Thanks for taking the time to read the sermon. I want to apologize for not having a book review at midweek. I have not been feeling well again. Hopefully, I will be able to do that this week. I want to thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to post this message.
Last week, we studied Paul's teaching about how we are to live in light of the fact that Jesus could return at any moment. Paul tells us just what Jesus told us. We are to live in such a way that we will not be ashamed at the coming of the Lord. We should be doing what Jesus wants us to do in this world, and following Him in all that we do.
In today's message, I want to focus on some of the additional instructions that Paul gives to those in Thessalonica as he is bringing his letter to them to a close. Paul starts out by telling the believers to respect and honor those who work among them. This is referring to those who are serving the church as teachers, pastors, elders, deacons, etc. Those who are taking care of the spiritual needs of the people are trying to serve the Lord and fulfill the calling that has been placed upon their lives. One way that we honor those who serve the Lord among us is by making sure that they have enough to take care of themselves in this world and that their needs are met. It is also helpful and encouraging not to be always criticizing the leaders of the church. However, if a leader is teaching something that is wrong or is abusing people in the church, that is something that absolutely must be dealt with.
Paul goes on to tell the believers to live at peace with each other. This is important for those both inside and outside of the church. Unfortunately, there is often a lot of division and rancor among Christians. In my experience, I've seen churches divide over the silliest things such as what color to paint the inside of the Sunday school rooms.
When we live in peace with one another, it allows the church to minister effectively. Contention causes a hinderance to the church being able to help others. When those in the outside world see people in the church fighting with one another, it is a big turn off. It is one of the things that most causes people to not want to have anything to do with going to church.
Paul goes on to say that we are to encourage the disheartened. The way I see this is that those in the church should help those who are going through really hard times. Life can really be hard sometimes even if you are a Christian. We need other believers to help us in these hard times with encouraging words and deeds.
We are called by Paul to help the weak. There are many in and out of the church that have needs that we must help meet. With the high inflation around the world, there is a lot of need to help those with high heating and energy bills. Food pantries are essential right now. The church has before it a great mission to help those who are suffering in body, soul and spirit. As we are able. let us all help those who are hurting financially, emotionally and spiritually in these difficult days.
Another admonition from Paul is that no one should pay back wrong for wrong. This is something that is often hard to do. When we are hurt, we want to get even. However, the Lord Jesus told us that when people wrong us, we are to forgive. Jesus gave us the ultimate example of forgiveness when He asked the Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him.
Paul finishes out our section for today by encouraging all of us to do good for everyone. That is so important. Jesus went about doing what was good and helping others. He is our example. Let us help others, work for the good, and be an example to others of how Jesus can change lives. Amen.
Prayer Requests
Please continue to pray that I will get better. I am still not feeling the best. I thank you for your prayers. I am also really missing my friend Toby, so please pray that I will not be so depressed.
Please pray for those harmed by the hurricanes. Parts of Florida are a real mess. Puerto Rico and Canada also had a lot of damage. Pray that people will receive the help and the aid that they need at this time.
Pray for those who mourn in Thailand.
Continue to pray for peace in the world. Ukraine, Syria, Libya and Yemen are just a few of the nations that need our prayers for peace.
Let us pray that the people of Jackson, Mississippi will get their water situation fixed.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let's pray for those who live in the nations of Tunisia and Indonesia. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, we will continue in I Thessalonians. I think that there will be about two more messages from this book. On Monday, I will post the verses. I hope to have a review midweek. May God bless you all.
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