Thank you for reading the sermon this week. I hope that you are doing well and that everyone is in good health.
Last week, we began a new series of messages on the book of I Thessalonians. We dealt with an introduction to the book, and then we studied the first few verses of this epistle. Today, we will finish up chapter 1 of this book.
The first thing that Paul points out in our section today is that when he and his companions preached to the people in Thessalonica, the message came to them with the power of the Holy Spirit. The people of the city heard the message of the Lord, and they felt a deep conviction of sin within their hearts. Our section tells us in verse nine that they abandoned the idols that they formerly worshipped, and they turned to the worship of the Living God.
What I would like to point out is that the only way that a person can have a successful ministry in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to preach in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are called by the Lord to spread His message. According to the Bible, some people plant the seed. Others water. But it is God who gives the increase. Only the working of the power of the Spirit bringing conviction within a person's heart will bring that person to salvation. As the Word says, it is not by might, nor by power but by the Spirit of the Lord that anything is accomplished for the glory of the Lord.
Paul goes on to say that after the people came to faith in Jesus Christ, they became imitators of Paul and companions and the Lord. They followed Paul in what he taught and in how he lived because he was follow in the path and in the teachings of the Lord Jesus. This is one thing that we must always keep in mind. We must ultimately always keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus. He is our ultimate example of how to live in this world. He is the author and the perfecter of our faith. If we get our eyes off of Jesus, we will end up in trouble.
We should only follow a person as an example of faith if that person's actions line up with the life and teachings of Jesus. Many people put their trust in and look to a person. When that person falls by the wayside so to speak, many leave the faith because they become disenchanted. If we keep out eyes on Jesus and follow Him, we will never be disappointed, and we will never be led astray.
The way that we follow Jesus is to do what He did in the Gospels. We need to practice His way of living and follow His commandments and teachings. We must always consider what Jesus would do in the situations that we encounter in this life.
Because of the way that the Thessalonians lived in keeping with the Word of the Lord, their lives became an example to others throughout the region. People saw their faithfulness to the Lord, and they were encourages to live for the Lord and serve Him. Our lives are to be lived in such a way that we are an example to others. When people see us, they need to see Jesus living in us. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, that others are to see our good works and give glory to the Father in Heaven.
Finally, Paul commends the people because they are waiting for the day when Jesus will return. That is the blessed hope of all of those who put their faith and trust in Jesus. One day He will return, and He will make all things new. Let us all look to Jesus and live for Him until that great and glorious day. Amen.
Prayer Requests.
I am doing somewhat better with my health, but I am still having a lot of pain. Please continue to pray for me. Thank you for your prayers.
Continue to pray for an end to the coronavirus and the monkeypox. Pray that those who are sick will make a speedy recovery.
Pray for those affected by the flooding in Kentucky. Pray that they will receive the aid that they need.
Let us keep praying for peace in Israel, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Ukraine and the other areas of the world where there is conflict.
For our prayer focus countries, let us pray for those in the nations of North Korea and Ivory Coast. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, we will continue in our study of I Thessalonians. On Monday, I will post the verses. I hope to post something midweek. May God bless you all.
No comments:
Post a Comment