WEBVTT 00:00:00.120 --> 00:00:12.359 Well, good evening folks, as has been mentioned, my name is Alistair, the privilege of being the assistant pastor here at Brunsfield and this evening it is my joy to be leading us through the first installment of 2nd Thessalonians. 00:00:12.439 --> 00:00:19.559 I have had a wonderful week in this text and I hope that as we study it together, you will be blessed as well. 00:00:19.559 --> 00:00:35.460 Now, according to the World Health Organization, an organization we've got to know a little bit more over the last few years, the official definition of health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. 00:00:36.519 --> 00:00:40.700 Now, maybe when you heard that, you thought, yeah, that's not me at all. 00:00:41.340 --> 00:00:43.759 Health isn't always easy to gauge, is it? 00:00:43.759 --> 00:00:53.439 And by such a broad definition, it's actually really hard and it's really difficult to gauge our own health as people who maybe aren't medically trained. 00:00:54.640 --> 00:01:05.400 And so the website Business Insider spoke to doctors and dieticians and asked them what are some of the general signs to indicate someone is in good health. 00:01:05.400 --> 00:01:07.939 Here are just a couple of the things they came up with. 00:01:08.060 --> 00:01:12.420 Number one, you eat when you're hungry and you stop when you're full. 00:01:12.420 --> 00:01:17.280 Number two, you can make it up two flights of stairs and feel pretty good. 00:01:17.780 --> 00:01:21.200 Three, you embrace your full range of emotions. 00:01:22.019 --> 00:01:24.980 Four, you can wake up without an alarm clock. 00:01:25.640 --> 00:01:29.560 And five, you have all the energy to do all the things you want to do. 00:01:30.799 --> 00:01:33.599 Now, if you're like me, you look at that list and you laugh. 00:01:35.000 --> 00:01:40.140 But joking aside, we can tell, generally speaking, can't we, when our bodies aren't healthy. 00:01:40.140 --> 00:01:46.439 We can feel when things aren't right and we see markers of when we need to think about going to the doctor. 00:01:46.799 --> 00:01:50.140 There are signs of what a healthy body looks like. 00:01:50.960 --> 00:01:57.280 Well, the same is true for the church, which is described in the Bible as the body of Christ, the body of believers. 00:01:57.280 --> 00:02:03.299 So while the church is different from a physical body, in many ways, there are some similarities. 00:02:04.200 --> 00:02:11.500 The body has many parts that each work in unison to help you walk and talk and go about your day-to-day lives. 00:02:12.099 --> 00:02:14.139 Each part has its role to play. 00:02:15.340 --> 00:02:17.199 And the same is true for the church, isn't it? 00:02:17.759 --> 00:02:25.599 Each member of the global and local body of Christ has their own part to play and their own gifts given to them by God. 00:02:25.599 --> 00:02:30.919 And like our bodies, there are signs of what a healthy church looks like. 00:02:31.919 --> 00:02:34.579 In our passage this evening, that's what we're coming to. 00:02:34.659 --> 00:02:38.719 We see four different signs of a healthy church. 00:02:39.459 --> 00:02:47.299 As we go through this passage together, I want us to think about whether this is the kind of local church we are striving to be. 00:02:47.300 --> 00:02:55.719 And whether this is the kind of church culture that we are trying to cultivate as individual members of this church. 00:02:56.920 --> 00:03:01.300 But before we dive into the specifics of the first five verses of 2 Thessalonians, 00:03:02.000 --> 00:03:06.620 we need to take a bit of a step back and think about the context of this book. 00:03:06.620 --> 00:03:13.120 So whenever you come to any book of the Bible, we need to ask ourselves at least three questions. 00:03:13.980 --> 00:03:14.819 Who wrote the book? 00:03:15.539 --> 00:03:17.099 Who was it written to? 00:03:17.500 --> 00:03:20.719 And what was the context of the first audience? 00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:29.960 So if you have 2 Thessalonians open in front of you, you'll see from verse 1 that the authors of this letter are Paul, Silas and Timothy. 00:03:30.580 --> 00:03:32.420 Paul being the main author. 00:03:32.419 --> 00:03:40.779 And they're writing this letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, just at the top left of that map on the screen. 00:03:41.939 --> 00:03:49.939 This was one of the largest cities in the northern part of modern day Greece, Macedonia at the time. 00:03:50.779 --> 00:03:55.659 And we get to know the context of Thessalonica from Acts chapter 17. 00:03:55.939 --> 00:03:58.659 Now you don't need to turn there, but I'll read a few verses. 00:03:58.659 --> 00:04:03.379 Paul and Silas were there and they had quite a successful time. 00:04:03.520 --> 00:04:05.900 Acts 17 verses 2 to 4 say this. 00:04:06.500 --> 00:04:09.180 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue. 00:04:10.259 --> 00:04:13.939 And on three Sabbath days, he reasoned with them from the scriptures, 00:04:14.680 --> 00:04:19.379 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. 00:04:20.040 --> 00:04:23.560 This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah, he said. 00:04:23.560 --> 00:04:33.459 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. 00:04:34.780 --> 00:04:41.180 So Paul goes into Thessalonica and preaches Jesus in that city for three weeks. 00:04:41.180 --> 00:04:47.079 And within three weeks, a Christian community comes together, both Jews and Gentiles. 00:04:47.639 --> 00:04:53.960 People from different backgrounds, different worldviews, different cultures, different social classes, 00:04:54.160 --> 00:05:00.620 gathered as one community, united in their love for Jesus and their hope in the gospel. 00:05:00.620 --> 00:05:05.340 But a group of Jews were furious at the message of Jesus. 00:05:05.500 --> 00:05:10.860 And so they formed a mob and Paul with his companions were forced to leave Thessalonica. 00:05:12.160 --> 00:05:18.500 But you can take Paul out of Thessalonica, but you can't take the Thessalonians out of his heart. 00:05:19.360 --> 00:05:23.600 See, Paul longs to hear how this church is doing. 00:05:23.980 --> 00:05:25.579 And so he sends Timothy to them. 00:05:25.639 --> 00:05:28.240 We read about that in 1 Thessalonians chapter 3. 00:05:28.240 --> 00:05:36.519 Then he sends the letter of 1 Thessalonians, followed shortly after by 2 Thessalonians. 00:05:36.740 --> 00:05:38.240 So it was written by Paul. 00:05:39.000 --> 00:05:41.759 It was written to the Thessalonians. 00:05:42.060 --> 00:05:42.660 But why? 00:05:44.300 --> 00:05:48.180 Well, because this church was being attacked on two sides. 00:05:49.439 --> 00:05:51.480 One attack was coming from outside. 00:05:52.420 --> 00:05:56.540 These Christians were being persecuted by the world around them. 00:05:56.540 --> 00:06:03.980 It had become worse since Paul's first letter to them, just potentially as few as a few months earlier. 00:06:04.939 --> 00:06:07.439 Now they weren't just being shunned by society. 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:10.540 They weren't just being looked at with suspicion. 00:06:11.600 --> 00:06:16.100 The world around them was looking for ways to physically harm them. 00:06:16.100 --> 00:06:18.800 The persecution had amped up. 00:06:19.820 --> 00:06:23.700 Paul saw a glimpse of that himself in Acts 17, but it had only gotten worse. 00:06:24.280 --> 00:06:26.620 So that's one attack against them. 00:06:26.680 --> 00:06:30.879 But the second war front that they had was more subtle, but more dangerous. 00:06:31.820 --> 00:06:33.400 And it was coming from within. 00:06:34.379 --> 00:06:38.560 There were people in this church who were teaching lies about the second coming of Jesus 00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:42.079 and the timing of when and how it would all happen. 00:06:43.280 --> 00:06:46.899 These false teachers were making people doubt the truth, 00:06:47.899 --> 00:06:51.860 casting doubt on Paul's teaching and contradicting what he said. 00:06:51.959 --> 00:06:58.060 And so this whole letter is from the Apostle Paul, who loves these people dearly. 00:06:58.060 --> 00:07:02.939 And he's writing to encourage them, to remind them of truth, 00:07:03.439 --> 00:07:10.060 and to spur them on to continue growing in light of the return of Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior. 00:07:10.879 --> 00:07:12.480 So that's the letter as a whole. 00:07:13.720 --> 00:07:17.220 Why then does Paul start with four signs of a healthy church? 00:07:18.340 --> 00:07:23.100 Well, he is encouraging them that this is already happening amongst them, 00:07:23.100 --> 00:07:27.980 and he's helping them see that God is at work in their lives, 00:07:28.220 --> 00:07:30.660 even in all the difficulties they face. 00:07:32.420 --> 00:07:35.420 And so from these verses, we'll see what a healthy church looks like, 00:07:35.500 --> 00:07:41.120 and in turn, we should see the kind of church we should be striving to be at Brunsfield Evangelical. 00:07:42.120 --> 00:07:46.540 So the first mark of a healthy church is growing faith. 00:07:46.640 --> 00:07:48.240 Do you see that in verses one to three? 00:07:48.379 --> 00:07:49.660 Growing faith. 00:07:49.660 --> 00:07:55.200 Now Thessalonica was a strategically important city for the Roman Empire. 00:07:55.780 --> 00:08:00.560 It had a port on the Aegean Sea, and it was located on the Ignatian Road, 00:08:00.640 --> 00:08:03.820 a road that stretched just under 700 miles, 00:08:04.280 --> 00:08:07.780 connecting tons of little cities across the Roman Empire. 00:08:08.660 --> 00:08:14.420 So thousands, if not tens of thousands of sailors, travelers, immigrants, 00:08:14.420 --> 00:08:18.460 were making their way in and out of Thessalonica on a regular basis. 00:08:18.459 --> 00:08:24.560 Therefore, Thessalonica was a strategic place for gospel growth. 00:08:25.419 --> 00:08:29.959 And I think Paul and Silas and Timothy knew that if the gospel took root in that city, 00:08:30.479 --> 00:08:33.840 the potential for gospel growth would be amazing. 00:08:34.879 --> 00:08:36.240 And so Acts 17 happened. 00:08:37.500 --> 00:08:40.679 But then we turn to Paul's second letter to this church, 00:08:40.740 --> 00:08:43.059 and look how it begins with me in verse one. 00:08:43.059 --> 00:08:45.619 Paul, Silas, and Timothy, 00:08:45.619 --> 00:08:50.659 to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:08:51.239 --> 00:08:55.739 Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:08:57.119 --> 00:09:01.599 Now we can often skip over these initial verses of New Testament letters, 00:09:02.099 --> 00:09:06.759 but Paul starts by focusing on God. 00:09:06.759 --> 00:09:14.220 He's highlighting their connection as fellow believers who all have the shared privilege of calling God their Father. 00:09:16.019 --> 00:09:18.460 And he sends them a greeting with grace and peace. 00:09:18.620 --> 00:09:20.500 Grace given by God. 00:09:21.159 --> 00:09:24.600 That grace results in their relationship with God through Jesus, 00:09:25.080 --> 00:09:27.559 and peace is a result of that grace. 00:09:27.720 --> 00:09:29.120 Peace with God. 00:09:29.120 --> 00:09:35.560 This means that all Christians have been granted access into the family of God, 00:09:36.220 --> 00:09:37.060 his church. 00:09:37.159 --> 00:09:38.039 And as a family, 00:09:38.480 --> 00:09:39.539 we have one Father. 00:09:40.659 --> 00:09:42.200 The one who loves us, 00:09:42.500 --> 00:09:43.679 who brings us together, 00:09:43.899 --> 00:09:48.899 and encourages us to gather with one another and worship Jesus. 00:09:49.639 --> 00:09:51.200 Now if we miss this point, 00:09:51.840 --> 00:09:54.060 that the whole focus of this letter is God, 00:09:54.379 --> 00:09:55.019 and Jesus, 00:09:55.240 --> 00:09:55.860 and the gospel, 00:09:56.000 --> 00:09:57.139 then we miss the whole letter. 00:09:57.139 --> 00:09:59.460 Because this is the foundation. 00:09:59.679 --> 00:10:03.539 This is the wonderful union between God and his people through Jesus Christ. 00:10:03.819 --> 00:10:04.899 That is the focus. 00:10:06.220 --> 00:10:06.840 And from there, 00:10:06.919 --> 00:10:08.480 Paul goes on to encourage the church, 00:10:08.580 --> 00:10:08.960 doesn't he? 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:09.580 In verse 3, 00:10:09.679 --> 00:10:10.419 read that with me. 00:10:11.439 --> 00:10:13.379 We ought always to thank God for you, 00:10:13.779 --> 00:10:14.659 brothers and sisters, 00:10:14.799 --> 00:10:15.779 and rightly so, 00:10:16.139 --> 00:10:18.720 because your faith is growing more and more. 00:10:20.299 --> 00:10:21.279 Now at first glance, 00:10:21.360 --> 00:10:22.980 it seems that Paul is saying 00:10:22.980 --> 00:10:27.120 that he feels obliged to give thanks for the Thessalonians. 00:10:27.820 --> 00:10:29.300 But you get a sense that 00:10:29.300 --> 00:10:31.080 after all Paul has seen, 00:10:32.039 --> 00:10:35.019 he just can't help but thank God for them. 00:10:36.100 --> 00:10:37.039 It's like he's saying, 00:10:37.139 --> 00:10:39.600 I've heard the stories of the oppression you face. 00:10:39.940 --> 00:10:42.399 I know the things you go through every single day, 00:10:42.460 --> 00:10:44.360 and I cannot help but thank God 00:10:44.360 --> 00:10:46.500 because you are growing every single day. 00:10:46.500 --> 00:10:51.320 Imagine what an encouragement that would be to this church. 00:10:52.860 --> 00:10:54.460 Constantly coming under fire, 00:10:54.820 --> 00:10:56.799 being persecuted left, right and centre, 00:10:56.960 --> 00:10:59.179 probably wrestling with their doubts, 00:10:59.299 --> 00:11:00.360 maybe even thinking, 00:11:00.580 --> 00:11:02.519 is this really worth it? 00:11:03.980 --> 00:11:06.360 With temptations around every corner, 00:11:06.500 --> 00:11:07.700 constant pressures, 00:11:08.980 --> 00:11:10.639 doubting whether they could carry on, 00:11:10.639 --> 00:11:12.059 Paul says, 00:11:12.559 --> 00:11:15.059 we thank God because despite all of that, 00:11:15.439 --> 00:11:17.159 you are continuing to grow. 00:11:18.299 --> 00:11:20.639 And the growth isn't small either. 00:11:21.259 --> 00:11:23.740 They aren't like a flower that you've planted in the spring 00:11:23.740 --> 00:11:26.240 and you're unsure whether it's actually growing or not. 00:11:28.159 --> 00:11:30.179 Something often grows so slow 00:11:30.179 --> 00:11:31.419 that maybe if you're like me, 00:11:31.519 --> 00:11:33.199 you're either googling whether you've killed it 00:11:33.199 --> 00:11:34.759 or you're taking pictures to see 00:11:34.759 --> 00:11:36.220 if it's actually growing at all. 00:11:37.759 --> 00:11:39.700 But the ESV translates verse 3, 00:11:39.700 --> 00:11:41.040 it translates it a little bit better 00:11:41.040 --> 00:11:44.720 and says that the church's faith is growing abundantly. 00:11:46.020 --> 00:11:48.060 Their growth is like that of a little child. 00:11:48.200 --> 00:11:51.360 One day it's born tiny and defenceless. 00:11:51.920 --> 00:11:53.660 It can do nothing by itself. 00:11:54.879 --> 00:11:56.320 And yet within the blink of an eye, 00:11:56.580 --> 00:11:59.660 that wee boy or wee girl is running around like mad. 00:12:00.800 --> 00:12:02.900 Come into church after a Sunday morning service 00:12:02.900 --> 00:12:06.259 and you'll see kids running around playing together. 00:12:06.360 --> 00:12:08.440 It's wonderful to see and it's crazy 00:12:08.440 --> 00:12:10.620 because some of them weren't even born 00:12:10.620 --> 00:12:12.900 when we first came to this church five years ago. 00:12:13.580 --> 00:12:15.180 And now they're proper little children. 00:12:16.960 --> 00:12:19.580 That's like the faith of these Thessalonians. 00:12:20.300 --> 00:12:21.780 Despite their circumstances, 00:12:21.780 --> 00:12:23.700 they were growing in their faith. 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:27.080 And Paul is recognizing that God is at work 00:12:27.080 --> 00:12:28.360 in the lives of these Christians. 00:12:28.540 --> 00:12:30.260 Their growth isn't down to Paul. 00:12:30.700 --> 00:12:33.740 It isn't down to anything that he has done specially, 00:12:33.740 --> 00:12:36.240 but it is down to God and his work. 00:12:37.580 --> 00:12:39.360 One mark of a healthy church 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:41.379 is the growing of their faith. 00:12:42.940 --> 00:12:44.919 Can we say that about our church? 00:12:45.919 --> 00:12:48.539 Can we say that about ourselves as individuals? 00:12:50.779 --> 00:12:53.700 It's often really hard to see growth in the moment. 00:12:54.480 --> 00:12:56.240 But I would encourage each of you 00:12:56.240 --> 00:12:58.299 to think this evening when you get home, 00:12:58.299 --> 00:13:01.419 look back over the last three years of your lives. 00:13:02.799 --> 00:13:05.819 Do you notice a difference in your knowledge of God? 00:13:06.740 --> 00:13:08.339 In your love for him? 00:13:08.919 --> 00:13:12.399 In your trust and dependence on him every single day? 00:13:13.719 --> 00:13:16.799 Our desire as Christians should be to grow, 00:13:16.939 --> 00:13:18.939 to become more like Jesus every day. 00:13:19.019 --> 00:13:21.539 That is the work of the Spirit in our lives. 00:13:21.539 --> 00:13:24.439 But there are also things that we can do 00:13:24.439 --> 00:13:26.459 to help grow our faith. 00:13:27.179 --> 00:13:30.860 We can do simple things like reading our Bibles every day. 00:13:31.799 --> 00:13:33.639 Actually wrestling with the text, 00:13:33.699 --> 00:13:36.079 not just treating it like a tick box exercise 00:13:36.079 --> 00:13:39.259 or the daily reading plan done for the day. 00:13:40.539 --> 00:13:42.879 Reading God's word and trying to dive deep 00:13:42.879 --> 00:13:47.539 and understand more of what he wants to communicate to us. 00:13:47.539 --> 00:13:53.139 And marvel at the creator we have and how good he is. 00:13:54.179 --> 00:13:56.719 We can gather with our brothers and sisters at church, 00:13:56.819 --> 00:13:58.959 yes, on Sunday, but also throughout the week 00:13:58.959 --> 00:14:02.099 to read the Bible together and encourage one another. 00:14:02.659 --> 00:14:04.819 We can read good Christian materials 00:14:04.819 --> 00:14:08.079 that help us grow in our knowledge of God and the Bible. 00:14:09.419 --> 00:14:12.379 Now let me challenge us as a church and as individuals. 00:14:13.519 --> 00:14:15.759 Are we taking steps of faith? 00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:21.139 Trusting in God that he will provide everything we need? 00:14:21.779 --> 00:14:25.600 Are we growing in our faith or are we trusting in ourselves? 00:14:26.899 --> 00:14:31.039 Relying on God and trusting in his provision on a daily basis 00:14:31.039 --> 00:14:32.819 will help grow our faith. 00:14:34.460 --> 00:14:37.200 Now these are practical things that we can do to grow our faith, 00:14:37.319 --> 00:14:39.980 but the primary way our faith grows 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:42.620 is that we run to God in utter dependence 00:14:42.620 --> 00:14:46.460 and ask for him to constantly do a work in our lives. 00:14:47.740 --> 00:14:52.659 Our prayers should be that Jesus becomes more precious to us day by day 00:14:52.659 --> 00:14:55.440 and that we grow in his likeness 00:14:55.440 --> 00:14:58.620 and that the Holy Spirit would transform our hearts. 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:02.399 So the first sign of a healthy church 00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:05.279 is that they have growing faith. 00:15:05.279 --> 00:15:08.299 The second sign of a healthy church 00:15:08.299 --> 00:15:11.059 is increasing love in verse 3. 00:15:11.740 --> 00:15:12.839 Increasing love. 00:15:13.919 --> 00:15:16.399 Now put yourself in the situation of this church. 00:15:17.299 --> 00:15:21.720 Surrounded by danger, attacks coming from outside and within, 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:23.699 where would you find comfort? 00:15:23.700 --> 00:15:27.100 Yes, you find comfort in the gospel, 00:15:27.300 --> 00:15:30.060 the knowledge that Jesus lived the perfect life, 00:15:30.160 --> 00:15:33.000 that he died the death that we deserve on the cross, 00:15:33.040 --> 00:15:34.560 and that one day he's coming back. 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:38.200 That is the knowledge that spurs them on and grows their faith. 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:43.400 But they would also want comfort on the day-to-day 00:15:43.400 --> 00:15:44.980 as they gather with one another, wouldn't they? 00:15:46.920 --> 00:15:49.759 As they express their love for one another in church, 00:15:49.759 --> 00:15:52.420 they increase in their love for one another. 00:15:53.700 --> 00:15:56.060 Now maybe you've heard it said before 00:15:56.060 --> 00:15:58.140 that the church is a hospital for sinners, 00:15:58.340 --> 00:16:00.020 not a museum for saints. 00:16:01.240 --> 00:16:02.340 When you're ill, 00:16:03.160 --> 00:16:05.540 when you have wounds that need tending to, 00:16:05.660 --> 00:16:06.720 you go to the hospital, 00:16:06.980 --> 00:16:07.980 you go to a doctor, 00:16:08.900 --> 00:16:11.780 the people who are medically trained to care for your body. 00:16:13.460 --> 00:16:16.140 But where do you go when you're emotionally ruined? 00:16:17.640 --> 00:16:19.560 Who are the people you turn to 00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:21.180 when you're spiritually struggling? 00:16:21.179 --> 00:16:24.539 Who are the people you run to 00:16:24.539 --> 00:16:25.799 when you're at your wits end 00:16:25.799 --> 00:16:27.219 and you just need comfort? 00:16:29.459 --> 00:16:30.799 The answer, I hope, 00:16:31.419 --> 00:16:32.500 is the Lord's people. 00:16:33.919 --> 00:16:35.259 The church should be 00:16:35.259 --> 00:16:37.059 a loving community of believers 00:16:37.059 --> 00:16:39.339 who gather around you and care for you 00:16:39.339 --> 00:16:41.379 as they point you to Christ. 00:16:42.819 --> 00:16:43.919 Look at verse 3. 00:16:43.919 --> 00:16:46.299 We ought always to thank God 00:16:46.299 --> 00:16:47.539 for you, brothers and sisters, 00:16:47.659 --> 00:16:48.479 and rightly so, 00:16:48.599 --> 00:16:51.000 because your faith is growing more and more 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:53.079 and the love all of you have 00:16:53.079 --> 00:16:54.779 for one another is increasing. 00:16:56.659 --> 00:16:58.279 Now this was a church community 00:16:58.279 --> 00:16:59.879 who were different from each other, 00:17:00.479 --> 00:17:01.799 different backgrounds, 00:17:02.059 --> 00:17:03.319 different cultures, 00:17:03.519 --> 00:17:05.200 different day-to-day lives. 00:17:06.200 --> 00:17:07.920 And yet as they gathered together 00:17:07.920 --> 00:17:10.519 to celebrate the Lord, 00:17:10.819 --> 00:17:13.440 they grew in their love for one another. 00:17:13.920 --> 00:17:16.580 They grew in their care for one another. 00:17:18.400 --> 00:17:20.000 Now why is this love 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:21.300 that we have for each other 00:17:21.300 --> 00:17:23.860 so vital for the health of a local church? 00:17:24.420 --> 00:17:26.240 Well this is what Jesus says about love 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:28.800 in John 13, 34-35. 00:17:29.340 --> 00:17:31.460 A new command I give you, 00:17:31.600 --> 00:17:32.420 love one another. 00:17:33.259 --> 00:17:34.440 As I have loved you, 00:17:34.560 --> 00:17:36.160 so you must love one another. 00:17:36.519 --> 00:17:38.360 By this everyone will know 00:17:38.360 --> 00:17:39.560 that you are my disciples 00:17:39.560 --> 00:17:41.580 if you love one another. 00:17:41.579 --> 00:17:47.039 Jesus shows us how faith and love work together. 00:17:48.059 --> 00:17:50.039 Faith is our response to the gospel, 00:17:50.179 --> 00:17:52.199 our response to Jesus' invitation 00:17:52.199 --> 00:17:53.639 to become his disciples 00:17:53.639 --> 00:17:55.759 and to follow him. 00:17:56.099 --> 00:17:58.419 And love is the proof that our faith is real. 00:18:00.359 --> 00:18:02.079 Love is faith worked out 00:18:02.079 --> 00:18:04.179 in the day-to-day of the Christian life. 00:18:04.180 --> 00:18:07.039 Now I don't think it's a coincidence 00:18:07.039 --> 00:18:09.120 that so many people have been drawn 00:18:09.120 --> 00:18:11.299 to see the good news of Jesus 00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:13.080 as beautiful and true 00:18:13.080 --> 00:18:15.380 because they've seen disciples 00:18:15.380 --> 00:18:16.380 loving one another. 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:19.519 Or they've been recipients 00:18:19.519 --> 00:18:22.440 of the sacrificial love of people 00:18:22.440 --> 00:18:24.940 born out of their faith in Christ. 00:18:25.660 --> 00:18:28.200 An example of this is Rosaria Butterfield. 00:18:28.340 --> 00:18:30.060 She's a well-known Christian writer 00:18:30.059 --> 00:18:33.440 and speaks a lot about Jesus today. 00:18:34.480 --> 00:18:36.200 But she was previously lost 00:18:36.200 --> 00:18:38.359 and tangled up in all the things 00:18:38.359 --> 00:18:39.759 that this world has to offer. 00:18:41.579 --> 00:18:43.839 And the thing that started her journey of faith 00:18:43.839 --> 00:18:47.339 was simply that an older Christian couple 00:18:47.339 --> 00:18:49.579 invited her round for dinner. 00:18:50.159 --> 00:18:52.279 They showed her consistent love 00:18:52.279 --> 00:18:53.980 and started reading the Bible 00:18:53.980 --> 00:18:55.179 with her after meals 00:18:55.180 --> 00:18:57.000 and answering questions. 00:18:57.880 --> 00:18:59.279 What changes the lives 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:02.279 of so many broken, hurting people today 00:19:02.279 --> 00:19:04.940 as they walk through the doors of churches 00:19:04.940 --> 00:19:07.519 and as they walk into homes of Christians? 00:19:08.700 --> 00:19:10.279 Well, it's the fact that they receive 00:19:10.279 --> 00:19:12.100 a loving, warm welcome 00:19:12.100 --> 00:19:15.140 and that they are pointed to the only place 00:19:15.140 --> 00:19:16.880 where true and lasting hope is found 00:19:16.880 --> 00:19:18.039 in Jesus Christ. 00:19:20.279 --> 00:19:22.779 Is that the kind of church that we are? 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:24.899 We are constantly increasing 00:19:24.899 --> 00:19:26.940 in our love for one another. 00:19:27.960 --> 00:19:28.700 Now, I must say 00:19:28.700 --> 00:19:30.539 that a lot of this does happen 00:19:30.539 --> 00:19:32.799 and often it goes on behind the scenes. 00:19:33.639 --> 00:19:35.480 Sabina and I have personally experienced 00:19:35.480 --> 00:19:36.559 the love of this church, 00:19:36.599 --> 00:19:37.960 which is one of the reasons 00:19:37.960 --> 00:19:39.000 we're finding it so hard 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:41.440 that we're leaving in a couple of months. 00:19:43.460 --> 00:19:44.160 When one of the... 00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:46.940 We can't become comfortable 00:19:46.940 --> 00:19:48.519 where we are in our love. 00:19:48.920 --> 00:19:51.460 We need to constantly grow. 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:53.460 We should be striving to increase 00:19:54.079 --> 00:19:55.620 our love for one another. 00:19:55.740 --> 00:19:57.019 So let me challenge us. 00:19:57.819 --> 00:19:59.000 What does this look like 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.860 on a Sunday morning? 00:20:01.259 --> 00:20:03.100 Are we the people who sit in the pew 00:20:03.100 --> 00:20:05.460 expecting to be part of a loving family 00:20:05.980 --> 00:20:09.640 but arrive late and leave early? 00:20:11.720 --> 00:20:14.200 Or we maybe only come to church 00:20:14.200 --> 00:20:15.120 every couple of months 00:20:15.120 --> 00:20:15.900 when it's convenient. 00:20:15.900 --> 00:20:20.140 Also think about how active you are 00:20:20.140 --> 00:20:21.259 in increasing your love 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:22.240 for the whole church. 00:20:22.600 --> 00:20:23.160 On a Sunday, 00:20:23.280 --> 00:20:24.780 it's so easy to sit in the pew 00:20:24.780 --> 00:20:25.580 and do nothing, 00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:26.620 speak to no one. 00:20:27.340 --> 00:20:29.259 Expect others to come to us 00:20:29.259 --> 00:20:30.720 instead of us going to them. 00:20:32.540 --> 00:20:34.360 And think about who we speak to on Sundays. 00:20:34.460 --> 00:20:35.800 Do we go towards those 00:20:35.800 --> 00:20:37.140 who are only like us 00:20:37.140 --> 00:20:38.400 or do we go to everyone? 00:20:38.400 --> 00:20:41.840 We should be intentionally 00:20:41.840 --> 00:20:43.100 approaching people 00:20:43.100 --> 00:20:44.860 of different ages and stages 00:20:44.860 --> 00:20:47.440 as an expression of our love 00:20:47.440 --> 00:20:48.900 for the whole church family. 00:20:50.019 --> 00:20:51.440 That is how we grow, 00:20:51.840 --> 00:20:53.460 we increase in our love 00:20:53.460 --> 00:20:54.280 for one another. 00:20:56.040 --> 00:20:57.800 And I think we need to think honestly. 00:20:58.880 --> 00:21:00.660 How confident are we 00:21:00.660 --> 00:21:02.420 that as a church family, 00:21:02.420 --> 00:21:04.440 if someone were in trouble 00:21:04.440 --> 00:21:06.480 or if they were stuck 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:07.340 in a situation, 00:21:07.519 --> 00:21:08.720 how comfortable would they be 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:10.180 to approach us as a church 00:21:10.180 --> 00:21:11.400 and ask for help? 00:21:13.840 --> 00:21:15.120 How do we react 00:21:15.120 --> 00:21:17.200 to those who come to us 00:21:17.200 --> 00:21:18.580 who are struggling in life? 00:21:20.100 --> 00:21:21.220 To be a church 00:21:21.220 --> 00:21:22.559 that is increasing in love, 00:21:22.640 --> 00:21:23.759 we need to pray more 00:21:23.759 --> 00:21:25.360 for the people of our church. 00:21:25.799 --> 00:21:26.840 Invest time in getting 00:21:26.840 --> 00:21:28.080 to know those around us, 00:21:28.140 --> 00:21:29.559 having people around for meals, 00:21:31.360 --> 00:21:32.660 helping those who struggle, 00:21:32.840 --> 00:21:34.340 praying for those who are hurting, 00:21:34.440 --> 00:21:35.360 being a shoulder 00:21:35.360 --> 00:21:37.259 to cry on on a Sunday 00:21:37.259 --> 00:21:38.460 when people are hurting, 00:21:40.279 --> 00:21:42.660 being support in times 00:21:42.660 --> 00:21:44.019 that are hard 00:21:44.019 --> 00:21:45.680 and being a companion 00:21:45.680 --> 00:21:46.960 in both good and bad. 00:21:48.779 --> 00:21:50.580 All of that will produce in us 00:21:50.580 --> 00:21:52.480 a deeper love for one another. 00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:54.220 And it will be a witness 00:21:54.220 --> 00:21:55.840 to those around us as well 00:21:55.840 --> 00:21:57.039 because we're different. 00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:00.180 Why else would we all be 00:22:00.180 --> 00:22:01.100 in this room tonight? 00:22:01.240 --> 00:22:02.180 Different backgrounds, 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:03.820 different cultures, 00:22:03.819 --> 00:22:04.779 different languages, 00:22:05.019 --> 00:22:06.319 different social classes, 00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:08.539 and yet united and bound together 00:22:08.539 --> 00:22:09.679 in Jesus 00:22:09.679 --> 00:22:12.859 and increasing in love 00:22:12.859 --> 00:22:13.899 for one another. 00:22:15.339 --> 00:22:17.480 That is the second sign 00:22:17.480 --> 00:22:18.700 of a healthy church. 00:22:19.980 --> 00:22:20.720 And the third sign 00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:21.579 of a healthy church 00:22:21.579 --> 00:22:23.259 is perseverance in trials 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:24.079 in verse 4. 00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:25.500 Read verse 4 with me. 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:26.900 Therefore, 00:22:26.900 --> 00:22:27.680 Paul says, 00:22:28.119 --> 00:22:29.480 among God's churches, 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:31.319 we boast about your perseverance 00:22:31.319 --> 00:22:32.380 and faith 00:22:32.380 --> 00:22:34.319 in all the persecutions 00:22:34.319 --> 00:22:35.160 and trials 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:36.559 you are enduring. 00:22:37.839 --> 00:22:39.460 So a growing faith 00:22:39.460 --> 00:22:40.220 will produce 00:22:40.220 --> 00:22:41.440 an increasing love 00:22:41.440 --> 00:22:42.720 for those around you 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:44.240 and it will produce 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:44.680 in you 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:46.480 an internal hope 00:22:46.480 --> 00:22:48.119 and trust in God 00:22:48.119 --> 00:22:49.480 that will help you 00:22:49.480 --> 00:22:50.400 stand firm 00:22:50.400 --> 00:22:51.279 in the face 00:22:51.279 --> 00:22:52.559 of persecutions 00:22:52.559 --> 00:22:53.140 and trials. 00:22:53.140 --> 00:22:55.820 Paul says 00:22:55.820 --> 00:22:56.440 that this church 00:22:56.440 --> 00:22:57.280 is an example 00:22:57.280 --> 00:22:58.040 of what it means 00:22:58.040 --> 00:22:58.860 to persevere 00:22:58.860 --> 00:23:00.100 under persecutions 00:23:00.100 --> 00:23:01.740 and so he's boasting 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:02.259 about them 00:23:02.259 --> 00:23:03.080 to other churches, 00:23:04.080 --> 00:23:04.700 using them 00:23:04.700 --> 00:23:05.360 as an example, 00:23:05.520 --> 00:23:06.259 not boasting 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:07.460 in a negative sense 00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:08.560 but giving them credit 00:23:08.560 --> 00:23:09.500 where credit is due. 00:23:10.820 --> 00:23:11.740 The word used 00:23:11.740 --> 00:23:12.600 for persecutions 00:23:12.600 --> 00:23:14.100 is quite specific 00:23:14.100 --> 00:23:15.220 and it means 00:23:15.220 --> 00:23:16.520 that there were people 00:23:16.520 --> 00:23:17.600 actively trying 00:23:17.600 --> 00:23:18.380 to harm 00:23:18.380 --> 00:23:19.360 the Christians. 00:23:19.359 --> 00:23:21.179 And the word 00:23:21.179 --> 00:23:21.740 for trials 00:23:21.740 --> 00:23:22.759 is more general. 00:23:22.979 --> 00:23:23.500 It includes 00:23:23.500 --> 00:23:24.119 different kinds 00:23:24.119 --> 00:23:24.859 of sufferings 00:23:24.859 --> 00:23:25.919 and it obviously 00:23:25.919 --> 00:23:27.139 includes persecutions 00:23:27.139 --> 00:23:27.759 as well. 00:23:28.959 --> 00:23:30.619 Now these persecutions 00:23:30.619 --> 00:23:31.339 and trials 00:23:31.339 --> 00:23:32.240 were producing 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:32.859 in them 00:23:32.859 --> 00:23:33.679 more faith 00:23:33.679 --> 00:23:34.839 and perseverance. 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:37.740 I remember reading 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:38.479 a few years ago 00:23:38.479 --> 00:23:39.139 the story of 00:23:39.139 --> 00:23:40.359 Richard Wurmbrand 00:23:40.359 --> 00:23:41.559 in a book 00:23:41.559 --> 00:23:42.039 called 00:23:42.039 --> 00:23:43.159 Tortured for Christ. 00:23:43.319 --> 00:23:44.059 If you want a copy 00:23:44.059 --> 00:23:45.079 speak to me afterwards. 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:47.539 Richard was a pastor 00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:48.220 in Romania 00:23:48.220 --> 00:23:50.379 under communist rule. 00:23:51.299 --> 00:23:52.240 He was arrested 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:52.779 for preaching 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:53.399 the gospel, 00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:55.119 beaten and tortured 00:23:55.119 --> 00:23:55.980 for his faith 00:23:55.980 --> 00:23:57.399 and yet he refused 00:23:57.399 --> 00:23:58.879 to stop preaching 00:23:58.879 --> 00:23:59.359 the gospel 00:23:59.359 --> 00:24:00.279 to the other prisoners. 00:24:01.559 --> 00:24:02.440 So they put him 00:24:02.440 --> 00:24:02.980 in isolation 00:24:02.980 --> 00:24:03.759 because they couldn't 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:04.420 shut him up. 00:24:05.659 --> 00:24:06.599 But even there 00:24:06.599 --> 00:24:07.559 prisoners remarked 00:24:07.559 --> 00:24:09.220 how he would simply 00:24:09.220 --> 00:24:10.399 shout his appeals 00:24:10.399 --> 00:24:11.299 for people 00:24:11.299 --> 00:24:12.139 to put their trust 00:24:12.139 --> 00:24:12.579 in Jesus 00:24:12.579 --> 00:24:13.559 from a distance. 00:24:16.379 --> 00:24:17.159 Even there 00:24:17.160 --> 00:24:17.960 people could hear 00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:18.960 him sing songs 00:24:18.960 --> 00:24:20.200 of God's goodness 00:24:20.200 --> 00:24:21.500 and God's majesty 00:24:21.500 --> 00:24:22.740 and they kept 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:23.500 having to change 00:24:23.500 --> 00:24:24.240 the prison gods 00:24:24.240 --> 00:24:24.880 because they all 00:24:24.880 --> 00:24:25.480 wanted to know 00:24:25.480 --> 00:24:26.200 more about this 00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:26.840 man Jesus. 00:24:28.820 --> 00:24:29.720 How could the 00:24:29.720 --> 00:24:30.540 Thessalonians 00:24:30.540 --> 00:24:31.340 endure such 00:24:31.340 --> 00:24:32.040 persecution? 00:24:32.800 --> 00:24:33.300 How could 00:24:33.300 --> 00:24:34.300 Wurmbrand stand 00:24:34.300 --> 00:24:35.200 firm in the face 00:24:35.200 --> 00:24:35.880 of torture? 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:38.000 Well they stood 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:38.960 firm because they 00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:39.460 viewed their 00:24:39.460 --> 00:24:40.400 sufferings in light 00:24:40.400 --> 00:24:41.040 of the eternal 00:24:41.040 --> 00:24:41.640 hope that they 00:24:41.640 --> 00:24:42.680 have in Christ. 00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:45.900 Paul knew this 00:24:45.900 --> 00:24:46.680 to be true 00:24:46.680 --> 00:24:47.560 himself as he 00:24:47.560 --> 00:24:48.300 writes in 2 00:24:48.300 --> 00:24:49.960 Corinthians 12 00:24:49.960 --> 00:24:50.780 9-10 00:24:50.780 --> 00:24:51.259 he says 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:52.019 I will boast 00:24:52.019 --> 00:24:52.740 all the more 00:24:52.740 --> 00:24:53.480 gladly about 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:54.220 my weaknesses 00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:55.840 so that Christ's 00:24:55.840 --> 00:24:56.720 power may rest 00:24:56.720 --> 00:24:57.160 on me. 00:24:58.220 --> 00:24:58.960 That is why 00:24:58.960 --> 00:24:59.980 for Christ's 00:24:59.980 --> 00:25:01.060 sake I delight 00:25:01.060 --> 00:25:02.220 in weaknesses 00:25:02.220 --> 00:25:03.519 in insults 00:25:03.519 --> 00:25:04.280 in hardships 00:25:04.280 --> 00:25:05.580 in persecutions 00:25:05.580 --> 00:25:06.840 in difficulties 00:25:06.840 --> 00:25:07.840 for when I 00:25:07.840 --> 00:25:08.580 am weak 00:25:08.580 --> 00:25:09.800 then I am 00:25:09.800 --> 00:25:10.200 strong. 00:25:10.200 --> 00:25:13.759 this is an 00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:14.400 attitude that 00:25:14.400 --> 00:25:14.940 sees the 00:25:14.940 --> 00:25:15.880 persecution and 00:25:15.880 --> 00:25:16.460 trials not 00:25:16.460 --> 00:25:17.620 simply as 00:25:17.620 --> 00:25:18.140 things to 00:25:18.140 --> 00:25:19.400 patiently endure 00:25:19.400 --> 00:25:20.640 but as 00:25:20.640 --> 00:25:21.759 opportunities to 00:25:21.759 --> 00:25:22.460 grow in our 00:25:22.460 --> 00:25:23.299 trust and love 00:25:23.299 --> 00:25:23.900 for Jesus. 00:25:25.580 --> 00:25:26.539 One final 00:25:26.539 --> 00:25:27.440 example of this 00:25:27.440 --> 00:25:28.200 is the 00:25:28.200 --> 00:25:29.019 persecution of 00:25:29.019 --> 00:25:29.440 the early 00:25:29.440 --> 00:25:29.980 church. 00:25:31.100 --> 00:25:31.440 In the 00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:32.200 second century 00:25:32.200 --> 00:25:33.319 killing Christians 00:25:33.319 --> 00:25:34.120 had become a 00:25:34.120 --> 00:25:34.960 bit of a sport. 00:25:36.319 --> 00:25:37.319 A spectacle for 00:25:37.319 --> 00:25:37.880 all to see 00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:39.019 branding Christians 00:25:39.019 --> 00:25:40.099 as criminals to 00:25:40.099 --> 00:25:40.559 be hated 00:25:40.559 --> 00:25:41.859 but it wasn't 00:25:41.859 --> 00:25:42.440 working. 00:25:43.559 --> 00:25:44.619 In fact it was 00:25:44.619 --> 00:25:45.220 actually having 00:25:45.220 --> 00:25:45.819 the opposite 00:25:45.819 --> 00:25:46.579 effect of what 00:25:46.579 --> 00:25:47.240 Rome wanted. 00:25:48.240 --> 00:25:48.900 People weren't 00:25:48.900 --> 00:25:49.700 growing in their 00:25:49.700 --> 00:25:50.319 hatred for 00:25:50.319 --> 00:25:51.000 Christians but 00:25:51.000 --> 00:25:51.720 they were joining 00:25:51.720 --> 00:25:52.480 them instead. 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:54.139 Here's what 00:25:54.139 --> 00:25:54.799 Tertullian an 00:25:54.799 --> 00:25:55.480 early church 00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:56.379 father said 00:25:56.379 --> 00:25:58.559 We are not a 00:25:58.559 --> 00:25:59.400 new philosophy 00:25:59.400 --> 00:26:00.299 but a divine 00:26:00.299 --> 00:26:00.920 revelation. 00:26:02.039 --> 00:26:02.740 That's why you 00:26:02.740 --> 00:26:03.400 can't just 00:26:03.400 --> 00:26:04.460 exterminate us. 00:26:05.059 --> 00:26:05.660 The more you 00:26:05.660 --> 00:26:06.579 kill us the 00:26:06.579 --> 00:26:07.259 more we are. 00:26:07.259 --> 00:26:09.000 The blood of 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:09.960 martyrs is the 00:26:09.960 --> 00:26:10.720 seed of the 00:26:10.720 --> 00:26:12.440 church because 00:26:12.440 --> 00:26:13.220 those who see 00:26:13.220 --> 00:26:14.059 us die wonder 00:26:14.059 --> 00:26:15.039 why we do. 00:26:15.660 --> 00:26:16.500 For we die 00:26:16.500 --> 00:26:17.259 like the men 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:18.480 you revere not 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:19.480 like slaves or 00:26:19.480 --> 00:26:20.559 criminals and 00:26:20.559 --> 00:26:21.299 when they find 00:26:21.299 --> 00:26:22.740 out they join 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:23.079 us. 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:25.740 This church is 00:26:25.740 --> 00:26:26.819 surrounded by a 00:26:26.819 --> 00:26:27.420 storm of 00:26:27.420 --> 00:26:28.339 persecution but 00:26:28.339 --> 00:26:29.640 instead of being 00:26:29.640 --> 00:26:30.720 blown away they 00:26:30.720 --> 00:26:32.519 are strengthened by 00:26:32.519 --> 00:26:33.339 Christ their 00:26:33.339 --> 00:26:34.339 anchor who holds 00:26:34.339 --> 00:26:35.220 them firm in 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:35.480 him. 00:26:35.480 --> 00:26:38.099 Now are we a 00:26:38.099 --> 00:26:38.680 church who 00:26:38.680 --> 00:26:40.220 perseveres in 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:40.660 trials? 00:26:42.900 --> 00:26:43.460 Suffering 00:26:43.460 --> 00:26:44.360 persecution and 00:26:44.360 --> 00:26:45.079 trials is never 00:26:45.079 --> 00:26:45.500 easy. 00:26:46.079 --> 00:26:46.680 The Bible is 00:26:46.680 --> 00:26:47.700 clear on that. 00:26:48.220 --> 00:26:48.759 We don't make 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:49.420 light of 00:26:49.420 --> 00:26:51.700 suffering but 00:26:51.700 --> 00:26:52.759 how we respond 00:26:52.759 --> 00:26:53.920 matters. 00:26:54.620 --> 00:26:55.360 We can either 00:26:55.360 --> 00:26:56.740 run away from 00:26:56.740 --> 00:26:57.839 suffering and 00:26:57.839 --> 00:26:58.960 seek to live a 00:26:58.960 --> 00:27:00.019 life of peace 00:27:00.019 --> 00:27:01.240 and comfort. 00:27:01.240 --> 00:27:04.180 a life where 00:27:04.180 --> 00:27:04.900 we don't speak 00:27:04.900 --> 00:27:05.720 up for or 00:27:05.720 --> 00:27:06.420 about Jesus 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:08.900 or we can 00:27:08.900 --> 00:27:09.480 see our 00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:10.220 trials in 00:27:10.220 --> 00:27:10.539 light of 00:27:10.539 --> 00:27:11.380 eternity and 00:27:11.380 --> 00:27:12.079 use them to 00:27:12.079 --> 00:27:12.920 help us grow 00:27:12.920 --> 00:27:13.700 in Christ 00:27:13.700 --> 00:27:14.400 likeness. 00:27:16.319 --> 00:27:17.259 We may not 00:27:17.259 --> 00:27:17.799 be suffering 00:27:17.799 --> 00:27:18.440 the blows of 00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:19.960 persecution like 00:27:19.960 --> 00:27:21.140 other of our 00:27:21.140 --> 00:27:21.620 brothers and 00:27:21.620 --> 00:27:22.140 sisters are 00:27:22.140 --> 00:27:23.839 around the 00:27:23.839 --> 00:27:26.279 world but we 00:27:26.279 --> 00:27:27.880 are suffering. 00:27:27.880 --> 00:27:29.400 we are facing 00:27:29.400 --> 00:27:30.220 trials nonetheless 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:31.000 and in those 00:27:31.000 --> 00:27:31.520 trials in 00:27:31.520 --> 00:27:32.220 whatever form 00:27:32.220 --> 00:27:33.420 they come we 00:27:33.420 --> 00:27:34.440 must stand firm 00:27:34.440 --> 00:27:35.220 in our faith. 00:27:35.900 --> 00:27:36.260 See our 00:27:36.260 --> 00:27:37.460 trials from an 00:27:37.460 --> 00:27:38.460 eternal perspective 00:27:38.460 --> 00:27:39.420 and remember that 00:27:39.420 --> 00:27:40.020 we have an 00:27:40.020 --> 00:27:40.820 anchor and a 00:27:40.820 --> 00:27:41.480 hope that is 00:27:41.480 --> 00:27:42.480 safe and 00:27:42.480 --> 00:27:43.380 secure and his 00:27:43.380 --> 00:27:44.140 name is Jesus. 00:27:44.140 --> 00:27:47.060 a healthy 00:27:47.060 --> 00:27:48.360 church perseveres 00:27:48.360 --> 00:27:49.740 in trials. 00:27:51.600 --> 00:27:51.900 And the 00:27:51.900 --> 00:27:53.320 final sign of 00:27:53.320 --> 00:27:53.680 a healthy 00:27:53.680 --> 00:27:54.420 church is that 00:27:54.420 --> 00:27:55.220 they are counted 00:27:55.220 --> 00:27:56.040 worthy in 00:27:56.040 --> 00:27:56.780 verse 5. 00:27:57.380 --> 00:27:58.180 Read verse 5 00:27:58.180 --> 00:27:58.600 with me. 00:27:59.460 --> 00:28:00.259 All this Paul 00:28:00.259 --> 00:28:01.220 says is evidence 00:28:01.220 --> 00:28:01.840 that God's 00:28:01.840 --> 00:28:02.440 judgment is 00:28:02.440 --> 00:28:03.500 right and as a 00:28:03.500 --> 00:28:04.700 result you will 00:28:04.700 --> 00:28:05.759 be counted worthy 00:28:05.759 --> 00:28:06.600 of the kingdom of 00:28:06.600 --> 00:28:07.680 God for which you 00:28:07.680 --> 00:28:08.440 are suffering. 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:10.880 Now we have 00:28:10.880 --> 00:28:11.960 difficulty today 00:28:11.960 --> 00:28:13.200 understanding why 00:28:13.200 --> 00:28:13.920 God uses 00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:14.900 sufferings and 00:28:14.900 --> 00:28:15.640 trials and 00:28:15.640 --> 00:28:16.600 pain to 00:28:16.600 --> 00:28:17.360 accomplish his 00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:18.200 greater purposes. 00:28:19.360 --> 00:28:20.400 We look at 00:28:20.400 --> 00:28:21.180 suffering mostly 00:28:21.180 --> 00:28:22.500 from an earthly 00:28:22.500 --> 00:28:23.519 perspective rather 00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:24.360 than an eternal 00:28:24.360 --> 00:28:24.740 one. 00:28:26.259 --> 00:28:27.340 But God can 00:28:27.340 --> 00:28:28.360 often use pain 00:28:28.360 --> 00:28:29.019 and suffering, 00:28:29.220 --> 00:28:29.880 trials and 00:28:29.880 --> 00:28:30.800 hardships for us 00:28:30.800 --> 00:28:32.100 to grow and 00:28:32.100 --> 00:28:33.100 to prepare us 00:28:33.100 --> 00:28:33.840 for an eternal 00:28:33.840 --> 00:28:35.400 glory and to 00:28:35.400 --> 00:28:36.340 produce in us 00:28:36.340 --> 00:28:37.340 something that is 00:28:37.340 --> 00:28:38.279 far more wonderful 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:39.019 than we can see 00:28:39.019 --> 00:28:39.740 in this life. 00:28:41.660 --> 00:28:42.880 Paul is reminding 00:28:42.880 --> 00:28:43.640 this suffering 00:28:43.640 --> 00:28:44.900 church that 00:28:44.900 --> 00:28:45.620 their suffering 00:28:45.620 --> 00:28:46.520 is under the 00:28:46.520 --> 00:28:47.380 hand of a 00:28:47.380 --> 00:28:50.240 good God and 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:50.820 that it can be 00:28:50.820 --> 00:28:52.220 used as a tool 00:28:52.220 --> 00:28:52.980 to push them 00:28:52.980 --> 00:28:53.780 into further 00:28:53.780 --> 00:28:54.540 dependence on 00:28:54.540 --> 00:28:54.760 him. 00:28:56.860 --> 00:28:57.720 It's not that 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:58.400 their suffering 00:28:58.400 --> 00:28:59.320 makes them worthy 00:28:59.320 --> 00:28:59.900 of the kingdom 00:28:59.900 --> 00:29:00.720 of God, only 00:29:00.720 --> 00:29:01.620 Jesus can make 00:29:01.620 --> 00:29:02.320 that possible, 00:29:02.320 --> 00:29:03.600 but they are 00:29:03.600 --> 00:29:04.440 counted worthy 00:29:04.440 --> 00:29:05.100 for the kingdom 00:29:05.100 --> 00:29:06.060 of God because 00:29:06.060 --> 00:29:07.580 they are persevering 00:29:07.580 --> 00:29:08.820 in their sufferings 00:29:08.819 --> 00:29:09.759 for the name 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.220 of Jesus. 00:29:12.359 --> 00:29:13.059 All the 00:29:13.059 --> 00:29:13.659 sufferings that 00:29:13.659 --> 00:29:14.299 these Christians 00:29:14.299 --> 00:29:15.599 were enduring 00:29:15.599 --> 00:29:17.399 is evidence 00:29:17.399 --> 00:29:18.659 to the watching 00:29:18.659 --> 00:29:19.559 world that they 00:29:19.559 --> 00:29:20.740 live for something 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:22.339 else, that they 00:29:22.339 --> 00:29:23.480 live for someone 00:29:23.480 --> 00:29:24.399 else and therefore 00:29:24.399 --> 00:29:25.419 as they suffer 00:29:25.419 --> 00:29:26.399 and endure, 00:29:26.759 --> 00:29:27.720 their faith in 00:29:27.720 --> 00:29:28.779 Jesus shines all 00:29:28.779 --> 00:29:29.299 the brighter. 00:29:32.299 --> 00:29:32.819 Ultimately, 00:29:32.980 --> 00:29:33.539 Paul is saying 00:29:33.539 --> 00:29:34.039 that all the 00:29:34.039 --> 00:29:34.659 suffering you're 00:29:34.659 --> 00:29:35.119 going through 00:29:35.119 --> 00:29:35.679 right now, 00:29:35.759 --> 00:29:36.439 all the suffering 00:29:36.440 --> 00:29:36.900 that you're 00:29:36.900 --> 00:29:38.120 facing because 00:29:38.120 --> 00:29:39.000 of your faith 00:29:39.000 --> 00:29:39.960 in Jesus is 00:29:39.960 --> 00:29:41.240 producing in 00:29:41.240 --> 00:29:41.720 you more 00:29:41.720 --> 00:29:43.200 faith and 00:29:43.200 --> 00:29:44.080 dependence on 00:29:44.080 --> 00:29:44.700 Jesus which 00:29:44.700 --> 00:29:45.700 will result in 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:46.360 you arriving 00:29:46.360 --> 00:29:47.820 in glory and 00:29:47.820 --> 00:29:48.440 hearing those 00:29:48.440 --> 00:29:49.259 life-giving words 00:29:49.259 --> 00:29:49.980 well done, 00:29:50.799 --> 00:29:51.420 good and 00:29:51.420 --> 00:29:52.460 faithful servant. 00:29:55.279 --> 00:29:55.740 It's similar 00:29:55.740 --> 00:29:56.299 to what Paul 00:29:56.299 --> 00:29:56.840 said to the 00:29:56.840 --> 00:29:57.620 Romans in 00:29:57.620 --> 00:29:58.620 Romans 5, 00:29:58.700 --> 00:29:59.460 3-5. 00:30:00.460 --> 00:30:01.120 But we also 00:30:01.120 --> 00:30:01.980 glory in our 00:30:01.980 --> 00:30:02.740 sufferings because 00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:03.299 we know that 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:04.259 suffering produces 00:30:04.259 --> 00:30:05.039 perseverance. 00:30:05.840 --> 00:30:06.400 Perseverance 00:30:06.400 --> 00:30:07.180 character and 00:30:07.180 --> 00:30:08.080 character hope 00:30:08.080 --> 00:30:09.140 and hope does 00:30:09.140 --> 00:30:09.940 not put us to 00:30:09.940 --> 00:30:11.060 shame because 00:30:11.060 --> 00:30:12.040 God's love has 00:30:12.040 --> 00:30:12.820 been poured into 00:30:12.820 --> 00:30:13.840 our hearts through 00:30:13.840 --> 00:30:14.700 the Holy Spirit 00:30:14.700 --> 00:30:15.820 who has been 00:30:15.820 --> 00:30:20.580 given to us. 00:30:22.019 --> 00:30:23.060 From the moment 00:30:23.060 --> 00:30:23.660 we become 00:30:23.660 --> 00:30:25.019 Christians, God 00:30:25.019 --> 00:30:26.280 begins a work in 00:30:26.280 --> 00:30:27.240 us by God the 00:30:27.240 --> 00:30:28.680 Spirit of shaping 00:30:28.680 --> 00:30:30.500 and molding us to 00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:31.480 become more like 00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:32.180 Jesus and 00:30:32.180 --> 00:30:33.340 oftentimes God 00:30:33.340 --> 00:30:34.280 can use suffering 00:30:34.280 --> 00:30:34.940 to do that. 00:30:34.940 --> 00:30:37.700 every Christian 00:30:37.700 --> 00:30:38.580 can be certain 00:30:38.580 --> 00:30:39.019 that the 00:30:39.019 --> 00:30:39.759 suffering they 00:30:39.759 --> 00:30:40.220 are going 00:30:40.220 --> 00:30:40.799 through for 00:30:40.799 --> 00:30:41.940 their faith is 00:30:41.940 --> 00:30:42.720 not meaningless 00:30:42.720 --> 00:30:43.840 but it is 00:30:43.840 --> 00:30:44.740 producing in 00:30:44.740 --> 00:30:45.340 them something 00:30:45.340 --> 00:30:47.259 far greater and 00:30:47.259 --> 00:30:48.279 preparing them for 00:30:48.279 --> 00:30:49.299 the eternal glory 00:30:49.299 --> 00:30:50.039 that awaits them 00:30:50.039 --> 00:30:50.840 in Jesus. 00:30:53.019 --> 00:30:53.880 Friends, as you 00:30:53.880 --> 00:30:54.500 go through this 00:30:54.500 --> 00:30:56.240 life, endure all 00:30:56.240 --> 00:30:58.400 things with the 00:30:58.400 --> 00:30:59.279 knowledge that you 00:30:59.279 --> 00:31:00.920 have a future that 00:31:00.920 --> 00:31:02.039 is secure in 00:31:02.039 --> 00:31:02.359 Jesus. 00:31:03.779 --> 00:31:04.680 Nothing can take 00:31:04.680 --> 00:31:05.200 that away. 00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:06.759 That through his 00:31:06.759 --> 00:31:07.500 death and his 00:31:07.500 --> 00:31:08.319 resurrection you 00:31:08.319 --> 00:31:09.500 have been reconciled 00:31:09.500 --> 00:31:10.559 to God and that 00:31:10.559 --> 00:31:11.579 even the sufferings 00:31:11.579 --> 00:31:12.500 of living in a 00:31:12.500 --> 00:31:13.460 world that hates 00:31:13.460 --> 00:31:14.759 God and hates 00:31:14.759 --> 00:31:17.579 his people are 00:31:17.579 --> 00:31:18.399 preparing you for 00:31:18.399 --> 00:31:18.920 the day where you 00:31:18.920 --> 00:31:19.659 will meet him face 00:31:19.659 --> 00:31:21.839 to face in the 00:31:21.839 --> 00:31:22.500 glorious new 00:31:22.500 --> 00:31:22.940 creation. 00:31:24.619 --> 00:31:25.659 The sign of a 00:31:25.659 --> 00:31:26.480 healthy church is 00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:26.839 that they are 00:31:26.839 --> 00:31:28.059 counted worthy of 00:31:28.059 --> 00:31:28.899 suffering for the 00:31:28.899 --> 00:31:29.579 name of Jesus. 00:31:29.579 --> 00:31:29.779 Jesus. 00:31:31.679 --> 00:31:32.460 I think back to 00:31:32.460 --> 00:31:33.059 where we started 00:31:33.059 --> 00:31:33.720 off with some 00:31:33.720 --> 00:31:34.259 doctors and 00:31:34.259 --> 00:31:35.139 dieticians who've 00:31:35.139 --> 00:31:35.759 come up with 00:31:35.759 --> 00:31:37.359 different signs that 00:31:37.359 --> 00:31:38.059 point to the 00:31:38.059 --> 00:31:39.419 general health of 00:31:39.419 --> 00:31:40.019 an individual. 00:31:42.059 --> 00:31:43.299 The Bible, in the 00:31:43.299 --> 00:31:44.399 Bible we see signs of 00:31:44.399 --> 00:31:45.279 what a healthy church 00:31:45.279 --> 00:31:46.179 looks like and that 00:31:46.179 --> 00:31:47.159 is a picture we 00:31:47.159 --> 00:31:47.939 should be striving 00:31:47.939 --> 00:31:50.019 for as a local 00:31:50.019 --> 00:31:50.759 church family. 00:31:52.619 --> 00:31:53.399 We should be 00:31:53.399 --> 00:31:54.159 looking to see 00:31:54.159 --> 00:31:55.199 these signs in our 00:31:55.199 --> 00:31:55.839 own lives as 00:31:55.839 --> 00:31:56.779 individuals too. 00:31:56.779 --> 00:31:59.940 Let us strive to 00:31:59.940 --> 00:32:01.579 be a church and 00:32:01.579 --> 00:32:02.940 a Christian who 00:32:02.940 --> 00:32:03.720 is growing in 00:32:03.720 --> 00:32:05.279 faith, who is 00:32:05.279 --> 00:32:06.220 increasing in 00:32:06.220 --> 00:32:07.000 love, who is 00:32:07.000 --> 00:32:08.059 persevering in 00:32:08.059 --> 00:32:08.980 trials and who 00:32:08.980 --> 00:32:10.660 will one day be 00:32:10.660 --> 00:32:12.460 counted worthy as 00:32:12.460 --> 00:32:13.899 they, as we enter 00:32:13.899 --> 00:32:15.680 into eternity with 00:32:15.680 --> 00:32:16.319 God our Father. 00:32:17.480 --> 00:32:18.279 Let's pray. 00:32:21.680 --> 00:32:22.720 Heavenly Father, we 00:32:22.720 --> 00:32:23.740 thank you for this 00:32:23.740 --> 00:32:24.579 letter of 2nd 00:32:24.579 --> 00:32:25.180 Thessalonians. 00:32:25.180 --> 00:32:26.580 Thank you for all 00:32:26.580 --> 00:32:27.380 the things that it 00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:28.259 will teach us, for 00:32:28.259 --> 00:32:28.980 all the challenges 00:32:28.980 --> 00:32:29.920 that it will bring. 00:32:31.660 --> 00:32:32.680 And Father, I pray 00:32:32.680 --> 00:32:33.920 that as we go 00:32:33.920 --> 00:32:34.779 through this series 00:32:34.779 --> 00:32:36.000 that you would be 00:32:36.000 --> 00:32:38.000 lifted up, that you 00:32:38.000 --> 00:32:38.759 would get all the 00:32:38.759 --> 00:32:40.279 glory and that it 00:32:40.279 --> 00:32:42.140 would help us to be 00:32:42.140 --> 00:32:44.180 better disciples and 00:32:44.180 --> 00:32:45.380 a better church that 00:32:45.380 --> 00:32:46.400 constantly points 00:32:46.400 --> 00:32:47.440 people to you. 00:32:49.120 --> 00:32:49.960 Jesus, would you 00:32:49.960 --> 00:32:51.120 help our faith grow? 00:32:52.259 --> 00:32:53.039 Would you help us 00:32:53.039 --> 00:32:54.180 love one another more? 00:32:54.180 --> 00:32:55.160 Would you help us 00:32:55.160 --> 00:32:56.880 persevere in trials? 00:32:57.900 --> 00:32:58.960 And would you give 00:32:58.960 --> 00:33:02.920 us hope, certain 00:33:02.920 --> 00:33:05.080 definite hope, that 00:33:05.080 --> 00:33:06.000 on that day we will 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:06.920 see you and we will 00:33:06.920 --> 00:33:07.980 be counted as worthy 00:33:07.980 --> 00:33:09.060 because you have kept 00:33:09.060 --> 00:33:09.840 us by your 00:33:09.840 --> 00:33:10.539 faithfulness. 00:33:11.380 --> 00:33:12.840 We pray this for the 00:33:12.840 --> 00:33:13.680 upbuilding of your 00:33:13.680 --> 00:33:15.720 kingdom and in the name 00:33:15.720 --> 00:33:16.500 of our Lord Jesus 00:33:16.500 --> 00:33:17.080 Christ. 00:33:17.779 --> 00:33:18.060 Amen. 00:33:18.060 --> 00:33:18.240 Amen. 00:33:18.240 --> 00:33:18.299 Amen. 00:33:18.299 --> 00:33:18.320 Amen. 00:33:18.320 --> 00:33:18.360 Amen. 00:33:18.360 --> 00:33:18.400 Amen. 00:33:18.400 --> 00:33:18.420 Amen. 00:33:18.420 --> 00:33:20.299 Amen. 00:33:20.299 --> 00:33:20.360 Amen. 00:33:20.360 --> 00:33:22.299 Amen. 00:33:22.299 --> 00:33:22.360 Amen. 00:33:22.360 --> 00:33:24.160 Amen.