25.139 --> 00:25:25.839 to where I'm living 00:25:25.839 --> 00:25:27.399 so we go there 00:25:27.399 --> 00:25:27.859 and hang out 00:25:27.859 --> 00:25:28.839 on a Sunday afternoon. 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:30.220 No longer 00:25:30.220 --> 00:25:31.179 am I the little guy 00:25:31.179 --> 00:25:32.759 who had to quietly 00:25:32.759 --> 00:25:33.539 read his Bible 00:25:33.539 --> 00:25:34.220 in the toilets 00:25:34.220 --> 00:25:35.059 of boarding school. 00:25:35.879 --> 00:25:36.799 Here I have people 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:37.579 to read it with 00:25:37.579 --> 00:25:39.339 and study it with 00:25:39.339 --> 00:25:40.480 out in the open. 00:25:41.199 --> 00:25:42.220 The Christian Union 00:25:42.220 --> 00:25:43.559 is helped by 00:25:43.559 --> 00:25:44.500 a society called 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:46.259 IFES Ireland 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:47.720 and they have 00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:48.359 a catchphrase 00:25:48.359 --> 00:25:49.720 people not projects. 00:25:50.339 --> 00:25:51.399 It puts our focus 00:25:51.399 --> 00:25:52.039 on each other, 00:25:52.619 --> 00:25:53.460 our relationship 00:25:53.460 --> 00:25:54.259 with Christ 00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:55.480 and takes the focus 00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:56.899 off projects. 00:25:57.839 --> 00:25:58.480 I think that's 00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:58.980 a good motto 00:25:58.980 --> 00:25:59.559 for the life 00:25:59.559 --> 00:26:00.359 of the church too 00:26:00.359 --> 00:26:01.359 because without 00:26:01.359 --> 00:26:02.619 people loving each other 00:26:02.619 --> 00:26:03.639 as Christ loves 00:26:03.639 --> 00:26:04.220 the church 00:26:04.220 --> 00:26:05.539 then no project 00:26:05.539 --> 00:26:06.419 we take on 00:26:06.419 --> 00:26:07.220 can succeed. 00:26:08.659 --> 00:26:09.480 So mum and dad 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:10.139 life is good 00:26:10.139 --> 00:26:10.679 at the moment 00:26:10.679 --> 00:26:11.659 but I know 00:26:11.659 --> 00:26:12.619 that when it gets tough 00:26:12.619 --> 00:26:14.199 these same people 00:26:14.199 --> 00:26:15.159 will still be there 00:26:15.159 --> 00:26:16.779 encouraging me 00:26:16.779 --> 00:26:17.759 and reminding me 00:26:17.759 --> 00:26:19.239 of the risen Lord 00:26:19.239 --> 00:26:20.399 Jesus who loves me. 00:26:22.500 --> 00:26:23.399 That letter 00:26:23.399 --> 00:26:25.379 although written 00:26:25.379 --> 00:26:25.959 last week 00:26:25.959 --> 00:26:26.979 as I prepared this 00:26:26.979 --> 00:26:27.919 could have been 00:26:27.919 --> 00:26:29.139 written 14 years ago 00:26:29.139 --> 00:26:30.779 when I started 00:26:30.779 --> 00:26:31.259 college 00:26:31.259 --> 00:26:31.839 in Dublin. 00:26:32.839 --> 00:26:33.819 I was a baby 00:26:33.819 --> 00:26:34.299 Christian 00:26:34.299 --> 00:26:35.599 although I had been 00:26:35.599 --> 00:26:35.979 a believer 00:26:35.979 --> 00:26:36.819 for a few years 00:26:36.819 --> 00:26:37.539 at that stage 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:38.619 and going to the 00:26:38.619 --> 00:26:39.099 big city 00:26:39.099 --> 00:26:40.639 I could have 00:26:40.639 --> 00:26:41.279 easily fallen 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:42.139 into the traps 00:26:42.139 --> 00:26:43.219 and pitfalls 00:26:43.219 --> 00:26:44.199 of student life. 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:46.279 Thankfully 00:26:46.279 --> 00:26:47.039 I got involved 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:47.599 in the Christian 00:26:47.599 --> 00:26:47.939 Union 00:26:47.939 --> 00:26:49.199 I got involved 00:26:49.199 --> 00:26:50.000 in a small group 00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:51.119 with five lads 00:26:51.119 --> 00:26:52.259 and we met 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:53.039 weekly to study 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:53.459 the Bible. 00:26:54.559 --> 00:26:55.319 Four of us 00:26:55.319 --> 00:26:56.379 are still great friends 00:26:56.379 --> 00:26:57.679 and are still 00:26:57.679 --> 00:26:58.619 walking with the Lord 00:26:58.619 --> 00:27:00.659 and one sadly 00:27:00.659 --> 00:27:01.240 was caught 00:27:01.240 --> 00:27:01.919 by the tempter 00:27:01.919 --> 00:27:03.039 and is following 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:03.899 the way of the world. 00:27:04.699 --> 00:27:05.599 But we met 00:27:05.599 --> 00:27:06.079 regularly 00:27:06.079 --> 00:27:07.220 and study 00:27:07.220 --> 00:27:07.699 the Bible 00:27:07.699 --> 00:27:09.639 and encourage 00:27:09.639 --> 00:27:10.139 each other 00:27:10.139 --> 00:27:10.859 in our faith. 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:12.960 That continues 00:27:12.960 --> 00:27:13.339 today 00:27:13.339 --> 00:27:14.460 when we see 00:27:14.460 --> 00:27:14.859 each other 00:27:14.859 --> 00:27:15.980 but it has 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:16.720 to be intentional. 00:27:17.839 --> 00:27:18.639 It's not natural 00:27:18.639 --> 00:27:19.539 to go up to someone 00:27:19.539 --> 00:27:20.299 and ask them 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:21.220 how their faith is 00:27:21.220 --> 00:27:22.419 or how are you 00:27:22.419 --> 00:27:23.000 doing with God 00:27:23.000 --> 00:27:23.519 these days. 00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:25.119 It doesn't flow 00:27:25.119 --> 00:27:25.500 easily 00:27:25.500 --> 00:27:27.119 but it is 00:27:27.119 --> 00:27:28.039 so important 00:27:28.039 --> 00:27:29.799 that that is 00:27:29.799 --> 00:27:30.379 why Timothy 00:27:30.379 --> 00:27:30.859 was sent 00:27:30.859 --> 00:27:31.460 by Paul. 00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:35.559 As I finish 00:27:35.559 --> 00:27:36.299 it's helpful 00:27:36.299 --> 00:27:37.440 to recap first 00:27:37.440 --> 00:27:38.000 and then 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:38.740 to look forward. 00:27:39.639 --> 00:27:40.379 As a church 00:27:40.379 --> 00:27:42.679 we need to be 00:27:42.679 --> 00:27:43.200 strengthening 00:27:43.200 --> 00:27:44.200 and encouraging 00:27:44.200 --> 00:27:44.759 each other 00:27:44.759 --> 00:27:45.659 in our faith 00:27:45.659 --> 00:27:48.019 at every opportunity. 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:50.279 If we don't 00:27:50.279 --> 00:27:51.480 the tempter 00:27:51.480 --> 00:27:52.399 will deceive us 00:27:52.399 --> 00:27:53.500 and coax us 00:27:53.500 --> 00:27:54.159 away from 00:27:54.159 --> 00:27:54.819 the Lord Jesus. 00:27:56.039 --> 00:27:57.079 We strengthen 00:27:57.079 --> 00:27:57.759 and encourage 00:27:57.759 --> 00:27:58.240 each other 00:27:58.240 --> 00:27:59.299 with 00:27:59.299 --> 00:28:00.899 the gospel. 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:04.339 Reminding ourselves 00:28:04.339 --> 00:28:05.419 that without Christ 00:28:05.420 --> 00:28:06.539 we are without 00:28:06.539 --> 00:28:06.920 hope 00:28:06.920 --> 00:28:08.440 and that with 00:28:08.440 --> 00:28:08.680 him 00:28:08.680 --> 00:28:09.920 we are 00:28:09.920 --> 00:28:10.820 promised life 00:28:10.820 --> 00:28:12.220 and fullness 00:28:12.220 --> 00:28:12.820 of life. 00:28:15.140 --> 00:28:16.180 So if you ask 00:28:16.180 --> 00:28:16.480 me 00:28:16.480 --> 00:28:17.580 how my faith 00:28:17.580 --> 00:28:17.840 is 00:28:17.840 --> 00:28:19.660 or how am I 00:28:19.660 --> 00:28:20.300 doing with God 00:28:20.300 --> 00:28:20.860 these days 00:28:20.860 --> 00:28:22.600 maybe you'll 00:28:22.600 --> 00:28:23.200 ask me later 00:28:23.200 --> 00:28:24.500 or maybe you'll 00:28:24.500 --> 00:28:25.039 ask the person 00:28:25.039 --> 00:28:25.880 sitting beside you 00:28:25.880 --> 00:28:26.340 or maybe you'll 00:28:26.340 --> 00:28:27.039 ask your spouse 00:28:27.039 --> 00:28:27.640 or your friend 00:28:27.640 --> 00:28:28.900 when you see them. 00:28:29.660 --> 00:28:30.400 But from this 00:28:30.400 --> 00:28:30.900 passage 00:28:30.900 --> 00:28:32.779 faith is described 00:28:32.779 --> 00:28:34.440 as an awareness 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:36.099 of the pitfalls 00:28:36.099 --> 00:28:37.440 Satan puts 00:28:37.440 --> 00:28:37.940 in our way 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:39.619 but the resolve 00:28:39.619 --> 00:28:40.279 to spread 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:40.799 the gospel 00:28:40.799 --> 00:28:41.559 of Christ 00:28:41.559 --> 00:28:43.399 to ourselves 00:28:43.399 --> 00:28:44.899 to strengthen 00:28:44.899 --> 00:28:45.519 each other 00:28:45.519 --> 00:28:47.200 and encourage 00:28:47.200 --> 00:28:47.700 each other 00:28:47.700 --> 00:28:49.220 so that we 00:28:49.220 --> 00:28:49.779 would all 00:28:49.779 --> 00:28:50.440 be presented 00:28:50.440 --> 00:28:50.940 together 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:52.720 before Christ 00:28:52.720 --> 00:28:53.660 when he 00:28:53.660 --> 00:28:54.279 comes again. 00:28:55.559 --> 00:28:55.980 That 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:56.799 would be 00:28:56.799 --> 00:28:57.519 our crowning 00:28:57.519 --> 00:28:57.879 glory. 00:28:58.819 --> 00:28:59.119 That 00:28:59.119 --> 00:29:00.319 would be 00:29:00.319 --> 00:29:00.779 our legacy. 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:03.799 Let's pray. 00:29:08.539 --> 00:29:09.419 Father God 00:29:09.419 --> 00:29:11.399 thank you 00:29:11.399 --> 00:29:11.939 that you 00:29:11.939 --> 00:29:12.679 loved us 00:29:12.679 --> 00:29:13.019 enough 00:29:13.019 --> 00:29:13.579 to send 00:29:13.579 --> 00:29:13.919 Jesus 00:29:13.919 --> 00:29:15.519 to comfort 00:29:15.519 --> 00:29:15.899 us 00:29:15.899 --> 00:29:16.279 and to 00:29:16.279 --> 00:29:16.720 strengthen 00:29:16.720 --> 00:29:17.159 us. 00:29:19.339 --> 00:29:20.099 Thanks too 00:29:20.099 --> 00:29:20.480 for each 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:20.679 other 00:29:20.679 --> 00:29:21.099 for this 00:29:21.099 --> 00:29:21.519 church 00:29:21.519 --> 00:29:23.200 for the 00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:23.619 love and 00:29:23.619 --> 00:29:24.119 concern 00:29:24.119 --> 00:29:24.740 that there 00:29:24.740 --> 00:29:25.139 is in 00:29:25.139 --> 00:29:25.399 this 00:29:25.399 --> 00:29:25.799 church 00:29:25.799 --> 00:29:26.279 for each 00:29:26.279 --> 00:29:26.500 other. 00:29:28.079 --> 00:29:28.859 Please help 00:29:28.859 --> 00:29:29.240 us to do 00:29:29.240 --> 00:29:29.759 this more 00:29:29.759 --> 00:29:30.599 to be 00:29:30.599 --> 00:29:31.119 intentional 00:29:31.119 --> 00:29:31.619 in our 00:29:31.619 --> 00:29:32.279 conversations 00:29:32.279 --> 00:29:33.539 encouraging 00:29:33.539 --> 00:29:33.980 each other 00:29:33.980 --> 00:29:34.660 and strengthening 00:29:34.660 --> 00:29:35.240 each other 00:29:35.240 --> 00:29:35.960 in our 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:36.299 faith. 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:39.240 Please help 00:29:39.240 --> 00:29:39.700 us to be 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:40.460 always pointing 00:29:40.460 --> 00:29:40.920 each other 00:29:40.920 --> 00:29:41.559 towards the 00:29:41.559 --> 00:29:42.799 gospel that 00:29:42.799 --> 00:29:43.400 saves us. 00:29:44.319 --> 00:29:45.019 Thank you 00:29:45.019 --> 00:29:45.379 for your 00:29:45.379 --> 00:29:46.420 spirit that 00:29:46.420 --> 00:29:47.119 is with us 00:29:47.119 --> 00:29:48.059 to help us 00:29:48.059 --> 00:29:48.539 do these 00:29:48.539 --> 00:29:49.460 things which 00:29:49.460 --> 00:29:50.119 can sometimes 00:29:50.119 --> 00:29:50.759 feel alien. 00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:52.900 And please 00:29:52.900 --> 00:29:53.299 help us 00:29:53.299 --> 00:29:54.640 to as we 00:29:54.640 --> 00:29:55.039 leave here 00:29:55.039 --> 00:29:55.559 today to 00:29:55.559 --> 00:29:55.980 have a 00:29:55.980 --> 00:29:57.079 desire to 00:29:57.079 --> 00:29:57.700 stand with 00:29:57.700 --> 00:29:58.099 each other 00:29:58.099 --> 00:29:58.480 on that 00:29:58.480 --> 00:29:59.140 final day 00:29:59.140 --> 00:30:00.480 presenting 00:30:00.480 --> 00:30:00.940 each other 00:30:00.940 --> 00:30:01.400 to you 00:30:01.400 --> 00:30:02.280 as your 00:30:02.280 --> 00:30:02.720 children. 00:30:03.740 --> 00:30:04.300 In 00:30:04.300 --> 00:30:04.940 Jesus name. 00:30:05.800 --> 00:30:06.180 Amen. 00:30:06.180 --> 00:30:06.240 Amen. 00:30:06.240 --> 00:30:36.220 Thank you.