It is time once again time for the Weekend Sermon. Thank you for taking the time to read the message. I hope the you are all doing well. I am doing better. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to post this message.
As you are probably aware, we are in the midst of a series of messages going chapter by chapter through the book of II Thessalonians. Last week, we saw that Paul told the people that one day all of those who opposed God and the things of God would be judged by the Lord. That would occur when Jesus comes back to earth in power and great glory. Jesus Himself said that one day He would return and judge the nations as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Today, we are going to look at the final two verses of chapter one. In verse 11, Paul says that with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ in mind, he is praying that the people would be made worthy of God's calling of them. He says that it is his hope that God by His power would bring about all of the people's desire for goodness. In verse 12, Paul states that he wants the name of the Lord Jesus to be glorified in the Thessalonian's lives.
So, what does all of this mean for us? Like the Thessalonians, we are believers in Jesus who are awaiting His return. We do not know exactly when Jesus will return. Jesus said that no one knows the day nor the hour. Only the Father in Heaven knows.
Jesus said that His return would be like a thief in the night. No one knows when the thief is coming. All those who are followers of Jesus need to live in such a way that should Jesus return at any given moment, they will be found doing the will of the Lord and walking in His ways. No one who is a follower of Jesus wants to be ashamed at His coming.
Paul tells the Thessalonians, and us, that we are to be doing what is good as we await the coming of the Lord. Doing what is good includes telling others about Jesus and obeying the Great Commission given to us by the Lord. It also means going about doing as much as we can to help others and make the world the best that it can be under the circumstances until Jesus does return. In addition, doing good means living a life of holiness set apart from the world and its value system. We are living righteous lives in obedience to the teachings of the Lord Jesus.
As we wait for the return of our Lord, we are to be glorifying Him. We are to live in such a way that people will see our good works and glorify the Lord who is in Heaven. We don't want to do anything that will make people want to turn away from the Lord. All that we do should be done in order to please the Lord and draw others unto Him so that they might know His love and His forgiveness in their lives.
The only way that we will be able to accomplish anything for the Lord is through His grace and through His power. We are saved by grace. We are kept in Him be His grace. We are able to do good and live for Him as we are aided by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.
Let each of us strive to live for Jesus. As we await His return, let us work to bring others to Him and help others in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Prayer Requests
I have been doing better. I am still having a little trouble breathing, so please keep me in your prayers. It is very hot where I live and in many parts of the US. Please pray that the intense heat will cool off. Thank you.
Pray for those in the path of the tropical storm in Mexico. Pray that people will get the help that they need to recover.
Continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us really focus our prayers for peace this week on Sudan. Keep praying for peace in Israel, Gaza and Ukraine. Pray that the hostages will be released.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Syria and Senegal. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, we will begin studying II Thessalonians chapter 2. I will post the verses on Monday. May God bless you all.
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